A floor scrubber machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a floor scrubber machine comprising sensor and control systems that enables the storage, transfer, and monitoring of clean and contaminated water levels, and provide feedback to the user.

Description

[0001] A FLOOR SCRUBBER MACHINE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a floor scrubber machine comprising sensor and control systems and enables the storage, transfer, and monitoring of clean and dirty water fill levels, and provide feedback to the user.

[0004] State of Art

[0005] The floor scrubber machines are among the essential components, in industrial cleaning devices, and general cleaning equipment, water tanks and vacuum motors. In these machines, tanks that store water and cleaning fluids are critical for the machine's operational efficiency and the safety of the motor.

[0006] The current systems for indicating the fill level of water tanks are limited. Mostly, transparent tubes or simple level sensors are used to show the amount of water remaining in the tank gradually. However, advanced visual indicators that communicate real-time changes to the user (for example, systems that indicate occupancy levels with colored LED lights) are not common.

[0007] Furthermore, audible warning systems are limited in current machines. Systems that provide an audible alarm to the user when the tank reaches maximum capacity are rarely. Motor protection mechanisms also generally activate after the tank is completely full; there are few systems that put the motor into safe shutdown mode before the tank is full. This situation increases the risk of premature wear or failure of vacuum motors.

[0008] In addition, tank removal and ease of maintenance are limited in current designs. The inability of the user to easily remove the tank and indicators necessitates additional labor during cleaning and maintenance, negatively affecting user safety.

[0009] The present floor scrubber machines lack user-friendly features such as real-time visual and / or audible notification of the water tank's fill level, automatic safe shutdown of the vacuum motor before reaching a critical fill level, and tank removal for ease of maintenance, increasing the risk of premature failure of vacuum motors due to water, moisture, or overflowing wastewater. This problem, caused by the motor being exposed to water or operating under excessive load, shortens the machine's lifespan, increases maintenance costs, and raises the risk of malfunctions during operation.

[0010] The application numbered CN1 13133724A relates to floor cleaning machines equipped with a liquid level detection and early warning system. However, the application does not include fill level sensors and an automatic control system for the clean water and wastewater tanks. Therefore, it is not possible to automatically stop the machine and provide the user with instant notification when the wastewater tank is full.

[0011] Consequently, due to the aforementioned drawbacks and the inadequacy of existing solutions, an improvement in the relevant technical field has become necessary.

[0012] Object of the Invention

[0013] The invention is inspired by existing situations and aims to solve the aforementioned problems.

[0014] The main object of the invention is to provide an integrated system that protects vacuum motors in floor scrubber machines and industrial cleaning devices, optimizes water management, and offers the user visual, audible, or silent warnings.

[0015] In this invention, the vacuum motor is automatically switched to a safe stop mode when the water tank is full or nearing its fill limit; this prevents unnecessary or excessive operation of the motor, thus preventing premature failures and malfunctions, extending the motor's lifespan, and increasing the overall reliability of the cleaning machine.

[0016] The object of this invention is to ensure the safe and long-lasting operation of vacuum motors in floor scrubber machines and other cleaning equipment by enabling precise monitoring of the water tank fill level. To this end, when the water tank is full or nearing its capacity, the vacuum motor automatically switches to a safe stop mode; this prevents unnecessary or excessive operation of the motor, thus preventing premature failures and malfunctions, extending the motor's lifespan, and increasing the overall reliability of the cleaning machine.

[0017] The invention enables simultaneous monitoring of the water level both via sensors and externally monitored LED systems, allows the LED indicators to operate in different or the same color, with varying light intensities or illumination patterns, and combines sensor, control circuit, and motor protection functions within a single integrated water management module.

[0018] The invention allows for the same architecture to be used compatibly with different sensor types (conductive, optical, ultrasonic, pressure, etc.) and for the system to be modularly integrated into cleaning machines of different capacities, models, or manufacturers. This invention eliminates the risk of water leakage, motor failure, or electrical leakage while providing the operator with instant, visual, and safe feedback.

[0019] The invention is a system based on the principle of intelligent liquid level management, where both mechanical and electronic subcomponents operate under coordinated control.

[0020] The invention utilizes water-sensing sensors that precisely measure the water level in the tank, an automatic stop mode (Safety Stop) that safely stops the motor depending on the tank's fill level, and an integrated control system that manages the motor's operating status based on data from the sensors. This solution ensures that their motors operate safely, efficiently, and for a long time.

[0021] In the system described in this invention, the water tank level is continuously monitored by sensitive water sensing sensors; when the tank level approaches the critical threshold or reaches the maximum level, the vacuum motor is automatically switched to safe shutdown mode. The graduated LED indicators on the outside of the tank visually indicate the water level from low to maximum, and when the maximum level is reached, an audible or silent warning system is activated to inform the user.

[0022] In this invention, the water tank is completely independent of the machine and can be detached. The water tank is not connected to the machine by any cables or connections; therefore, when removed from the machine, it can be transported, filled manually, and cleaned. This self-contained design of the tank ensures both ease of use and hygiene, while guaranteeing that the system is comprehensive and difficult to replicate.

[0023] In this invention, all sensor, LED, and control functions are designed to automatically synchronize when the tank is removed or installed.

[0024] The invention prevents premature failure of vacuum motors, provides the user with both visual and optional audible or silent feedback, and simplifies maintenance and cleaning processes. The structural and characteristic features and all the advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood through the figures given below and the detailed description written with references to these figures; therefore, the evaluation needs to be made taking these figures and detailed description into account.

[0025] Figures to Help Understand the Invention

[0026] Figure 1 is the disassembled view of the machine, which is the subject of the invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is the clean water tank and contaminated water tank sensors located in the machine.

[0028] Figure 3 is another view of the machine.

[0029] Figure 4 is the bottom view of the machine.

[0030] Figure 5 is the rear view of the machine.

[0031] Figure 6 is the side view of the machine.

[0032] Figure 7 is the top view of the machine.

[0033] Figure 8 is another view of the machine from the rear.

[0034] Figure 9 is another view of the machine from the rear.

[0035] Description of Piece References

[0036] 1 . Handle

[0037] 2. Control column

[0038] 3. Clean water tank

[0039] 3.1. Clean water tank sensor

[0040] 4. Contaminated water tank

[0041] 4.1. Contaminated water tank sensor

[0042] 5. Sensor electric transmission point

[0043] 6. Battery

[0044] 7. Transfer hose

[0045] 8. Joint

[0046] 9. Base plate

[0047] 10. Transfer wheels 1 1 . Vacuum motor

[0048] 12. Drying rubber unit

[0049] 13. Brush motor

[0050] 14. Brush

[0051] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0052] In this detailed description, it is described the preferred configurations of the floor scrubber machine, which is the subject of this invention, only for the purpose of facilitating a better understanding of the subject.

[0053] The invention is a floor scrubber machine, comprising a handle (1 ) that guides the machine to provide user control, a control column (2) that assembles the main body and provides power transmission, a clean water tank (3) that stores clean water and supplies clean water to the ground, a clean water tank sensor (3.1 ) measures the water level in the clean water tank (3) and informs the user via the control circuit in case of low level, a contaminated water tank (4) that stores the dirty water drawn by the vacuum system, a vacuum motor (1 1 ) that enables the drawing of dirty water and its collection in the contaminated water tank (4), a contaminated tank sensor (4.1 ) measures the water level in the contaminated water tank (4), automatically stops the vacuum motor (1 1 ) via the control circuit when the contaminated water tank (4) is full and informs the user, a joint (8) that provides a flexible connection between the upper and lower body to enable rotation and tilting movement, a brush motor (13) that cleans the surface mechanically by rotating the brushes (14), a transfer hose (7) that conveys clean water to the brushes (14) and carries back contaminated water by vacuum in order to ensure water circulation.

[0054] The control circuit informs the user with an LED warning based on the data received from the clean water tank sensor (3.1 ) and the contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ) regarding the water level in the clean water tank (3) and contaminated water tank.

[0055] The handle (1 ) provides an ergonomic grip for steering and operating the floor scrubber machine to ensure user control. The control column (2) assembles the main body and enables power transmission. In this context, it mechanically connects the upper control section of the machine with the lower working section, and houses cable or sensor connections. The clean water tank (3) is the main component where clean water is stored, providing clean water to the ground, and its fill level is monitored by the clean water tank sensor (3.1 ). The clean water tank sensor (3.1 ) measures the water level in the tank to provide water level monitoring, and in case of low level, it informs the user with a warning, with or without LED lights.

[0056] The contaminated water tank (4) is the component where the contaminated water is collected, it stores the dirty water drawn by the vacuum system and the overflow level is controlled by the contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ). The contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ) automatically stops the vacuum motor (11 ) when the contaminated water tank is full or activates the LED water level warning light. The vacuum motor (11 ) automatically stops, preventing it from overworking or being exposed to water.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the user receives an audible or silent warning.

[0058] The fill level of the clean water tank (3) and the contaminated water tank (4) is shown from the tank with graduated LED lights from low to maximum or manually; the user can monitor the fill status instantly and visually.

[0059] The clean water tank (3) and the contaminated water tank (4) are detachable or have a fixed structure and are independent of the machine without cables or connections; when removed, they can be transported, filled and cleaned by hand. The entire sensor and control system automatically synchronizes when the tank is removed or installed.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clean water tank sensor (3.1 ) and the contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ), LED indicators and audible / silent warning system are designed to operate without batteries or with an internal battery. This feature supports the clean water tank (3) and the contaminated water tank (4) being completely independent and maintaining their functionality even when not connected to the machine.

[0061] The sensor electric transmission point (5) or transfer cable is the power and data connection point of the sensor system and transmits the signals from the clean water tank sensor (3.1 ) and the contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ) to the control circuit.

[0062] The energy needs of the machine, which is the subject of the invention, are met by means of a battery (6) and the battery (6) is rechargeable. The transfer hose (7) conveys clean water to the brushes (14) to ensure water circulation and carries the contaminated water back by vacuum.

[0063] The joint (8) provides a flexible connection between the upper and lower body to enable rotation and tilting movement. The base plate(9) is the carrier section where the brush (14) and transfer wheels (10) are located, and it ensures the fixing of the mechanical parts. Transfer wheels (10) facilitate the transport of the machine and make it easy for the user to tilt and move the machine.

[0064] The vacuum motor (11 ) ensures that the contaminated water is drawn in and collected in the contaminated water tank (4); it stops automatically when the contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ) detects fullness.

[0065] The drying rubber unit (12) collects the remaining water from the surface by vacuuming to ensure floor dryness.

[0066] The brush motor (13) mechanically cleans the surface by rotating the brushes (14). The brush (14) mechanically removes dirt from the surface.

[0067] Working principle of the invention

[0068] When the system is activated, the energy supplied by the battery (6) is distributed to all components. The water in the clean water tank (3) is conveyed to the brush (14) via the transfer hose (7). While the brush motor (13) cleans the dirt on the floor, the vacuum motor (11 ) draws the contaminated water and directs it to the contaminated water tank (4).

[0069] During this process, the clean water tank sensor (3.1 ) and the contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ) continuously monitor the water level and transmit this information to the electronic control circuit. The control circuit manages LED level indicators integrated into the outer surface of the tanks for both safety and user information purposes.

[0070] The aforementioned LED indicators operate in a way that allows them to be observed from the outside, with different colors, single colors or no color change, and with varying brightness, flashing frequency or light intensity depending on the fill levels of the clean water tank (3) and the contaminated water tank (4). This allows the user to monitor the tank level in real time without stopping the device or opening the lid. The clean water tank sensor (3.1 ) sends a signal to the control circuit when the water level decreases; the system switches the LED indicator to warning mode and, if necessary, restricts the water flow to the brush motor (13).

[0071] The contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ) sends a signal to the control circuit when the maximum fill level is reached. The control circuit automatically stops the vacuum motor (11 ) and informs the user by switching the LED indicator to the warning position. When the contaminated water tank (4) is emptied and the contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ) detects a safe level, the system automatically returns to normal; the vacuum motor (11 ) starts again. Thus, the entire process forms a fully automated, secure, and continuously protected cycle.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A floor scrubber machine, characterized by comprising;• a handle (1 ) that enables the machine to be directed in order to provide user control,• a control column (2) that assembles the main body and provides power transmission,• a clean water tank (3) that stores clean water and supplies clean water to the floor,• a contaminated water tank (4) that stores the contaminated water drawn by the vacuum system,• a vacuum motor (11 ) that enables the removal of contaminated water and its collection in the contaminated water tank (4),• a contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ) that measures the water level in the contaminated water tank (4), automatically stops the vacuum motor (1 1 ) via the control circuit when the contaminated water tank (4) is full and informs the user,• a joint (8) that provides a flexible connection between the upper and lower body to enable rotation and tilting movement,• a brush motor (13) that mechanically cleans the surface by rotating brushes (14),• a transfer hose (7) that conveys clean water to the brushes (14) and carries back contaminated water by vacuum, in order to ensure water circulation.

2. A floor scrubber machine according to claim 1 , characterized by comprising; a clean water tank sensor (3.1 ) that measures the water level in the clean water tank (3) and informs the user via the control circuit in case of low level.

3. A floor scrubber machine according to claim 2, characterized by comprising; a control circuit that informs the user with an LED warning based on the data it receives from the clean water tank sensor (3.1 ) and the contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ) regarding the water level in the clean water tank (3) and contaminated water tank.

4. A floor scrubber machine according to claim 2, characterized by comprising; a control circuit that provides audible notification to the user based on the data receivedfrom the clean water tank sensor (3.1 ) and the contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ) regarding the water level in the clean water tank (3) and the contaminated water tank.

5. A floor scrubber machine according to claim 2, characterized in that; user information is provided by gradual LED lights.

6. A floor scrubber machine according to claim 1 , characterized by comprising; the clean water tank (3) and the contaminated water tank (4) which can be removed or fixed.

7. A floor scrubber machine according to claim 2, characterized by comprising; the clean water tank sensor (3.1 ) and the contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ) that operate without a battery or with an internal battery.

8. A floor scrubber machine according to claim 1 , characterized by comprising; a rechargeable battery (6) that enables the energy needs to be met.

9. A floor scrubber machine according to claim 1 , characterized by comprising; transfer wheels (10) that enable the machine to be moved.

10. A floor scrubber machine according to claim 1 , characterized by comprising; a drying rubber unit (12) that collects the remaining water from the surface by vacuuming to ensure floor dryness.

11. A floor scrubber machine according to claim 8, characterized by comprising; a base plate (9) on which the brush (14) and transfer wheels (10) are located.

12. A floor scrubber machine according to claim 2, characterized by comprising; a control circuit that limits the water flow to the brush motor (13) based on the signal it receives from the clean water tank sensor (3.1 ) when the water level decreases.

13. A floor scrubber machine according to claim 2, characterized by comprising; the a sensor electric transmission point (5) or transfer cable that transmits the signals from the clean water tank sensor (3.1 ) and the contaminated water tank sensor (4.1 ) to the control circuit.

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