Docking station with underpan cleaning function for a floor cleaning machine

Abstract

A floor cleaning system can include a docking station to which an autonomous floor cleaning machine can dock between cleaning operations. The docking station can provide power to the autonomous floor cleaning machine to recharge the machine's battery when not in use. The docking station can also supply fresh cleaning fluid to the floor cleaning machine and remove waste collected from the machine. In practice, the floor cleaning machine itself can become soiled with repeated use, such as when cleaning greasy floor surfaces. Accordingly, the docking station can include a rinse aperture to clean the floor cleaning machine itself, such as with a degreasing composition.

Description

Related matters

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 993,031, filed March 22, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to cleaning systems, and more specifically, to docking stations for cleaning machines. Background Technology

[0003] Cleaning machines are widely used to clean floor surfaces such as tile, stone, brick, wood, concrete, carpet, and other common surfaces. Maintaining the cleanliness of these surfaces, especially in high-volume areas of commercial, industrial, institutional, and public buildings, is a continuous and time-consuming process. Today, automated robots and robotic devices are increasingly used to perform these types of continuous, time-consuming tasks.

[0004] For example, autonomous floor cleaning devices can be used to automatically clean defined floor surfaces without operator intervention. These devices may include an onboard power unit that is recharged at a base or docking station. The floor cleaning device can be docked periodically at the docking station, for example, when the onboard power is low and / or between scheduled cleaning operations. Therefore, with limited or no human intervention, autonomous floor cleaning devices can clean floor surfaces multiple times over periods of days, weeks, or even months. In practice, if the device itself requires maintenance, the cleaning quality provided by the autonomous floor cleaning device may decrease, which may not be detectable by a human operator during extended periods of autonomous operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Typically, this disclosure relates to a floor cleaning system comprising a docking station to which a floor cleaning machine, such as an autonomous floor cleaning machine, can dock between cleaning operations. The docking station can supply power to the autonomous floor cleaning machine via a wired and / or wireless connection to recharge a battery carried by the machine. Additionally, in some embodiments, the docking station can supply fresh cleaning fluid to the floor cleaning machine and / or remove waste collected from the machine when docked at the docking station.

[0006] In practice, it has been observed that certain cleaning environments can cause floor cleaners to become dirty and accumulate grime. For example, a floor cleaner may contain cleaning heads, such as rotary scrubber heads and / or sweeping heads, that come into contact with the floor surface being cleaned. These cleaning heads agitate the floor surface during cleaning operations to help lift and remove dirt. The removed dirt can be captured in the floor cleaner's waste collection reservoir. However, some of the dirt may adhere to the cleaning heads themselves (e.g., the bristles and / or pads). This dirt can accumulate on the cleaning heads, thus reducing the cleaning effectiveness of the floor cleaner.

[0007] For example, in restaurants and other commercial settings, floor cleaners can be used to clean floor surfaces with high olefin content (e.g., grease). This organic dirt may be released from the cleaned floor surface in response to the acidification effect of the cleaning head, but then remain on the cleaning head itself. Over time, a sticky, oily / waxy residue may accumulate on the cleaning head surface, affecting the cleaning effectiveness of the floor cleaner.

[0008] According to some examples of this disclosure, a docking station for a floor cleaning machine can clean the floor cleaning device itself when docked at the docking station. For example, the docking station may include a platform on which the floor cleaning machine is at least partially positioned when docked. The docking station may also include one or more flushing holes arranged to deliver cleaning fluid to the underside of the floor cleaning machine, such as one or more nozzles positioned to deliver cleaning fluid to the cleaning head of the floor cleaning machine. The one or more nozzles may be stationary and / or movable relative to the floor cleaning machine during cleaning. In some embodiments, in addition to cleaning the underside of the device, the one or more nozzles may also clean the outer surface of the floor cleaning machine (e.g., the housing). The docking station may or may not have rotating and / or moving brushes for cleaning the cleaning head of the floor cleaning machine, the underside of the machine, and / or the outer surface of the machine.

[0009] In any case, the docking station can be configured to clean at least the cleaning head of the floor cleaner with a device cleaning fluid. The device cleaning fluid used to clean the floor cleaner can be the same as the cleaning fluid supplied for cleaning floor surfaces. Alternatively, a device cleaning fluid with a different composition than the one supplied for cleaning floor surfaces can be used. For example, if the floor cleaner's cleaning head is intended to clean grease or other organic deposits, a degreasing composition can be used to clean and degrease the cleaning head upon docking at the docking station.

[0010] In one example, a floor cleaning system comprising a floor cleaner and a docking station is described. The floor cleaner includes at least one drive wheel, a cleaning fluid reservoir, and a waste fluid reservoir. The drive wheel is operable to drive the floor cleaner across a floor surface to be cleaned. A cleaning head is configured to clean the floor surface as the floor cleaner is driven across the floor surface by the at least one drive wheel. The docking station is configured to interface with and allow the floor cleaner to dock with it. The docking station includes a platform including a drain pipe and at least one flushing port. The platform is arranged to receive the floor cleaner in a position where at least a portion of the floor cleaner is positioned above the platform on its lower side. The flushing port is arranged to deliver cleaning fluid to at least the cleaning head of the floor cleaning device.

[0011] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram of an example floor cleaning system that includes a floor cleaning machine and a docking station.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a top view of an example manifold, which can be connected to... Figure 1 The example docking station is used together to deliver the cleaning fluid of the device to the underside of the floor cleaner.

[0014] Figure 3 This is an illustration of another example configuration of a sample floor cleaning system that includes a floor cleaning machine and a docking station. Detailed Implementation

[0015] This disclosure generally relates to docking stations for floor cleaning machines, as well as related systems and techniques. In some instances, the docking station according to this disclosure includes one or more mechanical and / or electrical and / or fluid connections configured to interface with corresponding features and / or connections on the floor cleaning machine to be docked at the docking station. This allows the floor cleaning machine to be maintained and supplied for continued operation.

[0016] For example, when a floor cleaner docks at a docking station, the docking station may include one or more mechanical interface features that interface with one or more corresponding features on the floor cleaner. As another example, when a floor cleaner docks at a docking station, the docking station may include one or more electrical connection features that are electrically connected to one or more corresponding electrical connection features on the floor cleaner. This allows the battery on the floor cleaner to be recharged when docked to and / or from the floor cleaner and / or in data communication with and / or from the floor cleaner. As yet another example, when a floor cleaner docks at a docking station, the docking station may include one or more fluid connection features that interface with corresponding fluid connection features on the floor cleaner. For example, the docking station may include a fluid connection for establishing fluid communication with a cleaning fluid reservoir on the floor cleaner, thereby allowing the cleaning fluid reservoir to be refilled during docking. Alternatively, the docking station may include a fluid connection for establishing fluid communication with a waste fluid reservoir on the floor cleaner, thereby allowing the waste fluid reservoir to be emptied during docking.

[0017] In some implementations, the docking station is configured to clean the floor cleaner when it is docked at the docking station. For example, when the floor cleaner is docked at the docking station, the docking station may be configured to clean the underside of the floor cleaner and / or the surface of the machine that interfaces with the floor surface being cleaned. For example, the docking station may include one or more rinsing nozzles that abut against the underside of the floor cleaner and / or the machine's cleaning brush / pad spraying device to dissipate cleaning fluid. Alternatively or additionally, the docking station may be configured to clean the outer surface of the floor cleaner, such as the machine housing that encloses the machine's operating components.

[0018] By configuring a docking station to clean the floor cleaner, the docking station can help ensure that the floor cleaner provides effective floor surface cleaning during subsequent use. For example, the docking station can remove dirt accumulated on the machine's cleaning head and / or prevent dirt released from the floor surface during cleaning from accumulating on the cleaning head. This helps ensure that the floor cleaner continues to achieve the desired floor cleaning performance, which may deteriorate if the floor cleaner's cleaning head itself becomes fouled.

[0019] While the docking station according to this disclosure can be beneficial for any type of floor cleaning machine and any type of operating environment, in some embodiments, the docking station is used in conjunction with an autonomous floor cleaning machine. An autonomous floor cleaning machine can be a machine operable to automatically clean floor surfaces without operator intervention. In other words, the operator does not need to stand, ride, push, or otherwise physically manipulate the floor cleaning device to perform floor surface cleaning operations. Because the floor cleaning machine can clean floor surfaces multiple times over periods of days, weeks, or even months with limited or no human operator intervention, the operator cannot detect when the floor cleaning machine itself becomes scaled and / or when the floor cleaning machine fails to provide the desired floor cleaning effect. In these applications, it may be beneficial to provide a docking station that can clean the autonomous floor cleaning machine to correct or avoid problems associated with scale buildup on the floor cleaning machine.

[0020] Figure 1 This is an illustration of an example floor cleaning system 10 including a floor cleaning machine 12 and a docking station 14. The floor cleaning machine 12 is operable to move around the floor surface and clean the floor surface during movement. When refueling is needed and / or floor cleaning is not required, the floor cleaning machine 12 can navigate to the docking station 14 and dock there. In different configurations, the floor cleaning machine 12 can be mechanically and / or electrically and / or fluidly coupled to the docking station 14 to establish a docking position of the floor cleaning machine relative to the docking station.

[0021] Typically, docking station 14 can be designed to work with floor cleaning machines with any desired configuration and functional characteristics. Floor cleaning machine 12 can carry one or more cleaning heads capable of performing sweeping, scrubbing, polishing, and / or other cleaning functions. Sweeping typically refers to dry operations involving the removal of dust and larger particles from the floor surface, such as by dusting, brushing, vacuuming, or blowing, so that no loose dirt particles and other materials are present during scrubbing or polishing operations. The presence of loose dirt particles and other materials may inhibit cleaning or polishing, or cause discoloration of the coating or other physical damage to the floor surface during more vigorous scrubbing and polishing operations. In contrast, scrubbing typically refers to wet operations involving the application of water and / or cleaning fluids to the floor surface while scrubbing the floor surface with a mop, swirl pad, brush, or other cleaning tools. Polishing is a process of polishing the floor surface at a relatively high speed, for example, after scrubbing to provide a glossy, reflective surface.

[0022] exist Figure 1In one example, the floor cleaner 12 is shown having at least one drive wheel 16 operable to drive the floor cleaner across the floor surface to be cleaned; and one or more cleaning heads 18 carried by the floor cleaner. The cleaning heads 18 are configured to clean the floor surface as the floor cleaner is driven across the floor surface by the at least one drive wheel. In some examples, the floor cleaner 12 includes a cleaning fluid reservoir 20 that can supply cleaning fluid to the floor surface to be cleaned and / or the cleaning heads 18 via a fluid delivery system 22 (e.g., pipes, valves, nozzles). The floor cleaner may also include a waste fluid reservoir 24 that recovers cleaning fluid (e.g., after scrubbing), other liquids present on the floor, and dirt released from the floor surface. The floor cleaner 12 may have a fluid recovery system 26 (e.g., vacuum suction, squeezing, pipes, valves) for collecting fluid from the floor surface and transporting the collected fluid from the floor surface to the waste fluid reservoir 24.

[0023] As briefly discussed above, the drive system of the floor cleaning machine 12 may include one or more drive wheels 16 for driving the machine across the surface to be cleaned. The drive wheels may be operated by a common drive motor or separate drive motors coupled via a transmission, which may include a gear train assembly or other suitable transmission. In an autonomous configuration, the drive system may receive input from a controller for driving the machine across the floor, for example, based on input from a navigation / mapping system and / or sensors. The drive wheels 16 may be driven in a forward or reverse direction to move the unit forward or backward. Furthermore, the drive wheels may operate simultaneously or individually to rotate the unit in a desired direction.

[0024] The cleaning head 18 may include one or more brush positions to contact the floor surface being cleaned during movement of the floor cleaner 12. For example, the cleaning head 18 may be implemented using two counter-rotating brushes, one or both of which are motor-driven. The brushes may be positioned relative to each other such that the bristles overlap. As another example, the cleaning head 18 may include brushes having an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the floor and substantially perpendicular to an axis extending from the front to the rear of the cleaner. As yet another example, the cleaning head 18 may include vacuum holes for suctioning debris from the floor surface being cleaned.

[0025] The number, type, and configuration (e.g., the number, selection, and arrangement of bristles) of the cleaning heads 18 on the floor cleaner 12 can vary depending on the floor surface to be cleaned and / or the type of dirt expected to be cleaned from the floor surface. Examples of floor surfaces that can be cleaned using the floor cleaner 12 include, but are not limited to, concrete, tile, carpet, wood, plastic, stone, vinyl, etc.

[0026] In various instances, the floor cleaning machine 12 may be powered by an onboard power source, such as a battery or internal combustion engine, or via electrical wiring. The floor cleaning machine 12 may be a ride-on machine including a seat and operator controls. Alternatively, the floor cleaning machine may be designed for use by an operator walking behind the machine, or the machine may be configured to be towed behind a vehicle.

[0027] In other instances, the floor cleaner 12 can be implemented as an autonomous floor cleaning device capable of operating without human control. When configured in this way, the floor cleaner 12 may include one or more controllers that control the overall operation of the machine. The controllers may be configured (e.g., appropriately designed and programmed) to control various components of the machine, including controlling the drive wheels 16, cleaning heads 18, cleaning fluid dispensing, and waste fluid recovery. For example, the controllers may provide commands to operate the drive wheels to maneuver the machine in a desired direction and to start or stop the operation of the cleaning heads 18, cleaning fluid dispensing, and / or waste fluid recovery.

[0028] In some instances, the controller is designed to implement appropriate behavior-based robotic schemes to issue commands that enable the machine to autonomously navigate and clean floor surfaces. The controller, along with other components of the machine, may be powered by a battery carried by the floor cleaner. For example, the controller may implement behavior-based robotic schemes based on feedback received from multiple sensors distributed around the floor cleaner and communicatively coupled to the controller. For instance, the floor cleaner may include an array of proximity sensors mounted along the perimeter of the machine. The proximity sensors may generate signals in response to the presence of potential obstacles that may appear in front of or beside the machine. In various instances, the floor cleaner 12 may travel along random or defined paths during floor cleaning operations. In some embodiments, the floor cleaner 12 maps the operating environment during cleaning operations, tracks traversed and untraversed areas, and stores on a map the location where the controller instructs the machine to return to docking station 14. In some embodiments, the floor cleaner 12 includes at least one vision-based sensor, such as a camera with a field of view, for guiding autonomous movement.

[0029] The various components of the floor cleaning machine 12 can be carried by a base frame 28, such as a frame to which the machine's components are directly or indirectly connected. The base frame 28 can define a lower side 30 facing the floor surface to be cleaned, wherein one or more cleaning heads 18 are positioned on and / or extend from the lower side of the base frame. An outer housing 32 formed of one or more parts can cover the various internal components of the floor cleaning machine 12.

[0030] Independent of the specific configuration of the floor cleaning machine 12, the machine can navigate to and dock at docking station 14. When the floor cleaning machine 12 is an autonomous machine, it can use a variety of different navigation technologies to find docking station 14 (e.g., radio signals, dead reckoning, ultrasonic beams, infrared beams coupled to radio signals, etc.) and dock at docking station.

[0031] Docking station 14 may include platform 40 defined or positioned above a floor surface, allowing floor cleaning machine 12 to travel to a position where the lower side 30 is at least partially positioned above the platform. For example, in various embodiments, when the machine docks at docking station 14, the entire floor cleaning machine 12 or a smaller portion thereof may be positioned above platform 40. For example, platform 40 may be configured (e.g., sized and / or shaped) relative to floor cleaning machine 12 such that at least the cleaning head 18 carried by the machine can be positioned above the platform. Floor cleaning machine 12 may be positioned above platform 40 such that an axis extending vertically upward from platform 40 intersects the floor cleaning machine.

[0032] Platform 40 may include one or more drain pipes 42 that allow liquid to flow downwards from the floor cleaner 12 and land on platform 40 to exit the platform. Platform 40 may or may not be inclined toward the drain pipes 42 to facilitate efficient drainage from the platform. In various embodiments, platform 40 may be a dedicated structure or surface associated with docking station 14, or it may be a multi-purpose floor surface area, such as a mop or bucket filling station with sidewalls extending upwards from the platform. In this respect, it should be understood that platform 40 does not need to be raised above the surrounding floor surface to function as a platform as described herein.

[0033] Although the drain pipe 42 is in Figure 1 The drain pipe is shown positioned below platform 40 to allow liquids and debris sprayed and / or dropped from floor cleaner 12 during the cleaning process to drain under gravity, but the drain pipe does not need to be positioned in such a location. For example, platform 40 could be a solid surface inclined toward the collection location. A suction line can extract the collected liquid from the collection location and discharge it into a separately positioned drain pipe. Alternatively, docking station 14 could be configured to discharge a drain pipe to a waste trough, such as a waste trough in a back-of-house food service location. Other drain pipe arrangements are possible.

[0034] In practice, larger debris may become trapped in the cleaning head 18 of the floor cleaner 12 during floor cleaning operations. Examples of such debris include food waste (e.g., French fries, hamburger chunks, pickles, lettuce), packaging waste (e.g., condiment packets, straw wrappers), and other floor litter (e.g., leaves, napkins). These materials may become trapped in the cleaning head 18 during cleaning (e.g., trapped between the brush bristles). When the cleaning head is rinsed with the device's cleaning liquid, solid debris may be released from the cleaning head, causing, for example, wetted debris to accumulate on the platform 40 and / or flow into the drain pipe 42. This may clog the drain pipe 42.

[0035] In such a configuration, docking station 14 may include a size reduction unit 43, which is positioned to receive material entering the drain pipe 42 of the platform and to shear the material to reduce its size. The size reduction unit 43 shears the material (e.g., by grinding) to reduce larger debris to a smaller size before it further enters the drain pipe 42 and / or flows through a downstream discharge pipe. The size reduction unit 43 can be implemented using a waste disposal device or other similarly configured apparatus capable of receiving a flow containing liquid with entrained solid material. When in use, the size reduction unit 43 can receive material entering the drain pipe 42 upstream or downstream of the initial drain pipe opening.

[0036] In some instances, docking station 14 may comprise a housing that defines an enclosed cavity or storage space into which the floor cleaner 12 enters. For example, docking station 14 may have an opening on one side that may or may not be closed by a movable door, providing access to the housing through which the floor cleaner 12 can enter for docking. In other instances, docking station 14 may not define an enclosed storage space but may be partially or completely open to the surrounding environment.

[0037] Independent of the layout or housing configuration of docking station 14, the docking station may include at least one flushing port 44, the flow port being arranged to deliver cleaning fluid to the floor cleaner 12. For example, the flushing port 44 may be arranged to deliver cleaning fluid to the underside of the floor cleaner 12, which may be the entire underside of the floor cleaner or a sub-section thereof. In some instances, the flushing port 44 may be arranged to deliver cleaning fluid to at least one or more (e.g., all) of the cleaning heads 18 of the floor cleaner 12. Since the cleaning heads 18 of the floor cleaner 12 are features that interface with the floor surface to be cleaned, at least this feature of the cleaning machine can help ensure effective and continuous cleaning operation.

[0038] In some instances, docking station 14 may have a single orifice through which cleaning fluid is delivered to clean floor cleaner 12. In other instances, docking station 14 may have multiple orifices (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, or more) through which cleaning fluid is delivered to clean floor cleaner 12. When multiple orifices are configured, docking station 14 may have one or more manifolds, each manifold defining multiple flushing holes 44 through which cleaning fluid is delivered to clean floor cleaner 12 (e.g., the underside of floor cleaner 12). The one or more manifolds may be arranged relative to docking station 14 such that when floor cleaner 12 docks at docking station, the orifices are properly positioned relative to floor cleaner to deliver cleaning fluid to the desired location.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a top view of an example manifold 50, which, when the machine is docked with docking station 14, can be used to deliver device cleaning fluid to the underside of floor cleaner 12. In this example, manifold 50 has a main conduit 52 in fluid communication with a plurality of auxiliary conduits 54A-54C. A plurality of flushing ports 44 are defined on manifold 50, each of which can deliver device cleaning fluid to floor cleaner 12 when positioned relative to manifold 50.

[0040] Each feature described as an orifice may be an opening through which liquid is delivered to clean the floor cleaner 12. One or more (e.g., optionally all) flushing orifices may comprise nozzles or turbulence systems that can generate a directional spray pattern and / or turbulent fluid flow against the floor cleaner 12. When docked, some or all of the flushing orifices 44 may be fixedly positioned relative to the platform 40 and the floor cleaner 12. Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the flushing orifices 44 may be configured to move relative to the floor cleaner 12, such as relative to the lower side 30 of the floor cleaner. For example, one or more flushing orifices 44 may be on a movable platform or other moving assembly, allowing the orifices and the liquid delivered therethrough to move relative to the docking station 14 and the remainder of the floor cleaner 12 during docking.

[0041] While the foregoing discussion of docking station 14 focuses on the docking station having one or more flushing holes to deliver cleaning fluid to the underside of the floor cleaner 12, the docking station can be configured to clean the outer housing 32 of the floor cleaner 12 in addition to or instead of cleaning the underside 30. For example, docking station 14 may include at least one flushing hole 60 on an external surface that is positioned to clean some or all of the outer housing 32 of the floor cleaner 12 (e.g., the top surface and / or sidewall surfaces of the machine).

[0042] To supply liquid for cleaning the floor cleaner 12, docking station 14 may include a reservoir 62 that stores device cleaning fluid supplied to flush ports 44 and / or 60. The device cleaning fluid may be stored in a diluted, ready-to-use form in reservoir 62, or it may be stored in a concentrated form diluted by docking station 14 before or simultaneously with use. For example, the device cleaning fluid may be stored in reservoir 62 as a concentrated liquid or as a solid dissolved in a diluent. Fluid conduit 64 may directly or indirectly transport the device cleaning fluid from reservoir 62 to the one or more flush ports. Docking station 14 may be connected to a liquid supply network, particularly a water supply network, to receive water for performing the various functions of the docking station described herein, such as diluting and concentrating the device cleaning fluid.

[0043] Any type of cleaning fluid can be supplied to the flushing ports 44 and 60 of docking station 14 to clean the floor cleaner 12. In this disclosure, the liquid used to clean docking station 14 is generally referred to as a device cleaning fluid. In some instances, water without added chemicals can be used as the device cleaning fluid to flush the floor cleaner 12. Alternatively or additionally, various chemical agents can be used to enhance the effectiveness of the flushing and cleaning performed at the docking station. The cleaning agent used can be selected based on the type of dirt expected to be encountered on the floor cleaner 12 within the target operating environment. In some instances, the device cleaning fluid contains one or more surfactants that help remove dirt from the floor cleaner 12.

[0044] In one example, the cleaning fluid used in the floor cleaner 12 is or contains a degreasing composition. The degreasing composition can be, for example, a specially formulated composition for removing grease and oil. In addition to various surfactants, solvents, and other additives, the degreasing agent may contain alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or caustic soda. Cleaning the floor cleaner 12 with the degreasing composition can be used to remove residual grease and oil deposits from the machine, such as those that may be picked up by the cleaner when cleaning full-service and quick-service restaurants (e.g., back-of-house areas) and in other operating environments.

[0045] In addition to being configured to clean the floor cleaner 12, the docking station 14 can also interface with the machine for maintenance and subsequent operations. For example, the docking station 14 may include a supply conduit 66A configured to fluidly connect with a corresponding connection 66B on the floor cleaner 12 when the floor cleaner is docked to the docking station. Cleaning fluid can be supplied from the docking station 14 to the floor cleaner 12 via the supply conduit 66A to refill the cleaning fluid reservoir 20 on the machine. The floor cleaner 12 can then dispense the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir 20 onto the floor surface being cleaned.

[0046] Docking station 14 can supply any desired type of cleaning fluid. In some instances, water without added chemicals can be used as the cleaning fluid supplied to floor cleaner 12. Water may or may not be electrically activated. Alternatively or additionally, various chemical agents can be used to enhance the cleaning effectiveness of the cleaning fluid delivered by floor cleaner 12. The cleaning agent used can be selected based on the type of dirt expected to be encountered on the floor surface cleaned by floor cleaner 12. In some instances, the cleaning fluid includes surfactants.

[0047] To supply cleaning fluid to the floor cleaning machine 12, docking station 14 may include a cleaning fluid supply reservoir 68, which stores the cleaning fluid supplied to the cleaning machine via supply conduit 66A. The fluid may be stored in a diluted, ready-to-use form in the cleaning fluid supply reservoir 68, or it may be stored in a concentrated form diluted by docking station 14 before or simultaneously with use. For example, the cleaning fluid may be stored in the cleaning fluid supply reservoir 68 as a concentrated liquid or as a solid dissolved in a diluent. Docking station 14 may be connected to a water supply network to receive water used to dilute the concentrated cleaning fluid.

[0048] Depending on the application, the cleaning fluid supplied to the floor cleaner 12 for subsequent dispensing onto the floor surface to be cleaned may be the same as or different from the device cleaning fluid used to clean the floor cleaner itself. When the floor cleaner 12 uses the same cleaning fluid to aid in cleaning the floor surface and when applied to the floor cleaner, the docking station 14 may include a single reservoir containing the cleaning fluid (or a concentrate thereof) to refill the machine and supply it to the flushing ports 44 and 60 upon docking. In other instances, the cleaning fluid supplied to the floor cleaner 12 and subsequently dispensing onto the floor surface to be cleaned may be different from the device cleaning fluid used to clean the floor cleaner itself.

[0049] Docking station 14 can also interface with floor cleaner 12 to remove waste (e.g., solid waste, liquid waste) from the machine during docking. For example, docking station 14 may include a discharge conduit 70A, the supply conduit being configured to fluidly connect to a corresponding connection 70B on floor cleaner 12 when the floor cleaner docks with the docking station. Waste fluid can be drawn from waste fluid reservoir 24 on floor cleaner 12 through discharge conduit 70A to partially or completely empty the waste fluid reservoir. A pump associated with floor cleaner 12 or docking station 14 can be activated to provide prime mover to draw waste fluid from waste fluid reservoir 24 and deliver the waste fluid to docking station 14. In some instances, waste fluid collected by docking station 14 is discharged into an associated drain pipe for disposal.

[0050] In some instances, docking station 14 may flush waste fluid reservoir 24, fluid recovery system 26, and / or other fluid conduits or features associated with the waste fluid system of floor cleaner 12. Docking station 14 may introduce flushing liquid (e.g., water, cleaning fluid, device cleaning fluid) into the fluid conduits associated with the waste fluid system to flush some or all of the system (e.g., except for or in lieu of emptying the waste fluid system collected during floor cleaning operations) with the flushing liquid.

[0051] Alternatively, docking station 14 can be configured to recharge one or more batteries carried by floor cleaner 12. For example, docking station 14 can be connected to a power supply network and configured to be electrically connected to floor cleaner 12 when the floor cleaner docks to the docking station. For example, when the floor cleaner docks, a wired and / or wireless connection can be established between floor cleaner 12 and docking station 14. Power supplied from docking station 14 can recharge one or more batteries carried by the floor cleaner.

[0052] In some instances, the floor cleaning system 10 includes a detection device that determines whether the floor cleaner 12 is docked with the docking station 14. Once it is confirmed that the floor cleaner 12 has docked with the docking station 14, various actions can be performed on the machine. For example, different valves can be actuated and / or pumps can be started to deliver cleaning fluid to the floor cleaner 12, thereby refilling the cleaning fluid reservoir 20 and / or emptying the waste fluid reservoir 24. Power can also be supplied from the docking station 14 to recharge one or more batteries carried by the floor cleaner 12. The detection device can be implemented using electrical and / or mechanical detection methods.

[0053] The docking station disclosed herein can improve the efficiency and cleaning effect of the floor cleaning machine associated with the docking station. The docking station can maintain the floor cleaning machine to repeatedly clean one or more target floor surfaces, including cleaning the floor cleaning machine itself. The docking station can clean the floor cleaning machine each time it docks at the docking station. Alternatively, the docking station can clean the floor cleaning machine some, but not all, of the times it docks at the docking station.

[0054] While the foregoing discussion of system 10 focuses on the configuration of the floor cleaner 12 and docking station 14, other configurations according to this disclosure are possible, wherein the docking station includes at least one flushing port 44 arranged to deliver cleaning fluid to at least the cleaning head of the floor cleaner. For example, in addition to or instead of configuring the docking station 14 with a flushing port 44, the floor cleaner 12 may be designed to have one or more flushing ports 44. The one or more flushing ports 44 may be used to flush at least a portion of the floor cleaner 12 (e.g., at least a portion of the lower side 30 of the machine, at least the cleaning head 18 of the machine).

[0055] Figure 3 This is an illustration of another example configuration of a floor cleaning system 10 that includes a floor cleaning machine 12 and a docking station 14. Figure 3 Similar reference numerals in the figures refer to those mentioned above. Figure 1 and 2 Similar components are discussed. In this example, the floor cleaner 12 itself includes one or more flushing holes 44, which are arranged to deliver device cleaning fluid to clean at least a portion of the floor cleaner, such as the underside of the machine and / or the cleaning head 18. Figure 1 In this embodiment, docking station 14 itself does not have a flushing hole 44 for cleaning the underside of floor cleaner 12, but in other embodiments, in addition to the one or more flushing holes carried by floor cleaner 12, it may have one or more flushing holes.

[0056] In operation, the floor cleaner 12 can be docked at docking station 14. Docking station 14 may include conduit 64A configured to fluidly connect to a corresponding connection 64B on the floor cleaner 12. Device cleaning fluid can be supplied from docking station 14 to the floor cleaner 12 via conduit 64A and exited from the one or more flushing holes 44 to clean the floor cleaner 12. A pump associated with the floor cleaner and / or docking station 14 can pressurize the device cleaning fluid to force it under pressure from the one or more holes and against the floor cleaner.

[0057] In addition to or instead of using different cleaning fluids, in another example, the floor cleaner 12 can be cleaned using the same cleaning fluid that a floor cleaner uses to clean floor surfaces. In these examples, the cleaning fluid reservoir 20 of the floor cleaner 12 and / or the cleaning fluid supply reservoir 68 of the docking station 14 can be positioned in fluid communication with the flushing port 44 (e.g., via...). Figure 2(Manifold 50 in the middle). Then, if the reservoir is simultaneously or not refilled via the cleaning fluid supply reservoir 68, cleaning fluid can be supplied to the one or more flush holes 44 to clean the floor cleaner 12, for example from the onboard cleaning fluid reservoir 20. As another example, the cleaning fluid supply reservoir 68 of the docking station 14 can supply cleaning fluid to both the cleaning fluid reservoir 20 and the flush holes 44 simultaneously or sequentially.

[0058] When the floor cleaner 12 is equipped with onboard flushing orifices 44, such as one or more nozzles or turbulence devices, the orifices can be arranged to guide flow in any desired direction or combination of directions. The orifices can be arranged to spray upwards, downwards, and / or laterally abutting at least a portion of the lower side 30 of the floor cleaner 12. In some instances, the one or more orifices can retract within the floor cleaner 12. For example, the one or more flushing orifices 44 can define nozzles that can retract into the interior of the floor cleaner 12 when not in use. When cleaning of the floor cleaner 12 is required, the nozzles can advance downwards away from their storage position. This configuration allows the orifices to be removed from the free space below the floor cleaner 12 when not in use, for example, allowing the floor cleaner to perform floor cleaning without obstructing operation or subjecting the orifices to contact damage.

[0059] Various embodiments have been described.

Claims

1. A floor cleaning system comprising: Floor cleaning machine, the floor cleaning machine comprising: At least one drive wheel, the at least one drive wheel being operable to drive the floor cleaner across the floor surface to be cleaned; A cleaning head configured to clean the floor surface as the floor cleaner is driven across the floor surface by the at least one drive wheel; Clean fluid storage tanks; and Waste fluid storage tank; docking station, wherein the floor cleaning machine is configured to dock with the docking station, the docking station comprising: A platform, including a drain pipe, is arranged to house the floor cleaner in a position where at least a portion of its lower side is positioned above the platform; and At least one flushing port, said at least one flushing port being arranged to deliver cleaning fluid from the device to at least the cleaning head of the floor cleaner. The floor cleaner includes an outer housing covering the components of the floor cleaner, and the docking station further includes at least one external surface rinsing hole positioned to clean the outer housing of the floor cleaner.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the floor cleaning machine is an autonomous floor cleaning machine capable of operating without human control.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the docking station comprises: A storage container configured to store the device cleaning fluid or a concentrated form thereof; as well as A device cleaning fluid conduit configured to deliver device cleaning fluid directly or indirectly from the reservoir to the at least one flushing port.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the device cleaning fluid comprises a degreasing composition.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one flushing orifice comprises a manifold defining a plurality of flushing orifices.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one flushing hole is fixedly positioned relative to the platform.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one flushing port is configured to move relative to the lower side of the floor cleaner.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the docking station further comprises: At least one supply conduit is configured to be fluidly connected to the cleaning fluid reservoir on the floor cleaner when the floor cleaner is docked to the docking station, so as to refill the cleaning fluid reservoir with cleaning fluid; as well as At least one discharge conduit is configured to be fluidly connected to the waste fluid reservoir on the floor cleaner when the floor cleaner is docked to the docking station, so as to drain the waste fluid in the waste fluid reservoir.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the docking station includes a cleaning fluid supply reservoir configured to store the cleaning fluid or a concentrated form thereof.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the docking station further includes a power source configured to be electrically connected to the floor cleaner when the floor cleaner is docked to the docking station to recharge a battery carried by the floor cleaner.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the docking station further comprises a size reduction unit, the size reduction unit being positioned to receive material of the drain pipe entering the platform and to cut the material to reduce the size of the material.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the floor cleaning machine further comprises a base frame supporting the at least one drive wheel, the cleaning head, the cleaning fluid reservoir, and the waste fluid reservoir.

13. A docking station for a floor cleaning machine, the docking station comprising: A platform, including a drain pipe, is arranged to house the floor cleaner in a position where at least a portion of the floor cleaner is positioned above the platform on the lower side. At least one flushing port, said at least one flushing port being arranged to deliver cleaning fluid from the device to at least the cleaning head of the floor cleaner; as well as At least one external surface rinsing hole, the at least one external surface rinsing hole being positioned to clean the outer housing of the floor cleaner.

14. The docking station according to claim 13, further comprising: A storage container configured to store the device cleaning fluid or a concentrated form thereof; as well as A device cleaning fluid conduit configured to deliver device cleaning fluid directly or indirectly from the reservoir to the at least one flushing port.

15. The docking station according to claim 14, wherein the device cleaning fluid comprises a degreasing composition.

16. The docking station of claim 13, wherein the at least one flushing port comprises a manifold defining a plurality of flushing ports.

17. The docking station according to claim 13, wherein the at least one flushing hole is fixedly positioned relative to the platform.

18. The docking station of claim 13, wherein the at least one flushing port is configured to move relative to the lower side of the floor cleaner.

19. The docking station according to claim 13, further comprising: At least one supply conduit is configured to be fluidly connected to a cleaning fluid reservoir on the floor cleaner when the floor cleaner is docked to the docking station, so as to refill the cleaning fluid reservoir with cleaning fluid; as well as At least one discharge conduit is configured to be fluidly connected to a waste fluid reservoir on the floor cleaner when the floor cleaner is docked to the docking station, so as to drain the waste fluid from the waste fluid reservoir.

20. The docking station of claim 19, further comprising a clean fluid supply reservoir configured to store the clean fluid or a concentrated form thereof.

21. The docking station of claim 13, further comprising a power source configured to be electrically connected to the floor cleaner when the floor cleaner is docked to the docking station to recharge a battery carried by the floor cleaner.

22. The docking station of claim 13, further comprising a size reduction unit, the size reduction unit being positioned to receive material of the drain pipe entering the platform and to cut the material to reduce the size of the material.

23. A method for cleaning floors, comprising: The floor cleaning machine is docked at the docking station as described in any one of claims 13-22; as well as When the floor cleaning machine is docked at the docking station: The cleaning fluid reservoir on the floor cleaning machine is refilled via the docking station. The waste fluid reservoir on the floor cleaning machine is emptied via the docking station. The battery on the floor cleaning machine is recharged via the docking station, and The cleaning head of the floor cleaner is cleaned at least once using at least one flushing port of the docking station.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein docking the floor cleaning machine at the docking station includes driving at least a portion of the floor cleaning machine on the platform of the docking station.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the floor cleaning machine is an autonomous floor cleaning machine, and docking the floor cleaning machine at the docking station includes the floor cleaning machine autonomously docking at the docking station.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein cleaning at least the cleaning head of the floor cleaner with at least one flushing port of the docking station comprises diluting a concentrated form of device cleaning fluid stored at the docking station to form a diluted device cleaning fluid, and spraying the diluted device cleaning fluid onto the floor cleaner.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the device cleaning fluid comprises a degreasing composition.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein cleaning the cleaning head of the floor cleaner with at least one flushing hole of the docking station comprises moving the at least one flushing hole relative to the floor cleaner.

29. The method of claim 23, further comprising collecting at least a waste stream comprising liquid and debris flushed from the cleaning head of the floor cleaner, and shearing the waste stream to reduce the size of the debris.

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