WO2021235929A1

WO2021235929A1 - Scrubber-dryer system

Info

Publication number: WO2021235929A1
Application number: PCT/NL2021/050313
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Peter William Van De Ven
Original assignee: Future Cleaning Technologies B.V.
Priority date: 2020-05-18
Filing date: 2021-05-17
Publication date: 2021-11-25
Also published as: EP4153021A1; NL2025598B1; DE202020104042U1

Abstract

A cleaning system comprises a ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) with a loading bay (11) configured to load a hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) onto the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) and to transport the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) while driving the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100). Use of the system includes loading the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) into the loading bay (11) of the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) and driving the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) to clean a first floor area with the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) while transporting the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) in the loading bay (11); and unloading the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) from the loading bay (11) of the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) and using the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) to clean a second floor area.

Description

Title: SCRUBBER-DRYER SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to systems for cleaning floors, in particular using scrubber- dryer machines.

In the professional cleaning industry, floor surfaces are typically cleaned using scrubber-dryer machines. These machines can provide superior cleaning at low labor intensity compared e.g. to the conventional broom, or wet mop with bucket. A scrubber-dryer typically comprises one or more rotating or reciprocating brushes to clean the floor surface by scrubbing, and a system with one or more tanks for dispensing cleaning liquid, e.g. water with optional detergent; and/or recovering the resulting waste water. For example, the scrubber-dryer comprises a squeegee and/or suction drive to recover the waste water and leave an at least partially dried floor, as opposed to the wet mop. Depending on the specific task, e.g. surface area and space, these scrubber-dryer machines can be implemented in different sizes and form factors.

US 6,397,429 B1 describes a rider or “ride-on” scrubber-dryer machine, which has a seat and steering arrangement so the user can ride on and drive the machine. The machine includes a recovery tank that is vertically and laterally arranged and removably attached to the back of a clean solution tank. The clean solution tank is molded into a complex shape to maximize capacity, with the bottom of the clean solution tank being recessed to receive the chassis of a tricycle type to define triangular-shaped volumes. While this machine can have a relatively large capacity tank for cleaning large areas, and a relatively narrow cleaning width for passing through relatively narrow passages such as conventional doorways, there are still limitations to the spaces which ride-on scrubber-dryer machines can practically reach. So the user of a ride-on scrubber-dryer still has to go back with another cleaning solution, such as the conventional wet mop and bucket, to clean difficult to reach areas - which is labor intensive. EP 2 832 277 B1 describes a “walk-behind” scrubber-dryer machine. This is also referred to as a hand-guided scrubber-dryer because the user walks behind the machine to guide it by hand. The machine has a bottom part which includes at least one tool which is rotatable on a floor by means of a drive, and a guide part which includes at least one handle and is connected to the bottom part by means of an articulated arrangement. The articulation is designed such that the guide part, proceeding from a perpendicular, is pivotable in relation to the perpendicular to angular positions revolving in all directions and is operatively connected to the bottom part so as to transmit torque in an angularly limited manner in any angular position in relation to the perpendicular. The machine comprises a suction strip arrangement which - when viewed in the direction of propulsion - is arranged behind the rotatable tool and in operation rests on the floor. While this machine can advantageously reach various spaces, there are still limitations e.g. in the capacity of the clean/waste tanks. So to clean a large surface area, the user of a hand-guided scrubber-dryer needs to repeatedly empty/refill the tanks - which is labor intensive.

There remains a need for an improved cleaning solution which allows both cleaning of large surface areas and any small spaces when, and where, encountered - while minimizing overall labor intensity.

SUMMARY

The inventors find that increasing the capacity of the tanks in a scrubber-dryer inevitably leads to a bulkier device which is more difficult to handle in small spaces, while decreasing the tank capacity inevitably leads to more overhead in exchanging the tank fluids. To get the best of both worlds, the inventors have adapted the ride-on scrubber-dryer, and provided this larger machine with a loading bay, so it is able to also carry the smaller hand-guided, e.g. walk-behind, scrubber- dryer with it, while driving the larger machine. In this way, the user always has the best option available. For example, the user can clean large surface areas, such as hall- ways and large rooms, using the bulkier ride-on scrubber-dryer - while for difficult to maneuver areas, such as bathrooms, the hand-guided scrubber-dryer can be unloaded, which is more easily handled and suitable for those specific areas.

With the combined cleaning system as described herein, the user no longer has to rely on one machine that is not optimal for all tasks, nor does the used have to go back to fetch the other machine, nor does the user have to revert to inferior tools such as the wet mop. Accordingly, the present system can provide a superior cleaning solution which allows both cleaning of large surface areas and any small spaces when, and where, encountered - while minimizing overall labor intensity.

In principle various ways can be envisaged to load a hand-guided scrubber-dryer onto a ride-on scrubber-dryer. Of course this can depend on the size of the hand-guided scrubber-dryer. However, even the lightest hand-guided scrubber-dryer still has a minimum size and weight - which is substantial since it typically includes components such as tanks with clean water and/or waste water, one or more brushes, a motor to drive the brushes, a suction drive to collect the waste water, batteries to power the motor and/or drive, a handle to control the device, et cetera. So it will be understood that a loading bay suitable for loading and transporting a hand- guided scrubber-dryer onto the ride-on scrubber-dryer is not just any compartment in a ride-on scrubber-dryer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawing wherein: FIG 1 illustrates a perspective view of a combined cleaning system comprising a ride-on scrubber-dryer configured to carry a hand- guided scrubber-dryer;

FIGs 2A and 2B illustrate perspective views of the ride-on scrubber-dryer carrying a hand-guided scrubber-dryer;

FIGs 3A and 3B illustrate perspective respective side views of the ride-on scrubber-dryer;

FIG 4 illustrates a bottom view of the ride-on scrubber-dryer;

FIGs 5A and 5B illustrate front and backside views, respectively, of the ride-on scrubber-dryer with the hand-guided scrubber-dryer loaded in the back;

FIGs 6A and 6B illustrate perspective views of the backside of the ride-on scrubber-dryer with the loading ramp extended and retracted, respectively.

FIG 7 illustrates a battery storage with exchangeable batteries;

FIG 8 illustrates a hand-guided scrubber-dryer which can be suitably stored in the ride-on scrubber-dryer, as described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Terminology used for describing particular embodiments is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. It will be further understood that when a particular step of a method is referred to as subsequent to another step, it can directly follow said other step or one or more intermediate steps may be carried out before carrying out the particular step, unless specified otherwise. Likewise it will be understood that when a connection between structures or components is described, this connection may be estabhshed directly or through intermediate structures or components unless specified otherwise.

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and/or cross- section illustrations of possibly ideahzed embodiments and intermediate structures of the invention. In the description and drawings, hke numbers refer to like elements throughout. Relative terms as well as derivatives thereof should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise.

FIG 1 illustrates a perspective view of a combined cleaning system. The cleaning system comprises a ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 with a loading bay 11. In a preferred embodiment, the loading bay 11 is configured to load a hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 onto the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. Most preferably, the loading bay 11 is configured to allow transporting the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 (on board the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100) while driving the ride-on scrubber- dryer 100. In some aspects, the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 can be considered as part of the combined cleaning system. Other or further aspects can also relate to the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100, as such.

In some embodiments, the loading bay 11 comprises a loading platform lip, e.g. configured to support the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50. In principle, the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 could simply be attached, e.g. hang from a back of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. However, in view of the substantial weight this may not be practical or safe. For example, the loading platform 1 lp can be formed as a substantially horizontal surface at a bottom of the loading bay 11. In use, the loading platform lip can support the substantial weight of the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50. For example, the loading platform lip is configured to support a weight of at least thirty, forty, or fifty kilograms, preferably more.

In other or further embodiments, the loading platform 1 lp (on which the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 stands) is raised at a platform height P above a floor F (on which the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 stands), wherein the platform height P is between five and fifty centimeters, preferably between ten and forty centimeters, most preferably between twenty-five and thirty -five centimeters. In principle, the loading platform lip can be very low, e.g. just above the floor. However, by raising the loading platform 1 lp at a substantial height above the floor, this may leave space below for other compartments, e.g. a battery compartment as will be described later.

In some embodiments, the ride-on scrubber- dryer 100 comprises a loading ramp 12, e.g. configured to extend between an entry to the loading platform 1 lp of the loading bay 11 and the floor F below, for loading and unloading L/U the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50, e.g. between the floor F and the loading bay 11. In principle, the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 could be lifted up to place it in the loading bay 11. However, the hand- guided scrubber-dryer 50 can be too heavy for this. By providing a loading ramp 12 the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 can be more easily loaded and unloaded from the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. For example, the hand- guided scrubber-dryer 50 can simply be pushed up the loading ramp 12 into the loading bay 11. Also other arrangements can be envisaged such as a lifting device to lift the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 into the loading bay 11. In other or further embodiments, the loading ramp 12, when extended, makes a ramp angle A with respect to the floor F, wherein the ramp angle A is less than forty degrees, preferably less than thirty degrees, e.g. between fifteen and twenty-five degrees. On the one hand the ramp angle A is preferably small enough to allow the user to easily push the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 up the loading ramp 12. On the other hand, the length is preferably not so large that it becomes difficult to extend and/or store the ramp as part of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100.

In some embodiments, the loading bay 11 is disposed at a rear side of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. By placing the hand-guided scrubber- dryer 50 at the rear side it will minimally interfere with the normal operation of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100, e.g. compared to placing it at the side which would increase the width of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. Optionally the hand-guided scrubber- dryer 50 can be placed in the front, but this could make steering the ride-on scrubber- dryer 100 more difficult.

In some embodiments, the loading bay 11 is formed by a spacing concavely extending into a hull of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100, e.g. into the rear side. By forming the loading bay as a concave space, the hand- guided scrubber-dryer 50 can be surrounded and protected by the edges of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100, e.g. at least partially surrounding hull. It can also be better secured while driving the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100, and damage to the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 can be prevented. In principle, the hand-guided scrubber- dryer 50 can partially stick out from the loading bay 11, or can be enclosed in the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100, e.g. with an optional door (not shown).

In other or further embodiments, a back wall lib of the loading bay 11 extends with a backwall depth D into surrounding side edges 11s of the loading bay 11 (e.g. extending backwards from the rear side), wherein the backwall depth D is between ten and fifty centimeters, preferably between twenty and forty centimeters. On the one hand the backwall depth D preferably should be sufficient so that a hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50, such as described herein, can at least partially fit in the loading bay 11, e.g. protected by the surrounding rear side edges of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. On the other hand, there should remain sufficient capacity, e.g. for fluid tanks, in the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 while also maintaining a reasonable length of the overall system.

In some embodiments, the ride-on scrubber- dryer 100 comprises a top guard 15 extending above the loading bay 11 and configured to fit the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 between the top guard 15 and the loading platform lip for protecting a top part of the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 sticking out above the ride-on scrubber- dryer 100. By providing a top guard 15, e.g. bar or rail, the relatively tall hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 can be sufficiently enclosed and protected while the overall construction of the ride- on scrubber-dryer 100 does not have to be higher. The desired height G of the top guard 15 can depend on the height of the hand-guided scrubber- dryer 50. Preferably, the height G of the top guard 15 (e.g. measured from the height P of the loading platform lip is at least one meter, e.g. between hundred twenty and one-and-half meter.

In some embodiments, the ride-on scrubber- dryer 100 comprises fastening means 13, e.g. at or near a top of the loading bay, configured to keep the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 secured in the loading bay 11 while driving the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. For example, the fastening means comprises a rope, chain, clasp, or belt 13 configured to wrap around the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50. For example, the fastening means comprises two halves of a belt or clasp that are reversibly connectable to each other. Alternatively or additionally to the fastening means also structural features can be provided, e.g. a ridge and/or clamping means to hold the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50. FIGs 2A and 2B illustrate perspective views of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 carrying a hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50. Various components may be characteristic of a ride-on scrubber-dryer 100.

Typically, the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 comprises a seat 21 or other sitting arrangement for securely (and comfortably) seating a user riding the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. For example, the seat 21 can be disposed on top of a water tank of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100, or elsewhere. Also other features related to seating can be provided such as a seat belt 21b. In other or further embodiments, the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 comprises a steering control 22 for allowing the user to steer the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. Typically the steering control 22, such as a steering wheel, is provided in front of the seat 21 and/or in the front of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. In other or further embodiments, the ride-on scrubber- dryer 100 comprises a velocity control 23 for allowing a user to control a velocity of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. Typically, the velocity control 23, such as a pedal, is provided at the user’s feet when sitting in the seat 21. Preferably, the velocity control allow both accelerating and decelerating the vehicle, e.g. with separate controls or using the same pedal (e.g. braking when released). Also other or further velocity controls can be envisaged, e.g. hand brake.

Typically the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 has at least three wheels. For example, the embodiment shown has left and right wheels 241, 24r on the rear side and a wheel 24f on the front side of the vehicle. For example, the front wheel 24f can be operationally connected to the steering control 22. Of course also other wheel arrangements can be envisaged, including two wheels on the front. For example, the brushes [not indicated here] are arranged between the front and back wheels.

FIGs 3A and 3B illustrate perspective respective side views of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 from the left and right, respectively. Typically, the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 comprises one or more containers or tanks 31,32,33 for storing respective liquids. In some embodiments, the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 comprises a clean bquid tank

31. For example, the clean liquid tank 31 can be filled via an access port 31a. In principle, the clean liquid tank can be filled by a cleaning solution which may optionally include a detergent. Preferably, the clean liquid tank 31 is filled by clean water. In other or further embodiments, the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 comprises a detergent tank 33 configured to mix a detergent with clean water from the clean liquid tank 31. In some embodiments, the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 comprises a waste liquid tank

32. Preferably, each of the clean and waste liquid tanks 31,32 in the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 has a relatively large capacity of e.g. more than forty liters, more than fifty liters, more than seventy liters, or even more than hundred liters. This may be compared to a relatively small capacity of the waste and liquid tanks in the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50, e.g. with a capacity of less than forty liters, less than thirty liters, or even less than twenty liters.

In a preferred embodiment, the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 comprises a drain pipe 32a configured to empty waste liquid from the hand- guided scrubber-dryer 50 into the waste liquid tank 32 of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. Similarly, also other or further features can be envisaged such as a liquid dispenser, e.g. hose or tap, disposed on the ride- on scrubber-dryer 100 for refilling a clean liquid tank on the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 using liquid from the clean liquid tank 31 and/or detergent tank 33. Such features can provide further synergy in allowing the relatively low capacity of tanks in the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 to be augmented by the relatively large capacity of tanks in the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. FIG 4 illustrates a bottom view of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. Typically, the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 comprises a set of at least one, preferably two, brushes 34 configured to brush the floor F. For example, the brushes 34 are driven by a motor (not shown) to rotate, preferably in a horizontal plane.

In some embodiments, respective centers of the brushes 34 have a different offset DR > DL with respect to a middle line of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. For example, the center of one brush 34 has a first offset DL with respect to the middle (symmetry) line, and the center of another brush 34 has a second offset DR that is larger than the first offset DL, e.g. by at least a factor 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or more. In other or further embodiments, the respective positions DL,DR are controllable.

In some embodiments, the ride-on scrubber- dryer 100 comprises a suction arrangement, e.g. including a squeegee 35 configured to collect waste liquid, and a suction hose 36 configured to suck up and transport the waste liquid to the waste liquid tank 32. For example, the suction is effected by a suction motor (not shown). In some embodiments, e.g. as shown, the suction arrangement can be arranged asymmetrically, e.g. centrally behind the off-center brushes 34. In other or further embodiments, the squeegee 35 can stick out from a side of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. Such off-center or out-sticking arrangements can be useful, e.g., when cleaning along walls. To further facilitate driving the vehicle along a wall without damage, preferably, the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 comprises a side wheel 25 and/or bumper.

Typically the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 comprises a driving motor 26, e.g. connected to the velocity control 23, for propelling the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown, driving motor 26 is integrally connected to the front wheel 24f. Of course also other motor arrangements can be envisaged. FIGs 5A and 5B illustrate front and backside views, respectively, of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 with the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 loaded in the back. In some embodiments, e.g. as shown, the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 comprises a lighting arrangement, e.g. with a front light 27f and/or back lights 27b. For example, these can be used to provide hght a dark area and/or used as signal lights.

FIGs 6A and 6B ihustrate perspective views of the backside of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 with the loading ramp 12 extended and retracted, respectively.

In some embodiments, the loading ramp 12 is configured to at least partially slide into the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. In this way the loading ramp 12 can be securely stored when not used. For example, the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 comprises a slot to slide the loading ramp 12 into the slot for storage, as indicated. Optionally, the loading ramp 12 comprises a set of small wheels 12w to facihtate the sliding.

In other or further embodiments, the loading ramp 12 comprises at least a first ramp part 12a and a second ramp part 12b with a ramp hinge 12h there between. For example, the hinge can be countered by a top plate 12b attached to one of the ramp parts, so the ramp can only fold one way, as indicated. Advantageously, the loading ramp 12 can thus have a relatively long length while taking relatively small storage space in the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. Most preferably, these features are combined such that the loading ramp 12 is e.g. first folded up and then the folded ramp can slide into a slot 12s in the ride-on scrubber- dryer 100.

In some embodiments, the loading platform comprises a moat or ridge Hr disposed at a bottom of the loading bay and configured to prevent inadvertent unloading of the hand-guided scrubber-dryer. For example, the moat or ridge llr is configured to at least partially house and block wheels of the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50. For example, the moat and/or ridge Hr has a moderate depth and/or height, e.g. between one and five centimeters (not indicated).

In some embodiments, the ride-on scrubber- dryer 100 comprises a battery storage 40, preferably below the loading platform lip. Most preferably, battery storage 40 is housed in a drawer, which can be pulled from the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100, e.g. to exchange the batteries.

FIG 7 illustrates a battery storage 40 with exchangeable batteries 41. Advantageously, by allowing the user to easily change batteries, the work can immediately continue should the battery power run out. Alternatively or additionally, the batteries can be recharged either while they are in the battery storage 40, e.g. by plugging the ride-on scrubber- dryer 100 into an electrical outlet, or outside, e.g. in a separate charging device.

FIG 8 illustrates a hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 which can be suitably stored in the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100, as described herein. As will be appreciated the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 can have similar components as the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 which are indicated here by similar reference numbers as used before, but with the suffix “s”. In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 comprises one or more of the following components: brushes 34s, a squeegee 35s, a suction arrangement 36s, a clean liquid tank 31s, a waste liquid tank 32s, steering and/or velocity control 22s, 23s. Of course there are also differences, e.g. in size, weight, and specific components.

In a preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown, the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 can be arranged in a storage and/or transport position, e.g. comprising at least one hinge 51, e.g. arranged between its top part 50t and its bottom part 50b, that allows to tilt the cleaning surface of the machine with the brushes and squeegee 35 backwards (e.g. ninety degrees with respect to the floor). In another or further preferred embodiment, the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 comprises a set of wheels 52, which allow to easily transport the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 by rolling on the wheels while the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 is in the storage position. For example, this preferred but optional arrangements allows to easily roll the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 up the loading ramp (not shown here).

In a preferred embodiment, the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 and ride-on scrubber-dryer 100 are configured to use the same type batteries 41 (not visible). This makes it easy to exchange batteries. In one embodiment (not shown), the ride-on scrubber- dryer 100 comprises a charging cable or charging port, which allows to charge the batteries on the hand-guided scrubber-dryer 50 using power from the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100. This can provide even further synergetic advantage augmenting the power capacity of the hand-guided scrubber- dryer 50 with the power capacity of the ride-on scrubber-dryer 100.

For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described. For example, the present disclosure can also relate to methods of using the system as described herein. Some embodiments comprise loading the hand- guided scrubber-dryer into the loading bay of the ride-on scrubber-dryer. Other or further embodiments comprise driving the ride-on scrubber-dryer to clean a first floor area with the ride-on scrubber-dryer while transporting the hand-guided scrubber-dryer in the loading bay. Some embodiments comprise unloading the hand-guided scrubber- dryer from the loading bay of the ride-on scrubber-dryer. Other or further embodiments comprise using the hand-guided scrubber-dryer to clean a second floor area.

In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim; the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope; several "means" may be represented by the same or different item(s) or implemented structure or function; any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise. Where one claim refers to another claim, this may indicate synergetic advantage achieved by the combination of their respective features. But the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot also be used to advantage. The present embodiments may thus include all working combinations of the claims wherein each claim can in principle refer to any preceding claim unless clearly excluded by context.

Claims

1. A cleaning system comprising a ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) with a loading bay (11) configured to load a hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) onto the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) and to transport the hand-guided scrubber- dryer (50) while driving the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100).

2. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the loading bay

(11) comprises a loading platform (lip) configured to support the hand- guided scrubber-dryer (50), wherein the loading platform (lip) is configured to support a weight of at least thirty kilograms.

3. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the loading platform (lip) is raised at a platform height (P) above a floor (F), wherein the platform height (P) is between five and thirty centimeters.

4. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) comprises a loading ramp (12) configured to extend between an entry to the loading platform (lip) of the loading bay (11) and the floor (F) below, for loading and unloading (L/U) the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50).

5. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the loading ramp

(12), when extended, makes a ramp angle (A) with respect to the floor (F), wherein the ramp angle (A) is less than thirty degrees.

6. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the loading ramp (12) comprises at least a first ramp part (12a) and a second ramp part (12b) with a ramp hinge (12h) there between, wherein the ramp parts are configured to fold, and the folded ramp is configured to slide into a slot on a backside of the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) below the loading platform (lip).

7. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) comprises a battery storage (40) with exchangeable batteries (41) in a drawer disposed below the loading platform (lip) and the slot for storing the loading platform (lip), wherein the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) and ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) are configured to use the same type of batteries (41).

8. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the loading bay (11) is formed by a spacing concavely extending into a rear-side hull of the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100), wherein a back wall (lib) of the loading bay (11) extends with a backwall depth (D) into surrounding side edges (11s) of the loading bay (11), wherein the backwall depth (D) is between twenty and forty centimeters.

9. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the loading bay (11) comprises a moat or ridge (Hr) disposed at a bottom of the loading bay (11) and fastening means (13) configured to keep the hand- guided scrubber-dryer (50) secured in the loading bay (11) while driving the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100).

10. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ride- on scrubber-dryer (100) comprises a top guard (15) extending above the loading bay (11) and configured to fit the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) between the top guard (15) and the loading platform (lip) for protecting a top part of the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) sticking out above the ride- on scrubber-dryer (100).

11. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ride- on scrubber-dryer (100) comprises a clean hquid tank (31) for dispensing a cleaning liquid onto a floor (F); and a waste liquid tank (32) for recovering waste liquid from the floor (F); wherein the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) comprises a drain pipe (32a) configured to empty waste liquid from the hand-guided scrubber- dryer (50) into the waste liquid tank (32) of the ride-on scrubber- dryer (100).

12. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) comprises a detergent tank (33) configured to mix a detergent with clean water from the clean liquid tank (31).

13. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein both the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) and hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) each respectively comprises a set of brushes (34,34s), a squeegee (35,35s), a suction arrangement (36,36s), a clean liquid tank (31,31s), a waste liquid tank (32,32s), and a steering and/or velocity control (22,22s; 23,23s).

14. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) comprises a hinge (51) arranged between its top part (50t) and its bottom part (50b), and configured to allow tilting the bottom part (50b) of the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) in a storage and/or transport position; and a set of wheels (52), to roll the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) up the loading ramp (12) into the loading bay (11) while it is in the storage and/or transport position.

15. Use of the system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the use comprises loading the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) into the loading bay (11) of the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) and driving the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) to clean a first floor area with the ride-on scrubber-dryer (100) while transporting the hand-guided scrubber- dryer (50) in the loading bay (11); and unloading the hand-guided scrubber- dryer (50) from the loading bay (11) of the ride-on scrubber- dryer (100) and using the hand-guided scrubber-dryer (50) to clean a second floor area.