U.S. patent application number 14/793299 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-10 for handheld cleaning device.
The applicant listed for this patent is BLACK & DECKER INC.. Invention is credited to Mark BAXTER, Derek MUIR, Martyn RILEY, Andrew WALKER.
Application Number | 20160066756 14/793299 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51564438 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160066756 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WALKER; Andrew ; et
al. |
March 10, 2016 |
HANDHELD CLEANING DEVICE
Abstract
A handheld cleaning device comprising a housing having a handle
for gripping the device; a motor-fan assembly for generating an air
flow; a cleaning head comprising a suction nozzle in fluid
communication with the motor-fan assembly and a cleaning accessory
mounted on the cleaning head; and a fluid tank in fluid
communication with the suction nozzle and the motor-fan assembly
for receiving fluid from the suction nozzle in the air flow;
wherein the cleaning head is rotatably mounted on the housing and
the cleaning head is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the
housing between a first position in which the suction nozzle is in
an operable position and a second position in which the cleaning
accessory is in an operable position.
Inventors: |
WALKER; Andrew; (Durham,
GB) ; MUIR; Derek; (Durham, GB) ; BAXTER;
Mark; (Tyne and Wear, GB) ; RILEY; Martyn;
(Tyne and Wear, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BLACK & DECKER INC. |
Newark |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51564438 |
Appl. No.: |
14/793299 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/322 ;
15/344 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/068 20130101;
A47L 11/4044 20130101; A47L 1/05 20130101; A47L 9/0626 20130101;
A47L 7/0009 20130101; A47L 5/24 20130101; A47L 11/4036 20130101;
A47L 11/4083 20130101; A47L 11/4088 20130101; A47L 9/0606 20130101;
A47L 11/4016 20130101; A47L 9/0488 20130101; A47L 1/08 20130101;
A47L 7/0023 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/24 20060101
A47L005/24; A47L 7/00 20060101 A47L007/00; A47L 9/06 20060101
A47L009/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 4, 2014 |
EP |
14183496.0 |
Claims
1. A handheld cleaning device comprising: a housing having a handle
for gripping the device; a motor-fan assembly for generating an air
flow; a cleaning head comprising a suction nozzle in fluid
communication with the motor-fan assembly and a cleaning accessory
mounted on the cleaning head; and a fluid tank in fluid
communication with the suction nozzle and the motor-fan assembly
for receiving fluid from the suction nozzle in the air flow;
wherein the cleaning head is rotatably mounted on the housing and
the cleaning head is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the
housing between a first position in which the suction nozzle is in
an operable position and a second position in which the cleaning
accessory is in an operable position.
2. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the
handle is mounted on a first side of the housing and the operable
position of the suction nozzle or the cleaning accessory is on a
second side of the housing opposing the first side of the
housing.
3. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the
handheld cleaning device comprises a locking mechanism for
preventing the cleaning head from rotating between the first
position and second positions.
4. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein the
locking mechanism comprises a moveable locking arm arranged to
interlock with at least one recess.
5. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein the
locking mechanism comprises an actuating button mounted on the
handle.
6. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the
cleaning head is arranged to be rotated about 180 degrees between
the first and second positions.
7. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the
handheld cleaning device comprises a cleaning fluid tank and
cleaning fluid delivery mechanism comprising a spray nozzle in
fluid communication with the cleaning fluid tank.
8. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the
spray nozzle is fixedly mounted on housing and the spray nozzle is
mounted on the same side of the housing as the operable position of
the suction nozzle or the cleaning accessory.
9. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the
cleaning fluid delivery mechanism is actuated with a trigger
mounted on the handle.
10. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the
cleaning fluid tank is mounted in the handle.
11. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the
cleaning head comprises an attachment for mounting the cleaning
accessory.
12. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the
cleaning accessory is one or more of the following a pad, cloth, or
brush.
13. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the
fluid tank comprises an inlet tube for receiving fluid from the
suction nozzle and the longitudinal axis of the inlet tube is
coaxial with the axis of rotation of the cleaning head.
14. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the
fluid tank comprises an inlet tube for receiving fluid from the
suction nozzle and the longitudinal axis of the inlet tube is
substantially parallel but not coaxial with the axis of rotation of
the cleaning head.
15. A handheld cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the
suction nozzle comprises a squeegee.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims priority to European Patent
Application No. 14183496.0 filed Sep. 4, 2014. The entire contents
of that application are expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a handheld cleaning device.
In particular the present invention relates to a handheld cleaning
device for cleaning hard, smooth surfaces.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the domestic environment it is desirable to maintain and
clean hard smooth surfaces such as tiles and windows. Exterior
windows may become dirty over time due to the grime of everyday
life. Instead of cleaning the surfaces by hand some labour saving
cleaning devices are known.
[0004] One such device is shown in EP2237711 which shows a window
washing device having a motor fan assembly which sucks excess water
on a hard surface through a suction nozzle and into a dirty water
tank. This solution works if the hard surface is wet and the excess
moisture sucked into the tank. However if the hard surface to be
cleaned is dry, then the user must apply water. This may require
the user to put the window washing device down whilst water is
applied to the hard surface which is inconvenient if the user is
working at height.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,439 shows an apparatus for cleaning by
spreading liquid and by suction of the used liquid. The cleaning
device comprises a spray nozzle and brush arrangement for deploying
cleaning fluid from a separate reservoir on to the hard surface.
The excess cleaning fluid is then sucked into the dirty water tank
via the suction nozzle. The spray nozzle is mounted on a different
side to the suction nozzle. This means that the user has to turn
the whole cleaning device around to use the suction nozzle after
deploying the cleaning fluid. However, the handle is profiled for a
grip facing the spray nozzle and this means that the handle is
awkward and uncomfortable to grip when the user uses the cleaning
device to suck up excess liquid.
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention aim to address the
aforementioned problems.
[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention there is a
handheld cleaning device comprising: a housing having a handle for
gripping the device; a motor-fan assembly for generating an air
flow; a cleaning head comprising a suction nozzle in fluid
communication with the motor-fan assembly and a cleaning accessory
mounted on the cleaning head; and a fluid tank in fluid
communication with the suction nozzle and the motor-fan assembly
for receiving fluid from the suction nozzle in the air flow;
wherein the cleaning head is rotatably mounted on the housing and
the cleaning head is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the
housing between a first position in which the suction nozzle is in
an operable position and a second position in which the cleaning
accessory is in an operable position.
[0008] This means that the handheld cleaning device can be held in
the hand and the operable portion of the cleaning device can be
rotated with respect to the housing without the user changing their
grip of the cleaning device. This makes using the handheld cleaning
device more comfortable and the user is less likely to drop the
handheld cleaning device. By rotating the cleaning head about a
longitudinal axis of the housing, the user is required to
positively select either the suction nozzle or the cleaning
accessory and is not able to accidentally operate the cleaning head
in the first or second position.
[0009] Preferably the handle is mounted on a first side of the
housing and the operable position of the suction nozzle or the
cleaning accessory is on a second side of the housing opposing the
first side of the housing. This means that the operable position of
the suction nozzle or the operable position of the cleaning
accessory is visible to the user during operation.
[0010] Preferably the handheld cleaning device comprises a locking
mechanism for preventing the cleaning head from rotating between
the first position and second positions. Preferably the locking
mechanism comprises a moveable locking arm arranged to interlock
with at least one recess. Preferably the locking mechanism
comprises an actuating button mounted on the handle. This means
that the cleaning head is easily unlocked into a position in which
the cleaning head can be rotated. By positioning the release button
on the handle, the button can easily be depressed with the thumb of
the same hand that is gripping the handle.
[0011] Preferably the cleaning head is arranged to be rotated about
180 degrees between the first and second positions.
[0012] Preferably handheld cleaning device comprises a cleaning
fluid tank and a cleaning fluid delivery mechanism comprising a
spray nozzle in fluid communication with the cleaning fluid tank.
Preferably the spray nozzle is fixedly mounted on housing and the
spray nozzle is mounted on the same side of the housing as the
operable position of the suction nozzle or the cleaning accessory.
Preferably the cleaning fluid delivery mechanism is actuated with a
trigger mounted on the handle. Preferably the cleaning fluid tank
is mounted in the handle. This means that the user can use handheld
cleaning device and also deploy cleaning fluid without putting the
handheld cleaning device down. By locating the trigger for
actuating the cleaning fluid delivery mechanism on the handle, the
user can easily hold the handheld cleaning device and spray
cleaning fluid on to the dirty surface. Including the clean fluid
tank in the handle saves space and reduces the overall size of the
cleaning device.
[0013] Preferably cleaning head comprises an attachment for
mounting the cleaning accessory. Preferably the cleaning accessory
is one or more of the following a pad, cloth, or brush. This means
that the cleaning accessory can be replaced and maintained.
Furthermore different cleaning accessories can be use for different
cleaning purposes.
[0014] Preferably the fluid tank comprises an inlet tube for
receiving fluid from the suction nozzle and the longitudinal axis
of the inlet tube is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the
cleaning head. In this way the suction nozzle is capable of drawing
air and water into the fluid tank irrespective of the orientation
of the suction head with respect to the housing. Alternatively the
fluid tank comprises an inlet tube for receiving fluid from the
suction nozzle and the longitudinal axis of the inlet tube is
substantially parallel but not coaxial with the axis of rotation of
the cleaning head.
[0015] Preferably the suction nozzle comprises a squeegee. A
squeegee helps clean and remove liquid from hard surfaces such as
windows or tiles.
[0016] Preferably the cleaning head is releasable from the housing.
Preferably there is a locking mechanism for releasing the cleaning
head from the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Various other aspects and further embodiments are also
described in the following detailed description and in the attached
claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the handheld cleaning
device;
[0019] FIG. 2 shows cross sectional side view of the handheld
cleaning device;
[0020] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show side views of the handheld cleaning
device in different configurations;
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a partial cross sectional side view of the
handheld cleaning device;
[0022] FIGS. 6a and 6b show partial perspective cut away views of
the handheld cleaning device; and
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a partial cross sectional side view of the
handheld cleaning device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a handheld cleaning device 10.
The handheld cleaning device comprises a housing 12. The housing 12
comprises a two-part clamshell arrangement. The clamshell
arrangement may be fixed together with screws or glue or any other
means for fastening the clamshells together.
[0025] The housing 12 comprises a fluid tank 14 for receiving fluid
entrained in an air flow received from a suction nozzle 16. The
suction nozzle 16 is mounted in a cleaning head 18 and the cleaning
head 18 is rotatably mounted to the housing 12. The housing 12
comprises an integral handle 20 and the handheld cleaning device
suitable for the user to grip with their hand during operation. In
this way the operable side of the handheld cleaning device 10 is on
the side opposite the integral handle 20.
[0026] The housing 12 comprises a removably mountable motor housing
22. The motor housing 22 is detachable from the housing 12 so that
the electrical components of the handheld cleaning device can be
completely separated from the housing 12. For example a user can
remove the motor housing 22 and then wash the rest of the handheld
cleaning device 10 without damaging the electrical components.
However in some alternative embodiments the motor fan assembly 32
is integral with the housing 12 and the motor fan assembly 32 is
mounted within the housing 12.
[0027] The motor housing 22 comprises a catch mechanism (not shown)
for releasably fixing the motor housing 22 to the housing 12. The
catch mechanism comprises a release button (not shown) mounted on
the housing for disengaging the catch and releasing the motor
housing 22 from the housing 12. The motor housing 22 comprises a
charging port 24 for charging a rechargeable battery 36. In some
embodiments the charging port 24 is a micro USB port suitable for
being charged from a standard 5V charger. However in other
embodiments the charging port 24 may be any suitable means for
charging the internal rechargeable battery 36.
[0028] Turning to FIG. 2, the handheld cleaning device will now be
discussed in further detail. FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional side
view of the handheld cleaning device.
[0029] The motor housing 22 will now be discussed in further
detail. The motor housing 22 comprises a motor-fan assembly 32 for
generating an air flow. The motor-fan assembly 32 is coupled to an
electrical circuit 34 and powered by a rechargeable battery 36. The
motor-fan assembly 32 is in fluid communication with the fluid tank
14 and the suction nozzle 16. In this way when the motor-fan
assembly 32 operates air is drawn in from the suction nozzle 16,
through the fluid tank 14 and towards the motor-fan assembly 32.
Exhaust air is outputted from the motor housing 22 via air outlet
holes in the hosing 12 (not shown). The motor fan assembly 32 is
configured to be powerful enough to draw air and water together
into the handheld cleaning device 10 via the suction nozzle 16. The
inventors have realised that a motor fan assembly 32 capable of
generating between 4 to 5 Air Watts is sufficient to suck both air
and water into the fluid tank 14.
[0030] The structure of the cleaning head will now be discussed in
further detail. The cleaning head 18 comprises a suction conduit 26
which couples the suction nozzle 16 with a dirty water inlet 28 of
the fluid tank 14. The suction nozzle 16 is an opening in the
cleaning head 18 for drawing air and water into the handheld
cleaning device 10. In some embodiments the suction nozzle 16
comprises a flexible squeegee. The flexible squeegee aids capture
of the excess water on a hard surface. The flexible squeegee may be
rubber or any other suitable flexible material such as silicone. In
some embodiments the suction nozzle 16 comprises two flexible
rubber strips which are mounted either side of the opening. The
flexible rubber stripes are mounted in a recess either side of the
opening and the flexible rubber strips are removable so that they
can be maintained and replaced. However the suction nozzle in other
embodiments is an opening in the hard shell of the cleaning head 18
without the flexible squeegee.
[0031] The dirty water inlet 28 receives dirty water entrained in
an air flow from the suction conduit 26. The dirty water inlet 28
is directed at a water separating element 30 and the water
separating element 30 receives the dirty water and the air flow
from the suction conduit 26. When the air flow is incident on the
water separating element 30, the kinetic energy of the dirty water
entrained in the air flow is dissipated. This means that the dirty
water drops out of the air flow and the dirty water collects in the
bottom of the fluid tank 14. The dirty water can be removed from
the dirty water tank by pouring the water out of drain port 42 once
drain port plug 44 has been removed.
[0032] Once the dirty water has been removed from the air flow by
the water separating element 30, the motor-fan assembly draws the
air from the fluid tank 14 through a vacuum conduit 38. The air
enters the vacuum conduit 38 at vacuum conduit opening 40. The
vacuum conduit opening 40 comprises a lip 41 for shielding the
opening 40 from stray droplets of water. The lip 41 is mounted on
one side of the vacuum conduit 38 and the water separating element
30 is mounted on the other side of the vacuum conduit 38. The lip
41 which projects in an opposite direction to the water separating
element 30. This further prevents stray droplets from being sucked
into the vacuum conduit 38.
[0033] The handheld cleaning device 10 also comprises a clean fluid
tank 46 and a cleaning fluid delivery mechanism 55 connected
thereto. The clean fluid tank comprises a cleaning fluid, such as
clean water or a detergent.
[0034] The clean fluid tank 46 is separate from the fluid tank 14
and the dirty water contained in the fluid tank 14 cannot
contaminate the clean fluid tank 46. This means that the user does
not have to recycle dirty water on the surface such as a window
which means the surface is cleaned more efficiently.
[0035] The cleaning fluid delivery mechanism 55 comprises the clean
fluid tank 46 and a spray nozzle 48 which is coupled to the clean
fluid tank 46 by a clean fluid conduit (not shown). In some
embodiments the clean fluid conduit is a rubber hose or tube. The
spray nozzle 48 is mounted in the wall of the housing 12. The spray
nozzle 48 is mounted in a side of the housing 12 which is opposite
the handle 20. The spray nozzle 48 of the cleaning fluid delivery
mechanism 55 is actuated by trigger 50 which actuates a pump
mechanism 51. The trigger 50 is mounted on the handle 20. The pump
mechanism 51 is manually operated and when the user squeezes the
trigger 50, the clean fluid is pumped along the clean fluid conduit
to the spray nozzle 48. The pump mechanism 51 is a simple piston
pump or a diaphragm pump. The trigger 50 is biased by spring 53 and
is biased into an extended position as shown n FIG. 2. In this way
the clean fluid is sprayed from the spray nozzle 48 when the user
actuates the trigger 50. The other embodiments the pump mechanism
can be any suitable means for pumping the clean fluid to the spray
nozzle. For example the pump mechanism can be powered by a
motorised pump selectively operated by the user.
[0036] By mounting the spray nozzle on the housing 12 and not the
suction head 18, the suction head 18 is rotatable and the spray
nozzle is operable when the suction head 18 is in any orientation.
This also means that the clean fluid conduit does not have to have
excess hosing or tubing to accommodate relative movement of the
spray nozzle with respect to the housing 12.
[0037] As mentioned above, the cleaning head 18 is rotatably
mounted on housing 12. The cleaning head 18 will now be discussed
in further detail with respect to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIGS. 3 and 4 show
a side view of the handheld cleaning device 10 in two different
modes.
[0038] Turning the FIG. 3 the handheld cleaning device 10 is shown
with the cleaning head 18 in a first position. In the first
position the suction nozzle 16 is in an operable position. In the
operable position the suction nozzle 16 is on the side of the
housing which is opposite to the handle 20. In other words the
handle is on a rearwardly facing side of the housing and the
suction nozzle is on a forwardly facing side of the housing. When
the suction nozzle 16 is forwardly facing the suction nozzle 16 is
engageable with the hard surface to be cleaned.
[0039] The cleaning head 18 also comprises a cleaning accessory 52.
The cleaning head 18 comprises an attachment element 54 for
mounting the cleaning accessory to the cleaning head 18. In some
embodiments the cleaning accessory 52 is removable and there may be
a hook and loop attachment means such as Velcro.RTM.. In other
embodiments the cleaning accessory 52 can be removably fixed to the
cleaning head by any suitable attachment means. For example the
cleaning accessory 52 may releasably clip into the suction head 18.
Alternatively the cleaning accessory 52 may comprise holes for
receiving screw fastenings for fastening the cleaning accessory 52
to the suction head 18. The cleaning accessory 52 may be one or
more of a cloth, pad, foam pad, brush, scourer or any other
suitable means for abrading, scraping or wiping dirt from a
surface.
[0040] The cleaning accessory 52 is on an opposite side of the
cleaning head 18 to the suction nozzle opening. This means a
rotation of 180 degrees is required to rotate the cleaning head
between the two cleaning positions wherein either the suction
nozzle 16 or the cleaning accessory is operable.
[0041] FIG. 4 shows the cleaning head 18 in a second position
whereby the cleaning accessory 52 is in operable position. When the
cleaning head 18 is in the second position the cleaning accessory
52 is forwardly facing and engageable with the hard surface to be
cleaned. In this position, the user can operated the trigger 50 to
spray cleaning fluid from the nozzle 48 and the cleaning accessory
52 is wetted with the cleaning fluid to aid cleaning.
[0042] The mechanism for rotating the cleaning head 18 will now be
discussed in relation to FIGS. 5, 6a and 6b. FIG. 5 shows a partial
cross section of the handheld cleaning device at the point where
the cleaning head 18 is mounted to the housing 12. FIGS. 6a and 6b
show a partial perspective view of the cleaning head in different
positions. The cleaning head 18 as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6a is
in the first position whereby the suction nozzle 16 is forwardly
facing. The cleaning head 18 as shown in FIG. 6b is in a position
between the first and second positions.
[0043] The cleaning head 18 is rotatably mounted on the housing 12.
The cleaning head 18 comprises an annular flange 56 which engages
in a reciprocal annular groove 58 in the housing 12. The annular
flange 56 and annular groove 58 allow the cleaning head 18 to
rotate about a longitudinal axis A-A of the housing 12. The vacuum
tube 38 and the dirty water inlet 28 as shown in the figures are
not aligned with the longitudinal axis A-A. The longitudinal axis
suction conduit 26 at the housing 12 is substantially parallel but
not coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the vacuum tube 38 or the
longitudinal axis of the handheld cleaning device 10. This means
that the suction conduit 26 of the cleaning head 18 does not align
with the dirty water inlet. This means that the when the cleaning
head 18 is in the first position, the suction conduit 26 and the
vacuum tube 38 are aligned. When the cleaning head 18 is in the
second position the suction conduit 26 and the vacuum tube 38 are
not aligned and air and water cannot be drawn into the fluid tank
14 by the motor fan assembly. This is because when the suction
conduit 26 and the vacuum tube 38 are not aligned not enough air is
drawn through the suction conduit 26 by the motor fan assembly
32.
[0044] This means that the handheld cleaning device 10 will only
suck water and air into the fluid tank when the suction nozzle is
in the operable position. In this way it is clear to the user which
position the rotatable cleaning head 18 must be in for the handheld
suction nozzle to work. For example a user is not able to orientate
the cleaning head 18 with the cleaning accessory facing forwards
and attempt to suck water in the suction nozzle 16 which would
require the user to hold the handheld cleaning device in an awkward
position to operate the suction nozzle 16 effectively.
[0045] By rotating the cleaning head 18 about the longitudinal axis
of the housing 12, the user will not accidentally move the cleaning
head between the first position and the second position, even
without a locking mechanism. When the use presses the cleaning head
18 against the surface to be cleaned, there is substantially no
turning moment on the cleaning head 18 created about the rotational
axis of the cleaning head 18 because the entire length of the
cleaning head 18 will engage with the surface. The longitudinal
axis of the housing 12 is also the longitudinal axis of the
handheld cleaning device 10. In particular the longitudinal axis of
the housing 12 is substantially aligned with the centre of the
cleaning head. Furthermore the longitudinal axis of the housing is
substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle
20.
[0046] In another embodiment the vacuum tube 38 and the dirty water
inlet are also aligned with the longitudinal axis A-A. In other
words the axis of rotation of the cleaning 18 is substantially
coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the handheld cleaning device
10 and the vacuum tube 38. This means that the suction conduit 26
of the cleaning head 18 will always remain aligned to the dirty
water inlet 28 when the cleaning head rotates 18. The cleaning head
18 is rotatable about 360 degrees about the longitudinal axis
A-A.
[0047] The handheld cleaning device 10 comprises a locking
mechanism 60. The locking mechanism 60 prevents rotation of the
cleaning head 18 with respect to the housing 12 and prevents
rotation of the cleaning head 18 between the first position and the
second position. The locking mechanism 60 comprises an actuation
button 62 for releasing the locking mechanism 60. The actuation
button 62 is mechanically coupled to a locking arm 64 which engages
with a reciprocal first recess 66 in annular flange 56 of the
cleaning head 18. The locking arm 64 interlocks with the recess 66
and prevents rotation of the cleaning head 18 with respect to the
housing 12. The cleaning head has a first recess 66 and a second
recess 68 respectively associated with the first and second
positions of the cleaning head 18. The first and second recesses
66, 68 are positioned diametrically opposite each other on the
annular flange 54 to correspond with the first and second positions
of the cleaning head 18. This means that the cleaning head 18 is
rotatable about 180 degrees between the first position and the
second position. The actuating button 62 and the locking arm 64 are
biased to the locking position with spring 65. This means that when
the user releases the locking mechanism 60, the cleaning head is
free to rotate. The locking arm 64 will snap back in place when it
is in proximity to the first or second recesses 66, 68. In this way
the cleaning head 18 will automatically lock in either the first or
second positions when the user rotates the cleaning head 18.
[0048] In some alternative embodiments there are additional
recesses (not shown) in the annular flange 54 which correspond to
different positions between the first and second positions. This
means that the cleaning head 18 can be releasably fixed in other
positions such as 45 degree or 90 degree rotation of the cleaning
head 18 from the first or second positions. Additional positions
may help clean surfaces at different or unusual orientations.
[0049] When the user wishes to rotate the cleaning head 18, the
user depresses the actuating button 62, rotates the cleaning head
18 with respect to the housing 12. The locking mechanism 60 locks
the cleaning head 18 in place when the user rotates the cleaning
head 18 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis A-A.
[0050] In some embodiments the locking mechanism is not necessary.
Instead the coefficient of friction is increased between the
cleaning head 18 and the housing 12 such that the cleaning head 18
may be rotated by hand, but held in position during operation by
friction.
[0051] Advantageously by providing a handheld cleaning device 10
with a cleaning head which is rotatable with respect to the
housing, a user can easily change whether the cleaning accessory or
the suction nozzle is forward facing. The user does not need to put
the handheld cleaning device down to rotate the cleaning head and
this makes the handheld cleaning device particularly advantageous
up ladders and other exposed environments.
[0052] In some embodiments the rotatable cleaning head 18 may be
releasable from the housing 12. The releasable cleaning head 18 is
an optional feature and not required for the cleaning head 18 to
rotate. FIG. 7 shows a partial cross sectional view of the cleaning
head 18. The cleaning head 18 is similar to the cleaning head 18 as
described in reference to the previous embodiments. The cleaning
head 18 is releasably mounted on a collar portion 76. When the
cleaning head 18 is mounted to the collar portion 76, the cleaning
head 18 rotates with the collar portion 76 when the cleaning head
is rotated from the first position to the second position. The
cleaning head 18 comprises a locking mechanism 71 for releasing the
cleaning head 18 from the collar portion 76. The locking mechanism
71 comprises a release button 70 for releasing the cleaning head 18
from a reciprocal recess 74 in the collar portion 76. The release
button 70 comprises an engagement element 72 engageable with the
reciprocal recess 74 in the collar portion 76. The release button
70 and the engagement element 72 are sprung biased towards a
position in which the engagement element 72 protrudes into the
reciprocal recess 74.
[0053] When the user wishes to the release the cleaning head 18,
the user depresses the release button 70 and this moves the
engagement element 72 clear of the recess 74. This means that the
cleaning head 18 is no longer mounted to the collar portion 76 and
the user can lift the cleaning head 18 free of the collar portion
76. The cleaning head 18 is removed by removing the cleaning head
18 substantially along the longitudinal axis of the handheld
cleaning device. The release button 70 is positioned on the
cleaning head 18 and this means the user can depress the release
button 70 and remove the cleaning head 18 from the collar portion
76 with one hand. To replace the cleaning head 18 the use simply
pushes the cleaning head 18 into the collar portion 76 until the
engagement element 72 snaps into place in the recess 74. In an
alternative embodiment the cleaning head 18 comprises a recess and
the collar portion 76 or the housing 12 comprises the release
button and engagement element.
[0054] As mentioned above the releasable cleaning head 18 is
optional and in some embodiments the cleaning head 18 and the
collar portion 76 are integral.
[0055] In some embodiment the handheld cleaning device is a window
washer or window washing device.
[0056] In another embodiment two or more embodiments are combined.
Features of one embodiment can be combined with features of other
embodiments. Embodiments of the present invention have been
discussed with particular reference to the examples illustrated.
However it will be appreciated that variations and modifications
may be made to the examples described within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *