The present invention relates to floor cleaning machines and, more particularly, to extractor floor cleaning machines.
An extractor floor cleaning machine typically sprays or otherwise distributes cleaning fluid onto a surface to wash the surface. The machine then draws the cleaning fluid and dirt from the surface into a recovery tank. Some floor cleaning machines can also deliver water to the surface to rinse the surface before and/or after the cleaning fluid is applied.
In one embodiment the invention provides a floor cleaning machine for cleaning a floor surface. A frame including a foot and a handle. A suction nozzle is coupled to the foot configured to draw a flow of air and dirty fluid from the floor surface. A recovery tank is detachably coupled to the frame in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The recovery tank includes an inlet conduit in downstream fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The recovery tank also includes a flow divider. The flow divider includes a divider inlet in downstream fluid communication with the inlet conduit. The flow divider divides the flow into at least two separate flow paths. Each separate flow path includes a first flow path portion for directing the flow in a first direction away from the divider inlet, a second flow path portion directing the flow in a second flow direction that is substantially different from the first flow direction, and a flow redirector portion for redirecting the flow from the first flow direction to the second flow direction. A tank body is supported by the frame and in downstream fluid communication with the flow divider. The tank body collects the dirty fluid. A suction source is in fluid communication with the recovery tank configured to draw the air from the tank body.
Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
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.
The extractor 10 includes a frame configured as a base or foot 18 and a handle assembly 22. The handle assembly 22 is pivotably coupled to the foot 18. The foot 18 includes wheels 26 to facilitate movement of the foot 18 along the surface 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheels 26 are non-powered wheels 26. In other embodiments, however, any of the wheels 26 may be driven. The handle 22 extends from the foot 18 and is pivotable between a substantially upright storage position (as illustrated in
The extractor 10 includes a supply tank assembly 28 coupled to the handle 22 and a distribution nozzle that directs cleaning solution from the supply tank assembly 28 onto the surface 14. The supply tank assembly 28 is removable from the extractor handle 22 and may include a handle to facilitate transport and handling of the supply tank assembly 28 apart from the extractor handle 22. The supply tank assembly 28 may include one or more supply tanks, each of which defining a discrete volume for separately storing one or more cleaning solutions and/or water. For example, a first supply tank may store a detergent, a second supply tank may store a sanitizer, and a third supply tank may store water. Each of the supply tanks may include an outlet that communicates with a distributor for drawing the corresponding fluid from the supply tanks, mixing the fluids, and directing the mixed fluids to the distribution nozzle. The outlets of the supply tanks may also be used to refill the supply tanks when the supply tank assembly 28 is removed from the handle 22. Alternatively, the tanks may be filled through separate filling ports that are covered by separate caps.
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In some embodiments, the suction motor assembly 42 includes a fan or impeller that generates a vacuum to draw the fluid and dirt through the suction nozzle 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction motor assembly 42 is supported by and positioned within a motor housing portion 50 of the handle 22. The motor housing portion 50 includes a substantially cylindrical profile centered about a pivot axis 54 between the handle 22 and the foot 18. Alternatively, a central axis of the motor housing portion 50 and the pivot axis 54 between the handle 22 and the foot 18 may be offset.
The suction nozzle 34 is supported by a front portion of the foot 18 and includes a downward-facing inlet 58 adjacent the surface 14 to be cleaned. In the illustrated embodiment, rotary brushes 62 are supported on the lower surface of the foot 18 adjacent the suction nozzle. The brushes 62 may be electrically- or pneumatically-actuated.
The recovery tank 38 is disposed on the handle 22 and is connected to the suction nozzle 34 via a flexible conduit 66. The recovery tank 38 temporarily stores dirty fluid drawn up from the surface 14 through the suction nozzle 34. The recovery tank 38 may be removed from the handle 22 by actuating a latch mechanism 70 (
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Downstream of the second flow path portion 144, the air and dirty fluid exit the flow divider 120 and impinge upon an impingement region 158 of the tank body 74. The impingement region 158 again rapidly slows the dirty fluid, resulting in further separation from the air. The dirty fluid collects in the tank body 74, while the relatively clean, relatively dry air exits the recovery tank 38 through the tank air outlet 116 via an air exit path 76 extending vertically upwardly between the first fluid path portions 140.
A float check valve 160 is pivotally coupled to the separator assembly 94, more specifically the flow divider 120. The float check valve 160 selectively obstructs the air exit path 76 when a level of the dirty fluid reaches a float portion 164 (
The recovery tank 38, and in particular the separator assembly 94 including the flow divider 120, provide for improved separation of air from dirty fluid.
The configuration of the separator assembly 94 within the cover 104 also inhibits any recovered liquid from unintentionally exiting the recovery tank 38 during use of the extractor 10 and during emptying of the recovery tank 38 after the extractor 10 has been turned off and the recovery tank 38 has been removed for emptying. During operation of the extractor 10, the recovery tank 38 is coupled to the handle 22 and therefore pivots with the handle 22 relative to its vertical orientation (shown in
Thus, the invention provides, among other things, a floor cleaning machine. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/847,623, filed Jul. 18, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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3848290 | Bates | Nov 1974 | A |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20150020347 A1 | Jan 2015 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61847623 | Jul 2013 | US |