Water trailing detection system

A moisture detection system for a floor cleaning machine configured to drive along a cleaning path, the moisture detection system comprising:

• a frame for connecting to a cleaning machine;
• electrodes connected to the frame for engaging moisture along the cleaning path;
• and
• a sensor electronics system connected to the electrodes to determine presence of moisture at the electrodes;
• wherein the electrodes comprise a plurality of bristles extending from the frame, and wherein the sensor electronics system is configured to detect conductivity between sections of the plurality of bristles.

A floor cleaning machine comprising:

• a chassis having a forward end and an aft end, the chassis configured to move along a cleaning path;
• a cleaning mechanism connected to the chassis to perform a cleaning operation;
• a liquid system connected to the chassis to provide liquid to the cleaning mechanism;
• a recovery system connected to the chassis aft of the cleaning mechanism to recover liquid from the cleaning operation;
• a control system connected to the floor cleaning machine to control performance of the cleaning operation;
• and
• a water trailing detection system comprising:
• a frame connected to the chassis aft of the recovery system;
• an absorbent medium connected to the frame;
• and
• a moisture sensor in communication with the control system and configured to generate a signal in response to moisture in the absorbent medium.

A floor cleaning machine comprising:

• a chassis configured to move along a cleaning path;
• a cleaning mechanism connected to the chassis to perform a cleaning operation;
• a liquid system connected to the chassis to provide liquid to the cleaning mechanism;
• a recovery system connected to the chassis to recover liquid from the cleaning operation;
• a control system connected to the floor cleaning machine to control performance of the cleaning operation;
• and
• a cleaning operation sensing system connected to the control system and including a moisture sensor configured to detect moisture from the cleaning operation, the moisture sensor comprising a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode, the first and second electrodes disposed in close proximity to the cleaning path and configured to sense the liquid from the cleaning operation external to the floor cleaning machine, wherein the cleaning operation sensing system further includes a trailing mop system mounted to the floor cleaning machine along the cleaning path at a rear of the floor cleaning machine, and wherein the moisture sensor is mounted to the trailing mop system.