Unmanned scrubber
By integrating an unmanned floor scrubber onto an AGV forklift, and utilizing laser navigation and a quick-installation/uninstallation design, the problems of large space occupation, high cost, and manual operation of existing floor scrubbers are solved, achieving efficient and safe autonomous cleaning operations.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423250753.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing floor scrubbers require a large space, have high investment costs, require manual operation, are difficult to disassemble, and cannot be effectively integrated with AGV forklifts, thus affecting operational efficiency.
Design an unmanned floor scrubber that is mounted on a forklift with left and right fork sleeves. The top of the forklift has a clean water tank, and the bottom has a water suction device and brush assembly. It is equipped with a laser device for navigation and obstacle avoidance, a quick-connect power connector for fast power supply, and sensors to monitor water level and wastewater status, enabling quick loading and unloading and autonomous floor scrubbing.
It enables unmanned floor cleaning, improves work efficiency, reduces space occupation and cost, ensures safety and continuity of operation, adapts to different ground conditions, and supports rapid installation and unloading.
Smart Images

Figure CN223886790U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of floor scrubbing machine technology, and in particular to an unmanned floor scrubbing machine. Background Technology
[0002] Floor scrubbing machines represent a complex and crucial field. With the rapid development of the intelligent logistics industry in recent years, AGV forklifts have become increasingly popular among manufacturers, leading to a proliferation of non-standard customizations. Driven by the concept of smart factories, the demand for AGV forklifts has grown significantly, gradually gaining a certain market share. Since AGV forklifts are customizable industrial products, forklift manufacturers need to comprehensively consider actual working conditions to provide customers with reasonable and efficient technical solutions, resulting in various additional vehicle functions. Currently, AGV forklift functions are quite sophisticated, with diverse navigation methods such as magnetic strip navigation, laser navigation, QR code navigation, and natural navigation. Fork detection often uses photoelectric switches; fork tip photoelectric switches ensure accurate fork insertion, while fork root photoelectric switches determine the presence or absence of goods on the forks. Drive methods are also diverse, including single-steering wheel drive, dual-steering wheel drive, and multi-steering wheel drive. Due to the special operating environment of AGV vehicles, some special functions have been incorporated into the vehicle architecture. Wet ground is a fatal obstacle to the normal operation of AGV vehicles.
[0003] In the prior art, the intelligent laser floor scrubber disclosed in patent publication number CN221865571U includes a machine body, an air outlet distributed on one side of the high-pressure nozzle, and a blower connected to the upper end of the air outlet. The upper end of the machine body has a mounting slot, and locking knobs are inserted into both sides of the mounting slot. A mounting block is inserted into the inner wall of the mounting slot, and a canopy is fixedly connected to the upper end of the mounting block. A PLC controller is installed on the inner wall of the machine body. This intelligent laser floor scrubber can be manually operated from a driver's cab and can be protected by a canopy, making operation more convenient. It can also be automatically controlled by programming using a laser radar and a PLC controller. Furthermore, after laser cleaning by the laser cleaning head, high-pressure water spraying and air blowing can be performed through the high-pressure nozzle and air outlet. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of manual floor scrubbing machines, which require a large space, high investment costs, and manual operation. This invention provides an unmanned floor scrubbing machine with intelligent functions, which can share the vehicle's automatic navigation system. Except for a brief period of manual intervention during loading and unloading, the machine can autonomously scrub and absorb water during the rest of the operation. In addition, it can be put into regular operation immediately after the scrubbing and water absorption task is completed.
[0005] Another objective of this invention is to solve the problem of disassembly difficulties in existing floor scrubbers. This invention enables quick assembly and disassembly without affecting the work cycle, and can quickly achieve the functions of floor scrubbing and water absorption, providing a space-saving and cost-efficient unmanned floor scrubber.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an unmanned floor scrubber, wherein the floor scrubber is mounted on a forklift with a left fork sleeve and a right fork sleeve, a clean water tank is located on the top of the forklift, a wastewater tank is located on the other side of the clean water tank, fastening brackets are connected to both sides of the wastewater tank, the fastening brackets are of a stepped structure, a water suction device is located at the bottom of the floor scrubber, a brush assembly is located below the water suction device, and a laser device is located on the top of the forklift.
[0007] Preferably, the top of the clean water tank is a tank cover, the side of the clean water tank is equipped with an upper liquid level sensor and a lower liquid level sensor, the bottom of the clean water tank is a clean water outlet, and the side of the clean water outlet is a clean water inlet.
[0008] Preferably, the floor scrubber has an access door on one side and a quick-connect power socket on the side facing the forklift.
[0009] Preferably, the top of the sewage tank is the suction motor box, and the top of the suction motor box is an indicator light.
[0010] Preferably, a sewage level sensor is installed on one side of the sewage tank, with a sewage inlet on the side of the sewage level sensor and a sewage drain outlet at the bottom of the sewage tank.
[0011] Preferably, the brush assembly is raised and lowered by a front electric push rod and a rear electric push rod, and the brush assembly is flexibly connected to the floor scrubber by a chain.
[0012] As a preferred option, the brush assembly is equipped with a floor scrubbing motor, and the power supply port on the side of the forklift is located at the vehicle body end.
[0013] Preferably, the water suction device is equipped with a water suction port, and the brush plate assembly is equipped with a brush plate water inlet.
[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are: This invention uses an AGV forklift to achieve autonomous floor cleaning and water extraction, enabling unmanned operation. The cleaning path is manually planned, the cleaning and water extraction work area is large, and the work efficiency is high. This invention also allows for quick loading and unloading, enabling autonomous floor cleaning tasks anytime, anywhere. Laser devices are installed at the two front corners of the floor scrubber to ensure safe operation and prevent accidental collisions with people and objects that could cause loss of life or property. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the forklift and floor scrubber of this utility model.
[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom of the floor scrubber of this utility model.
[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the floor scrubber of this utility model.
[0018] In the diagram: 1. Clean water tank; 2. Tank cover; 3. Upper level sensor; 4. Clean water outlet; 5. Lower level sensor; 6. Clean water inlet; 7. Inspection door; 8. Power quick-connect interface; 9. Suction device; 10. Brush assembly; 11. Wastewater tank; 12. Indicator light; 13. Suction motor box; 14. Power supply port at the vehicle body end; 15. Wastewater level sensor; 16. Wastewater inlet; 17. Wastewater tank drain outlet; 18. Fastening bracket; 19. Front electric actuator; 20. Floor scrubber motor; 21. Left fork sleeve; 22. Rear electric actuator; 23. Chain; 24. Right fork sleeve; 25. Suction port; 26. Brush water inlet; 27. Laser device; 28. Floor scrubber; 29. Forklift. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments.
[0020] The working steps of this utility model are as follows: The AGV forklift 29 is designed to carry the floor scrubber 28 to achieve automated cleaning operations. The floor scrubber 28 is fixed to the AGV forklift 29 through the insertion holes of the left fork sleeve 21 and the right fork sleeve 24. This design allows the floor scrubber to be quickly loaded and unloaded, facilitating flexible use in different work scenarios. The floor scrubber 28 has dual functions of scrubbing and water absorption. Its design includes several sets of water absorption devices 9, which are located at the four corners of the floor scrubber and rigidly connected to the main frame of the floor scrubber. The main function of the water absorption devices 9 is to absorb the wastewater from the ground during the scrubbing process and suck the wastewater into the wastewater tank 11 through the water inlet 25, ensuring that the cleaned ground dries quickly and preventing slips and other safety accidents.
[0021] The brush assembly 10 is the core component of the floor scrubber 28, responsible for performing the floor scrubbing operation. The brush assembly 10 consists of multiple sections, each powered by a scrubbing motor 20. To ensure effective scrubbing, each motor is equipped with a brush water inlet 26 for injecting clean water into the brush to facilitate cleaning and stain removal during the scrubbing process.
[0022] The brush assembly 10 also features a lifting function, controlled by the front electric push rod 19 and the rear electric push rod 22. A flexible connection is formed between the brush assembly 10 and the floor scrubber body via two chains 23, allowing the brush assembly 10 to autonomously adjust to uneven surfaces to adapt to different floor conditions and ensure effective cleaning.
[0023] The floor scrubber 28 is powered via a quick-connect power interface 8. This design allows for rapid charging and easy compatibility with the power system of the AGV forklift 29, achieving efficient energy utilization. Water suction devices 9 are installed at the four corners of the floor scrubber 28, each equipped with a magnetic brush. These brushes adhere closely to the ground, improving suction efficiency. The magnetic brush design allows the suction devices 9 to quickly respond to uneven surfaces, automatically adjusting their contact with the ground to ensure effective water suction under various floor conditions.
[0024] The brush assembly 10 on the floor scrubber 28 has also been improved, now featuring four magnetic brushes. These brushes are controlled by four independent motors, each connected to one brush. This design allows each brush to operate independently, increasing the scrubber's flexibility and efficiency. Each magnetic brush can be fine-tuned according to the actual floor conditions to ensure optimal cleaning results. The magnetic brush design also helps reduce friction between the brush and the floor, reducing wear and extending the brush's lifespan.
[0025] Independent control of the four motors means that the floor scrubber 28 can adjust the speed and intensity of each brush according to different cleaning needs. For example, when cleaning stubborn stains, the power of the corresponding motor can be increased, while the power can be reduced when cleaning smoother floors to save energy and reduce unnecessary wear. Independent motor control also allows for maintenance or replacement of individual brushes while the floor scrubber 28 is running without stopping the entire machine, which greatly improves maintenance efficiency and operating time.
[0026] The clean water tank 1 is securely bolted to the floor scrubber body, ensuring its stability and safety during operation. The tank cover 2 is designed for easy water filling by the operator, guaranteeing a continuous water supply for the cleaning operation. Inside the clean water tank 1 are an upper level sensor 3 and a lower level sensor 5. These sensors monitor the water level; the upper level sensor 3 sends a signal when the tank is full, while the lower level sensor 5 issues an alert when the tank is low on water. These sensors, linked with indicator light 12 and a voice alarm, promptly alert the operator to full or low water levels, ensuring the cleaning operation is not interrupted due to water shortage. Clean water flows from the outlet 4, passes through the clean water inlet 6, and is ultimately delivered to the brush assembly 10, providing a continuous water supply for the cleaning operation.
[0027] The inspection door 7 is designed to facilitate technicians in troubleshooting electrical faults in the floor scrubber, ensuring normal operation and timely maintenance. Inside the suction motor box 13, a suction motor is installed. This motor draws wastewater through the suction device 9 from the wastewater inlet 16 and stores it in the wastewater tank 11. When the wastewater in the tank 11 reaches a certain level, the wastewater level sensor 15 triggers the indicator light 12 and a voice alarm, reminding the operator that the tank is full and requires immediate attention. The wastewater tank drain outlet 17 is designed for easy emptying of the tank, maintaining its cleanliness and usability. The wastewater tank 11 is secured to the AGV forklift body using a fastening bracket 18, ensuring stability during transport. The floor scrubber's power supply is led out from the power supply port 14 on the vehicle side and connected to the power quick-connect interface 8 via a quick-connect plug. This design allows for quick and convenient power connection, ensuring continuous and efficient floor scrubbing operations.
[0028] When the AGV forklift 29 receives a floor scrubbing and vacuuming task, it will be guided by the navigation laser device 27 to the designated path to the floor scrubber's parking point. Upon reaching the target location, the forklift 29 will autonomously adjust its height and spacing according to preset parameters. After adjustment, the forklift 29 will slowly move forward and insert its forks into the floor scrubber. When mechanical collisions on both sides are triggered, the forklift will stop advancing, indicating that the floor scrubber is fully in position. At this point, the indicator light will illuminate, and an alarm will sound to call for manual intervention. Manual intervention will then be initiated by connecting the floor scrubber's wastewater pipe to the wastewater inlet of the wastewater tank, and connecting the floor scrubber's power supply to the floor scrubber's power quick-connect interface via the forklift 29's power port. The start button on the vehicle side will be pressed, and the forklift 29 will slightly raise its forks before moving to the starting point for the floor scrubbing and vacuuming operation. It will then lower itself to the preset height so that the vacuuming device can fully contact the ground for vacuuming. The front and rear electric actuators will then extend simultaneously, lowering the brush assembly 10. The forklift 29 will then begin the floor scrubbing and vacuuming task according to the preset path, guided by the navigation laser device 27. The floor scrubbing and vacuuming task is a timed cleaning along the planned path. When the preset time is reached, the floor scrubbing and vacuuming task is completed. The vehicle will control the floor scrubber to raise the brush assembly, then slightly raise the forks and drive to the floor scrubber's parking point. Then, the indicator lights and music alarm will call for manual intervention. At this time, the operator will remove the sewage pipe on the sewage inlet and disconnect the quick plug on the power quick connector. Press the end button on the vehicle body, and the forklift 29 will unload the floor scrubber and drive away from the floor scrubber's parking point to perform other routine handling tasks.
[0029] Example 1: Refer to Figures 1 to 3An unmanned floor scrubber 28 is integrated with a forklift 29, making cleaning operations more efficient. The floor scrubber 28 is tightly connected to the forklift 29 via a specific connection mechanism, ensuring stability and ease of operation during the cleaning process. A clean water tank 1 is cleverly designed on the top of the forklift to store the clean water needed for the floor scrubbing operation, while a wastewater tank 11 is located on the other side to collect wastewater generated during the cleaning process. Fastening brackets 18 are connected to both sides of the wastewater tank 11. These brackets adopt a stepped structure design, which not only enhances the stability of the structure but also provides additional support and protection for the wastewater tank 11.
[0030] The floor scrubber 28 is equipped with a water suction device 9 at its bottom, which is responsible for quickly recovering wastewater from the floor after scrubbing, keeping the floor dry. Below the water suction device 9 is the brush assembly 10, the core component of the floor scrubber, responsible for contacting the floor and performing the scrubbing operation. The brush assembly 10 is equipped with a scrubbing motor 20, which provides power to the brush and ensures efficient floor scrubbing. The forklift 29 is also specially designed with a laser device 27 on its top, which can be used for navigation and obstacle avoidance, improving the automation and safety of the floor scrubber.
[0031] The clean water tank 1 is designed for ease of operation, with a lid 2 on top for easy inspection and refilling. An upper level sensor 3 and a lower level sensor 5 are installed on one side of the clean water tank 1, monitoring the full and low water levels to ensure uninterrupted cleaning operations. A clean water outlet 4 is located at the bottom of the clean water tank 1, through which clean water flows and through a clean water inlet 6 to the brush assembly 10, providing a continuous water supply for cleaning operations. An inspection door 7 is located on one side of the floor scrubber 28, allowing technicians to easily inspect and maintain electrical faults, ensuring stable operation. A quick-connect power connector 8 is located on the side of the floor scrubber facing the forklift 29, providing power to ensure continuous cleaning operations. A suction motor box 13 is installed above the wastewater tank 11, housing the suction motor responsible for drawing wastewater from the suction device 9 into the wastewater tank 11. The top of the suction motor box 13 is equipped with an indicator light 12 to display the working status of the suction motor, making it easy for operators to monitor. This design not only improves the cleaning efficiency of the floor scrubber but also makes wastewater collection and treatment more convenient and environmentally friendly.
[0032] Example 2: Refer to Figures 1 to 3An unmanned floor scrubber (28) is integrated with a forklift (29) to ensure stability and ease of operation during the cleaning process, preventing poor cleaning results due to equipment instability. The forklift's top is cleverly designed with a clean water tank (1) to store the clean water needed for cleaning operations, ensuring a continuous water supply. Adjacent to the clean water tank (1) is a wastewater tank (11), which collects wastewater generated during the cleaning process. This design effectively separates clean water and wastewater, avoiding cross-contamination and improving hygiene standards.
[0033] The wastewater tank 11 is equipped with fastening brackets 18 on both sides. These brackets have a stepped structure, which enhances the stability of the overall structure and provides additional support and protection for the wastewater tank 11, ensuring that it will not be damaged by vibration or impact during operation. A water suction device 9 is installed at the bottom of the floor scrubber 28. This device can quickly recover wastewater from the floor after cleaning, keeping the floor dry and preventing safety risks such as slipping. Below the water suction device 9 is the brush assembly 10, a key component of the floor scrubber responsible for contacting the floor and performing the scrubbing operation. The brush assembly 10 is equipped with a scrubbing motor 20, providing strong power to the brush, ensuring efficient cleaning operations and adapting to the cleaning needs of different floor materials. The forklift 29 is also specially equipped with a laser device 27 on top for navigation and obstacle avoidance, improving the automation level and safety of the floor scrubber and enabling it to operate flexibly in complex environments.
[0034] The design of the clean water tank 1 prioritizes ease of operation, featuring a top cover 2 for easy monitoring and replenishment by operators, preventing interruptions to cleaning operations due to water shortage. An upper level sensor 3 and a lower level sensor 5 are installed on one side of the clean water tank 1, monitoring the tank's full and low water levels to ensure uninterrupted cleaning operations and enhance the equipment's intelligence. A clean water outlet 4 is located at the bottom of the clean water tank 1, from which clean water flows through a clean water inlet 6 and finally reaches the brush assembly 10, providing a continuous water supply for cleaning operations and ensuring stable cleaning results. An inspection door 7 is located on one side of the floor scrubber 28, facilitating electrical fault inspection and maintenance by technicians, ensuring stable operation of the floor scrubber and minimizing losses due to downtime. A quick-connect power socket 8 is located on the side of the floor scrubber near the forklift 29, providing power to the machine and ensuring continuous cleaning operations, preventing work interruptions due to power problems.
[0035] A suction motor box 13 is installed above the sewage tank 11, containing a suction motor responsible for drawing sewage from the suction device 9 into the sewage tank 11, ensuring rapid collection and treatment of sewage. An indicator light 12 is installed on the top of the suction motor box 13 to display the real-time operating status of the suction motor, facilitating monitoring and maintenance by operators.
[0036] The wastewater tank 11 is designed with wastewater monitoring and discharge in mind. A wastewater level sensor 15 is installed on one side of the tank. This sensor monitors the water level in the tank in real time. When the wastewater reaches a certain height, the sensor triggers a signal, reminding the operator to empty the tank as soon as possible to prevent overflow. The wastewater level sensor 15 significantly improves the automation level of the floor scrubber, reduces the frequency of manual inspections, and increases operational efficiency. A wastewater inlet 16 is located to the side of the wastewater level sensor 15 and is designed to receive wastewater from the suction device 9, ensuring smooth flow into the wastewater tank 11. A wastewater tank drain 17 is located at the bottom of the tank to discharge wastewater, facilitating collection and treatment. This drain 17 can be opened after the floor scrubber stops working or in designated wastewater discharge areas, allowing for effective discharge and collection of wastewater.
[0037] The brush assembly 10 can be raised and lowered via the front electric actuator 19 and the rear electric actuator 22. This design allows the brush to be adjusted in height according to different floor conditions to ensure optimal cleaning results. The front electric actuator 19 and the rear electric actuator 22 enable the brush assembly 10 to be smoothly and precisely adjusted to the appropriate position. The chain 23 flexibly connects the brush assembly 10 to the floor scrubber 28. This flexible connection provides a certain buffer on uneven floors, reducing damage to the brush and the floor, and also allows the brush assembly 10 to make fine adjustments according to the undulations of the floor during operation, maintaining close contact between the brush and the floor.
[0038] The floor scrubber 28 is mounted on a forklift 29 using a left fork sleeve 21 and a right fork sleeve 24. This design allows for quick installation and unloading, improving operational flexibility and efficiency. The symmetrical design of the left and right fork sleeves 21 and 24 ensures the stability of the floor scrubber on the forklift, preventing deviation or tilting during operation. A power supply port 14 on one side of the forklift 29 provides the necessary power to the floor scrubber, ensuring power supply during operation. This power supply method allows the floor scrubber to operate for extended periods without relying on an external power source, increasing operational autonomy and flexibility.
[0039] The suction device 9 is equipped with a suction port 25, which is the inlet for sewage to be sucked into the sewage tank 11. The design ensures efficient and rapid suction to allow the floor to dry quickly after washing. Above the brush assembly 10 is a brush water inlet 26, used to inject clean water into the floor during washing to help dissolve dirt and improve cleaning effectiveness. The brush water inlet 26 is designed to ensure even water distribution, avoid water waste, and ensure efficient floor washing.
[0040] For those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of the present invention.
Claims
1. An unmanned floor scrubbing machine, characterized in that, The floor scrubber (28) is mounted on a forklift (29) with a left fork sleeve (21) and a right fork sleeve (24). The top of the forklift (29) is a clean water tank (1), and the other side of the clean water tank (1) is a wastewater tank (11). The wastewater tank (11) is connected to fastening brackets (18) on both sides. The fastening brackets (18) have a stepped structure. The bottom of the floor scrubber (28) is a water suction device (9). Below the water suction device (9) is a brush assembly (10). The top of the forklift (29) is equipped with a laser device (27).
2. The unmanned floor scrubber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the clean water tank (1) is the tank cover (2), and the upper liquid level sensor (3) and the lower liquid level sensor (5) are provided on one side of the clean water tank (1). The bottom of the clean water tank (1) is the clean water outlet (4), and the side of the clean water outlet (4) is the clean water inlet (6).
3. An unmanned floor scrubber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The floor scrubber (28) has an inspection door (7) on one side and a power quick-connect socket (8) on the side of the floor scrubber facing the forklift (29).
4. An unmanned floor scrubber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Above the sewage tank (11) is the suction motor box (13), and on the top of the suction motor box (13) is the indicator light (12).
5. The unmanned floor scrubber according to claim 4, characterized in that, A sewage level sensor (15) is provided on one side of the sewage tank (11), and a sewage inlet (16) is located on the side of the sewage level sensor (15). The sewage tank drain outlet (17) is located at the bottom of the sewage tank (11).
6. An unmanned floor scrubber according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The brush assembly (10) is raised and lowered by the front electric push rod (19) and the rear electric push rod (22), and the iron chain (23) flexibly connects the brush assembly (10) to the floor scrubber (28).
7. The unmanned floor scrubber according to claim 6, characterized in that, The brush assembly (10) is equipped with a floor scrubbing motor (20), and the forklift (29) has a power supply port (14) on one side of the vehicle body.
8. An unmanned floor scrubber according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that, The water suction device (9) is provided with a water suction port (25), and the brush plate assembly (10) is provided with a brush plate water inlet (26).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Intelligent laser scrubber
CN221865571U