WHEEL PROPELLED STEERABLE FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to floor surface cleaning or treatment machines. In various embodiments, powered floor cleaning devices are provided with improved deck assemblies. The deck assemblies are operable to control at least one of the direction and velocity of a floor cleaning device and provide improved handling and cleaning abilities.

Claims

1. A floor cleaning device comprising: a chassis; a steerable cleaning deck rotatable about a vertical axis; a steering mechanism in communication with the cleaning deck and having a portion accessible to an operator, wherein the cleaning deck is steerable with the steering mechanism; the cleaning deck comprising a drive assembly that is operable to convey the device and regulate a speed of the device; the drive assembly comprising a propel wheel and an electric motor in communication with the propel wheel to control a speed of the propel wheel; a recess operable to receive a cleaning device located proximate the at least one propel wheel; and a vacuum assembly operable to collect at least one of debris and fluid, the vacuum assembly in fluid communication with the cleaning deck.

2. The floor cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning device comprises a rotatable brush.

3. The floor cleaning device of claim 1, further comprising support wheels provided proximal to a rearward portion of the device, the support wheels comprising non-driven wheels for supporting a weight of the device.

4. The floor cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning device recess comprises a cleaning device drive element in communication with a second electric motor.

5. The floor cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning deck further comprises at least one solution nozzle for dispensing a cleaning fluid.

6. The floor cleaning device of claim 1, further comprising a controller for regulating a current supplied to the motor and controlling a speed of the propel wheel.

7. A floor cleaning apparatus comprising: a chassis providing an envelope and comprising a forward portion, a rearward portion, and left and right side portions; a steerable cleaning deck provided proximal to the forward portion of the chassis; the steerable cleaning deck provided in communication with a steering mechanism having a portion accessible to an operator; wherein the steerable cleaning deck comprises a drive assembly comprising: an electric motor and a propel wheel; wherein the propel wheel is operable to convey the apparatus and control a velocity of the apparatus; and wherein the steerable cleaning deck further comprises a floor cleaning device, and wherein the floor cleaning device is provided rearward of the propel wheel.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the cleaning device comprises a cleaning brush.

9. The floor cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the cleaning device is provided in communication with a second electric motor.

10. The floor cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the cleaning deck further comprises at least one solution nozzle for dispensing a cleaning fluid.

11. The floor cleaning device of claim 8, wherein the cleaning brush is removably attached to the steerable cleaning deck.

12. The floor cleaning device of claim 7, further comprising a vacuum assembly and wherein the vacuum assembly comprises a vacuum shoe proximal to the cleaning device.

13. The floor cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the chassis comprises a width that is no greater than 24 inches.

14. The floor cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the device comprises a walk-behind device that is devoid of an area for accommodating a weight of a user.

15. A floor surface cleaning device comprising: a chassis; a cleaning deck in communication with and rotatable relative to the chassis, and wherein the cleaning deck is operable to clean a floor surface and provide locomotion to the device; the cleaning deck comprising a drive assembly and a cleaning device; wherein the drive assembly comprises a first electric motor in communication with a drive wheel; the chassis comprising at least two wheels provided rearward of the cleaning deck, the at least two wheels being operable to support a weight of the chassis; the cleaning deck comprising a second electric motor in communication with the cleaning device; a steering mechanism in communication with the cleaning deck and having a portion accessible to an operator; and wherein a speed of the drive wheel controls a speed of the device and the cleaning device is operable to be driven independently of the drive wheel.

16. The floor surface cleaning device of claim 15, wherein the at least two wheels comprise passive, non-driven wheels.

17. The floor surface cleaning device of claim 15, wherein the drive assembly is located within the cleaning deck and is configured to drive the floor cleaning machine.

18. The floor surface cleaning device of claim 15, wherein the cleaning deck further comprises at least one nozzle for dispensing cleaning fluid, and a suction port for picking up fluid from the cleaning surface.

19. The floor surface cleaning device of claim 15, wherein the cleaning device comprises a brush.

20. The floor surface cleaning device of claim 19, wherein the drive wheel is centered between lateral sides of the cleaning deck.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, which may be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. This description is made for illustrating the general principles of the teachings of this disclosure and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, explain some of the principles of the disclosure.

[0030] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cleaning machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 4 is a side view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a cleaning machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0041] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a component of a cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1-11, a cleaning machine 2 for cleaning or otherwise treating a floor surface is shown. The embodiment of FIG. 1 includes a chassis 6 with rear wheels 12 and a cleaning deck 4. A steering column 10 is provided that extends from the chassis 6 and comprises a steering mechanism 8, such as a steering wheel.

[0043] In various embodiments, the chassis 6 preferably comprises at least one plastic member. The chassis is contemplated as being comprised of a plurality of injected molded parts. The chassis 6 provides an outer structural framework and generally defines an envelope or area of the cleaning machine 2. In various embodiments, the device 2 comprises an overall height of between approximately 30 and 60 inches, and more preferably of about 45 inches; an overall length of between approximately 20 and 50 inches, and more preferably of about 35 inches; and a width of between approximately 12 and 30 inches, and more preferably of about 18 inches. No limitation with respect to the size or proportions of the device, however, are provided herewith. As shown, the chassis 6 includes a front 22, a rear 24, a front surface 28, an upper surface 30, a left surface 36, and a right surface 38.

[0044] An upper surface 30 of the device preferably comprises a selectively removable lid for accessing internal features of the device 2. In various embodiments, the upper surface of the device 2 comprises a lid that is secured by fasteners and may be completely removed from a remainder of the device. Additionally, and at least as shown in FIG. 1, the upper surface 30 comprises first and second view glasses or observation covers 31, 33. A first observation cover 31 (right side) is provided as a dirty water conduit observation cover, and a second observation cover 33 (left side) is provided as a vacuum conduit observation cover. A solution fill cover 16 is provided, and the solution fill cover comprises a removable cap for selectively inserting a clean fluid into the device 2.

[0045] A recovery drain hose 18 is provided as a drop hose for selectively emptying dirty fluid(s) from the device. As shown, the drain hose 18 comprises a removable cap 14, and is generally recessed within a slot 20 provided in the chassis 6.

[0046] As shown, a pair of rear wheels 12 are operably interconnected to the cleaning machine 2. In preferred embodiments, the rear wheels 12 comprise support wheels for accommodating a weight of the device, but do not comprise powered or drive wheels. In alternative embodiments, however, it is contemplated that at least one of the rear wheels 12 comprises a drive or driven wheel. As shown, the rear wheels 12 are provided behind a center point or center of mass of the device 2, and forward of the rear 24 of the machine. The device of FIG. 1 comprises a walk-behind device wherein a user can steer, control, and/or operate the device while standing and walking behind the device. It should be recognized, however, that various features, devices and systems of the present disclosure are also contemplated for use with other floor cleaning devices including, for example, ride-on or stand-on floor cleaning devices. The rear wheels 12 of various embodiments of the present disclosure comprise solid, molded wheels. In some embodiments, pressurized rubber tires are provided on the wheels 12.

[0047] A cleaning deck 4 is provided and is generally disposed at a forward portion of the device 2. The cleaning deck 4 comprises various features and devices as shown and described herein, and generally comprises means for at least one of cleaning floor or ground surfaces and propelling the device 2. The cleaning deck 4 is operably connected to the steering column 10 and steering mechanism 8, such that an operator may maneuver and/or steer the cleaning deck 4 by manipulating the steering mechanism 8. The cleaning deck 4 is steerable using the steering mechanism 8, and the remainder of the cleaning machine 2 trails behind the cleaning deck 4. In preferred embodiments, and as shown and described in more detail herein, the cleaning deck comprises a propulsion system for the cleaning machine. The chassis 6 may be referred to herein as a trailer based on its relationship with a cleaning deck 4 provided at the forward end of the device 2.

[0048] The cleaning deck 4 is preferably pivot-able about a vertical axis and relative to a remainder of the machine 2 according to input from the steering mechanism 8. In various embodiments, steering may be electronically controlled in response to mechanical movement of the steering mechanism 8.

[0049] FIGS. 2-7 provide various views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Various features are shown in FIGS. 2-7 that have already been described and disclosed with respect to FIG. 1, and such description is not reiterated with respect to FIGS. 2-7. A solution tank drain hose 15 is provided to allow a user to optionally drain clean fluid from the device. As shown in FIG. 6, a concave recessed portion 25 is provided to allow space for a user to interact with the device 2.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the cleaning machine 2 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. As shown, the cleaning deck 4 comprises a recess 46 for receiving a cleaning device, such as a brush. The cleaning deck 4 further comprises a drive assembly 100. The drive assembly 100 comprises a motor 40 and a driven wheel 42. The driven wheel 42 is provided at or proximal to a horizontal midline of the cleaning deck 4 and is operable to convey the device 2 and control the speed of the device. The driven wheel 42 is preferably provided forward of the cleaning device recess 46, such that a cleaning device is operable to pick up or clean any debris left behind by the wheel 42. As further shown in FIG. 8, the device 2 comprises a motor 40 for controlling and powering the driven wheel 42. The motor 40 is provided substantially adjacent to the driven wheel 42 and forward of the cleaning device recess 46. As will be recognized by one of skill in the art, the drive assembly 100 comprises a relatively compact device having an electric motor 40.

[0051] As further shown in FIG. 8, the device 2 comprises a vacuum shoe 62 with a vacuum hose or conduit 17 in fluid communication with a spent fluid storage tank provided within the device 2. A vacuum motor assembly is provided within a vacuum housing.

[0052] In various embodiments, and as shown in more detail in FIG. 11, the drive assembly 100 comprises at least one of an electric motor 40, a transmission 45, and bearing(s) 44 in one integrated assembly. The motor 40 is in communication with the driven wheel 42 and is capable of providing power to the wheel 42. Accordingly, the cleaning machine 2 places the drive components, which include the drive assembly 100 with a propel wheel 42 within a leading cleaning deck 4. The chassis 6 is provided as a trailing element relative to the cleaning deck assembly 4.

[0053] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a cleaning device 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the cleaning device 2 comprises at least one propel wheel 42 in a cleaning deck assembly 4. The propel wheel or driven wheel 42 is powered and driven by an electric motor 40. A port or electrical connection is provided to receive a plug and power cord to provide current and electrical power to the device. The depicted embodiment comprises a device that requires a physical connection to an external power source. Alternative embodiments, however, comprise on-board battery units such that a wired, physical connection is not required to operate various features of the device 2. The embodiment of FIG. 9 preferably comprises a controller operable to convert an alternating current to a direct current, and wherein the controller is further operable to provide pulse-width modulation to control a speed of the driven wheel 42, and thus control the speed of the device 2.

[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates a device with a cleaning device recess that is not provided with a cleaning device. The recess comprises a connection 47 for a rotatable cleaning device. The connection 47 comprises a cog or similar device for driving a cleaning device in a rotary manner.

[0055] A vacuum assembly comprising a vacuum housing 49 and a vacuum motor 51 is provided within the device. The vacuum assembly is operable to suction fluid from a floor surface behind a cleaning device in the deck assembly 4. The vacuum assembly comprises wet-dry vacuum features and comprises an intake line 17 and exhaust lines 21, 23. Vacuumed fluid is stored or housed in an on-board collection container 27 that may be selectively emptied via a drain or drop hose (see FIG. 1, item 18). As further shown in FIG. 9, the steering column 10 comprise a release member 9 to allow for selective positioning and adjustment of the steering device 8.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a floor cleaning device 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The propel wheel 42 is shown in relation to the motor 40. In the depicted embodiment, the propel wheel 42 is mounted to the cleaning deck 4 by first and second bracket members 44, and an axle extends through the propel wheel 42. The drive unit comprises a drive shaft extending from the motor 40 and which is communication with the propel wheel 42 to drive the wheel 42 in forward and reverse at various speeds. As shown, the drive unit and the propel wheel 42 are provided within a recess 39 provided in the deck assembly 4. The recess 39 comprises a void or hollow space to allow for at least portions of the drive assembly to be elevated from a ground surface, and wherein the propel wheel 42 is operable to and capable of contacting the floor or ground surface.

[0057] As further shown in FIG. 10, the device 2 comprises a vacuum with a vacuum shoe 62 having at least one vacuum pick-up orifice trailing the floor cleaning device. In some embodiments, a squeegee is provided on the deck. The deck assembly 4 of FIG. 10 comprises guide wheels or rollers 59 to contact walls and similar objects and guide the direction of the device 2 while minimizing damage to an environment in which the device 2 is operated.

[0058] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the deck assembly 4 according to the embodiment of FIG. 10. As shown, the deck 4 comprises a plurality of cleaning features and components. Specifically, the deck 4 comprises a driven wheel 42 that is rotatably mounted to first and second bracket members 44 provided on a plate 41. A motor 40 is mounted on the plate and is in communication with the driven wheel 42. Specifically, a drive shaft of the drive unit 40 communicates with an axle of the wheel 42 via a transmission member 45 which is contemplated as comprising a belt, roller chain, or similar device. The present disclosure also contemplates a direct-drive assembly between a motor drive shaft and a wheel. The deck assembly 4 further comprises a motor and brush mount 52 which is operable to receive and support a cleaning brush (not shown in FIG. 11) and a dedicated brush motor 50. The cleaning brush preferably comprises a replaceable, rotary brush that is operable to removed for cleaning, repair and replacement. A shroud 54 and a weighted member 56 are also provided and are stacked when the deck 4 is in an assembled state (see FIG. 10, for example). At least one of the shroud and the weighted member 54, 56 are operable to receive and house electronics including, but not limited to, wiring, circuit boards, and controllers. The deck 4 further comprises a debris tray 58, a vacuum glide 60, and a vacuum shoe 62. The vacuum glide 60 and vacuum shoe 62 preferably comprise trailing features that are provided behind the cleaning brush (relative to a forward direction of travel of the device 2). The debris tray 58 is preferably removable for cleaning.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, a motor 40 is provided in communication with a driven wheel 42 for providing locomotion to the device. In the depicted embodiment, the motor 40 is provided vertically above the wheel 42. Although various arrangements are contemplated, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide that at least a drive axle of the motor 40 is provided vertically above an axle of the wheel 42. It is also contemplated that more than one driven wheel is provided.

[0060] In some embodiments, a propel or driven wheel is provided that is adjustable in at least a vertical direction. Specifically, various embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a powered wheel for driving and controlling the speed of a floor cleaning device as shown and described herein, and wherein the wheel comprises vertical adjustability. A vertical position, and a position of the wheel relative to a flooring or ground surface is adjustable to accommodate for different floor surface conditions and, in at least some embodiments, allows a user to lift or remove a propel wheel from the floor or ground surface. Such embodiments allow a user the option to render the wheel inoperable for locomotive purposes, and rely on a rotary brush alone for such purposes. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that a drive assembly 100 of the present disclosure is pivotable such that a vertical position of the drive wheel is adjustable.

[0061] Various features and embodiments of floor cleaners are provided herein. It will be recognized, however, that various features are not necessarily specific to certain embodiments and may be provided on any one or more embodiments. The present disclosure and embodiments provided herein are not mutually exclusive and may be combined, substituted, and omitted. The scope of the invention(s) provided herein is thus not limited to any particular embodiment, drawing, or particular arrangement of features.

[0062] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, the invention(s) described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or adding and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.