FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE WITH SOLID CHEMICAL RECOVERY TANK DEFOAMING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A floor cleaning machine is provided. The floor cleaning machine includes a cleaning head configured for cleaning a floor surface with a cleaning solution. A collection mechanism is configured to collect used cleaning solution following use by the cleaning head. A conduit fluidly connects the collection mechanism with a recovery tank. The conduit is configured to convey a flow of the used cleaning solution from the collection mechanism to the recovery tank. A defoaming system is positioned proximate the recovery tank and includes a solid chemical defoaming form. The solid chemical defoaming form is configured for dissolution within the flow of the used cleaning solution. The flow of the used cleaning solution is directed over the solid chemical defoaming form and into the recovery tank.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/930,691, filed Nov. 5, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Floor cleaning machines are designed to clean floor surfaces. In certain instances, the floor surface can be formed from hard materials, such as the non-limiting examples of tile, wood, concrete and the like. In other instances, the floor surface can be formed from softer materials, such as the non-limiting examples of carpet and cork.

When cleaning the floor surface, typically, the floor cleaning machine applies a solution formed from a combination of water and a detergent to an area of the floor surface, scrubs the floor surface with the detergent solution, and vacuums the dirty or spent detergent solution off the floor surface. The floor cleaning machine can have a dedicated compartment or tank for the recovered detergent solution.

In certain instances, a foam can be developed as a cleaning head scrubs the floor surface with the detergent solution. In other instances, the detergent solution can include a foaming element configured to cause the detergent solution to develop a cleaning enhancing foam during use by a cleaning head. In still other instances, foam can be developed as the vacuumed dirty or spent detergent solution is pulled from the floor surface due to the vacuum induced air flow.

As the floor cleaning machine conveys the vacuumed dirty or spent detergent solution off the floor surface to the dedicated recovery tank, the vacuumed foam can occupy a volume of the dedicated recovery tank, thereby resulting in frequent stoppages of the floor cleaning effort to empty the dedicated recovery tank. In other instances, the vacuumed foam can become ingested into a vacuum inducing fan, thereby potentially shortening the life of the vacuum fan.

It would be advantageous if the recovered dirty or spent detergent solution could be defoamed in an efficient manner.

SUMMARY

It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts being further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of this disclosure, nor it is intended to limit the scope of the floor cleaning machine with a solid chemical recovery tank defoaming assembly.

The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are achieved by a floor cleaning machine. The floor cleaning machine includes a cleaning head configured for cleaning a floor surface with a cleaning solution. A collection mechanism is configured to collect used cleaning solution following use by the cleaning head. A conduit fluidly connects the collection mechanism with a recovery tank. The conduit is configured to convey a flow of the used cleaning solution from the collection mechanism to the recovery tank. A defoaming system is positioned proximate the recovery tank and includes a solid chemical defoaming form. The solid chemical defoaming form is configured for dissolution within the flow of the used cleaning solution. The flow of the used cleaning solution is directed over the solid chemical defoaming form and into the recovery tank.

The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are also achieved by a method of method of operating a floor cleaning machine. The method including the steps of cleaning a floor surface with a cleaning head and a cleaning solution, collecting the cleaning solution used by the cleaning head with a collection mechanism, conveying a flow of the used cleaning solution from the collection mechanism to a recovery tank, directing the flow of the used cleaning solution over a defoaming system positioned proximate to the recovery tank, the defoaming system including a solid chemical defoaming form, the solid chemical defoaming form configured for dissolution within the flow of the used cleaning solution.

Various objects and advantages of the floor cleaning machine with a solid chemical recovery tank defoaming assembly will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following Detailed Description, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor cleaning machine in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the floor cleaning machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a portion of the housing of the floor cleaning machine of FIG. 1, shown with a conduit extending to a squeegee-type collection mechanism of the floor cleaning machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a recovery tank of the floor cleaning machine of FIG. 1 illustrating a defoaming system.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the defoaming system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the floor cleaning machine of FIG. 1, illustrating insertion of the defoaming system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the floor cleaning machine of FIG. 1, illustrating a flow of conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution into the defoaming system of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The floor cleaning machine with a solid chemical recovery tank defoaming assembly (hereafter “floor cleaning machine”) will now be described with occasional reference to specific embodiments. The floor cleaning machine may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the floor cleaning machine to those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the floor cleaning machine belongs. The terminology used in the description of the floor cleaning machine herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the floor cleaning machine. As used in the description of the floor cleaning machine and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the floor cleaning machine. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the floor cleaning machine are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements.

The description and figures disclose a floor cleaning machine equipped with a solid chemical recovery tank defoaming assembly. The solid chemical recovery tank defoaming assembly utilizes a system that directs a flow of dirty or spent detergent solution over a solid chemical defoaming form configured to defoam the dirty or spent detergent solution. The solid chemical recovery tank defoaming assembly is positioned proximate a recovery tank, in a manner such that the flow of the dirty or spent detergent solution being conveyed from a squeegee-type of collection device to the recovery tank flows over the defoaming assembly on the path to the recovery tank. As the dirty or spent detergent solution flows over the defoaming assembly, a solid chemical defoaming dissolves at a measured rate, thereby imparting defoaming materials into the flow of the dirty or spent detergent solution.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a floor cleaning machine 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the floor cleaning machine 10 has the form of a walk-behind mid-size automatic (auto) scrubber. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, that the various objects and advantages described herein can be applied to floor cleaning machine 10 having other forms, such as the non-limiting examples of a ride-on floor scrubber, steam cleaners, floor buffing machines, industrial vacuums and the like. The floor cleaning machine 10 includes a leading portion 12, a rear-ward portion 14 and a center portion 16. A plurality of drive wheels 18 are positioned in the center portion 16 and a plurality of rear support wheels 20 are positioned adjacent the rearward portion 14. A cleaning head 22 is positioned at the leading portion and a squeegee-type collection mechanism 24 is positioned at the rearward portion 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning head 22 has the form of a disk head. However, in other embodiments, the cleaning head can have other forms, including the non-limiting example of an orbital head. The squeegee-type collection mechanism 24 is an arcuate structure configured to form a seal with the floor surface thereby facilitating the collection dirty or spent detergent solution. The squeegee-type collection mechanism 24 further configured to direct the collected dirty or spent detergent solution to a location for access by a vacuum operated conduit. A machine housing 26 is configured to enclose various drive mechanisms (not shown), water and chemical delivery systems (not shown) and various solution recovery apparatus (not shown) position in the leading, center and rearward portions 12, 16 and 14. An operation/control panel 28 is positioned at the rearward portion 14.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the floor cleaning machine 10 can be used to efficiently and effectively clean floors, replacing traditional mops and buckets. The floor cleaning machine 10 operates to apply a cleaning solution to a floor surface and aggressively scrub and dry the floor surface in one pass of the floor cleaning machine. With being able to clean with only one pass, as well as the ability to clean more square footage per hour, floor cleaning machines can speed up the floor cleaning process.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the squeegee-type of collection mechanism 24 and a portion of the machine housing 26 are illustrated. A first end 30 of a conduit 32 is fastened to the squeegee-type of collection mechanism 24. A second end (not shown) extends into the machine housing 26. As is conventional in the industry, the conduit 32 is provided with a vacuum force sufficient to remove collected dirty or spent detergent solution from the squeegee-type of collection mechanism 24 and convey the dirty or spent detergent solution to the machine housing 26, as depicted by direction arrows D1.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-section view of a portion of the machine housing 26 and the conduit 32 are illustrated. A second end 34 of the conduit 32 is fixed proximate a solid chemical defoaming assembly 40 (hereafter “defoaming assembly”). The defoaming assembly 40 is positioned within a recovery tank 42. The defoaming assembly 40 includes a dissolving solid chemical defoaming form 44 (hereafter “defoaming form”) that contains defoamant chemicals configured to reduce the amount of foam that is formed from the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution entering the recovery tank 42. It should be appreciated that the foam in the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution can be remaining from the cleaning process involving the cleaning head 22 and/or the foam can result from agitating the dirty or spent detergent solution during the conveyance within the conduit 32.

Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the defoaming form 44 includes powdered, silicone antifoam trans 2112 as the primary defoamant and stearic acid (n-octadecanoic) and/or vegetable stearic as the primary binding agents, combined into a form configured to dissolve as the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution flows over the defoaming assembly 40. The defoaming form 44 also includes dendritic salt and/or magnesium sterate to control the dissolution rate. However, in other embodiments, the defoaming form 44 can be formed from other desired defoamant chemicals. It should also be appreciated that the chemical composition of the defoamant materials can be tailored for different cleaning solutions and different dissolution rates.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exploded view of the defoaming assembly 40 is illustrated. The defoaming assembly 40 includes the defoaming form 44 seated in a retention cage 46, as represented by direction arrow D2. The combination of the defoaming form 44 and the retention cage 46 are connected to a base screen 50, as represented by direction arrows D3.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the defoaming form 44 has the shape of a solid cylinder. However, in other embodiments, the defoaming form 44 can have other forms, including the form of a hollow cylinder. In still other embodiments, it is contemplated that the defoaming form 44 can have the shape of a rectangular or square-shaped block, a ball, a pyramid and the like. In still other embodiments, it is contemplated that the defoaming form 44 can have apertures, perforations, channels and the like configured to facilitate measured dissolution of the solid chemical defoaming 44 into the flow of the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the retention cage 46 is configured to house the defoaming form 44 while allowing a flow of conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution exiting the second end 34 of the conduit 32 to flow over the defoaming form 44, through the retention cage 46 and into the recovery tank 42. The retention cage 46 includes a circumferential wall 52 having a plurality of spaced apart apertures 54.

Referring again to FIG. 5, an end wall 56 is configured to enclose a lower end 58 of the circumferential wall 54. The end wall 56 includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures 60. The spaced apart apertures 54, 60 positioned in the circumferential wall 54 and the end wall 58 are configured to facilitate exit of the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution flowing over the defoaming form 44 and through the defoaming assembly 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 54 have an elongated, expanding shape and the apertures 60 have the shape of radial slots. However, in other embodiments, the apertures 54, 60 can have other desired shapes and can have other desired spacing sufficient to facilitate exit of the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution flowing over the defoaming form 44 and through the defoaming assembly 40.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the retention cage 46 includes an upper end 62. The upper end 62 of the retention cage 46 is configured to seat against the base screen 50. The upper end 62 includes a plurality of retention segments 64 extending in an outwardly radial direction from the upper end 62. The retention segments 64 will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the base screen 50 includes a support collar 70, a circumferential wall 72 connected to the support collar 70 and an end wall 74 configured to enclose a lower portion 76 of the circumferential wall 72. The support collar 70 extends in a radial direction from the circumferential wall 72 and is configured to seat in a portion of the recovery tank 42. The circumferential wall 72 has a plurality of spaced apart apertures 76. The end wall 74 includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures 78. The spaced apart apertures 76, 78 positioned in the circumferential wall 72 and the end wall 74 are configured to facilitate exit of the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution flowing into the defoaming system 40 from the conduit 32. The apertures 76, 78 are further configured to facilitate the flow of the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution over the defoaming form 44 positioned in the retention cage 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 76 have an elongated shape and the apertures 78 have a circular cross-sectional shape. However, in other embodiments, the apertures 76, 78 can have other desired shapes and can have other desired spacing sufficient to facilitate exit of the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution flowing into the defoaming system 40 from the conduit 32 and further sufficient to facilitate the flow of the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution over the defoaming form 44 positioned in the retention cage 46.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the end wall 74 of the base screen 50 includes a plurality of spaced apart retention elements 80 extending in an axial direction away from the end wall 74. Each of the retention elements 80 forms a retention slot 82 in a space between the end wall 74 and a retention arm 84. The spaced apart retention elements 80 are arranged in a circular pattern with a diameter that approximates a diameter of the upper end 62 of the retention cage 46. In an assembled arrangement with the upper end 62 of the retention cage 46 seated against the end wall 74 of the base screen 50, the retention cage 46 is rotated such that the retention segments 64 engage the retention elements 80 extending from the end wall 74 of the base screen 50. Further rotation of the retention cage 46 results in the seating of the retention segments 64 in the retention slots 82. The assembled structure of the defoaming form 44, the retention cage 46 and the base screen 50 forms the defoaming system 40. The mating retention segments 64 and retention elements 80 advantageously allows easy installation and replacement of the defoaming form 44. While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 shows the mating retention segments 64 and retention elements 80, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the defoaming form 44, retention cage 46 and base screen 50 can be assembled together using other structures, mechanisms and devices.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, a portion of the floor cleaning machine 10 is illustrated with a recovery tank lid 90 rotated to an open position. With the recovery tank lid 90 in the open position, the recovery tank 42 is exposed. A recovery tank support 92 extends from a side of the recovery tank 42. The recovery tank support 92 includes an aperture 94. The aperture 94 has a diameter that is slightly larger than a diameter of the circumferential wall 72 forming the base screen 50. Accordingly, as the defoaming system 40 is lowered into the aperture 94, the support collar 70 seats against the recovery tank support 92 and the defoaming form 44 and the retention cage 46 extend into the recovery tank 42 below the recovery tank support 92.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, operation of the defoaming system 40 will now be described. Referring first to FIG. 3 as described above, conduit 32 is provided with a vacuum force sufficient to remove collected dirty or spent detergent solution from the squeegee-type of collection mechanism 24 and convey the dirty or spent detergent solution to the machine housing 26, as depicted by direction arrows D1. Referring now to FIG. 4 in a next step, the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution exits the second end 34 of the conduit 32, as depicted by direction arrow D4. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 7 in a next step, the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution enters the defoaming system 40, as depicted by direction arrow D5. Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution flows through the apertures 76, 78 in the base screen 50 and over the defoaming form 44, as depicted by direction arrow D6. As the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution flows over the defoaming form 44, the defoaming form 44 gradually dissolves, thereby advantageously imparting defoaming chemicals into the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution and reducing the foaming of the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution. In a final step, the conveyed dirty or spent detergent solution and the imparted defoaming chemicals flow into the recovery tank 42.

The solid chemical recovery tank defoaming system provides many benefits, although all benefits may not be available in all embodiments. First, the solid formation of the defoaming form eliminates the addition of and/or the mixing of liquid defoaming chemicals. Second, the dissolution of the solid chemical form within the interior of the recovery tank reduces chemical contact by a machine user. Third, the solid chemical recovery tank defoaming system helps protect a vacuum inducing fan from foam-related damage. Finally, the dissolution of the solid chemical form is adjustable, thereby increasing the likelihood that an optimal defoaming solution is provided.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principle and mode of operation of the floor cleaning machine with a solid chemical recovery tank defoaming system have been explained and illustrated in certain embodiments. However, it must be understood that the floor cleaning machine with a solid chemical recovery tank defoaming system may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

1. A floor cleaning machine comprising:

a cleaning head configured for cleaning a floor surface with a cleaning solution;

a collection mechanism configured to collect used cleaning solution following use by the cleaning head;

a conduit fluidly connects the collection mechanism with a recovery tank, the conduit configured to convey a flow of the used cleaning solution from the collection mechanism to the recovery tank;

a defoaming system positioned proximate to the recovery tank, the defoaming system including a solid chemical defoaming form, the solid chemical defoaming form configured for dissolution within the flow of the used cleaning solution, wherein the flow of the used cleaning solution is directed over the solid chemical defoaming form and into the recovery tank.

2. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the solid chemical defoaming form is positioned within a retention cage.

3. The floor cleaning machine of claim 2, wherein the combination of the solid chemical defoaming form and the retention cage are attached to a base screen.

4. The floor cleaning machine of claim 2, wherein the retention cage includes a plurality of apertures configured to facilitate exit of the used cleaning solution flowing over the solid chemical defoaming form from the defoaming system and into the recovery tank.

5. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the solid chemical defoaming form has the shape of a solid cylinder.

6. The floor cleaning machine of claim 3, wherein the base screen includes a plurality of apertures configured to facilitate exit of the used cleaning solution flowing through the base screen to the solid chemical defoaming form.

7. The floor cleaning machine of claim 3, wherein the retention cage including a plurality of retention segments configured for engagement with retention elements formed on the base screen.

8. The floor cleaning machine of claim 3, wherein the base screen includes a support collar configured to seat on a recovery tank support.

9. The floor cleaning machine of claim, wherein the solid chemical defoaming form includes powdered, silicone antifoam trans 2112 as the primary defoamant.

10. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the solid chemical defoaming form has a measured dissolution rate.

11. A method of operating a floor cleaning machine, the method comprising the steps of:

cleaning a floor surface with a cleaning head and a cleaning solution;

collecting the cleaning solution used by the cleaning head with a collection mechanism;

conveying a flow of the used cleaning solution from the collection mechanism to a recovery tank;

directing the flow of the used cleaning solution over a defoaming system positioned proximate to the recovery tank, the defoaming system including a solid chemical defoaming form, the solid chemical defoaming form configured for dissolution within the flow of the used cleaning solution.

12. The method of claim 11, including the step of positioning the solid chemical defoaming form within a retention cage.

13. The method of claim 12, including the step of attaching the combination of the solid chemical defoaming form and the retention cage to a base screen.

14. The method of claim 12, including the step of forming a plurality of apertures in the retention cage, the apertures configured to facilitate exit of the used cleaning solution flowing over the solid chemical defoaming form from the defoaming system and into the recovery tank.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the solid chemical defoaming form has the shape of a solid cylinder.

16. The method of claim 13, including the step of forming a plurality of apertures in the base screen, the plurality of apertures configured to facilitate exit of the used cleaning solution flowing through the base screen to the solid chemical defoaming form.

17. The method of claim 13, including the step of forming a plurality of retention segments on the retention cage, the plurality of retention segments configured for engagement with retention elements formed on the base screen.

18. The method of claim 13, including the step of seating the base screen on a recovery tank support.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the solid chemical defoaming form includes powdered, silicone antifoam trans 2112 as the primary defoamant.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the solid chemical defoaming form has a measured dissolution rate.