Scrubber drier

Abstract

The invention relates to a scrubber-dryer for cleaning traffic areas in industry, logistics, commerce, administration, hospitals or general commercial areas, comprising at least: - a control panel for controlling, operating and activating optionally different cleaning programs, - a chassis and an electric motor drive system which is powered by batteries arranged in the housing, - a housing which surrounds or covers the following parts, - a water tank for holding fresh water and optionally cleaning agent, - a dirty water container for holding vacuumed dirty water, - floor cleaning tools such as one or more brushes or rollers for mechanically cleaning the floor, - a suction foot for collecting the dirty water behind the floor cleaning tools,which enables quick, easy and cost-effective cleaning of both the protective water tank and the clean water tank, even by laypersons, and in which the surfaces of the tank interiors are improved to such an extent that the colonization of fungi and pathogens and the formation of slime through surfactant conversion and biofilm formation are largely prevented.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a scrubber-dryer for cleaning traffic areas in industry, logistics, trade, administration, hospitals or general commercial areas, at least comprising: a control panel for controlling, operating and activating possibly different cleaning programs, a chassis and an electric motor drive system which is powered by batteries arranged in the housing, a housing which surrounds or covers the following parts: a water tank for holding fresh water and possibly cleaning agent, a dirty water container for holding vacuumed dirty water, floor-cleaning tools such as one or more brushes or rollers for mechanically cleaning the floor, a suction foot for collecting the dirty water behind the floor-cleaning tools.

[0002] These types of scrubber-dryers belong to the category of floor cleaning and polishing machines and are able to clean even large traffic areas quickly and thoroughly, and if necessary, while adhering to special hygiene regulations.

[0003] In a first step, water, possibly with cleaning agent, is applied to the surface of the traffic area. This surface is then cleaned with one or more brushes or rollers, depending on the design of the scrubber-dryer. In a further step, the water with dissolved dirt is picked up again with a suction foot and transported into a dirty water tank of the scrubber-dryer.

[0004] Using such scrubber-dryers, a large traffic area can be thoroughly cleaned within a very short time by just one person operating the scrubber-dryer, and also in compliance with relevant regulations, such as in hospitals or the like.

[0005] Due to the aforementioned advantages, such scrubber-dryers are widely used in a wide variety of applications.

[0006] All known plastic scrubber-dryers feature stacked hollow bodies serving as fresh water tanks and dirty water containers. Typically, the upper hollow body is designed as the dirty water container, and the lower hollow body as the clean water container. The clean water container is often formed as the housing for the batteries that power the scrubber-dryer. In many known prior art designs, the upper dirty water container is covered by a hinged lid that allows for a vacuum-tight seal. For filling with fresh water, the clean water tank has openings at the front edge near the top or screw-on filling openings at the rear, both located below the dirty water container in recesses there.

[0007] The clean water tank is inaccessible except for the filling openings and therefore cannot usually be thoroughly cleaned. The clean water tank only has features such as screw caps on the back, drain openings, or drain hoses through which water that is no longer needed or needs to be drained for other reasons can be removed.

[0008] The scrubber-dryers known and described in the prior art are typically made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and are manufactured using rotational molding. Both hollow bodies share a structured outer surface, which simultaneously replicates the particle-blasted inner surface of the hollow bodies. This structured surface is intended to conceal the streaks of the melt flow that occur during the manufacturing process.

[0009] Due to the material and the manufacturing process, the interior of the containers is permeated by countless capillaries formed by the outgassing of water vapor and gases released from the PE melt during the heating of the rotational molds. This is because the aluminum mold wall blocks any escape to the other side, i.e., the inside of the mold. In practice, fungi and germs quickly colonize these capillaries, and the inner walls of the containers become slimy due to surfactant transformations and biofilm formation within a short time.

[0010] This leads to a gradual clogging of the fresh water outlets from the clean water tank to the brushes or rollers within a relatively short period, such as three years. Because the clean water tank is not accessible from the outside and therefore cannot be cleaned, replacing the tank is often the only way to restore the fresh water supply to the brushes or rollers. The cost is also considerable due to the additional labor involved, as the clean water tank is located at the bottom of the machine chassis.

[0011] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the present invention aims to create a scrubber-dryer of the type mentioned above, in which quick, easy and cost-effective cleaning of both the protective water container and the clean water container is made possible, even by laypersons, and in which the surfaces of the inner sides of the containers are improved in such a way that the colonization of fungi and pathogens and the formation of slime through surfactant transformations and biofilm formation are largely prevented.

[0012] To solve this problem, the invention proposes that the water tank and the dirty water container are arranged longitudinally next to each other in the upper area opposite the ground plane in the direction of travel of the scrubber-dryer, wherein the housing with water tank and dirty water container is made of a high-density polymeric material such as PE-HD.

[0013] In particular, the containers arranged side by side lengthwise in the direction of travel of the scrubber-dryer according to the invention ensure that the dirty water container does not obstruct access to the water tank, and that cleaning of the water tank is possible in a quick and easy manner.

[0014] In particular, it may be especially preferred that the water tank or the wastewater container or the water tank and the wastewater container is / are completely accessible from above.

[0015] The accessibility of the water tank and / or wastewater container from above allows for particularly easy cleaning, especially of the water tank, but also of the wastewater container if desired. Because the water tank and wastewater container are completely accessible from above, the entire inner surface of each container can be cleaned quickly and easily by inserting a suitable cleaning agent and, if necessary, a cleaning tool. No specially trained personnel are required, as only the wastewater container and water tank, accessible from above, can be cleaned quickly and easily.

[0016] The use of the well-known material PE-HD in the technical field of scrubber-dryer manufacturing is entirely new and represents a significantly improved tank surface design compared to existing technologies. This means that the harder surfaces compared to PE-LD offer new hygienic and mechanical advantages. Due to the significantly increased surface hardness and glossy finish, considerably fewer fungi and pathogens can colonize the surface, particularly of the fresh water tank. Furthermore, the formation of biofilms on the surface due to surfactant transformations is significantly reduced or, after appropriate cleaning intervals of the fresh water tank, becomes negligible.

[0017] It may be particularly preferred that the water tank, the wastewater container or the water tank and the wastewater container together with the housing or parts of the housing is pivotable or pivoted against the direction of travel.

[0018] This type of swivel mechanism allows for the quick and easy removal of cleaning agents or residual liquids from either the water tank or the wastewater container. Near-complete or complete emptying is further simplified and improved by swiveling and draining through familiar hose connections or wastewater drains due to a steep gradient.

[0019] Furthermore, it may be particularly preferred that the pivoting to the rear is carried out via a hinge arranged on the housing, with additional water drains arranged on the housing to allow liquid to drain after cleaning.

[0020] Such a hinge arrangement enables particularly simple and safe swiveling that can be performed frequently over many years of operation, while also virtually eliminating the possibility of incorrect operation.

[0021] It may be particularly preferred that the housing with water tank and wastewater container has an outer hollow ring body and is formed in a single layer or two layers of PE-HD in a rotational process as a whole body.

[0022] A housing manufactured using rotational molding, which includes at least the water tank and the dirty water tank, avoids the costs of renewing the clean water tank, which are incurred periodically in the prior art, for example every three years.

[0023] Furthermore, the advantages already mentioned, such as easy cleaning and easy access, are cost-effective and easy to implement thanks to a housing manufactured in this way.

[0024] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the housing comprises a lower housing part and an upper housing part, wherein the lower housing part and the upper housing part are fused together in the intended assembly position and thus inseparably connected to each other, wherein the lower housing part covers the batteries and forms a support for the upper housing part in the area below the water tank and the wastewater tank, wherein this support consists of a sandwich base formed on the lower housing part with force-distributing trapezoidal stiffening, wherein the underside of the upper housing part has a shape adapted to the trapezoidal contour of the lower housing part, in which projecting areas extend into the recesses of the trapezoidal sandwich base and have hemispherical elements there that absorb and dissipate the force vectors occurring during the fusion of the lower housing part and the upper housing part.the hemispherical elements serve as the tool for partial fusion.

[0025] It may be particularly preferred that the hemispherical elements are arranged in such a way that, when the upper part of the housing with water tank and wastewater container is in contact with it, an extremely homogeneous and only moderately stressful force absorption is enabled.

[0026] The arrangement of the hemispherical elements in the pre-assembled position of the upper and lower housing parts represents a conceptual solution to accommodate or compensate for the inherent flow behavior of the polymeric crystal lattices under constant force vectors. In this design, the water in both the wastewater tank and the freshwater tank constitutes the force vector that triggers the polymeric flow behavior under static load.

[0027] It may also be particularly preferred that the hemispherical elements are shaped and have a diameter of 8 to 12, preferably 10 mm.

[0028] Finally, it may be particularly preferred that the hemispherical elements protrude approximately 5 to 8 mm above the surface of the sandwich base.

[0029] In practice, a diameter of approximately 10 mm for the hemispherical elements has proven particularly effective, especially when projecting 5 to 8 mm above the surface of the sandwich base. The two parts—the lower and upper housing sections with the hemispherical elements positioned between them—merge at specific points during manufacturing with the molten metal and are subsequently bonded together in a force-fit hemispherical structure. This creates a statically load-bearing trapezoidal structure, comparable to a static truss structure, which acts as a statically effective, neutralizing abutment for the forces generated by the containers (wastewater tank and water tank) located above.

[0030] This enables a particularly long service life for the housing manufactured in this way.

[0031] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the figures and described in more detail below.

[0032] It shows: Figure 1 shows a scrubber-dryer according to the invention in perspective view; Figure 2 shows the housing made of Figure 1 in closed position; Figure 3 of the same from Figure 2 in open view; Figure 4 a sectional view of the housing in the pre-assembly position with indicated force vectors; Figure 5 a close-up of the upper part of the housing with shown recesses and force vectors.

[0033] The figures show a scrubber-dryer 1 for cleaning traffic areas in industry, logistics, commerce, administration, hospitals, or general commercial areas. The complete illustration of the scrubber-dryer 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 1 shown. The Figures 2 to 5 show individual part representations of the scrubber vacuum cleaner 1 according to the invention.

[0034] The scrubber-dryer 1 includes at least one control panel 2 for controlling, operating and activating possibly different cleaning programs, with a handle also located near the control panel 2.

[0035] Furthermore, the scrubber-dryer 1 comprises a chassis and an electric motor drive system, which is powered by batteries arranged in or covered by the housing 3. In addition, the scrubber-dryer 1 includes a water tank 4 for holding fresh water and, if applicable, cleaning agent, a dirty water container 5 for holding vacuumed dirty water, and one or more brushes 6 or, alternatively (and not shown in the figures), rollers for mechanically cleaning the floor.

[0036] According to the invention, the water tank 4 and the dirty water tank 5 are arranged longitudinally side by side in the upper region opposite the base of the scrubber-dryer 1, in the direction of travel of the scrubber-dryer 1. In such an arrangement of the water tank 4 and the dirty water tank 5 longitudinally side by side according to the invention, the dirty water tank 5 does not cover the water tank 4 as in solutions known in the prior art. This allows quick and easy access to the longitudinally arranged tanks (water tank 4 and dirty water tank 5) without having to separate essential parts of the housing 3 and / or the chassis from each other, for example, to access the fresh water tank 4, which is located at the bottom in the prior art.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment, as shown from Figure 3As can be seen, the water tank 4 and the wastewater tank 5 are designed and arranged to be fully accessible from above. This allows for particularly easy cleaning of both the water tank 4 and the wastewater tank 5 from above. For example, a corresponding flap or a cover part 11, which is located in Figure 1 and 2 shown in a closed position and in the Figure 3 The lid 11, which seals both the water tank 4 and the wastewater container 5, is provided after the lid part 11 has been completely removed. After removal or opening, the inventive design allows quick and easy access to both the water tank 4 and the wastewater container 5. Subsequently, even a layperson can easily clean both the water tank 4 and, if necessary, the wastewater container 5.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the lid part 11 can, for example, exclusively cover and close the water tank 4.

[0039] However, the embodiment in which the lid part 11 covers and closes both the water tank 4 and the dirty water container 5 and allows quick access to both the water tank 4 and the dirty water container 5 is preferred.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment, the water tank 4 and the wastewater container 5 are integral parts of the housing 3. This means that no separate containers need to be arranged, but that the housing 3 forms both the water tank 4 and the wastewater container 5.

[0041] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the part of the housing 3 that comprises the water tank 4 and the wastewater container 5 is attached to, for example, chassis components via a hinge that allows it to pivot to the rear. Thus, for quick and complete emptying, for example after cleaning, both the water tank 4 and the wastewater container 5 can be moved into a position by pivoting the housing 3, allowing all liquids contained within the water tank 4 or wastewater container 5 to drain out. Appropriate drains are provided on the housing 3 for this purpose.

[0042] The housing 3 of the scrubber-dryer 1 shown in the figures is made of the polymeric material PE-HD.

[0043] The housing 3 has an outer hollow ring body and is formed or manufactured in a holistic body in a rotational process by rotational forming in one or two layers of PE-HD.

[0044] In a pre-assembled position, the housing 3 comprises a lower housing part 3a and an upper housing part 3b. In the final assembly position, the lower housing part 3a and the upper housing part 3b are fused together and thus permanently connected. In this position, the lower housing part 3a covers the batteries and forms a support for the upper housing part 3b in the area below the water tank 4 and the wastewater tank 5. In this embodiment, this support consists of a sandwich base 9 formed on the lower housing part 3a with force-distributing trapezoidal stiffening. The underside of the upper housing part 3b has a shape adapted to the trapezoidal contour of the lower housing part 3a, with protruding areas extending into recesses 7 of the trapezoidal sandwich base 9.The projecting areas are formed by hemispherical elements 8, which absorb and dissipate the force vectors 10 occurring during the fusion of the lower housing part 3a and the upper housing part 3b. The hemispherical elements 8 thus serve as an aid for the fusion of the lower housing part 3a with the upper housing part 3b.

[0045] The hemispherical elements 8 are arranged such that, when the upper housing part 3b rests on the lower housing part 3a, an extremely homogeneous force absorption is possible, with only a moderate load being placed on the lower housing part 3a. Depending on the fill level of the water tank 4 and / or the wastewater tank 5, which are located in the upper housing part 3b, an extremely uniform force transfer to the lower housing part 3a is thus possible.

[0046] The hemispherical elements 8 are shaped according to their form and, in the exemplary embodiment, have a diameter of 10 mm. Alternatively, the hemispherical elements 8 can also have a diameter of approximately 8 to 12 mm.

[0047] In addition, the hemispherical elements 8 in the exemplary embodiment protrude 6 mm above the surface of the sandwich base 9 in order to be able to be received in the recesses 7.

[0048] The inventive design of the scrubber-dryer 1 significantly extends its maintenance-free operating life compared to known solutions. This means, for example, that the water tank 4 does not need to be replaced after a period of 3 years through a complex mechanical process. The complete accessibility of the water tank 4 and the dirty water tank 5, for example by removing or opening a cover section, allows even untrained individuals to clean this inventive scrubber-dryer 1, thus ensuring a long service life.

[0049] The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown, but is variable in many ways within the scope of the disclosure.

[0050] All new individual and combination features disclosed in the description and / or drawing are considered essential to the invention. Reference symbol list

[0051] 1) Scrubber vacuum cleaner 2) Control panel 3) Housing 3a) Lower housing part 3b) Upper housing part 4) Water tank 5) Dirty water container 6) Brush 7) Recesses 8) Hemispherical elements 9) Sandwich base 10) Force vectors 11) Cover part on 3

Claims

1. Scrubber-dryer (1) for cleaning traffic areas in industry, logistics, commerce, administration, hospitals or general commercial areas, comprising at least: - a control panel (2) for controlling, operating and activating possibly different cleaning programs, - a chassis and an electric motor drive system which is powered by batteries arranged in the housing (3), - a housing (3) which surrounds or covers the following parts, - a water tank (4) for receiving fresh water and, if applicable, cleaning agent, - a dirty water tank (5) for receiving vacuumed dirty water, - floor cleaning tools such as one or more brushes or rollers for mechanically cleaning the floor, - a suction foot for collecting the dirty water behind the floor cleaning tools, characterized by the fact thatthe water tank (4) and the dirty water container (5) are arranged longitudinally next to each other in the upper area opposite the ground level in the direction of travel of the scrubber-dryer, wherein the housing (3) with water tank (4) and dirty water container (4) is made of a high-density polymeric material such as PE-HD.

2. Scrubber vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the water tank (4) or the wastewater tank (5) or the water tank (4) and the wastewater tank (5) is / are completely accessible from above.

3. Scrubber vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the water tank (4), the wastewater tank (5) or the water tank (4) and the wastewater tank (5) together with the housing (3) or parts of the housing (3) can be pivoted or is pivoted against the direction of travel.

4. Scrubber vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact thatThe pivoting to the rear is effected via a hinge arranged on the housing (3), with additional water drains arranged on the housing (3) to allow liquid to drain after cleaning.

5. Scrubber vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the housing (3) with water tank (4) and wastewater container (5) has an outer hollow ring body and is formed in a single layer or two layers of PE-HD in a rotational process as a whole body.

6. Scrubber vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact thatThe housing (3) comprises a lower housing part (3a) and an upper housing part (3b), wherein the lower housing part (3a) and the upper housing part (3b) are fused together in the intended assembly position and thus inseparably connected to each other, wherein the lower housing part (3a) covers the batteries and forms a support for the upper housing part (3b) in the area below the water tank (4) and the dirty water tank (5), wherein this support consists of a sandwich base (9) formed on the lower housing part (3a) with force-distributing trapezoidal stiffening, wherein the underside of the upper housing part (3b) has a shape adapted to the trapezoidal contour of the lower housing part (3a), in which projecting areas extend into the recesses (7) of the trapezoidal sandwich base (9) and have hemispherical elements (8) there which absorb the force vectors occurring during the fusion of the lower housing part (3a) and the upper housing part (3b). (10) absorb and divert,wherein the hemispherical elements (8) form an aid for the fusion.

7. Scrubber vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the hemispherical elements (8) are arranged in such a way that, when the upper housing part (3b) with water tank (4) and wastewater container (5) is in contact with the housing, an extremely homogeneous and only moderately stressful force absorption is possible.

8. Scrubber vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by the fact that the hemispherical elements (8) are shaped and have a diameter of 8 to 12mm, preferably 10mm.

9. Scrubber vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by the fact that the hemispherical elements (8) protrude approximately 5 to 8 mm above the surface of the sandwich base (9).

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