BRUSH ASSEMBLY FOR A FLOOR CLEANING DEVICE

Abstract

A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface. The floor cleaning machine includes a base. A brush assembly is coupled to the base, and includes a rotating brush and a reciprocating bnish. The rotating brush and the reciprocating brush are configured to engage the surface.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a brush assembly for a floor cleaning device.

Typically, floor cleaning machines include an agitator brush driven by a motor. Conventional agitator brushes are contained within a base of the floor cleaning machine and rotate about a horizontal or vertical axis. As such, conventional agitator brushes are only able to capture particulates (i.e., dust, dirt, dander, etc.) that are directly beneath the base. Particulates that are along the edges of the base may not be captured because the agitator brush does not extend beyond the base of the floor cleaning machine.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface. The floor cleaning machine includes a base and a brush assembly is coupled to the base, and includes a rotating brush and a reciprocating brush. The rotating brush and the reciprocating brush are configured to engage the surface.

In another embodiment the invention provides a floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface. The floor cleaning machine includes a base and a brush assembly is coupled to the base. The brush assembly includes a rotating brush that is rotatable about an axis relative to the base and a reciprocating brush that is operably coupled to the rotating brush such that the reciprocating brush reciprocates along the surface in response to rotation of the rotating brush.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor cleaning machine including a brush assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the floor cleaning machine including the brush assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the floor cleaning machine including the brush assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the brush assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the brush assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the brush assembly of FIG. 1 in a first position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the brush assembly of FIG. 1 in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary floor cleaning machine 10. The illustrated floor cleaning machine 10 is upright floor cleaning machine that is operable to clean a surface such as, for example, a floor. In some embodiments, the floor cleaning machine may be operable to clean a variety of surfaces, such as carpets, hardwood floors, tiles, or the like. The floor cleaning machine 10 distributes a cleaning fluid, for example, water, detergent, or a mixture of water and detergent, onto the surface to clean the surface. The floor cleaning machine 10 then draws the cleaning fluid and dirt off of the surface, leaving the surface relatively clean and dry.

In the illustrated embodiment, the floor cleaning machine 10 includes a base 14, a handle 18 coupled to the base 14, a brush assembly 26, a suction system 28, and a fluid distribution system 32. The base 14 supports the other components of the floor cleaning machine 10 and includes two wheels 34 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) to facilitate movement of the floor cleaning machine 10 along the surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheels 34 are idle wheels. In other embodiments, the wheels 34 may be driven wheels. The handle 18 is pivotally coupled to and extends from the base 14. The handle 18 is movable between an upright position (FIG. 1) and an inclined position (not shown). When in the upright position, the handle 18 facilitates storage of the floor cleaning machine 10. When in the inclined position, the handle 18 facilitates moving the base 14 along the surface to be cleaned.

Further with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 14 also includes a suction nozzle 38 and a distribution nozzle 42 (FIG. 2). The suction nozzle 38 is part of the suction system 28 and is positioned near a lower surface of the base 14. The suction nozzle 38 draws dirt, fluid, and other objects into the floor cleaning machine 10 to clean a surface. The distribution nozzle 42 is part of the fluid distribution system 32 and is adjacent the suction nozzle 38. The distribution nozzle 42 distributes cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of the suction system 28. The suction system 28 includes a suction source 30, which includes a motor and a fan in one embodiment, a recovery tank 46, and the suction nozzle 38 coupled to the base 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction fan is supported in the base 14 generally beneath the recovery tank 46. In other embodiments, the suction fan may be positioned elsewhere on the floor cleaning machine 10. The suction fan is mounted to and directly driven by the motor. The suction fan is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle 38 coupled to the base 14 and generates a vacuum to draw fluid and dirt from a surface through the suction nozzle 38 coupled to the base 14 and propel the fluid and dirt into the recovery tank 46.

In the illustrated embodiment, the recovery tank 46 is coupled directly to and supported by the base 14. In other embodiments, the recovery tank 46 may be coupled directly to the handle 18, yet still supported by the base 14. The recovery tank 46 receives fluid and dirt drawn in from the surface through the suction nozzle 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the recovery tank 46 is removable from the floor cleaning machine 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the recovery tank 46 includes a handle 50 to facilitate carrying the recovery tank 46 apart from the base 14. The recovery tank 46 may also include one or more user-operable latches, magnets, or other connector mechanisms to releasably secure the recovery tank 46 to the base 14. In alternative embodiments, the recovery tank may include a cyclonic separator or a vacuum filter bag.

Further with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid distribution system 32 of the illustrated embodiment includes a supply tank 58, the distribution nozzle 42 located on the base 14, a trigger 54, and conduits that connect the supply tank 58 to the distribution nozzle 42 of the base 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply tank 58 is coupled to the handle 18 and supported by the base 14. In other embodiments, the supply tank 58 may be directly coupled to and supported by the base 14. The supply tank 58 is in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle 42 to distribute cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The trigger 54 is positioned on the handle 18 and actuatable to spray or distribute cleaning fluid through the distribution nozzle 42 onto the surface. The conduits include a valve coupled to the trigger 54 that may be selectively opened by actuating the trigger 54. The valve allows fluid to flow out of the supply tank 58. Gravity draws the cleaning fluid downward to be expelled through the distribution nozzle 42. In some embodiments, the supply tank 58 provides two separate cleaning fluids (e.g., water and detergent) to the distribution nozzle 42. The gravity fluid distribution subsystem then mixes the fluids and distributes the mixed cleaning fluid onto the surface through the distribution nozzle 42. In some embodiments, the gravity fluid distribution subsystem may alternatively include a pump to draw cleaning fluid from the supply tank 58. For certain embodiments, such as a vacuum cleaner or other dry system, the fluid distribution system is omitted.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the brush assembly 26 is supported on the base 14 adjacent the suction nozzle 38 and the distribution nozzle 42. FIGS. 3-7 illustrate the brush assembly 26 in greater detail. The brush assembly 26 includes an attachment portion 100 that couples the brush assembly 26 to the base 14. With particular references to FIG. 4, the attachment portion 100 defines a longitudinal axis A and includes a first side 104 that is spaced apart from a second side 108 and a first surface 112 that is spaced apart from a second surface 116. The attachment portion 100 includes a plurality of apertures 120 extending from the first surface 112 to the second surface 116 through the attachment portion 100. Additionally, fasteners or toothed projections 124 extend perpendicularly from the first surface 112. The toothed projections 124 engage the base 14 to secure the attachment portion 100 to the base 14. The attachment portion 100 is configured to be removable from the base 14 and replaceable with another brush assembly. Alternative embodiments may use other fastening mechanisms (e.g., screws, etc.) to secure the attachment portion 100 to the base 14. The attachment portion 100 further includes a slot 128 on the first side 104. In other embodiments, the slot may be on the second side. Alternatively, both the first and the second sides 104, 108 may include a slot 128. A pin 132 (FIGS. 5-7) is also secured to the first surface 112 of the attachment portion 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2-7, the brush assembly 26 further includes a plurality of rotating brushes 138, each of which is configured to engage the floor surface. In the illustrated embodiment there are six rotating brushes 138A-138F; although in additional embodiments there may greater or fewer rotating brushes. Each of the rotating brushes 138 includes a shaft 142 that is coupled to a gear portion 146. At least a portion of each of the outermost shaft 142F on the first side 104 is an eccentric portion. In the illustrated embodiment, an eccentric portion or cam lobe 150 is coupled to a body 154F of the shaft 142F. In other embodiments, the body 154F itself may form the eccentric portion 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the outermost shafts 138A, 138F on both sides 104, 108 include an eccentric portion 150. In additional embodiments any or all of the rotating brushes may have shafts or portions thereof forming eccentric portions 150. Additionally, the shaft 138B is a drive shaft that has a square cross section (FIG. 4) configured to be attached to the motor, which is the motor of the suction source 30 in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, the shaft 13B may be driven by an auxiliary brush motor (not shown). With respect to FIG. 5, each of the rotating brushes 138 is positioned relative to the attachment portion 100 by a coupler 158 that receives the respective shaft 142. In particular, the coupler 158 is positioned between the gear portion 146 and the attachment portion 100. A fastener 162 (i.e., a screw, etc.) is threadingly received in the body 154 of each of the shafts 142. The fastener 162 secures the gear portion 146 relative to the shaft 142.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the shafts 142 extends through one of the plurality of apertures 120 of the attachment portion 100. As such, a first end of each of the shafts 142 projects from the first surface 112 of the attachment portion 100, while the gear portions 146 are adjacent to the second surface 116 of the attachment portion 100. A plurality of bristles 166 extends from each of the rotating brushes 138 and engages the floor surface. Each of the shafts 142 is rotatable within the respective aperture 120 and the gear portions 146 are rotatable relative to the attachment portion 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the rotating brushes 138 are rotatable about an axis B that is substantial perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A such that the rotating brushes 138 rotate about an axis approximately perpendicular to the surface being cleaned. Alternatively, the rotating brush may rotate about a horizontal axis, or other rotational axis as desired for the application. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the rotating brushes 138 rotates relative to one another. The gear portion 146 of each rotating brush 138 engages with the gear portion 146 of one or more adjacent rotating brushes 138 such that rotation of one of the plurality of brushes 138 causes rotation of all of the rotating brushes 138.

FIG. 5 illustrates the brush assembly 26 also includes a reciprocating brush 170. The reciprocating brush 170 includes a body portion 174 with a first side 178 and a second side 182, a shaft 186, and a plurality of bristles 190. The shaft 186 extends from the first side 178 and the plurality of bristles 190 extends from the second side 182. The reciprocating brush 170 is received within the slot 128 and slidable relative to the attachment portion 100. In particular, the reciprocating shaft 170 is slidable along an axis C (FIG. 4) that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis A and axes B of the rotating brushes 138 such that the reciprocating brush reciprocates along the surface in response to rotation of the rotating brush. In other embodiments the reciprocating brush 170 may be angled such that the bristles 190 extend outwardly from attachment portion 100 and the base 14 at an angle. In other words, the reciprocating brush 170, and/or the bristles 190 may be oriented at an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A of the attachment portion 100. In particular, the body portion 174 may be angled relative to the attachment portion 100. Alternatively, the bristles 190 may be angled relative to the body portion 174 of the reciprocating brush 170. Although the illustrated brush assembly 26 illustrates only one reciprocating brush 170, it should be understood that there could be a reciprocating brush 170 one or more sides of the attachment portion 100.

Further with respect to FIG. 5, the rotating brush 138F is coupled to the reciprocating brush 170 by a link 194 coupling one of the shafts (i.e., an outermost shaft 142F) of the rotating brush 138F to the reciprocating brush 170. In particular, a first end 198 of the link 194 is coupled to the attachment portion 100 and the second end 202 of the link 194 is coupled to the shaft 186 of the reciprocating brush 170. The first end 198 of the link 194 is coupled to the pin 132 such that the link 194 is pivotable relative to the base 14 and the attachment portion 100. The first end 198 of the link 194 is pivotable about an axis D defined by the pin 132, which in the illustrated embodiment is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The link 194 includes an aperture 206 that receives the eccentric portion 150 of the shaft 142F of the rotating brush 138F. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 206 in the link 194 is substantially rectangularly shaped. A length L of the aperture 206 is longer than a length L′ of the eccentric portion of the shaft 142F. A width W of the aperture 206 is larger than or substantially the same length L′ of the eccentric portion 150 of the shaft 142F and wider than a width W′ of the eccentric portion 150 of the shaft 142F such that the eccentric portion 150 rotates in the aperture 206. The eccentric portion 150 of the shaft 146F causes eccentric rotation of the shaft 142F upon actuation of the motor. As a result, the link 194 pivots about its first end 198 causing the second end 202 and the reciprocating brush 170 to reciprocate linearly. With particular reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the reciprocating brush 170 is moveable between a first position and a second position in response to the rotating motion of the rotating brushes 138 such that the reciprocating brush 170 engages the surface of the floor.

In operation, a user cleans a floor surface using the floor cleaning machine 10. The user inclines the handle 18 and rolls the floor cleaning machine 10 across the floor surface to be cleaned. The user actuates the trigger 54 to distribute cleaning fluid onto the surface through the distribution nozzle 42 coupled to the base 14. In addition to driving the suction fan to generate a vacuum force in the nozzles 35, 50, the motor is selectively coupled to the shaft 142B of the rotating brush 138B by a belt, for example, that is driven by a gear assembly. As such, actuation of the motor rotates shaft 142B and therefore, the attached gear portion 146B, of rotating brush 138B. Rotation of the rotating brush 138B causes each of the rotating brushes 138, including the outermost rotating brush 138F, to rotate such that the bristles 166 scrub or beat the surface adjacent an interior portion 210 of the base 14. Because the outermost rotating brush 138F is coupled to the reciprocating brush 170 by the link 194, rotation of the outermost rotating brush 138F causes movement of the reciprocating brush 170, which reciprocates linearly to scrub or beat the floor surface adjacent a periphery of the base 214. In other words, the reciprocating brush 170 is able to capture particulates on an edge of the periphery 214 of the base 14 or in a grout line in a tile surface. The suction nozzle 38 coupled to the base 14 draws any cleaning fluid and dirt from the surface, including the edges of the base, to the recovery tank 46.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface, the floor cleaning machine comprising:

a base; and

a brush assembly coupled to the base, the brush assembly including a rotating brush and a reciprocating brush, the rotating brush and the reciprocating brush configured to engage the surface.

2. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the rotating brush is coupled to the reciprocating brush such that rotation of the rotating brush causes the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating brush.

3. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, further comprising a motor operable to rotate the rotating brush, and wherein the rotating brush includes a shaft and an eccentric portion rotatable with the shaft and a plurality of bristles coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the bristles, the shaft being operably coupled to the motor such that actuation of the motor causes rotation of the shaft.

4. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the rotating brush includes a shaft and an eccentric portion rotatable with the shaft and the brush assembly further includes a link that is movable relative to the base and coupled to the reciprocating brush, the eccentric portion extending through the link such that rotation of the shaft causes the link to move the reciprocating brush linearly.

5. The floor cleaning machine of claim 2, wherein the brush assembly includes an attachment portion that couples the brush assembly to the base, the rotating brush being rotatably coupled to the attachment portion.

6. The floor cleaning machine of claim 5, wherein the attachment portion includes a slot, the reciprocating brush being slideable within the slot.

7. The floor cleaning machine of claim 6, wherein a link couples the shaft to the reciprocating brush, the link having a first end movably coupled to the attachment portion and a second end coupled to the reciprocating brush.

8. The floor cleaning machine of claim 7, wherein rotation of the shaft causes the first end of the link to pivot about an axis that extends approximately parallel to the shaft such that the second end causes reciprocating motion of the reciprocating brush.

9. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the rotating brush includes a shaft and an eccentric portion rotatable with the shaft.

10. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the reciprocating brush includes a body portion with a first side and a second side, a shaft, and a plurality of bristles, the shaft extending from the first side and the plurality of bristles extending from the second side.

11. The floor cleaning machine of claim 10, wherein a link couples the rotating brush to the shaft of the reciprocating brush such that rotation of the rotating brush reciprocates at least a portion of the link and the reciprocating brush.

12. The floor cleaning machine of claim 11, wherein the brush assembly includes an attachment portion that couples the brush assembly to the base, the rotating brush being rotatably coupled to the attachment portion and the link having a first end movably coupled to the attachment portion and a second end coupled to the shaft of the reciprocating brush.

13. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the rotating brush is one of a plurality of rotating brushes, each of the plurality of rotating brushes including a shaft and a gear portion and a plurality of bristles, each of the shafts is rotatable to rotate the plurality of bristles, the gear portions of each rotating brush engage with the gear portion of an adjacent rotating brush such that rotation of one of the plurality of brushes causes rotation of all of the plurality of brushes.

14. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, further comprising

a distribution nozzle coupled to the base;

a supply tank assembly coupled to the base in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle;

a suction nozzle coupled to the base;

a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, the suction source including a motor and operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle; and

a recovery tank coupled to the base in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle.

15. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the base includes a base and handle pivotally coupled to the base.

16. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, where the rotating brush rotates about an axis approximately perpendicular to the surface.

17. A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface, the floor cleaning machine comprising:

a base; and

a brush assembly coupled to the base, the brush assembly including a rotating brush rotatable about an axis relative to the base, and a reciprocating brush operably coupled to the rotating brush such that the reciprocating brush reciprocates along the surface in response to rotation of the rotating brush.

18. The floor cleaning machine of claim 15, further comprising a motor operable to rotate the rotating brush wherein the rotating brush includes a shaft and an eccentric portion rotatable with the shaft and a plurality of bristles coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the bristles, the shaft being operably coupled to the motor such that actuation of the motor causes rotation of the shaft.

19. The floor cleaning machine of claim 16. wherein the brush assembly further includes:

an attachment portion that couples the brush assembly to the base; and

a link that couples the shaft to the reciprocating brush, the link having a first end pivotably coupled to the attachment portion and a second end coupled to the reciprocating brush.

20. The floor cleaning machine of claim 17, wherein rotation of the eccentric portion of the shaft causes both ends of the link to pivot about an axis that extends parallel to the shaft.

21. The floor cleaning machine of claim 15, wherein the base includes a base and handle pivotally coupled to the base.

22. The floor cleaning machine of claim 15, further comprising

a distribution nozzle coupled to the base; a supply tank assembly coupled to the base in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle; a suction nozzle coupled to the base; a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, the suction source including a motor and operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle; and a recovery tank coupled to the base in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle.