U.S. patent application number 12/912554 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-26 for floor cleaning apparatus employing a combined sweeper and vaccum assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Karcher North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robin Hein, Scott Joseph Pyne, Daniel C. Venard.
Application Number | 20120096671 12/912554 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45971725 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120096671 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Venard; Daniel C. ; et
al. |
April 26, 2012 |
FLOOR CLEANING APPARATUS EMPLOYING A COMBINED SWEEPER AND VACCUM
ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A floor cleaning device employing a brush assembly is provided.
The brush assembly includes a front brush and a rear brush that
spin about an axis line generally parallel to the surface being
cleaned. The spinning rotation of the brush along with the
configuration of the housing help provide an airflow path that
sucks debris from the surface being cleaned. The debris is directed
to a hopper wherein larger items are captured and smaller items are
suctioned into a vacuum bag.
Inventors: |
Venard; Daniel C.;
(Centennial, CO) ; Hein; Robin; (Littleton,
CO) ; Pyne; Scott Joseph; (Englewood, CO) |
Assignee: |
Karcher North America, Inc.
Englewood
CO
|
Family ID: |
45971725 |
Appl. No.: |
12/912554 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/347 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/24 20130101;
A47L 11/4066 20130101; A47L 11/4041 20130101; A47L 11/4027
20130101; A47L 11/4044 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/347 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/00 20060101
A47L009/00 |
Claims
1. A cleaning assembly for use in a floor cleaning apparatus,
comprising: a housing; at least one cylindrical brush having a
longitudinal axis positioned within the housing, the longitudinal
axis being parallel to the surface being cleaned; a hopper
interconnected to the housing; a screen positioned within the
hopper that allows particulates of a predetermined diameter to pass
therethrough and that prevents particulates of a diameter larger
than the particulates of a predetermined diameter from entering the
hopper; and a vacuum hose interconnected to the screen wherein the
particulates of a predetermined diameter are suctioned into the
vacuum hose.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the screen has an opening that
is in fluid communication with the vacuum hose such that an end of
the vacuum hose is positioned below the screen.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one brush
comprises a front brush and a rear brush, the front brush and the
rear brush rotate in opposite directions.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the housing has a curved front
surface, which corresponds with the front brush, and a curved rear
surface, which corresponds with the rear brush, the curved rear
surface having an opening that leads into the hopper.
5. The assembly of claim 4, further comprising a seal
interconnected to the curved rear wall that engages the floor.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the hopper is removable.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the hopper as a tapered
shape.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the screen includes a plurality
of fins.
9. A cleaning assembly, comprising: a means for treating a floor; a
hopper associated with said means for treating a floor; a screen
positioned within the hopper that allows particulates of a
predetermined diameter to pass therethrough and that prevents
particulates of a diameter larger than the particulates of a
predetermined diameter from entering the hopper; and a vacuum hose
interconnected to the screen wherein the particulates of a
predetermined diameter are suctioned into the vacuum hose.
9. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said means for treating a floor
is at least one cylindrical brush having a longitudinal axis that
is parallel to the surface being cleaned.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said means for treating is
positioned in a housing that directs debris-laden air into the
hopper.
12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the screen has an opening that
is in fluid communication with the vacuum hose such that an end of
the vacuum hose is positioned below the screen.
13. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the hopper is removable.
14. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the hopper has a tapered
shape.
15. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the screen includes a
plurality of fins.
16. A floor treatment apparatus comprising: a chassis having a
front and a back and with a lower surface, a front surface adjacent
the front, an upper surface, a rear surface adjacent the back, a
left surface and a right surface; a first wheel operably
interconnected to the lower surface adjacent to the left surface
and located closer to the rear surface than the front surface; a
second wheel operably interconnected to the lower surface adjacent
the right surface and located closer to the rear surface than the
front surface; a platform located substantially between at least a
portion of the right surface, at least a portion of the left
surface and extending rearwardly from a portion of the rear
surface, the platform also substantially located within the chassis
and positioned substantially directly above an axis extending
between the center of the first wheel and the center of the second
wheel and wherein the platform includes a top surface which is
adapted to receive the feet of an operator, a throttle and an
operator presence device operatively connected to and which
selectively interrupts operation of the throttle; a powered wheel
operably connected adjacent the lower surface of the chassis; a
steering mechanism substantially housed within the chassis and
having a portion that is accessible by an operator; and an operable
floor cleaning assembly connected adjacent to the lower surface of
the chassis, the improvement comprising: a hopper associated with
the chassis; a screen positioned within the hopper that allows
particulates of a predetermined diameter to pass therethrough and
that prevents particulates of a diameter larger than the
particulates of a predetermined diameter from entering the hopper;
and a vacuum hose interconnected to the screen wherein the
particulates of a predetermined diameter are suctioned into the
vacuum hose.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the screen has an opening
that is in fluid communication with the vacuum hose such that an
end of the vacuum hose is positioned below the screen.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the hopper is removable.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the hopper as a tapered
shape.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the screen includes a
plurality of fins.
Description
[0001] This application is related to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,555,596,
entitled "Floor Cleaning Apparatus"; 5,485,653, entitled "Floor
Cleaning Apparatus"; 5,628,086, entitled "Floor Cleaning Apparatus
with Squeegee Mounting System"; and 5,608,947, entitled "Floor
Cleaning Apparatus With Pre-Filter"; the entire disclosures of
which are incorporated by reference herein. This application is
also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/059,663, filed
Feb. 15, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,533,435, which is a
Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/737,027, filed Dec. 15, 2003, now abandoned, which is a
Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/438,485, filed May 14, 2003, now abandoned, the entire
disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their
entirety herein. This application is also related to U.S. Patent
Application Publication Nos. 2009/0094784, 2006/0064844,
2006/0124770, and 2006/0156498, and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/511,704, filed Jul. 29, 2009, the entire disclosures of
which are incorporated by reference herein. One of skill in the art
will appreciate that the aspects described in these references may
be combined with the aspects of embodiments of the present
invention described herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to
floor cleaning apparatus that employ a sweeper and scrubber
assembly that possesses a vacuum's ability to capture small
particles and/or debris and that produces a lower noise output than
typical sweeper/brush apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Floor cleaning apparatus are generally comprised of a
chassis supported by a plurality of wheels, one of which is
steerable to control the path of the machine. The chassis also
accommodates a cleaning assembly, such as a brush, a sweeper, a
squeegee, a burnisher, etc. The chassis also supports tanks used to
hold water, cleaning fluids, and spent cleaning fluids suctioned
from the surface being cleaned. Floor cleaning apparatus also often
possess a receptacle or bag for holding collected dust and debris.
The majority of the components associated with the cleaning machine
are surrounded by at least one housing that protects the internal
components from the environment and prevents individuals that are
working around the machine from touching the often hot internal
components. As floor cleaning apparatus are sometimes used in tight
spaces, such as bathrooms and hallways, it is often desirable to
make floor cleaning apparatus as compact as possible.
[0004] Some floor cleaning apparatus employ a rotating sweeper
broom ("sweeper") to lift debris from a floor. Generally, a
cylindrical sweeper rotates about an axis that is parallel to the
floor and which may be located between front and rear wheels of the
apparatus. Floor cleaning apparatus also typically include a vacuum
system that establishes a directional airstream adjacent to the
broom to direct debris into a hopper where heavier debris is
precipitated from the airstream. Lighter debris, especially dust,
is then typically directed to a vacuum bag.
[0005] To enhance the suctioning effect provided by the vacuum, the
sweeper may be located in a housing situated between the front and
rear wheels. The housing typically includes one or more flaps or
seals that surround the sweeper that defines a skirt with a lower
edge that contacts the floor. The flaps or seals are generally
flexible or hinged to the chassis to allow debris to enter the
assembly and be swept up by the sweeper. The flaps or seals also
prevent the sweeper from throwing debris and dust as it
rotates.
[0006] Some floor cleaning apparatus treat the floor with a
cleaning solution with at least one scrubber brush. In some
apparatus, the cleaning solution is deposited onto the floor and a
pair of rotating disk brushes are used to scrub the floor.
Wastewater, which includes entrained debris, is then typically
suctioned by a vacuum squeegee that is located behind or adjacent
to the brushes.
[0007] One example of a floor cleaning apparatus is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,955 to Blehert et al. ("Blehert I") entitled
"Combined Sweeper and Scrubber." Blehert I discloses a floor
cleaning apparatus that can be set either to a sweeper mode or a
scrubbing mode. Blehert I provides a single cylindrical rotary
brush, a brush housing mounted on a frame, a solution tank and a
removable debris hopper. When in the sweeping mode, a vacuum
operating in conjunction with an air circuit draws air from around
the brush and through a filter. When in a scrubbing mode, the
vacuum operates to recover dirty scrubbing solution from the rear
of the apparatus through a squeegee located aft of the brush.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,471 to Charky et al. ("Charky") entitled
"Mobile Walk-Behind Sweeper" discloses a mobile sweeper for
cleaning dust and collecting garbage from surfaces. Charky employs
a plurality of brushes that direct dust to a collection point where
a vacuum blower suctions the debris into a collection
container.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,676 to Blehert et al. ("Blehert II")
entitled "Combination Sweeping and Scrubbing System and Method,"
discloses an apparatus that comprises a sweeping assembly that can
be converted into a scrubbing unit and vice versa. The sweeping
assembly includes a removable hopper. Cylindrical brushes are also
provided that operate in either the sweeping or scrubbing mode.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,313 to Blehert ("Blehert III") entitled
"Walk Behind Floor Maintenance Machine" discloses a floor treatment
apparatus that has a plurality of wheels, a removal hopper, and a
rotatable brush. A removable filter housing is also contemplated
and has a prismatic shape. The design of the filter housing is such
that a means for vibrating the filter is needed to dislodge
particles. Additionally, the cylindrical brushes of Blehert III are
not enclosed within the housing.
[0011] None of the references discussed above disclose a floor
cleaning apparatus with a housing that serves to encase an entire
cleaning assembly; 2) a hopper with a taper that allows debris
separation; 3) a seal created by a flap located around the cleaning
assembly; 4) placement of the cleaning assembly near the front of
the device that facilitates air flow; and 5) a retractable vacuum
hose. Further, the prior art apparatus are noisy and do not provide
a sufficient vacuum. Another drawback is that the prior art
apparatus will capture large debris that can potentially cause
clogs and damage to internal vacuum components.
[0012] Thus it is a long felt need to provide a floor cleaning
apparatus that employs a sweeper and scrubber assembly that
collects debris of many sizes that is relatively quiet compared to
apparatus of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a floor
cleaning apparatus ("apparatus") that employs a scrubber and
sweeper assembly (hereinafter "cleaning assembly"). The cleaning
assembly includes a front brush and a rear brush that are partially
enclosed by a housing that, with the aid of a vacuum motor, directs
air between the front brush and the second brush and into a hopper.
The suction provided by the vacuum motor directs particle- and
debris-laden air into the hopper wherein smaller particles are
suctioned directly into a vacuum bag. The vacuum pressure provided
by the vacuum motor is maintained by a seal or flap that is
associated with the undercarriage of the apparatus. The hopper of
one embodiment of the present invention also includes a screen that
captures larger particles while allowing dust and smaller particles
to pass therethrough to be suctioned into the vacuum bag. The
hopper is removable, which allows the user to clear the larger
particles from the apparatus.
[0014] It is, thus, another aspect of the present invention to
provide an apparatus that is capable of cleaning small particles
and large particles. More specifically, the front brush and the
rear brush are located under the brush housing. The rear brush is
also located near a curved rear wall of the hopper. This
configuration allows air and debris to enter the front portion of
the cleaning assembly, flow between the rotating brushes, flow
behind the curved wall, and flow into the hopper. As one skilled in
the art will appreciate, this configuration thus allows for the
capture of particles of various sizes, from the very small, i.e.,
dust, to larger particles of about 0.75 inches. Additionally,
larger particles of 8 to 10 inches of length may be captured by
some embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the
present invention, the brushes are cylindrical and rotate about a
longitudinal axis that is parallel to the floor. As mentioned
above, a flap or seals may be positioned about the brushes to seal
the housing, which enhances suction pressure and facilitates the
airflow described above. The flaps may be made of any material, but
are preferably made of a compliant material, such as rubber. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the rearward flap also
functions as a squeegee.
[0015] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
debris tray that also employs a screen that captures larger items.
More specifically, the removable debris tray of the hopper of one
embodiment of the present invention is tapered wherein a lowermost
portion thereof is associated with a vacuum hose that is associated
with the vacuum bag. The hopper also includes a screen that is
positioned above the debris tray such that debris-laden air passes
through the screen and into the tray, where larger debris will be
trapped by the screen and prevented from entering the vacuum hose.
As is well known in the art, the smaller debris will be deposited
into the vacuum bag. The debris tray is removable, which allows the
larger particles to be cleared from the cleaning assembly
periodically. The screen prevents jamming of the vacuum hose, which
is an advantage over prior art apparatus that did not capture
larger debris or that captured larger debris only to inadvertently
suck them into the vacuum system, which could damage the vacuum
hose, vacuum motor or other components of the system.
[0016] It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide
an apparatus that has a retractable attachment hose. More
specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes an
auxiliary vacuum hose that is interconnected to the vacuum bag by
way of a valve. In normal operations, vacuum pressure provided by
the vacuum motor suctions debris pulled by the cleaning apparatus.
Alternatively, when the attachment hose is employed, the valve
closes the vacuum hose associated with the cleaning apparatus and
provides vacuum pressure to the attachment hose. The attachment
hose may be associated with a hose roller that maintains the
curvature of the hose to prevent kinking and the associated airflow
reduction. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention
provide a hose with bellows or other elongation mechanisms. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the hose roller is actuated
when the operator switches the apparatus to the primary floor
cleaning mode.
[0017] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
cleaning device associated which is suspended beneath the main body
of the cleaning apparatus. More specifically, embodiments of the
present invention provide a spring or other biasing mechanism,
which is associated with the main housing of the apparatus on one
end and an armature associated with the cleaning device on the
other end, that supports the weight of the cleaning device while
allowing it to move efficiently along the floor. The spring length
and tension may be selectively altered to adjust the amount of
"float" the cleaning devices possesses and/or to otherwise tune the
functionality of the overall device. Preferably, the selection of
spring stiffness is preset by the apparatus designer such that
optimum or near optimum performance is achieved regardless of the
surface being cleaned For example, if a stiff or short spring is
employed, most of the cleaning assembly's weight will cycle from
floor to spring, which affects brush contact, brush performance,
etc.
[0018] It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to
provide an apparatus having a unique vacuum bag. More specifically,
embodiments of the present invention employ a vacuum bag with a
centering tab and an automatic seal that ensures that the contents
of the bag do not spill when the vacuum bag is removed from the
apparatus.
[0019] Thus, it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a
cleaning assembly for use in a floor cleaning apparatus,
comprising: a housing; at least one cylindrical brush having a
longitudinal axis positioned within the housing, the longitudinal
axis being parallel to the surface being cleaned; a hopper
interconnected to the housing; a screen positioned within the
hopper that allows particulates of a predetermined diameter to pass
therethrough and that prevents particulates of a diameter larger
than the particulates of a predetermined diameter from entering the
hopper; and a vacuum hose interconnected to the screen wherein the
particulates of a predetermined diameter are suctioned into the
vacuum hose.
[0020] It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to
provide a cleaning assembly, comprising: a means for treating a
floor; a hopper associated with said means for treating a floor; a
screen positioned within the hopper that allows particulates of a
predetermined diameter to pass therethrough and that prevents
particulates of a diameter larger than the particulates of a
predetermined diameter from entering the hopper; and a vacuum hose
interconnected to the screen wherein the particulates of a
predetermined diameter are suctioned into the vacuum hose.
[0021] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an
apparatus that employs the features described herein in combination
with those of U.S. Pat. No. 7,533,435. For example, a floor
treatment apparatus comprising: a chassis having a front and a back
and with a lower surface, a front surface adjacent the front, an
upper surface, a rear surface adjacent the back, a left surface and
a right surface; a first wheel operably interconnected to the lower
surface adjacent to the left surface and located closer to the rear
surface than the front surface; a second wheel operably
interconnected to the lower surface adjacent the right surface and
located closer to the rear surface than the front surface; a
platform located substantially between at least a portion of the
right surface, at least a portion of the left surface and extending
rearwardly from a portion of the rear surface, the platform also
substantially located within the chassis and positioned
substantially directly above an axis extending between the center
of the first wheel and the center of the second wheel and wherein
the platform includes a top surface which is adapted to receive the
feet of an operator, a throttle and an operator presence device
operatively connected to and which selectively interrupts operation
of the throttle; a powered wheel operably connected adjacent the
lower surface of the chassis; a steering mechanism substantially
housed within the chassis and having a portion that is accessible
by an operator; and an operable floor cleaning assembly connected
adjacent to the lower surface of the chassis, the improvement
comprising: a hopper associated with the chassis; a screen
positioned within the hopper that allows particulates of a
predetermined diameter to pass therethrough and that prevents
particulates of a diameter larger than the particulates of a
predetermined diameter from entering the hopper; and a vacuum hose
interconnected to the screen wherein the particulates of a
predetermined diameter are suctioned into the vacuum hose.
[0022] The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should
it be construed as being representative of the full extent and
scope of the present invention. Moreover, references made herein to
"the present invention" or aspects thereof should be understood to
mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not
necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a
particular description. The present invention is set forth in
various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention, as well
as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the
Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present
invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of
elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.
Additional aspects of the present invention will become more
readily apparent from the Detail Description, particularly when
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention, and together with the general description of the
invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings
given below, serve to explain the principles of these
inventions.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a floor cleaning
apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of one
embodiment of the present invention wherein some components have
been removed for clarity;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic showing the major apparatus components
of one embodiment of the present invention and their respective
interconnections;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view depicting the general
structure of a cleaning assembly employed by some embodiments of
the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a cleaning assembly
wherein portions have been removed for clarity;
[0029] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the hopper of the
cleaning assembly;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a brush housing;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a detailed perspective view of the apparatus
showing a valve in a primary, open position;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of the valve in a
secondary, closed position;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 9;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the apparatus
showing the attachment hose;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view showing a vacuum bag
employed by some embodiments of the present invention; and
[0037] FIG. 14 is a partial front elevation view showing a spring
suspension system employed by some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0038] To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the
present invention the following list of components and associated
numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:
TABLE-US-00001 # Component 2 Floor scrubber sweeper apparatus 6
Housing 10 Vacuum bag 14 Vacuum motor 18 Valve 22 Cleaning assembly
26 Armature 30 Accessory hose 34 Front brush 38 Rear brush 40 Motor
42 Longitudinal axis 46 Floor 50 Air path 54 Opening 58 Front end
62 Curved wall 63 Curved wall 66 Hopper assembly 70 Rear wall 74
Bottom wall 78 Screen 82 Fins 86 Opening 90 Vacuum hose 94 Flap 98
Debris tray 102 Housing 106 Brush housing 110 Opening 114 Bag hose
118 Exhaust 122 Flapper 126 Hose roller 130 Capping device 134
Sealing member 138 Tab 142 Spring
[0039] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It
should be understood, of course, that the invention is not
necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] FIGS. 1-3 show a scrubber/sweeper apparatus 2 (hereinafter
"apparatus") of one embodiment of the present invention that
employs a housing 6 that covers a vacuum bag 10, a vacuum motor 14,
a valve 18, and other components generally found in floor cleaning
apparatus. In addition, the apparatus 2 employs a cleaning assembly
22 that is attached to the housing 6 via a spring to an armature
26, which will be further described below. In operation, dirt,
debris, and residue are agitated by the cleaning assembly 22 and
suctioned into the vacuum bag 10. In a second mode of operation, a
hand-held accessory hose 30 is used to suction debris in
hard-to-reach places. The debris suctioned through the accessory
hose 30 is also directed to the vacuum bag 10 by the vacuum motor
14.
[0041] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 4-7, the cleaning
assembly 22 employed by some embodiments of the present invention
is shown that includes a front brush 34 and a rear brush 38. The
front brush 34 and rear brush 38 may be comprised of a single,
cylindrical brush or a series of stacked cylindrical brushes that
are rotated by a motor 40 around a longitudinal axes 42 that are
generally parallel to the floor 46 being cleaned. In operation, the
front brush 34 rotates counterclockwise (as shown in FIG. 4) and
the rear brush 38 rotates clockwise (as shown in FIG. 4). The
rotation of the brushes work in conjunction with suction provided
by the vacuum motor to define an air path 50 that moves debris from
an opening 54 positioned adjacent to the front end 58 of the
cleaning assembly 22, under the front brush 34, between the front
brush 34 and the rear brush 38, and behind the rear brush 38. A
curved rear wall 62 that is spaced from the rear brush 38 further
defines the air path 50. The rear wall 62 has a larger radius of
curvature than the rear brush 38. In one embodiment, the space
between the brush and wall increases wherein the space between the
rear wall 62 and the rear brush 38 is greatest at the top of the
rear wall 62. The top of the rear wall creates an opening 110 into
the hopper and is positioned at about the same height as the top of
the brush so the brush does not capture debris from the hopper 66.
The spacing to the top of the housing (opening size) is about 1
inch. A curved front wall 63 that is spaced from the front brush 34
also helps to define the air path 50. Similar to the arraignment of
the rear brush 38 and the rear wall 62, the front wall 63 has a
slightly larger radius than the front brush 34. The front wall 63
is positioned so that the space between the front brush 34 and
front wall 63 is greatest near the top of the front brush 34, which
helps the movement of debris that may become trapped between the
brushes and housing 102.
[0042] The cleaning assembly 22 also includes a hopper 66 partially
comprised a rear wall and a bottom wall 74. Airflow is directed by
the brushes around the curved wall 62 into the hopper assembly 66.
The hopper assembly 66 includes a screen 78 that allows smaller
particles and debris to pass to a center opening 86, but prevents
the passage of larger debris from reaching the opening. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the screen 78 is comprised of
a plurality of fins 82 that are angled such that the airflow and
carried debris is directed to a center opening 86 of the screen
assembly 78 and which is in fluid communication with the vacuum
hose 90. To increase vacuum and in some embodiments to help to
provide the air path 50 shown, a flap 94 may be provided around at
least three sides of the cleaning assembly 22. FIG. 2 only shows a
rear flap 94, one skilled in the art will appreciate that
additional side flaps may be employed to ensure a sufficient vacuum
is created to enhance the contemplated air path 50. The flap 94 is
selectively rotatable and thus able to deflect with respect to the
cleaning assembly 22 as the apparatus moves over the floor 46.
[0043] FIG. 6 shows the debris tray 98 that is integrated into the
cleaning assembly 22. The debris tray 98 is selectively
interconnected to a brush housing 106 of the cleaning assembly. The
debris tray 98 is also concave or angled in such a way that the
lowest point is adjacent to the opening 86 provided in the screen.
The concave nature ensures that debris will move towards the
opening 86 as the cleaning assembly vibrates to be suctioned by the
vacuum hose 90.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows the brush housing 106 that contains the front
brush and rear brush. The brush housing 106 is contoured to match
the diameter of the brushes, which will enhance the ability of the
cleaning assembly to create the contemplated air path. The brush
housing 106 provides the elongated opening 110 above the curved
walls 62 and 63 that allows air and debris to enter into the
hopper. In one embodiment, the opening is about 1 inch wide.
[0045] Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, in operation, dirt, dust and
debris is pulled from the floor 46 through an opening 54 in the
cleaning assembly 22. The debris-laden air and other particulate
matter are directed between counter rotating brushes, over the rear
brush 38, and into the hopper 66. Large particulates are maintained
by the screen 78, while smaller particulates and dust-laden air are
suctioned through the vacuum hose 90. As one skilled in the art
will appreciate, other items such as fluid dispensing devices and
scrub brushes may be employed along with this concept to further
clean the floor. The air and/or fluid are suctioned through the
vacuum hose 90 to a valve 18. The vacuum motor 14 draws air through
the vacuum bag 10 that includes a filter to catch small particles.
Air exits the vacuum bag 10 through the vacuum motor exhaust 118.
The exhaust may include a "post filter" to remove additional fine
particles and a carbon element to remove odors. To the extent
liquid is the fluid which is being collected, it will be deposited
in known fashion into a receiving receptacle.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 and 8-12, the valve 18 and
accessory hose 30 of embodiments of the present invention is
further described. As mentioned above, the vacuum pressure provided
by the vacuum motor 14 suctions air through the vacuum hose 90. The
suctioned air enters into the valve 18 that includes a flapper 122.
When open, (FIGS. 8 and 9), the flapper 122 only allows the
debris-laden air from the hopper to be deposited into the vacuum
bag 10 via a bag hose 114. When closed (FIGS. 10 and 11), the
flapper 122 allows air from the accessory hose 30 to be deposited
in the vacuum bag 10. The accessory hose 30 may be flexible or
otherwise stretchable and is associated with a hose roller 126
interconnected to the housing 6 of the apparatus 2. In operation,
when the end of the accessory hose 30 is closed with a capping
device 130, the accessory hose 30 is retracted within the housing 6
as shown in FIG. 2. When in use, the capping device 130 is removed
and an accessory is interconnected to the end of the accessory
hose. The accessory hose's flexibility and elongation capabilities
allow the user to access debris in hard-to-reach places.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 13, the bag hose 114 is interconnected to
the vacuum bag 10 that employs a sealing member 134. The sealing
member 134 ensures that when the bag hose 114 is installed, a tight
seal is created between the hose and seal. The bag includes a tab
137, which is designed to mate with protrusion 138 found in the bag
holding chamber. The tab 137 and protrusion 138 ensure that the bag
is always installed correctly. Also, the bag comes with a seal 139
removably installed thereon. The seal is used to cover the hole in
the sealing mechanism when the bag is being replaced or emptied to
ensure no debris will spill from the vacuum bag 10.
[0048] FIG. 14 shows a spring 142 that is interconnected to the
armature 26 of the cleaning assembly. The spring 142 provides
suspension of the cleaning apparatus. Selectively altering the
spring stiffness allows the designer to adjust the force applied to
the floor by the brushes. More specifically, the spring stiffness
is preferably preselected and is a function of design and cleaning
assembly configuration and weight so that the operator can use the
machine on many surfaces without adjustment. A long spring, for
example, is less sensitive to changes in length and allows for
variations in the floor surfaces without significant change to the
amount of cleaning assembly weight felt by the floor.
[0049] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and
alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the
art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such
modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of
the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.
Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of
"including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof
herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and
equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
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