U.S. patent application number 14/760082 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-10 for surface treatment device.
The applicant listed for this patent is TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED. Invention is credited to Edward Barrett, Jennifer Marsden, Matthew Wild.
Application Number | 20150351597 14/760082 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47757871 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150351597 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wild; Matthew ; et
al. |
December 10, 2015 |
SURFACE TREATMENT DEVICE
Abstract
A surface treatment device includes a body and a treatment head
for treatment of a surface wherein at least a part of the treatment
head is detachable from the body of the device, and replaceable by
a treatment head or part of a different configuration from that of
the first head or part.
Inventors: |
Wild; Matthew; (Birmingham,
GB) ; Barrett; Edward; (Birmingham, GB) ;
Marsden; Jennifer; (Birmingham, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED |
Tortola |
|
VG |
|
|
Family ID: |
47757871 |
Appl. No.: |
14/760082 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
January 10, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2014/050065 |
371 Date: |
July 9, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/320 ; 15/347;
15/415.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/4075 20130101;
A47L 11/4041 20130101; A47L 7/0004 20130101; A47L 9/325 20130101;
A47L 9/0411 20130101; A47L 7/0023 20130101; A47L 11/408 20130101;
A47L 9/0494 20130101; A47L 9/0444 20130101; A47L 11/4094 20130101;
A47L 5/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 7/00 20060101
A47L007/00; A47L 9/04 20060101 A47L009/04; A47L 9/32 20060101
A47L009/32; A47L 11/40 20060101 A47L011/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 11, 2013 |
GB |
1300526.9 |
Claims
1. A surface treatment device comprising a body and a treatment
head for treatment of a surface wherein at least a part of the
treatment head is detachable from the body of the device, and
replaceable by a treatment head or part of a different
configuration from that of the first said head or part.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the treatment head is
detachable and replaceable as an assembly.
3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the treatment head is a
cleaning head, and the device being operable to treat a surface by
application of a treatment liquid thereto and removal of at least a
substantial portion of the liquid therefrom.
4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the cleaning head includes
means for applying cleaning liquid to the surface and means for
applying suction to the surface to remove the liquid.
5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the cleaning head further
comprises an agitator member.
6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the agitator member is
rotatably driveable, and the cleaning head includes a motor for
effecting such driving.
7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the motor is spaced from
the agitator member and drives the latter by way of a drive train
therebetween.
8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the drive train includes a
drive element extending around respective formations provided on
the agitator member and on an output shaft of the motor.
9. A device according to claim 8 wherein the drive element
comprises a drive belt.
10. A device according to claim 6 wherein the agitator member is
able to move, in use, upwardly and downwardly relative to a housing
of the cleaning head.
11. A device according to claim 10 wherein the agitator member is
biased to move downwardly relative to the housing, to engage a
surface being cleaned.
12. A device according to claim 10 wherein the agitator member
assembly is guided for movement upwardly and downwardly relative to
the housing by generally upright guide formations.
13. A device according to claim 12 wherein spring means is
associated with at least some of said formations to effect the
biasing.
14. A device according to claim 10, wherein the motor is movable
upwardly and downwardly relative to the housing with the agitator
assembly.
15. A device according to claim 5 wherein the agitator member is
removable in a transverse direction from the cleaning head.
16. A device according to claim 15 wherein said removal is able to
be effected without the use of tools.
17. A device according to claim 15, wherein the housing includes an
openable or removable portion permitting said removal of the
agitator member.
18. A device according to claim 1 wherein the treatment head
comprises a suction nozzle through which the treatment liquid may
be drawn from a surface being treated.
19. A device according to claim 18 wherein the suction nozzle has
an opening facing a surface being treated, extending transversely
of the device to substantially the same width as the cleaning
head.
20. A device according to claim 19 comprising a source of suction
for creating a suction airflow to remove liquid from the surface
being treated.
21. A device according to claim 1 comprising a recovery tank for
receiving liquid removed from the surface being treated.
22. A device according to claim 21 wherein the recovery tank is
removable from the body of the device.
23. A device according to claim 22 wherein the recovery tank is
disposed in an upper region above the base of the device, and the
source of suction is disposed in a part of the base of the
device.
24. A device according to claim 23 wherein the recovery tank
includes a duct extending downwardly through the tank, to lead to
the source of suction.
25. A device according to claim 21 including ducting extending
upwardly from the suction nozzle to the recovery tank.
26. A device according to claim 25 wherein the suction airflow
enters the recovery tank downwardly, and then flows upwardly within
the tank to enter the duct leading to the source of suction.
27. A device according to claim 21 further comprising a supply tank
for clean liquid for delivery to a surface being treated.
28. A device according to claim 27 wherein the supply tank is
disposed at least partially beneath the recovery tank.
29. A device according to claim 5 wherein the agitator member is
supported in a housing within the cleaning head and is removable in
a transverse direction from the cleaning head, the housing defining
an opening and the cleaning head including an agitator door
moveable between an open and a closed position relative to the
housing, so as to open and close the opening in the housing wherein
the agitator member is removable from the housing when the door is
in its open position.
30. A device according to claim 29 wherein the agitator door is
slideable between its open and closed positions.
31. A device according to claim 29 wherein the agitator member
includes an end formation disposed adjacent the agitator door when
the agitator is within the housing, and the device further
including respective retaining formations provided on an outwardly
facing surface of the agitator end formation and an inwardly facing
surface of the agitator door respectively, configured to resist
movement of the agitator door between its open and closed
positions.
32. A device according to claim 2 wherein the treatment head an
agitator member, the agitator member being driven by a motor via a
drive formation, wherein the detachable part of the treatment head
includes first and second portions, the first portion including the
motor and drive formation, and the second portion including the
agitator member, such that the second portion includes no
electrical components.
33. A device according to claim 32, wherein the agitator member is
supported within a housing and is rotatably driveable by a motor
via the drive formation, the drive formation being driven by a
drive train that includes a drive element extending around
respective formations provided on the drive formation and on an
output shaft of the motor, the drive formation being engageable
with an end of the agitator member so as to transmit rotational
drive thereto, wherein the first portion of the treatment head
includes the motor, drive train and drive formation, and the second
portion includes the housing and agitator member.
34. A surface treatment device comprising a body having a treatment
head for treatment of a surface, and a handle by which a user can
move the device over the surface; wherein the handle is at least
one of (a) pivotably connected to the body of the device and (b)
extensible and contractible in respect of its length.
35. A device according to claim 34 in which the handle is pivotably
connected to the body of the device, the handle being connected to
a rod rotatably held within a sleeve provided on the body of the
device, the rod having a generally circular cross-sectional profile
with a recessed portion providing an abutment surface adapted to
abut a latching member so as to prevent rotation of the rod and of
the handle in a first rotational direction when the latching member
abuts the abutment surface.
36. A device according to claim 35 wherein the latching member is
pivotably support on a pin, and wherein the latching member
provides a trigger portion operable by a user, such that
application of force to the trigger portion by the user causes
rotation of the latching member about the pin, causing
disengagement of the latching member from the recessed portion of
the rod thereby enabling rotation of the rod and of the handle in
the first rotational direction.
37. A device according to claim 36 wherein the latching member is
biased towards engagement with the recessed portion of the rod.
38. A device according to claim 36 wherein the trigger portion
comprises a handle or a pedal operable by user.
39. A device according to claim 36, in which the recessed portion
of the cross-sectional profile of the rod provides a lip configured
such that when the latching member is engaged with the recessed
portion the lip resists rotational movement of the rod and of the
handle in a second opposite rotational direction.
40. A device according to claim 39 wherein when the latching member
is engaged with the recessed portion the rod and handle are
rotatable in the second rotational direction on application of a
predetermined force to the handle in the second rotational
direction.
41. A device according to claim 34 wherein the handle is extensible
and contractible in respect of its length, the device including a
releasable catch mechanism for holding a selected length setting of
the handle.
42. A device according to claim 41 wherein the handle is
telescopically extendible and contractible.
43. A device according to claim 42 wherein the handle comprises two
limbs extending substantially parallel to one another, each limb
comprising a first and a second element telescopically connected to
one another with the first element extending into an interior of
the second element, and a bridging member extending transverse
between the pair of second elements, and wherein the releasable
catch mechanism is provided by the bridging member.
44. A device according to claim 43, wherein the bridging member
carries substantially in its interior two oppositely outwardly
spring-biased catch members for engagement with pairs of apertures
provided in the respective first elements.
45. A device according to claim 44, including a cuff substantially
surrounding a portion of the bridging member, wherein the cuff
defines a pair of slots adapted to receive a pair of pins connected
to respective catch members, configured such that rotation of the
cuff about the bridging member causes engagement of the pins with
the slots so as to cause each respective pin and connected catch
element to move away from its respective aperture so as to
disengage the catch member from the aperture, thereby allowing
relative movement between the first and second elements.
46-49. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention relates to a device for surface
treatment.
[0002] Such devices in the form of carpet-washing machines are well
known. A typical carpet-washing machine, for washing a carpet in
the course of being moved over its surface, comprises a body which
carries a tank for containing a quantity of a cleaning liquid,
normally water containing an appropriate quantity of at least one
treatment agent such as a suitable detergent. The machine has a
cleaning head, at or in the vicinity of which the cleaning solution
is delivered to the carpet, e.g. through one or more delivery
nozzles. The cleaning head may have an agitator device, by which
the cleaning solution is worked into the pile of the carpet for
effective cleaning; such an agitating device may comprise one or
more static brushes which agitate the pile of the carpet as the
machine is moved forwardly and rearwardly over its surface, or may
be powered, e.g. a motor-driven rotatable brush bar or agitator
roller.
[0003] The device also incorporates a source of suction, usually an
electric motor driving an impeller fan for creating a suction
airflow, to draw dirty cleaning liquid from the pile of the carpet
after cleaning. A suction nozzle associated with the cleaning head
closely faces the carpet to draw the liquid therefrom and the
suction airflow passes through a suitable duct or passageway
extending from the suction nozzle to a recovery tank for the dirty
liquid. In the recovery tank the suction airflow is caused to
follow a tortuous path in which the entrained dirty liquid is
caused to separate from the airflow, with the air passing from the
recovery tank to the source of suction by way of a suitable exit
duct. Finally, the airflow is discharged to the surrounding
atmosphere.
SUMMARY
[0004] The invention has been devised, and is hereafter described,
in relation to a device for cleaning a floor surface, more
particularly a carpet-washing machine for washing carpets, in which
the treatment comprises application of a treatment liquid to the
surface and subsequent removal of (at least a substantial
proportion of) the liquid. It will be appreciated that the
invention may find application in relation to the treatment of
other surfaces than floors, to floor surfaces other than carpets,
and to treatment other than cleaning. For example, it is envisaged
that the features described herein may be applied to suction
cleaners that do not require cleaning fluid to be dispensed.
[0005] It is broadly the object of the present invention to provide
improvements in a surface treatment device which is generally of
the above-described type.
[0006] An aspect of the invention provides a surface treatment
device comprising a body and a treatment head for treatment of a
surface by application of a treatment liquid thereto and removal of
at least a substantial portion of the liquid therefrom; wherein at
least a part of the treatment head is detachable from the body of
the device, and replaceable by a treatment head or part of
different configuration from that of the first said head or
part.
[0007] Further features of the above aspects of the invention are
described in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other features of the invention will now be
described by way of example with reference to the accompanying
drawings, of which: FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views, from
different aspects, of a surface cleaning device in accordance with
embodiments of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a section through the device, showing internal
components thereof and illustrating an airflow path
therethrough;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a view as FIG. 3 showing an alternative airflow
path;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a view from the aspect of FIG. 1, showing removal
of a cleaning head part from the device;
[0012] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part of FIG. 5;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of internal components of the
cleaning head part.
[0014] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate alternative positions of
components within the cleaning head part;
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates removal of an agitator member from the
cleaning head part;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device, showing a
handle part thereof in a folded-down position;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a pivoting mechanism
for a handle;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a section through the handle pivoting mechanism
shown in FIG. 11;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a section through part of the handle of the
device, showing a latching mechanism therefor;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according
to alternative embodiments of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the cleaning device
of FIG. 14, wherein the cleaning head part is separated from the
body of the cleaning device;
[0022] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cleaning head part of
the device, wherein the cleaning component part and electrical
component part are shown separate from one another;
[0023] FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the cleaning head
part of the device, showing an agitator member partially
inserted;
[0024] FIG. 18 is a side view of the cleaning component part of the
cleaning head part;
[0025] FIG. 19 is a view of the inner surface of a removable part
of a housing wall of the cleaning head part;
[0026] FIGS. 20 and 21 are a perspective view, and cutaway
perspective view, of the handle of the cleaning device according to
embodiments of the invention;
[0027] FIGS. 22 and 23 are a cross-sectional front view of a
releasable catch mechanism of a bridging member of a handle, and a
perspective view of a portion of a cuff of the releasable catch
mechanism; and
[0028] FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 are cross-section side views of the
pivotable connection between the handle and the body, of
embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, these
show a surface cleaning device, specifically a carpet washing
machine, in accordance with the invention. The device comprises a
base or body portion 10, provided towards its rearmost end (having
regard to normal usage of the device by a person cleaning a floor
surface) with a pair of floor surface-engaging wheels 12 enabling
the device to be supported on a floor surface and readily moved
across the surface. The wheels may be mounted to the body 10 by any
suitable method, e.g. an axle carrying both wheels and extending
across the body of the device, or individual wheel-supporting
formations, in each case including appropriate bearing
arrangements.
[0030] The device further comprises a handle assembly indicated
generally at 14. The handle assembly is pivotally connected to the
body 10 of the device for movement about a transverse pivotal axis
16 shown in FIG. 2; the handle assembly and its associated
mechanisms will be described in greater detail hereafter.
[0031] The device is used to clean a carpet or other surface by
applying a cleaning liquid to the surface, agitating the liquid in
contact with the surface (in the case of carpet, to cause the
liquid to penetrate the pile of the carpet to remove dirt
therefrom) and subsequently removing dirty liquid from the surface
by suction. In the case of cleaning a carpet, the cleaning liquid
generally is water with a suitable treatment or agent such as a
detergent added thereto. The application of liquid to the surface,
agitation thereof, and removal therefrom is effected by a cleaning
head assembly 18 provided at the lower front end of the body of the
device. The body of the device carries a tank indicated generally
at 20 for fresh cleaning liquid to be applied to the surface and,
above the tank 20, a recovery tank 22 for storage of dirty cleaning
liquid recovered from the surface. These elements will be described
in greater detail hereafter.
[0032] Visible at the front of the cleaning head assembly 18 is a
part 24 of a housing 26 of the assembly, in which part is disposed
a suction nozzle described in more detail hereafter. Above the part
24, the body 10 of the device defines a duct portion 46, and
further duct parts 28, 30 are provided respectively on the exterior
of the clean liquid and dirty liquid tanks 20, 22. Together the
duct parts 46, 28, 30 provide for flow of air from the suction
nozzle to the uppermost part of the tank 22 as described
hereafter.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 3 of the drawings, this shows the
general arrangement of internal components of the device. Within
the rear of the body 10 of the device, partially in the region
between the wheels 12, there is a source of suction indicated
generally at 34. It comprises an electric motor 36 driving a fan or
impeller 38. The inlet for suction airflow to the fan 38 is at the
top thereof, and an inlet duct part 40 extends upwardly from the
fan inlet. After passing through the fan 38, the airflow is
discharged into the space surrounding the motor and fan within the
body 10, and is expelled from the body by way of an outlet opening
42 facing the surface on which the device is standing. Since the
suction airflow entering the fan 38 might, despite the separating
arrangement described hereafter, still contain some water
particles, the air expelled from the fan 38 does not pass the motor
36 for cooling the latter; instead, ambient air is separately drawn
into the motor and, having cooled the latter, is expelled through
the opening 42 along with the expelled suction airflow. Such
expelled air will be warm, and therefore will assist in drying of a
surface after it has been cleaned.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the tanks 20, 22
and the duct parts 28, 30, respectively, at the front exterior of
the tanks. The lowermost end of the duct portion 28 at the front of
tank 20 aligns with a duct portion 46 at the front of the body 10,
and the duct portion 46 aligns with the uppermost end of the
suction nozzle to receive suction airflow therefrom. Above the tank
22 there is a cover part 48 with a handle 50, the cover part 48
defining a further duct part 52 which ends facing a baffle 54
extending downwardly. The baffle 54 is followed by a forwardly
extending inclined baffle 56 so that water-laden suction airflow is
deflected to enter the tank 22 in a downwardly inclined forwards
direction. At the rear of the tank 22 an opening at its top leads
into a space 58 within the cover part 48 communicating with a duct
60 extending downwardly through the centre of the tank 22, for
suction airflow to exit the tank 22 and enter the inlet duct 40
leading to the fan 38. Such airflow within the tank 22 is effective
at causing water droplets entrained in the suction airflow to be
precipitated from the airflow and retained in the tank 22.
[0035] For emptying such separated dirty cleaning liquid, the tank
22 has a pouring tube 62 which communicates with the interior of
the tank 22 at its lowermost end 64. At its uppermost end, the tube
62 is closed by the cover member 48. With the cover member removed,
the tank 22 can be removed from the base 10 of the device and
tilted to empty it of recovered liquid by way of the tube 62. The
tank 20 has a filling opening and closure cap indicated generally
at 70. With the tank 22 removed, this is accessible for filling the
tank 20, or the tank 20 can be removed from the body of the device
for filling if required. Cleaning liquid is drawn from the tank 20
by a pump 71 as required, and delivered to an application nozzle or
spray bar 72, from which it is applied to a surface being
cleaned.
[0036] As an alternative to the drawing of dirty cleaning liquid
from a surface by way of the suction nozzle, the device may provide
for connection of a suction hose. FIG. 4 of the drawings shows that
a suction hose may be connected at a hose fitting 80 provided on
the duct part 46. Within the duct part 46, there will be provided
an appropriate changeover mechanism so that when a hose is not
connected to the fitting 80 the fitting is closed, so as not to
detract from the force of suction applied to the suction nozzle,
and when a hose is connected to the fitting 80 the connection to
the suction nozzle is closed-off so that the force of suction at
the hose is not reduced.
[0037] Such a hose may be connected to a hand-held cleaning head,
and a means associated with such a hose for delivering cleaning
liquid to such a cleaning head from the tank 22 by way of the pump
71 may be provided.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 9 of the drawings, these
illustrate details of the cleaning head 18 and its connection to
the body 10 of the device. FIG. 5 shows the device with a cleaning
head slightly removed therefrom, and FIG. 6 shows the cleaning head
and part of the body 10 of the device in greater detail. The body
10 is provided with two downwardly-extending mounting posts 86,
spaced transversely of the body 10 from one another. Each post 86
has an annular recess 88 adjacent its lowermost, free, end.
[0039] The housing 26 of the cleaning head 18 has a front wall 92
from which the forwardly-extending part 24 in which the suction
nozzle is disposed extends. The mounting posts 86 are able to enter
into openings 94 extending downwardly into the housing 90 of the
cleaning head from an upper surface 96 thereof. Turnable fasteners
having heads 98 accessible on the front wall 92 of the housing are
able to be turned by a screw driver or the like, to engage the
recesses 88 on the mounting posts to hold the cleaning head
assembly to the body of the device. Arrows on FIG. 6 depict the
operations of fitting the cleaning head assembly to the device and
fastening it in position; removal of the assembly is the reverse of
such operations.
[0040] FIG. 7 shows internal components of the cleaning head
assembly. In particular, a suction nozzle 100 of "fishtail" shape
in front view is connected to the housing within the part 24
thereof. It has a downwardly facing open mouth at its lower edge
102, and an outlet opening 104 at its upper end. The opening 104
faces an aperture 106 in the upper surface 96 of the housing 26,
which faces the lowermost end of the duct part 46 for flow of
suction air into the ductwork leading to the dirty liquid tank
22.
[0041] Internally of the housing 26 there is a part-cylindrical
cover 108, open at a lowermost part of its circumference to enable
an agitator member rotatably mounted within the cover 108 to
contact the surface therebeneath which is to be cleaned. Such an
agitator member, which may be an elongate cylindrical member
provided on its periphery with a number of beater and/or brush
elements (sometimes referred to as a brush bar) is rotationally
supported about its longitudinal axis by suitable bearings. It is
driveable by an electric motor having a housing 110 and an output
shaft rotatable about an axis generally parallel to the length of
the agitator member, and a driving connection between the output
shaft of the motor and the agitator member is provided by a drive
means, e.g. a drive belt (possibly a toothed belt) or a gear train,
disposed within a casing 112 extending between the motor 110 and
the cover member 108.
[0042] The agitator member and associated components including the
cover 108 are disposed within the housing 26 for movement upwardly
and downwardly relative thereto. The moveable components are
connected to the housing 26 by four vertically oriented helical
springs 114, each connected at its lowermost end to the cover 108
and at its uppermost end to the housing 26 below the upper wall 96
thereof. Thus, the agitator member is able to move and, to some
extent, self-align to contact a surface therebeneath.
[0043] An electrical connection for powering the motor 110 is
established between co-operating electrical contacts (not
illustrated) associated with the cleaning head assembly and the
body of the device respectively which engage when the cleaning head
is fitted to the body of the device. The electric motor 110 may be
moveable upwardly and downwardly within the housing 26 with the
agitator member and its components, or may be fixed at a stationary
position within the housing 26 in which case the drive mechanism
within the casing 112 must allow for relative movement between the
motor and the agitator member.
[0044] FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate the ability of the agitator
member and cover 108 to move upwardly and downwardly within the
housing 26; FIG. 8a shows a lowermost position of the agitator
member and FIG. 8b an uppermost position thereof.
[0045] The agitator member itself may be withdrawn from the
cleaning head in a direction transversely of the device, should it
be necessary to change the agitator member or clean it. The end of
the agitator member opposite its end at which it is driven by the
motor 110 faces an end wall portion 118 of the housing 26, moveable
upwardly and downwardly with the agitator member relative to the
housing. In line with the end of the agitator member, a part 120 of
the wall portion 118 is removable from the rest of the wall portion
118, having bayonet-fit engagement therewith and being removable
after angular movement effected by a coin, for example, engaged
with a slot 122 in the removable wall part 120. FIG. 9 of the
drawings shows the wall portion 120 removed, and an agitator member
124 being withdrawn through the opening thereby established in the
wall part 118. At its end opposite the wall portion 118, the
agitator member has during engagement with a drive member rotatable
by the motor as above described. The driving engagement may be by
way of interengaging splines or other non-circular co-operating
surfaces.
[0046] FIG. 10 shows the manner in which the handle assembly 14 may
be pivoted about the axis 16 to assume a horizontal or
near-horizontal orientation, so as to minimise the amount of space
occupied by the device when not in use. The handle assembly is also
telescopically extendible and contractible.
[0047] FIG. 11 shows the handle assembly in greater detail, and the
pivoting mechanism by which it is movable and able to be held in a
required position.
[0048] In more detail, the handle assembly 14 comprises two limbs
130, 132 which extend substantially parallel to one another. The
first limb 130 comprises two elements 134, 136 telescopically
connected to one another with the element 134 extending into the
interior of the element 136. Similarly, the limb 132 comprises
telescopically-connected elements 138, 140 with the former
extending into the interior of the latter. The free ends of the
elements 134, 138 are joined by a transverse member 142, and a
bridging member 144 extends transverse between the adjacent ends of
the elements 136, 140. The transverse member 142, of course, forms
a handle portion graspable by a user. For holding the elements 134,
138 in a selected one of a number of desired positions relative to
the elements 136, 140, a catch mechanism shown in greater detail in
FIG. 13 is provided.
[0049] The bridging member 144 is hollow in configuration, and
carries in its interior two oppositely outwardly facing catch
members 146, 148. These catch members are biased by springs as 150
to retract into the interior of the member 144. They are urged
outwardly into engagement with selected apertures of a number of
apertures 152 in the elements 134, 138 by cam surfaces 154, 156 at
opposite sides of a cam member 158. The cam member 158 is able to
be manually depressed, against the action of a spring 160, by a
press-bar 162, to enable the catch members 146, 148 to be retracted
out of engagement with the respective apertures 152 under the
action of the springs 150. When the press bar 162 is released, the
cam member 158 biases the catch members outwardly, and when opposed
apertures 152 come into alignment with the catch members they are
engaged thereby to hold the telescopic setting of the handle.
[0050] The pivoting mechanism for the handle assembly 14 comprises
cup-like members 164,166 at the ends of elements 136, 140. A
spindle 168 extends through the body 10 of the device. Each of the
members 164, 166 contains a catch mechanism by which the member is
able to be held in a selected angular position relative to the
device, and such catch mechanisms are able to be released by
pressing inwardly an end cap 170 of the member 164. The catch
member may provide for the handle to be held at positions spaced 90
degrees apart from one another, i.e. the downwardly-folded position
shown in FIG. 10 and the upright position shown in other figures.
Holding of the handle assembly at one or more intermediate
positions may also be provided for.
[0051] With reference to FIGS. 14 to 26 of the drawings, further
features of embodiments of the treatment device are now described.
Features of all embodiments described herein are combinable unless
otherwise stated, and the skilled person will understand that the
following features are complementary to those described previously
in the description.
[0052] It should be understood that unless described otherwise,
mechanisms employed in the earlier-described embodiments are also
present in these further embodiments. Those mechanisms include all
suction and cleaning fluid-distribution mechanisms, the general
principles of operation of the agitator member, cleaning fluid and
dirty water storage, and the like.
[0053] FIG. 14 shows a surface treatment device 200 comprising a
main body and a treatment head 218, and a handle assembly 250 of
substantially the same general structure as that of earlier
embodiments. The handle assembly 250 comprises a pair of limbs 254
extending substantially parallel to one another, each limb 254
comprising a first 268 and a second 266 element telescopically
connected to one another with the first element 268 extending into
an interior of the second element 266, and a bridging member 270
extending transverse between the pair of second elements 266, and a
releasable catch mechanism 258 being provided by the bridging
member 270. Each limb 254 is pivotally connected to the body of the
device 200 at a respective pivot connection point 256. The handle
assembly 250 will also be referred to hereinafter as a `handle` for
simplicity.
[0054] With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the treatment head 218 of
the device 200 is detachable from the body of the device 200. In
embodiments, and as shown, the treatment head 218 includes first
and second portions 220,221. It is contemplated that the treatment
head 218 may include more than two portions, detachable from each
other, but for simplicity we described the situation in which the
treatment head 218 includes two portions. A variety of treatment
heads 218 may be provided, such that they are interchangeably
connectable to the device 200. It is envisaged that treatment heads
may include heads having rollers, brush-bars, squeegees, or any
other type of surface-cleaning equipment.
[0055] The method of connecting the treatment head 218 to the body
of the cleaner is substantially the same as described before, using
latching mechanisms, clips, or the like. One or other portion of
the treatment head may further or alternatively require removal of
screws in order to release it from the body of the device 200. In
this way a user may disconnect and change/replace/clean the
treatment head 218 or portions of the treatment head 218.
[0056] The device 200 treatment head includes an agitator member
226 supported within a housing, the agitator member 226 being
rotatably driveable by a motor 228 via a drive formation 230
engageable with an end of the agitator member 226 so as to transmit
rotational drive thereto, the drive formation 230 being driven by a
drive train that includes a drive element extending around
respective formations provided on the drive formation 230 and on an
output shaft of the motor 228. While the embodiments illustrated in
the drawings show an agitator that is a driven rotatable brush bar,
it should be understood that a non-driven agitator may be used, or
any other form of driven agitator (which may slide, wipe, vibrate,
or the like).
[0057] The first portion 220 includes the motor 228, drive train
and drive formation 230 for driving the agitator member 226. The
second portion 221 includes a housing for at least partially
surrounding the agitator member 226 (although the agitator member
226 is of course removable from the second portion 221). The two
portions 220, 221 are connectable to one another by a latching
arrangement 222, 224 so that they may be simply connected to one
another by a user. In addition, or instead, pins may be inserted
(in the vertical direction), through respective apertures provide
in the first and second portions 220, 221, to further secure those
parts to one another.
[0058] In embodiments, securing arrangements are provided,
comprising pairs of locking pins 223 provided on the body of the
device 200, and respective sockets 225 provided on the treatment
head 218. The sockets 225 may be generally keyhole-shaped. To
secure the treatment head 218 to the body, each locking pin 223 is
aligned with a wider end of each respective socket 225, so that the
locking pin 223 may be inserted into the socket 225. Subsequent
lateral movement of the treatment head 218 relative to the body
causes the locking pins 223 to slide within the socket 225, such
that the locking pin 223 moves to a narrower portion of the socket
225, in which position a head of the pin 223 having a wider
diameter than that of the narrower portion of the socket 225 is
prevented from being withdrawn from the socket 225, thus holding
the treatment head 218 in position. In embodiments, it is envisaged
that other connection arrangements may be used, such as screws, for
example, when connecting one or both portions 220, 221 to the body
of the device 200.
[0059] In embodiments, the first portion of the treatment head
provides all of the electrical components required to drive the
agitator member 226, whilst the second portion 221 contains no
electrical components at all, including any wiring or cables and
the like. This means that a user may disconnect the first portion
220 from the second portion 221 so that the second portion 221
(which contains the agitator housing and any nozzle or opening for
intake of dirt provided by the treatment head 218) may be cleaned
by the user. Since no electrical components are present, this
cleaning may include submersion in liquid. In embodiments, the
first portion 220 containing electrical components may be left in
attachment with the body of the device 200 while the second portion
221 is removed. In embodiments, the first portion 220, containing
electrical components, requires screws to be removed in order for
the first portion 220 to be removed from the body of the device
200, in order to prevent or minimise the risk of electrical
components becoming exposed and/or loose. In such embodiments, the
second portion 221 may be detachable from the body and from the
first portion 220 by releasing latches, clips, or the like, while
the first portion 220 remains connected to the body.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 the agitator member 226 itself
may be withdrawn from the treatment head in a direction
transversely of the device. The housing defines an opening and the
cleaning head 218 includes an agitator door 202 moveable between an
open and a closed position relative to the housing, so as to open
and close the opening in the housing. The agitator member 226 is
removable from the housing when the door 202 is in its open
position. An end formation 206 is provided at the end of the
agitator member 226 opposite its end at which it is driven by the
drive formation 230. A portion of the end formation 206 abuts a
part of the treatment head 218 on full insertion of the agitator
member 226, so as to prevent further insertion of the agitator
member 226.
[0061] In embodiments one or more alignment formations 212 are
provided around the opening in the housing, for alignment with
corresponding formations 210 provided on the end formations 206, to
ensure correct alignment between the end formation 206 and housing
on full insertion of the agitator member 226.
[0062] When fully inside the treatment head 218, an
outwardly-facing surface of the end formation 206 lies adjacent an
end wall portion of the housing providing an agitator door 202 that
is slideable between open and closed positions. The agitator door
202 defines a pair of ridges, one on each edge running from top to
bottom, configured to engage a corresponding channel at either side
of the agitator door 202, provided in the treatment head 218.
[0063] In embodiments, the agitator member end formation 206 is
disposed directly adjacent the agitator door 202 when the agitator
member 226 is within the housing. The outwardly-facing surface of
the end formation 206 provides a first retaining formation 208
configured to engage a corresponding second retaining formation 216
provided on an inwardly facing surface of the agitator door 206
respectively (as shown in FIG. 19). In embodiments the second
retaining formation 216 is provided by a pair of sprung steel
pieces (or similar resilient parts), each curved inwardly between
respective pairs of spring-holding formations 215 provided on the
agitator door 202. The first retaining formation 208 comprises a
pair of walls extending from the surface of the end formation 206,
each having a contact portion 214 angled outwardly and configured
so that relative sliding movement of the agitator door 202 relative
to the end formation 206 causes the steel pieces of the second
retaining formation 216 to abut the contact portions 214 of the
first retaining formation 208. In this manner, the pairs of
retaining formations 208, 216 are configured to oppose movement of
the agitator door 202 between its open and closed positions. On
closing or opening the agitator door 202, the two retaining
formations contact one another so as to resist further movement of
the door relative to the end formation 206 of the agitator member
226. Sufficient force applied to the agitator door 202 by the user
causes the sprung parts 216 to flex, allowing the retaining
formations 208, 216 to move past one another, and thereby allowing
the door to open or close, respectively.
[0064] FIGS. 20 to 26 show aspects of a handle assembly 250 of
embodiments of the invention. The general configuration of the
handle assembly 250 is described above in relation to FIG. 14. The
handle assembly 250 provides a graspable portion (transverse member
252 disposed between the ends of the two limbs 254) by which a user
can move the device 200 over the surface. The handle 250 is at
least one of (a) pivotably connected to the body of the device and
(b) extensible and contractible in respect of its length. In
embodiments, the handle 250 is both pivotably connected to the body
and also extensible and contractible lengthwise. In embodiments,
the handle 250 is telescopically extendible and contractible.
[0065] In embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, the
device 200 includes a releasable catch mechanism 258 for holding a
selected length setting of the handle 250. The releasable catch
mechanism 258 is provided by the bridging member 250. The bridging
member 270 is generally hollow, and carries in its interior two
oppositely outwardly facing catch members 274. These catch members
274 are biased outwardly by at least one spring 276. The catch
members 274 are urged into engagement with pairs of apertures 260
provided in the first elements 268.
[0066] In embodiments, the device 200 includes a cuff 272
substantially surrounding a portion of the bridging member 270,
wherein the cuff 272 defines a pair of slots 284 adapted to receive
a pair of pins 282 connected to respective catch members 274. The
slots 284 are configured to provide a cam surface such that
rotation of the cuff 272 about the bridging member 270 in a first
direction causes engagement of the pins 282 with the slots 284 so
as to cause each respective pin 282 and connected catch member 274
to move away from its respective aperture 260. This motion causes
the catch member 274 to disengage from the aperture 260, thereby
allowing relative movement between the first 268 and second 266
elements. When the cuff 272 is rotated in a second opposite
direction, the biasing force of the spring 276 causes the catch
members 274 to move outwardly into engagement with respective
apertures 260, as the slots 284 rotate such that the pins 282 are
able to move outwardly. In embodiments, the cuff 272 may be biased
(by a spring or the like), to its original position in which the
catch members 274 engage the apertures 260.
[0067] With reference to FIGS. 24 to 26, a handle pivoting
mechanism of embodiments of the invention is explained. A rod or
spindle 290 extends across the width of the body of the device 200.
The handle 250 is connected to the rod 290, and the rod 290 is
rotatably held within a sleeve 288 provided on the body of the
device 200.
[0068] The rod 290 has a generally circular cross-sectional
profile. However, at a position on the circumference of the rod 290
a recessed portion is provided. The recessed portion provides an
abutment surface 294 adapted to abut a latching member 296 provided
on the body of the device 200. Rotation of the rod 290 and of the
handle 250 in a first rotational direction relative to the body is
prevented when the latching member 296 abuts the abutment surface
294.
[0069] The latching member 296 provides a further recess 300 for
receiving a pin 298, and provides a trigger portion 286 operable by
a user. The latching member 296 is pivotably support on the pin
298. The trigger portion 286 may comprise a handle or a pedal (e.g.
a foot-operated pedal) operable by the user. Application of force
to the trigger portion 286 by the user causes rotation of the
latching member about the pin 298, causing disengagement of the
latching member 296 from the recessed portion of the rod 290,
lifting the latching member 296 away from the abutment surface 294,
thereby enabling rotation of the rod 290 and of the handle 250 in
the first rotational direction (as indicated in FIG. 26). In
embodiments the latching member 296 is biased towards its original
configuration in with it is engaged with the recessed portion of
the rod 290 (by a compression spring located at 293, for example,
or by a tension or torsion spring located at a suitable position).
The latching member 296 provides a further recess 300 for receiving
a pin 298, and provides a trigger portion 286 operable by a user.
The latching member 296 is pivotably support on the pin 298. The
trigger portion 286 may comprise a handle or a pedal (e.g. a
foot-operated pedal) operable by the user. Application of force to
the trigger portion 286 by the user causes rotation of the latching
member about the pin 298, causing disengagement of the latching
member 296 from the recessed portion of the rod 290, lifting the
latching member 296 away from the abutment surface 294, thereby
enabling rotation of the rod 290 and of the handle 250 in the first
rotational direction (as indicated in FIG. 26). In embodiments the
latching member 296 is biased towards its original configuration in
with it is engaged with the recessed portion of the rod 290 (by a
compression spring located at 293, for example, or by a tension or
torsion spring located at a suitable position).
[0070] In embodiments, the recessed portion of the cross-sectional
profile of the rod 290 also provides a lip 292, opposite the
abutment surface 294, and configured such that when the latching
member 296 is engaged with the recessed portion the lip 292 resists
rotational movement of the rod 290 and of the handle 250 in a
second opposite rotational direction. From its original position,
in which the latching member 296 is engaged with the recessed
portion, the rod 290 and handle 250 are rotatable in the second
rotational direction on application of a sufficient (and
predetermined) force to the handle 250 in the second rotational
direction by the user. This force acts against the force of the
biasing spring urging the latching member 296 into engagement with
the recessed portion of the rod 290. Once a sufficient force is
applied to overcome the opposing biasing force, a tip of the
latching member 296 is moved outwardly away from the central axis
of the rod 290 as the latching member 296 tip moves over the lip
292 of the rotating rod 290. The user may then move the handle 250
back to its original position, rotating the rod 290 so that the
latching member 296 once again engages the recessed portion.
[0071] When used in this specification and claims, the terms
"comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the
specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are
not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features,
steps or components.
[0072] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the
following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their
specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed
function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed
result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of
such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse
forms thereof.
[0073] Features of embodiments of the invention are set out in the
following clauses:
[0074] 1. A surface treatment device comprising a body and a
treatment head for treatment of a surface by application of a
treatment liquid thereto and removal of at least a substantial
portion of the liquid therefrom; wherein at least a part of the
treatment head is detachable from the body of the device, and
replaceable by a treatment head or part of a different
configuration from that of the first said head or part.
[0075] 2. A device according to clause 1 wherein the treatment head
is detachable and replaceable as an assembly.
[0076] 3. A device according to clause 1 or clause 2 wherein the
treatment head is a cleaning head.
[0077] 4. A device according to clause 3 wherein the cleaning head
includes means for applying cleaning liquid to the surface and
means for applying suction to the surface to remove the liquid.
[0078] 5. A device according to clause 4 wherein the cleaning head
further comprises an agitator member.
[0079] 6. A device according to clause 5 wherein the agitator
member is rotatably driveable, and the cleaning head includes a
motor for effecting such driving.
[0080] 7. A device according to clause 6 wherein the motor is
spaced from the agitator member and drives the latter by way of a
drive train therebetween.
[0081] 8. A device according to clause 7 wherein the drive train
includes a drive element extending around respective formations
provided on the agitator member and on an output shaft of the
motor.
[0082] 9. A device according to clause 8 wherein the drive element
comprises a drive belt.
[0083] 10. A device according to clause 6 or any clause appendent
thereto wherein the agitator member is able to move, in use,
upwardly and downwardly relative to a housing of the cleaning
head.
[0084] 11. A device according to clause 10 wherein the agitator
member is biased to move downwardly relative to the housing, to
engage a surface being cleaned.
[0085] 12. A device according to clause 10 or clause 11 wherein the
agitator member assembly is guided for movement upwardly and
downwardly relative to the housing by generally upright guide
formations.
[0086] 13. A device according to clause 12 wherein spring means is
associated with at least some of said formations to effect the
biasing.
[0087] 14. A device according to any one of clauses 10 to 12 as
appendent directly or indirectly to clause 7, wherein the motor is
movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the housing with the
agitator assembly.
[0088] 15. A device according to clause 5 or any clause appendent
thereto wherein the agitator member is removable in a transverse
direction from the cleaning head.
[0089] 16. A device according to clause 15 wherein said removal is
able to be effected without the use of tools.
[0090] 17. A device according to clause 15 or 16, as appendent
directly or indirectly to clause 10, wherein the housing includes
an openable or removable portion permitted said removal of the
agitator member.
[0091] 18. A device according to any one of the preceding clauses
wherein the treatment head comprises a suction nozzle through which
the treatment liquid may be drawn from a surface being treated.
[0092] 19. A device according to clause 18 wherein the suction
nozzle has an opening facing a surface being treated, extending
transversely of the device to substantially the same width as the
cleaning head.
[0093] 20. A device according to clause 18 wherein the suction
nozzle has an opening facing a surface being treated, extending
transversely of the device to substantially the same width as the
cleaning head.
[0094] 21. A device according to any one of the preceding clauses
comprising a recovery tank for receiving liquid removed from the
surface being treated.
[0095] 22. A device according to clause 21 wherein the recovery
tank is removable from the body of the device.
[0096] 23. A device according to clause 22 as appendent to clause
20 wherein the recovery tank is disposed in an upper region above
the base of the device, and the source of suction is disposed in a
part of the base of the device.
[0097] 24. A device according to clause 22 as appendent to clause
20 wherein the recovery tank is disposed in an upper region above
the base of the device, and the source of suction is disposed in a
part of the base of the device.
[0098] 25. A device according to any one of clauses 21 to 23 as
appendent to clause 18 or 19 including ducting extending upwardly
from the suction nozzle to the recovery tank.
[0099] 26. A device according to clause 25 wherein the suction
airflow enters the recovery tank downwardly, and then flows
upwardly within the tank to enter the duct leading to the source of
suction.
[0100] 27. A device according to clause 25 wherein the suction
airflow enters the recovery tank downwardly, and then flows
upwardly within the tank to enter the duct leading to the source of
suction.
[0101] 28. A device according to clause 27 wherein the supply tank
is disposed at least partially beneath the recovery tank.
[0102] 29. A surface treatment device comprising a body; a
treatment head for application of a liquid to a surface and removal
of at least a substantial portion of the liquid; a supply tank for
a clean supply of the liquid; a recovery tank for receiving liquid
removed from the surface being treated; a source of suction for
creating a suction airflow; and ducting for conveying the suction
airflow and liquid removed from the surface, from the treatment
head to the recovery tank; wherein the recovery tank includes a
duct leaving the tank downwardly to convey suction airflow to the
source of suction.
[0103] 30. A device according to clause 29 wherein the suction
airflow enters the recovery tank downwardly and then flows upwardly
within the tank to enter the duct leading to the source of
suction.
[0104] 31. A device according to clause 29 or 30 wherein the duct
leading to the source of suction extends downwardly through the
recovery tank.
[0105] 32. A device according to any one of clauses 29 to 31
wherein the recovery tank has a cover including a duct part for
suction airflow entering the tank.
[0106] 33. A device according to any one of clauses 29 to 32
wherein the supply tank is disposed at least partially beneath the
recovery tank.
[0107] 34. A surface treatment device comprising a body, and a
treatment head for treatment of a surface by application of a
treatment liquid thereto and removal of at least substantial
proportion of the liquid therefrom; and further comprising a handle
by which a user can move a device over the surface; wherein the
handle is at least one of (a) pivotably connected to the body of
the device and able to be set in a selected one of a number of
angular positions relative to the body and (b) extensible and
contractible in respect of its length.
[0108] 35. A device according to clause 34 wherein the handle is
generally of inverted U shape, having spaced limbs whose one ends
are pivotably connected to the device and whose other ends are
joined to one another by a joining portion.
[0109] 36. A device according to clause 35 wherein at least one of
the pivotal connections of the limbs to the handle incorporates a
holding mechanism to hold a selected angular position of the handle
relative to the body.
[0110] 37. A device according to clause 36 comprising a release
mechanism for releasing of a handle to enable it to be pivoted
relative the base of the device.
[0111] 38. A device according to clause 37 wherein the release
mechanism is operable to release respective holding mechanisms for
both limbs of the handle together.
[0112] 39. A device according to any one of clauses 34 to 38
wherein the handle is telescopically extendible and
contractible.
[0113] 40. A device according to clause 39 wherein there is a
releasable catch mechanism for holding a selected length setting of
the handle.
[0114] 41. A device according to any one of clauses 1 to 28 and any
one of clauses 29 to 33.
[0115] 42. A device according to any one of clauses 1 to 28 and any
one of clauses 34 to 40.
[0116] 43. A device according to any one of the preceding clauses
adapted for treatment of a floor surface.
[0117] 44. A device according to clause 43 which is a carpet
washer.
* * * * *