GB2431865A

GB2431865A - A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface

Info

Publication number: GB2431865A
Application number: GB0700285A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven W Kegg; Deborah R Tucker; Craig M O'briskie; Donald A Coates
Original assignee: Hoover Co
Current assignee: Hoover Co
Priority date: 2003-12-06
Filing date: 2004-06-28
Publication date: 2007-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 2024-06-28
Also published as: GB0700285D0; GB2431865B

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation as it moves along the surface is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a liquid distribution system operatively associated with the housing. The liquid distribution system includes a fluid source providing a supply of the cleaning solution, a detergent tank providing detergent to the cleaning solution and a distributor fluidly connected to the fluid source for distributing the cleaning solution to the surface. A liquid recovery system is provided and includes a suction nozzle and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing and in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. An adjusting device detects the concentration of detergent in the cleaning solution and adjusts the flow of the detergent to the cleaning solution to a predetermined value.

Description

A CLEANING MACHINE FOR CLEANING A SURFACE

The present invention relates to a portable cleaning machine for cleaning a surface. The present application is divided from GB 0414433.3 to which reference is directéd It is know to have cleaning machines for cleaning a surface. One* example of a cleaning machine Is a carpet extractor that distributes water and detergent. cleaning solution to a cleaning surface and substantially simultaiieously extracts it along with the dirt on the carpet in a continuous operation. This machine generally uses one or two tanks for holding the cleaning solution and one tank for containing the extracted or recovered dirt and cleaning solution. When usingthls carpet extractor, the majority of this water is recovered and then discarded. Such *an arrangement has several disadvantages. One Is that at least two tanks are used which together provide about twice the tank volume that is need to hold the actual volume. Another is is that the user has to carry the recovery tank when full to the sink for disposal of the recovered solution and then refill the solution tank(s).

To overcon2e these disadvantages, the carpet extractor can be designed to recycle the extracted cleaning solution for reuse. This solution would eliminate the additional recovery tank and the disposal of the recovered deanlng solution In the tank several times during the cleaning of the carpet with the carpet extractor. Further, this solution reduces significantly the number of times the user has to stop and refill the solution tank(s). it would also be desirable for such a carpet extractor that hâs'a detergent tank to adjust the amount of detergent in the recycled water or the clean water from a different fluid source, if the extracted water is not reused, so that the ratio of detergent to water is optimized to produce the desired cleaning performance on the carpet.

The foregoing and other facets of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following description and the attached drawings. In one aspect of the invention, a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation as it moves along the surface is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a liquid distribution system operatively associated with the housing. The liquid distribution system Includes a fluid source providing a suppIyf the cleaning * solution and a distributor fluidly connected to the fluid source for distributing the cleaning solution to the surface. A liquid recovery system is operatively associated with the housing and Includes a suction nozzle and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing' and in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt.from the surface through,.

the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A filter.system is provided on the housing and in fluid, communication with the recovery tank for filtering the * recovered deaning solution to be reused. The filter system includes a first'filter provided ona filter support mounted to the recovery tank for filtering particles from the cleaning solution and'dirt, and a second filter fluidly connected between the recovery tank and the distributor for filtering particles from the cleaning solution and dirt of a smaller size than the particles filtered from the first filter.

in another aspect of the invention, a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which deaning solution is distribs.&ted to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation as it moves along the surface is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing.and a liquid distribution system operatively associated with the housing. The liquid distribution system includes a fluid source providing a supply of the cleaning solution and a distributor fluidly connected to the fluid source for distributing the cleaning solution to the surface.

A liquid recovery system is operatively associated with the housing and indudes a suction nozzle and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing and in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt.from the surface through the suction nozzle and Into the recovery tank. A filter system is provided on the housing and in fluid communication with the recovery tank for filtering the recovered cleaning solution to be reused, wherein the filter assembly is composed of a polytetrafluoroethylene film.

In still another aspect of the invention, a deaning apparatus for 20.

cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is distributed to the surface ant.

substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation as it moves along the surface Is provided. The deaning apparatus.includes a housing and a liquid distribution system operatively associated with the housing. The liquid distribution system includes a fluid source providing a supply of the cleaning so!ution and a distributor fluidly connected to the fluid source for distributing the cleaning solution to the surface.

A liquid recovery system is operatively associated with the housing and includes *a suction nozzle and a suction source in fluid comrnunication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt from the s surface through the suction nozzle. An adjusting device is operatively connected to the detergent tank. and the cleaning solution from the fluid source. The adjusting device deteôts the concentration of detergent In the cleaning solution and adjusts the flow of detergent from the detergent tank to the cleaning solution to a predetermined value based on the concentration of detergentin the cleaning solution detected by the adjusting device.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the attached drawings, of which: * Figure 1 is a perspective view of a carpet extractor embodying the present invention; V Figure 2 is an explodedviewof the base assembly of the carpet extractor illustrating the pnnclpal elements thereof; and Figure 3 is a schematic view of the fluid distribution system of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. I depicts a perspective view of an* upright carpet extractor 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The upright carpet extractor 60 comprises an upright handle assembly 62 pivotally connected to the reaiportion.of the floor-engaging portion orbas.e assembly 64 that moves and cleans along.a surface 14 such as a carpet.

A housing 76 Is mounted to the handle portion 62 of the extractor and houses several components of the extractor 60, which will be further described. A combined air/water separator and recovery tank 80 removably sets atop base assembly 64 and is surrounded by a hood portion 82. Before the extractor is used for cleaning the surface, the recovery tank 8Ois filled with cleaning solution such as clean water. Referring to FIG. 2, the base assembly 64 includes a frame assembly 83 which comprises a generally unitary molded rear body 84 having two laterally displaced wheels 66 (the left wheel 66L being shown in FIG. 1) rotatably attached to the rear of the rear body 84. Integrally molded into the bottom of the rear body 84 is a circular stepped basin 86 receMng therein a motor/fan assembly 90 used to provide the suction power.

The motor/fan assembly 90 is In fluid communication with the recovery tank 80.

A suitable motor/fan assembly is shown in U.S. patent 6,500,977, the

disclosure of which is' Incorporated by reference.

The base assembly 64 includes a brush assemb!y 70 having a plurality of rotating scrub brushes 72 (FIG. 3) for scrubbing the surface. An air driven turbine 98 providing motive power for the brush assemLIy 701s mciunted on the front portion of the rear body 84. The brush assembly 70 is contained in a brush cavity 73 formed In the underside of the front body 92. A suitable brush..

assembly 70 is taught in patent 5,867,857; the disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference. BrUsh assembly 70 is operated by a suitable gear train (or other known means), not shown, contained in transmission housing 100. A suitable air turbine driven gear train is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,362; the

disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

Turning back to FIGS. I and Z a floor suction nozzle assembly 124 is removably mounted to the hood portion 82 of the base assembly 64. In * particular, the floor suctFon nozzle assembly 124 Includes a front plate 126 secured to a rear plate 128 that in combination define dual side ducts 130, 132 separated by atear drop shaped opening 134 as best depicted in FIG. 2. The opening 134 extends down from an accessory hose opening 136, formed In the front portion 126, to a predetermined distance above the suction inlet 138 of the suction nozzle 124. A door 168 is pivotally connected to the front portion t26 and releasably fits into the complimentary recess I 67to cover the opening 136 io when the carpet extractor 60 is used to-clean the floor.

The front and rear plates or portions 126, 128 are secured to one another by ultrasonic welding and screw fasteners, however, other types. of ways to secure them such as for example, by adhesive, can be used. . The distance above the suction inlet 138 fo the opening 134 is about one fourth of ** an Inch, which provides a flow path for liquid and dirt pick up In the center of the suction inlet 138 of the nozzle 124. The side ducts 130, 132 converge -upstream into.a recessed throat portion 149 (FIG. 1), which terminates into an upwardly extending rear duct 150. The rear duct 150 is positioned in a complementary recess portion. 152 formed in the front lower portion of the recovery tank 80. The duct 150 fluidly connects with the recovery tank 80.

As depicted In FIG. 2, the recovery tank 80 sets down overand surrounds a portion of the motor cover 230 of base frame assembly 64. It is preferred that recovery*tank 80 set atop and surround a portion of the motor fan assembly 90 thereby providing sound insulating properties and assisting in -noie reduction of the extractor: A u-shaped carrying handle 332 is pivotally connected to the upper portion of the recovery tank 80. The recovery-tank lid assembly 301 incorporates therein the air/fluid separator. The motor/fan assembly 90 extracts the air and soiled liquid from the carpet and draws it through the suction nozzle 124 and side suction ducts 130, 132 tothe lid assembly 301 of the recovery tank 80 where separation of the air and liquid OCcUrS.

The recovery tank 80 includes a filter basket or frame 211 that supports a coffee type disposable filter 213 removably mounted on the filter basket 211 and aligned below the lid 301. The coffee type filter 213 is composed of a polytetrafluoroethyjene film, which has good dirt release and filtering properties. To remove the filter 213, a user first removes the lid 301 to gain access to the filter 213. The filter 213 generally filters out large particles, fibers, and hairs from the extracted deaning solution traveling from the lid 301 and passing through it to the bottom of the recovery tank 80. The liquid collects in the bottom of the recovery tank 80 and is reused as cleaning solution after being further treated, which Will be further explained in more detail.

A detergent supply tank 622 with cap 720 (FIG.3) is adhesively mounted to the housing 76 as depicted in FIG.1. Alternatively, an additional clean water tank can be removably mounted to the handle 62 and filled with detergent or any other desired fluid such as liquid protectant or a fragrance emitting solution. The detergent supply tank 622 is positioned upon a bottom base 624 and is removably mounted to the handle. 60.

FIG. 3 illustrates the overall solution distribution system, which will be described below. The carpet extractor includes a solution hose 790 that fluidly connects an outlet of the recovery tank 80 to an inlet 81 of a pressure actuated shutoff valve 804. The outlet of the detergent tank 622 i fluidly connected to an lnlet523 of an electrically controlled variable mixing valve 796 via a sultabie.flexible hose 798.

The pressure actuated shut off valve 804 is fluidly connected between the recovery tank 80 and the mbdng valve 796 for turning off and on the flow of water. This shut off valve 804 is opened and closed, by outside pressure via a conduit 806 connected between it and the outlet 807 of a pump 808 through a Tee 817.' The valve 804 includes a pressure port 822 fluidly connected to*the outlet 807 of a pump 808. The outlet of the valve 814 is fluidly connected to an inlet 521 of the mixing valve 796 va hose 815. It should be known that recovery tank 80 could be fluidly connect to the outlet 814 of the -valve 804 with the inlet 812 of the valve 804 being fluidly connect to the mixing valve 796 so that fluid could flow the opposite direction If desired In operation, when the pressure at the pressure port 822 is below a predetermined value such as between 7 to IO psi, the valve 804 opens to allow water to flow in both directions. Such a pressurevalue at the pressure port 822 occurs when the'main shut off valve 820 is opened and the pump 808 is turned on. The pump 808. also pressurizes the cleaning solution to draw it to the distributor 792. When the pressure exceeds a second predetermined value such as between 20 to 30 psi, the valve 804 closes. This would occur if the main shut off valve 820 is closed and the pump is turned on. Thus,.'with the valve 804 closed, the cleaning, solution is prevented from flowing through It.. 20,

Various types of pumps can be used such as a piston pump, gear pump or centrifugal pump.

A sediment filter 215 is disposed in the'solution hose 15 and fluidly connected between the outlet 814 of the shut off valve 804 and inlet 521 of the mixing valve 796. The sediment filter 215 filters out particles smaller than those, filtered out by the coffee type filter 213. In particular, the sediment filler 215

Claims

CLAI MS: 1. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which

cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted atong with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation as it moves along the surface comprising: a) a housing; b) a liquid distribution system operatively associated with said housing and including: a fluid source providing a supply of the cleaning solution; a detergent tank removably mounted to said housing and providing a supply of detergent to the cleaning solution; a distributor fluidly connected to said fluid source for distributing said cleaning solution to the surface; C) a liquid recovery system operatively associated with said housing and including: a suction nozzle; a suction source in fluid communication with said suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle; and d) an adjusting device operatively connected to said detergent tank and the cleaning solution from said fluid source, said adjusting device detecting the concentration of detergent in the cleaning solution and adjusting the flow of detergent from said detergent tank to the cleaning solution to a predetermined value based on the concentration of detergent in the cleaning solution detected by said adjusting device.

2. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluid source is a recovery tank containing the cleaning solution, said recovery tank removably mounted to said housing and in fluid communication with said suction nozzle such that at least the extracted cleaning solution transported through the suction nozzle deposits into said recovery tank for reuse.

3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said adjusting device comprises a valve device fluidly connected between said detergent tank and said fluid source, a detecting device operatively associated with the cleaning solution for detecting the concentration of detergent in the cleaning solution, said detector outputting a signal representative of the detected concentration of detergent in the cleaning solution, a controller coupled to said detecting device and said valve device, said controller controlling said valve device to allow detergent from said detergent to flow to the cleaning solution from said fluid source at a predetermine amount based on said signal.

4. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3 wherein said adjusting device detects the pH level of the cleaning solution corresponding to the concentration of detergent in the cleaning solution.