Fluid dispensing system and method

Abstract

A system and method for distributing treatment fluid are provided. The system includes a surface maintenance machine, a fluid reservoir, a blower, and one or more fluid distribution systems. Each of the one or more fluid distribution systems includes one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the blower. The blower generates air pressure and distributes air through the one or more nozzles, while simultaneously distributing treatment fluid through the one or more nozzles. The distribution of air and treatment fluid distributes the treatment fluid onto the surface in the form of a mist, fog, or spray. A method for distributing treatment fluid is also provided. The method includes generating an electrified treatment fluid and distributing the electrified treatment fluid from the one or more nozzles onto the surface.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 023,039, filed May 11, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to distributing fluids, and more specifically, to distributing fluids on a surface to treat that surface. Background Technology

[0004] Disinfecting large public spaces is difficult, resource-intensive, and time-consuming. Manual disinfection, such as using wet wipes, is also unreliable in complex surface areas with many hard-to-access zones, such as retail shelves with many products or hospital environments with medical equipment mounted on the walls.

[0005] For many years, the use of portable sprayers to dispense disinfectant fluids has been widely adopted and proven effective because the mist deposits disinfectant fluid droplets in all areas where microorganisms have a chance to settle. However, it is both time-consuming and resource-intensive. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A treatment fluid distribution system for coupling to a surface maintenance machine is disclosed. The system includes a treatment fluid reservoir adapted to store treatment fluid and carried by the surface maintenance machine. The system also includes a pressurization system adapted to pressurize at least one of the treatment fluid and air pressure to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The system further includes one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the treatment fluid reservoir and the pressurization system, such that one or more nozzles receive and distribute the treatment fluid to a surface. One or more nozzles are adapted to be positioned and oriented to distribute the treatment fluid in at least one of right, left, and rearward directions. One or more nozzles are adapted to be positioned and oriented to distribute the treatment fluid to the right side of the surface maintenance machine, for example, defined relative to the forward direction of the surface maintenance machine, including the right side and outer side of a lateral extent of the maintenance operation area, thereby causing the treatment fluid to treat a second surface. One or more nozzles are adapted to be positioned and oriented to distribute the treatment fluid to the left side of the surface maintenance machine, for example, defined relative to the forward direction, including the left side and outer side of a lateral extent of the maintenance operation area, thereby causing the treatment fluid to treat a second surface. One or more nozzles are adapted to be positioned and oriented to distribute treatment fluid to the rear side of the surface maintenance machine, for example, the rear side and the outside of the longitudinal range of the maintenance operation area defined relative to the direction of travel, so that the treatment fluid treats a second surface.

[0007] A surface maintenance machine is also disclosed. The surface maintenance machine includes a body having an extension and wheels for supporting the body on a first surface for movement in a forward direction. The surface maintenance machine also includes a surface maintenance device supported by the body and extending toward the first surface, which provides surface maintenance operations on a portion of a maintenance operation area defined on the first surface. The surface device includes a maintenance head assembly comprising one or more motor-driven surface maintenance tools for performing surface maintenance operations within the maintenance operation area. The surface maintenance machine also includes a processing fluid distribution system coupled to the surface maintenance machine, the system including a processing fluid reservoir adapted to store processing fluid. The processing fluid distribution system further includes a pressurization system adapted to pressurize at least one of the processing fluid and air pressure to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The processing fluid distribution system also includes one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the processing fluid reservoir and the pressurization system, such that one or more nozzles receive processing fluid and distribute the processing fluid to a second surface. One or more nozzles are adapted to be positioned and oriented to distribute the processing fluid in at least one of right, left, and rearward directions. One or more nozzles are adapted to be positioned and oriented to distribute treatment fluid to the right side of the surface maintenance machine, for example, defined relative to the direction of travel, including the right side and the outside of the lateral extent of the maintenance operation area, thereby causing the treatment fluid to treat a second surface. One or more nozzles are adapted to be positioned and oriented to distribute treatment fluid to the left side of the surface maintenance machine, for example, defined relative to the direction of travel, including the left side and the outside of the lateral extent of the maintenance operation area, thereby causing the treatment fluid to treat a second surface. One or more nozzles are adapted to be positioned and oriented to distribute treatment fluid to the rear side of the surface maintenance machine, for example, defined relative to the direction of travel, including the rear side and the outside of the longitudinal extent of the maintenance operation area, thereby causing the treatment fluid to treat a second surface.

[0008] A method for distributing fluid is also disclosed. The method includes performing surface maintenance operations on a portion of a first surface defined as a maintenance operation area using a surface maintenance apparatus of a surface maintenance machine. The surface maintenance machine includes a body and wheels for supporting the body above the first surface for movement in a forward direction. The surface maintenance apparatus includes a maintenance head assembly comprising one or more motor-driven surface maintenance tools extending toward the first surface for performing surface maintenance operations within the maintenance operation area. The method further includes distributing a process fluid on a second surface using a process fluid distribution system during the performance of the surface maintenance operations. The process fluid distribution system includes a process fluid reservoir adapted to store the process fluid and a pressurization system adapted to pressurize at least one of the process fluid and air pressure to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The process fluid distribution system also includes one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the process fluid reservoir and the pressurization system, such that one or more nozzles receive and distribute the process fluid. One or more nozzles are positioned and oriented to distribute the process fluid on the second surface, which is located outside the maintenance operation area, thereby allowing the process fluid to treat the second surface. The method for distributing fluid also includes moving the surface maintenance machine on the first surface in a forward direction.

[0009] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description below. Other features, objectives, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and implementation. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a mobile surface maintenance machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective view of a mobile surface maintenance machine taken along a longitudinal plane passing through the mobile surface maintenance machine.

[0012] Figure 1C It includes the maintenance operation area. Figure 1A and Figure 1B A top view of the surface maintenance machine.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment system including a fluid distribution system connected to a surface maintenance machine.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an alternative implementation of a fluid distribution system with an electrostatic module.

[0015] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a front view of an embodiment system including a fluid distribution system connected to a surface maintenance machine.

[0016] Figure 5A This is a top view of an embodiment system including two sets of nozzles on the left and right sides of the surface maintenance machine.

[0017] Figure 5B This is a top view of an embodiment system including three sets of nozzle systems on the left, right, and rear sides of the surface maintenance machine.

[0018] Figure 5C This is a top view of an embodiment system including a set of nozzles on one side of a surface maintenance machine. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. In fact, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing embodiments of the invention. Embodiments are provided for the configuration, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes of selected elements, while all other elements employ configurations, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes known to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the described embodiments have various suitable alternatives.

[0020] Figures 1A to 1B This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a surface maintenance machine 100 according to one aspect of the present invention. Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a surface maintenance machine. Figure 1B Through Figure 1A The perspective section view taken from the longitudinal plane 1B in the image. (Reference) Figures 1A to 1B In the illustrated embodiment, the surface maintenance machine 100 is a ride-on machine. During use, the operator can ride the surface maintenance machine 100 in a seated position within the operator cab 101. Alternatively, the machine can be a walk-on or towed machine.

[0021] Surface maintenance machines can perform maintenance tasks such as sweeping, scrubbing, and polishing (grinding) surfaces. These surfaces can be floors, sidewalks, pavements, etc. Figure 1C In some embodiments, a portion of the surface may be defined as a maintenance operation area 126. In some embodiments, the maintenance operation area 126 includes an area where the surface maintenance device 136 of a surface maintenance machine performs surface maintenance operations at a specific time or location on the surface maintenance machine and only within that area. Alternatively, the surface maintenance machine performs surface maintenance operations on an area including the maintenance operation area 126 at a specific time or location on the machine. The maintenance operation area may include a lateral extent 128 and a longitudinal extent 130. The maintenance operation area typically includes a surface area on which a maintenance head assembly performs surface maintenance operations as part of the surface maintenance device 136. Additional surface maintenance devices 136 may perform surface maintenance operations within the surface maintenance area. Figure 1CThe maintenance operation area 126 is where cleaning fluid is dispensed. The maintenance head assembly 116 cleans this area using a scrubber or other surface maintenance tools, and a vacuum cleaner / vacuum scraper removes any fluid from the maintenance operation area 126. Therefore, the surface maintenance device 136 in this design also includes a vacuum cleaner / vacuum scraper assembly and any dispensing device for dispensing cleaning fluid (e.g., a cleaning fluid nozzle typically located in front of the maintenance head assembly). Figure 1C In this embodiment, the lateral extent 128 of the maintenance operation area 126 extends further than the lateral extent of the body 132 of the surface maintenance machine 100, which is common in maintenance equipment that includes a vacuum scraper that extends slightly wider than the body 132 of the surface maintenance machine. In embodiments that do not include a vacuum scraper (e.g., a cleaner surface maintenance machine or a polisher surface maintenance machine), the maintenance operation area 126 may be narrower than the body 132, such that the lateral extent of the maintenance operation area 126 is smaller than the lateral extent of the body 132. In either embodiment, surface maintenance operations are performed only within the lateral extent of the maintenance operation area 126 and not outside of that area.

[0022] The longitudinal extent 130 of the maintenance operation area 126 may not extend along the entire length of the body 132 of the surface maintenance machine 100. For example, as Figure 1C As shown, the main body 132 of the surface maintenance machine extends rearward toward the maintenance operation area 126. In this embodiment, the vacuum scraper is located at the rear of the maintenance operation area 126, such that at any given time or location of the surface maintenance machine, the surface behind the vacuum scraper does not receive surface maintenance operations. Regarding the surface maintenance machine comprising a vacuum cleaner instead of a vacuum scraper, the longitudinal extent of the maintenance operation area 126 can be... Figure 1C The illustrations are very similar. Typically, the floor maintenance operation does not extend to the rear of the vacuum cleaner, allowing a portion of the main body of the floor maintenance machine to extend to the rear of the maintenance operation area 126.

[0023] exist Figure 1C In some embodiments, a processing fluid zone 134 is also included. The processing fluid zone 134 extends beyond (e.g., to the right, left, and / or rear) the body 132 of the surface maintenance machine 100 and beyond (e.g., to the right, left, and / or rear) the maintenance operation zone 126. The processing fluid zone 134 is generally outside the maintenance operation zone 126 because any processing fluid dispensed into the maintenance operation zone 126 is likely part of a maintenance operation (e.g., acted upon by one or more surface maintenance devices 136), rather than part of a processing fluid operation as occurs in the processing fluid zone 134. In some embodiments, the foremost region of the processing fluid zone 134 is located behind the maintenance operation zone 126, for example, defined by a forward direction 208. In some embodiments, the foremost region of the maintenance operation zone 126 is behind the foremost region covered by the body 132 of the surface maintenance machine 100.

[0024] Embodiments of the surface maintenance machine 100 include components supported on a mobile body 102. The mobile body 102 includes a frame supported on wheels 103 for movement on the surface where surface maintenance operations are to be performed. The mobile body 102 may include an operator controller and a steering controller, such as a steering wheel 108, allowing the operator to turn the steering wheel 108 and control the speed of the surface maintenance machine 100 without requiring the use of devices known in the art to remove the operator's hands from the steering wheel 108. Figures 1A to 1B The illustrated embodiment advantageously provides control over various operations for manipulating, advancing, and controlling the surface maintenance machine 100 on the operator console 110.

[0025] In one aspect of the design, the surface maintenance machine 100 may be powered by a battery 114. The battery 114 may be located near the rear of the surface maintenance machine 100, or alternatively elsewhere, such as inside the surface maintenance machine 100, supported within a frame, and / or near the front of the surface maintenance machine 100. Alternatively, the surface maintenance machine 100 may be powered by an external power source (e.g., a generator) via a power outlet 276 or a fuel cell.

[0026] The surface maintenance machine 100 may include one or more electric motors 112 supported on a moving body 102 and potentially located inside the surface maintenance machine 100. The one or more electric motors 112 receive power from a battery 114. The electric motors 112 provide torque to the surface maintenance machine, including torque to rotate the wheels 103, to propel the surface maintenance machine 100 in a selected direction, such as a forward direction. Alternatively, the surface maintenance machine 100 may include one or more motors that can generate electricity for the surface maintenance machine's use and / or directly drive parts of the surface maintenance machine.

[0027] Surface maintenance machine 100 includes a maintenance head assembly 116 (sometimes referred to as a maintenance head). The maintenance head assembly 116 houses one or more motor-driven surface maintenance tools 118, such as scrubbing brushes, sweeping brushes, and polishing, stripping, or abrasive pads, as well as tools for extraction (e.g., dry or wet vacuum tools). For example, the maintenance head assembly 116 is a cleaning head that includes one or more cleaning tools (e.g., sweeping or scrubbing brushes) as motorized surface maintenance tools 118. Alternatively, the maintenance head assembly 116 is a treatment head that includes one or more cleaning tools (e.g., polishing, stripping, or abrasive pads). Many different types of motorized surface maintenance tools are used on surfaces or portions of surfaces, such as… Figure 1COne or more maintenance operations are performed on maintenance operation area 126. Maintenance operations can be dry or wet operations. In wet operations, fluid, such as processing fluid (e.g., cleaning fluid) from fluid reservoir 120, is supplied to or near maintenance head assembly 116, where it can be sprayed onto the underlying floor surface. Such maintenance tools include sweeping and scrubbing brushes, wet scrubbing pads, polishing / grinding, and / or polishing pads. Additionally, one or more side brushes may be provided for sweeping, dry or wet vacuuming, extraction, scrubbing, or other operations. Maintenance head assembly 116 may extend toward the surface on which maintenance operations will be performed. For example, maintenance head assembly 116 may be attached to the base of surface maintenance machine 100, allowing the maintenance head to be lowered to an operating position and raised to a traveling position. Maintenance head assembly 116 may be connected to surface maintenance machine 100 using any known mechanism, such as suspension and lifting mechanisms. The torque of the maintenance head may be provided by one or more electric motors 112. In one aspect of the invention, different motors among one or more electric motors provide torque to propel the machine and to actuate components of the maintenance head assembly 116, such as a surface maintenance tool driven by one or more electric motors.

[0028] refer to Figures 1A to 1CIn some embodiments, the interior of the surface maintenance machine 100 may include a vacuum system for removing substances such as debris or liquid from the surface. The vacuum system may include a vacuum inlet 124a connected to a vacuum source, allowing debris or fluid to be drawn in by the vacuum source from the vacuum inlet 124a. In some embodiments, the vacuum inlet 124a is part of a vacuum scraper 124b that can remove liquid from or from a surface, for example, along a lateral extent 128 of the maintenance operation area 126. The vacuum scraper 124b may be mounted to extend from the lower rear portion of the surface maintenance machine 100. In some embodiments, the vacuum inlet 124a is a vacuum cleaner that can remove solid debris from or from a surface, for example, along a lateral extent of the maintenance operation area. In some such embodiments, the interior of the surface maintenance machine 100 may include a fluid reservoir 120 and a fluid recovery tank 122. The fluid reservoir 120 may include a fluid source, such as a treatment fluid that can be applied to the surface during a treatment operation. In advantageous embodiments, the treatment fluid may be a cleaning fluid, a disinfecting fluid, or any fluid, such as water. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a diluent, such as water, which can be added to a concentrated solution of the processed fluid. The fluid recovery tank 122 contains recovered fluid that has been applied to the surface and become contaminated. The interior of the surface maintenance machine 100 may include passageways for the passage of debris and contaminated liquid. In some such cases, a vacuum system may be fluidly coupled to the recovery tank for removing dust, debris, or contaminated liquid from the surface. Fluid, such as a cleaning fluid that can be mixed with detergent, may be dispensed from the fluid reservoir 120 onto the floor below the surface maintenance machine 100, close to the scrubbing brush, and the contaminated scrubbing fluid is drawn from the center of the scraper and then drawn into the fluid recovery tank 122 through a recovery hose. In some embodiments, the vacuum scraper may indirectly remove contaminated fluid from the floor. One such embodiment is a vacuum scraper mounted on the maintenance head assembly so that it can directly remove contaminated fluid that has come into contact with the floor from the brush. In other embodiments, more than one vacuum scraper is used, such as a vacuum scraper for directly removing fluid from the brush and a vacuum scraper extending from the lower rear of the surface maintenance machine. The surface maintenance machine 100 may also include a feedback control system to operate these and other components of the surface maintenance machine 100 according to devices and methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the surface maintenance machine 100 may be a combination sweeper and scrubber. In such an embodiment, in addition to the elements described above, the surface maintenance machine 100 may be an air sweeper or a mechanical sweeper. This surface maintenance machine 100 may also include sweeping brushes (e.g., rotary brooms) extending toward the surface (e.g., from the underside of the surface maintenance machine 100), the sweeping brushes being designed to guide dirt and debris into a hopper. In the case of an air sweeper, the surface maintenance machine 100 may also include a vacuum system for suctioning dirt and debris from the surface. In other embodiments, the surface maintenance machine 100 may be a sweeper. In such an embodiment, the surface maintenance machine 100 may include the elements for sweepers and scrubbers described above, but excluding scrubbing elements such as scrubbers, scrapers, and fluid storage tanks (for detergents, recovery fluids, and cleaning fluids).

[0030] In a further alternative embodiment, the surface maintenance machine 100 may be a cleaner without a scrubbing function, such as an air-cleaning scrubber or a mechanical cleaner. In such embodiments, the surface maintenance machine 100 may include the elements for cleaners and scrubbers described above, but excluding scrubbing elements such as scrubbers, scrapers, and fluid storage tanks (for detergents, recovery fluids, and cleaning fluids). The maintenance head of such a cleaner may include a cleaning brush (e.g., a rotating broom) extending toward the surface (e.g., from the underside of the surface maintenance machine 100), the cleaning brush being designed to guide substances such as dust and debris into a hopper. In the case of an air-cleaning scrubber, the surface maintenance machine 100 may also include a vacuum system for suctioning dirt and debris from the surface.

[0031] In some embodiments, the surface maintenance machine 100 may include a main vacuum source and an auxiliary vacuum source. The main vacuum source can be used to provide vacuum force for a vacuum scraper, while the auxiliary vacuum source can be used to provide vacuum force for a vacuum cleaner. In some embodiments, the main vacuum source and / or the auxiliary vacuum source may have exhaust ports to discharge air generated by the main and / or auxiliary vacuum sources. The discharged air can be used to provide air pressure.

[0032] Go to Figure 2 , Figure 2 It is connected to a surface maintenance machine (e.g., Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a fluid distribution system 200 in an embodiment of a surface maintenance machine 100. The fluid distribution system 200 is powered by the surface maintenance machine's battery 1 and operated by a power switch 2, which provides current to the fluid distribution system when turned on. In some embodiments, a battery separate from the machine's battery 1 provides power to the fluid distribution system 200. Figure 2In one embodiment, the power switch 2 is connected to the controller 3, which can control certain aspects of the fluid distribution system 200, as further described herein.

[0033] Figure 2 The fluid distribution system distributes fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid is a treatment fluid. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid is a disinfectant solution or a concentrated solution. In such embodiments, the treatment fluid will treat the surface to which it is distributed in a manner that can disinfect or sterilize the surface. It should be understood that other fluids and solutions may be used and considered. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid is the same as the solution used by the surface maintenance machine to clean the floor surface. In other embodiments, the treatment fluid used by the fluid distribution system is different from the treatment fluid used by the surface maintenance machine. In some embodiments, Figure 2 The fluid distribution system may include ultra-low volume (ULV) technology for distributing fluids in the form of mist, fog, or spray.

[0034] exist Figure 2 In one embodiment, the air delivery system 21 includes a blower 5, a main hose 10, an auxiliary hose 11, and a pressure regulator 8 in fluid communication with the nozzle 9. The blower 5 generates pressurized air at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, which is then supplied through the main hose 10, the auxiliary hose 11, and the pressure regulator 8 until it reaches the nozzle 9. Figure 2 In some embodiments, blower 5 generates air pressure by increasing the amount of air within the air delivery system. In some embodiments, blower 5 pressurizes air in main hose 10 and hose 11. In some embodiments, a single blower may be used to pressurize air for a single nozzle, while in other embodiments, a single blower is used to pressurize air for all nozzles. This is further described herein. Figure 2 The fluid delivery system 22 works in conjunction with the nozzle 9, which uses pressurized air to generate a mist, fog, or spray of the treated fluid. In some embodiments, the air delivery system 21 may include an electric motor to generate pressure for treating the fluid, such as an electric blower. In some embodiments, pressurized air is provided from the main vacuum exhaust port of the surface maintenance machine, or pressurized air is provided from an auxiliary vacuum exhaust port of the surface maintenance machine. In some embodiments, pressurized air is provided by an electric air compressor. Those skilled in the art will understand that other methods for generating pressurized air are conceivable.

[0035] When blower 5 pressurizes the air in main hose 10 and hose 11, the pressurized air is delivered through hose 11 to individual pressure regulators 8. Pressure regulators 8 can adjust the air pressure delivered to each nozzle 9, which can be different for each individual nozzle 9. The ability to individually adjust the pressure of each nozzle 9 provides control over how far the mist, fog, or spray from each nozzle 9 will reach. By combining and controlling the mist produced by each nozzle 9, a uniform mist that can consistently cover the desired area or surface can be produced. In some embodiments, only one pressure regulator is used to control the air pressure delivered to the nozzles, ensuring that the air pressure at each nozzle is the same. In other embodiments, no pressure regulator is used, which reduces system complexity.

[0036] continue Figure 2 The fluid delivery system 22 includes a fluid pump 6, a fluid reservoir 4, and a fluid manifold 7 in fluid communication with a nozzle 9 via a hose 15. In some embodiments, the fluid pump 6 may be an electric motor. The fluid pump 6 pumps fluid (e.g., a process fluid) from the fluid reservoir 4 containing the fluid through a hose 13, which may be a fluid hose. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 4 may be a surface maintenance machine (e.g., Figure 1B The fluid reservoir 4 (120) is a fluid storage device. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 4 may be integrated as part of the fluid distribution system 200. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 4 includes a concentrated fluid (e.g., concentrated treatment fluid) and a diluent (e.g., water), which is mixed with the concentrated fluid before dispensing the combined fluids. The fluid reservoir 4 may store the concentrated fluid and the diluent may be stored in a separate container or a separate portion of a separate container. In some embodiments, the diluent may be selectively used with the concentrated fluid used in the fluid delivery system and selectively used with the concentrated fluid (e.g., cleaning fluid) used by the surface maintenance head assembly to clean the floor on which the surface maintenance machine is traveling. That is, the fluid reservoir 4 may store the concentrated treatment fluid, the concentrated cleaning fluid, and the diluent (e.g., a supply larger than any of the concentrated fluids) separately, which are selectively mixed and dispensed as appropriate. Upon startup, the fluid pump 6 pushes fluid through the hose 14 connected to the fluid manifold 7. The fluid manifold 7 can distribute the fluid evenly to each nozzle 9; although in some designs the nozzles may differ, resulting in uneven fluid distribution. After the fluid has been dispensed into nozzle 9, air delivery system 21 uses air pressure to force the fluid out of the nozzle in the form of a mist, fog, or spray. Other methods can be used to deliver fluid to nozzle 9. In some embodiments, the pressure difference generated by the pressurized air of air delivery system 21 can draw fluid directly from fluid reservoir 4 into the nozzle. In other embodiments, fluid is delivered to nozzle 9 by gravity. In other embodiments, fluid is delivered to nozzle 9 by siphon force.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fluid pump pressurizes the fluid to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, enabling the fluid delivery system 22 to distribute the fluid in the form of a mist, fog, or spray. In this case, the fluid pump can be the fluid pump 6, or it can be a separate fluid pump for pressurizing the fluid. By pressurizing the fluid, it can be distributed through one or more nozzles 9 without the need for the air delivery system 21. However, in some embodiments, the fluid delivery system 22 pressurizes the fluid and the air delivery system 21 pressurizes the air. In such embodiments, by pressurizing both the air and the fluid, the fluid distributed by the nozzles in the form of a mist, fog, or spray can consistently cover the surface.

[0038] exist Figure 2 In this context, the air delivery system 21 can be considered a pressurization system because it pressurizes air to allow fluid to be distributed in the form of mist, fog, or spray. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery system 22 can be considered a pressurization system because the fluid pump pressurizes fluid to allow the processed fluid to be distributed in the form of mist, fog, or spray. In some embodiments, air delivery systems combined with fluid delivery systems can be considered pressurization systems because they can pressurize both air and fluid to allow fluid to be distributed in the form of mist, fog, or spray.

[0039] Furthermore, in Figure 2 In some embodiments, the controller 3 is used to regulate the motors of the air delivery system 21 and the fluid delivery system 22. In some embodiments, the controller 3 may regulate the air pressure generated by the air delivery system 21 and / or the flow rate of the fluid in the fluid delivery system 22. In other embodiments, the controller 3 may regulate the fluid pressure generated by the fluid pump. In some embodiments, the controller may also control a series of events relating to the air delivery system 21 and the fluid delivery system 22. In one embodiment, the controller 3 establishes sufficient air pressure in the air delivery system 21 before starting to supply fluid to the nozzle using the fluid delivery system 22.

[0040] In some aspects of design, this article is relative to Figure 2 The described fluid distribution system 200 can be used in conjunction with surface maintenance machines (e.g., Figure 1A The surface maintenance machine 100) is a separate system and is configured to be connected to such surface maintenance machine, for example, as a retrofit operation.

[0041] Move to Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a fluid distribution system including an electrostatic module 16. The electrostatic module 16 is connected to a nozzle 9. The nozzle 9 is fluidly connected to a reservoir 4 via a hose 15, a fluid manifold 7, a hose 14, a fluid pump 6, and a final hose 13. The electrostatic module 16 can apply a charge to the fluid passing through it before it is dispensed from the nozzle 9, thereby dispensing a charged liquid fluid. Charged droplets are attracted to the surface, and the processed fluid deposits on the surface much faster than uncharged droplets, which tend to remain in the air for a longer time before depositing onto the surface. In some embodiments, the charged droplets can surround the sides of the surface, thereby covering the back of the object. In some embodiments, the electrostatic module 16 can be connected to... Figure 2 The fluid transport system. In some aspects of this design, this paper refers to... Figure 3 The described fluid distribution system can be used in conjunction with surface maintenance machines (e.g., Figure 1A The system is separate from the surface maintenance machine 100 and is configured to be connected to such a surface maintenance machine, for example, as a retrofit operation.

[0042] Move to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a front view of an embodiment system including a fluid distribution system 18 connected to a surface maintenance machine. Figure 4A In this system, the fluid distribution system 18 includes a plurality of nozzles 9 that distribute, for example, a fluid for processing. When the surface maintenance machine 17 is relatively close to a vertical surface, the nozzles 9 provide coverage to the surface 20, which is a vertical surface. In some embodiments, the nozzles may distribute fluid into a maintenance operation area (e.g., Figure 1C The portion of the surface other than 126 in the diagram. In some embodiments, the portion of the surface may be to the right or left relative to the surface maintenance machine, as defined relative to the direction of travel, including a lateral extent beyond the maintenance operation area. In some embodiments, the nozzle may dispense fluid in a rearward direction, as defined relative to the direction of travel of the surface maintenance machine, such that fluid is dispensed into the maintenance operation area (in some embodiments) Figure 1C 126), or in some embodiments, the body of the maintenance machine is maintained on the surface ( Figure 1C Behind the range of 132). In a further embodiment, the portion of the surface can be any combination of right, left, and / or rearward relative to the surface maintenance machine, as defined relative to the direction of travel. Figure 4B In, with Figure 4A Compared to surface maintenance machine 17, which has a longer range, it still provides coverage for surface 20. The coverage area of ​​surface 20 can be controlled by nozzle 9. Figure 4A and Figure 4BIn some embodiments, nozzles 9 are oriented at different angles relative to the horizontal plane and positioned at different points on the fluid distribution system 18. Furthermore, in some embodiments, mist, fog, or spray may exit from nozzles 9 at an angle separate from the nozzle angle (e.g., spray angle). The angle and position of nozzles 9, as well as the spray angle, allow the nozzles to atomize, mist, or spray fluid onto surface 20 in a controlled manner for better coverage of surface 20. Various configurations of angle, position, and air pressure provided to nozzles 9 can be used to control the nozzles to provide consistent coverage of the surface treatment fluid from the top to the bottom of surface 20. In such configurations, surface 20 will not have portions not covered by some of the treatment fluid. In some embodiments, the mist, fog, or spray from the nozzles may be a conical spray pattern or a flat spray pattern. In some embodiments, the configuration of nozzles 9 may be fixed, and in other embodiments, the angle and orientation of the nozzles, as well as the spray angle, may be configurable.

[0043] In some embodiments, the portion of the surface 20 covered by the fluid (e.g., a treatment fluid) may be measured to be between 0.5 meters and 1.0 meter wide and between 0.0 meters (e.g., a floor surface) and 2.5 meters high. The covered portion can be considered a human-accessible surface area. In this case, the surface that humans will come into contact with is covered by the treatment fluid and, in some embodiments, is disinfected.

[0044] Figures 5A to 5C A top view of a surface maintenance machine 17 is shown, along with one or more nozzles grouped together on one side of the machine. The nozzle group 18 may include one or more nozzles with different configurations. Figure 5A In this configuration, a surface maintenance machine 17 is coupled to two sets of nozzles 18. One set of nozzles is located on a first side of the surface maintenance machine 17, while the other set of nozzles is located on a second side opposite the first side. This configuration can be used to cover surfaces in environments with relatively narrow corridors. In some embodiments, Figure 5A The configuration is used to extend the area to twice the width of the surface maintenance machine 17. Figure 5B The surface maintenance machine 17 also includes a third set of nozzles 18 located on the rear side of the machine. The third set of nozzles 18 is attached to the rear side of the surface maintenance machine and, in some embodiments, may be directed downwards towards the floor surface. In this configuration, the third set of nozzles can cover the floor surface with a processing fluid. Figure 5C In this configuration, only one set of nozzles 18 is connected to the surface maintenance machine 17. This configuration allows the machine to clean a relatively large and open environment. In some embodiments, Figure 5C The configuration is designed to extend an area more than twice the width of the surface maintenance machine 17. Figures 5A to 5CIn this configuration, the nozzle assemblies 18 are all located behind the driver's seat of the surface maintenance machine 17. This configuration protects the user operating the surface maintenance machine 17 from being covered by the treatment fluid dispensed from the nozzle assemblies 18. It should be understood that other configurations of the fluid distribution system connected to the surface maintenance machine should be considered, including changes to the number and location of the fluid distribution system.

[0045] Various configurations of the nozzle assembly 18 on the surface maintenance machine 17 allow users to quickly cover surfaces in the process fluid, and in some embodiments, the nozzle assembly 18 can be used to cover surfaces in a single pass of the surface maintenance machine 17.

Claims

1. A surface maintenance machine, comprising: A subject with a certain scope; Wheels are used to support the main body on the first surface so that it can move in the forward direction; A surface maintenance device supported by the main body and extending toward a first surface, configured to perform surface maintenance operations on at least a portion of the first surface, which is defined as a maintenance operation area, the surface maintenance device including a maintenance head assembly comprising one or more motor-driven surface maintenance tools for performing the surface maintenance operations within the maintenance operation area; A process fluid storage tank, adapted to store process fluid and carried by the main body of the surface maintenance machine; A pressurization system adapted to pressurize at least one of the processed fluid and gas pressure to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; as well as One or more nozzles, in fluid communication with the process fluid reservoir and the pressurization system, are configured to receive the process fluid and dispense the process fluid onto a second surface, and are configured to be positioned and oriented to dispense the process fluid onto the second surface in at least one of the following directions: a. The right side of the surface maintenance machine relative to the direction of travel, including the right side and the outside of the main body area. b. Relative to the left side of the surface maintenance machine defined by the direction of travel, including the left side and the outside of the main body area, and c. The rear side of the surface maintenance machine relative to the direction of travel, including the rear side and the exterior of the main body area.

2. The surface maintenance machine of claim 1, wherein, The surface maintenance equipment includes a vacuum cleaner supported by the main body, the vacuum cleaner being used to extract material from the first surface along the lateral extent of the maintenance operation area.

3. The surface maintenance machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cleaning fluid reservoir carried by the body, the cleaning fluid reservoir being configured to provide cleaning fluid to the first surface within the maintenance operation area, and wherein the vacuum cleaner is a vacuum scraper for extracting fluid from the first surface along a lateral extent of the maintenance operation area.

4. The surface maintenance machine of claim 3 wherein, The processing fluid reservoir and the cleaning fluid reservoir are the same reservoir, and the reservoir is fluidly connected to the maintenance head assembly and the one or more nozzles.

5. The surface maintenance machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fluid pump in fluid communication with the processing fluid reservoir and the one or more nozzles, the fluid pump being configured to supply the processing fluid from the processing fluid reservoir to the one or more nozzles.

6. The surface maintenance machine according to claim 5, wherein, The pressurization system includes the fluid pump, and the fluid pump is adapted to pressurize the processing fluid to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.

7. The surface maintenance machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a blower configured to pressurize air to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, the pressurized air distributing the treatment fluid to the second surface using the one or more nozzles.

8. The surface maintenance machine of claim 7, further comprising one or more pressure regulators in fluid communication with the one or more nozzles and the blower, the one or more pressure regulators being configured to independently change the pressure of the one or more nozzles.

9. The surface maintenance machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the one or more nozzles is located on a first side and a second side of the surface maintenance machine, and each of the one or more nozzles is located on the right side of the seat of the surface maintenance machine as defined by the forward direction.

10. The surface maintenance machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second surface is located vertically above the first surface, and the first surface is located below the surface maintenance machine.

11. The surface maintenance machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more electrostatic modules located at the one or more nozzles, the one or more nozzles being configured to electrically charge the processing fluid.

12. The surface maintenance machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pressurization system includes an air pressurization system provided by an electric air compressor.

13. The surface maintenance machine of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a pump configured to deliver the treatment fluid from the treatment fluid reservoir to a manifold that distributes the treatment fluid to the one or more nozzles.

14. A method for distributing fluid, comprising: A surface maintenance operation is performed on a portion of a first surface defined as a maintenance operation area using a surface maintenance machine, the surface maintenance machine comprising: main body; Wheels for supporting the main body on the first surface for movement in the forward direction; and A maintenance head assembly includes one or more motor-driven surface maintenance tools extending toward the first surface for performing the surface maintenance operation within the maintenance operation area; While performing the surface maintenance operation, a processing fluid distribution system is used to distribute processing fluid on a second surface, the processing fluid distribution system comprising: A process fluid storage device adapted to store the process fluid; A pressurization system adapted to pressurize at least one of the processed fluid and gas pressure to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; and One or more nozzles, in fluid communication with the processing fluid reservoir and the pressurization system, such that the one or more nozzles receive and dispense the processing fluid, the one or more nozzles being positioned and oriented to dispense the processing fluid onto the second surface, the processing fluid processing the second surface; and The surface maintenance machine is moved on the first surface along the direction of travel.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, While distributing the processing fluid onto the second surface, the surface maintenance machine moves along the forward direction on the first surface.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The first surface, the maintenance operation area, and the second surface change as the surface maintenance machine moves along the forward direction on the first surface.

17. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, Distributing the processing fluid on the second surface includes distributing the processing fluid in a space measured between 0.5 m and 1.0 m wide and 0.0 m and 2.5 m high.

18. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, Distributing the processing fluid on the second surface includes distributing the processing fluid to each of the one or more nozzles such that the second surface is covered by the processing fluid when the one or more nozzles are at least 2.0 meters away from the second surface.

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