U.S. patent application number 17/359811 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-21 for surface cleaning apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is BISSELL Inc.. Invention is credited to Jacob S. Boles, Jacob Resch.
Application Number | 20210321849 17/359811 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005681845 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210321849 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Resch; Jacob ; et
al. |
October 21, 2021 |
SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus
that includes a housing including a base adapted for movement
across a surface to be cleaned, a fluid delivery system, and a
recovery system. The surface cleaning apparatus can be configured
to clean multiple surfaces, including hard and soft surfaces, and
for different cleaning modes, including wet cleaning, dry vacuum
cleaning, and self-cleaning. Methods for self-cleaning a surface
cleaning apparatus are also provided.
Inventors: |
Resch; Jacob; (Rockford,
MI) ; Boles; Jacob S.; (Kentwood, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BISSELL Inc. |
Grand Rapids |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005681845 |
Appl. No.: |
17/359811 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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17016814 |
Sep 10, 2020 |
11076735 |
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17359811 |
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16734708 |
Jan 6, 2020 |
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17016814 |
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62789661 |
Jan 8, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 53/10 20190201;
A47L 11/4041 20130101; A47L 11/4083 20130101; B08B 2209/027
20130101; A46B 17/06 20130101; A47L 11/4094 20130101; A47L 11/4088
20130101; A47L 11/4008 20130101; A47L 11/4027 20130101; A47L 11/302
20130101; A47L 9/2873 20130101; A47L 7/0004 20130101; A47L 11/4025
20130101; B08B 3/04 20130101; A47L 11/4011 20130101; A47L 5/30
20130101; A47L 11/4097 20130101; A47L 11/185 20130101; A47L 11/4019
20130101; A47L 11/4005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/28 20060101
A47L009/28; A47L 5/30 20060101 A47L005/30; A47L 11/30 20060101
A47L011/30; A47L 11/40 20060101 A47L011/40; B08B 3/04 20060101
B08B003/04; A47L 7/00 20060101 A47L007/00; A47L 11/18 20060101
A47L011/18; B60L 53/10 20060101 B60L053/10 |
Claims
1. A method for self-cleaning a surface cleaning apparatus docked
at a cleaning tray, the surface cleaning apparatus comprising a
battery, a fluid delivery system, and a recovery system having a
recovery pathway, and the cleaning tray configured to recharge the
battery of the surface cleaning apparatus, the method comprising:
initiating, by a controller of the surface cleaning apparatus, a
self-cleaning mode of operation for the surface cleaning apparatus
upon actuation of a self-cleaning mode input control on the surface
cleaning apparatus; and running an unattended automatic cleanout
cycle to self-clean at least a portion of the recovery pathway of
the surface cleaning apparatus, wherein running the unattended
automatic cleanout cycle comprises powering at least one of a brush
motor, a pump, and a vacuum motor; wherein the controller is
configured to lock-out the unattended automatic cleanout cycle when
the surface cleaning apparatus is not docked with the cleaning tray
and prevent the unattended automatic cleanout cycle from
running.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein running the unattended automatic
cleanout cycle comprises powering at least one of the brush motor
and the pump first, and thereafter powering the vacuum motor.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein running the unattended automatic
cleanout cycle comprises: rotating a brushroll of the surface
cleaning apparatus; and spraying cleaning fluid onto the brushroll
of the surface cleaning apparatus.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein running the unattended automatic
cleanout cycle comprises: extracting cleaning fluid from the
brushroll and depositing cleaning fluid in a recovery tank of the
surface cleaning apparatus.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein running the unattended automatic
cleanout cycle comprises powering the vacuum motor after powering
the brush motor and the pump.
6. The method of claim 1, comprising engaging a charging contact on
the surface cleaning apparatus with a charging contact on the
cleaning tray, wherein the charging contacts are engaged and remain
engaged during self-cleaning cycle.
7. The method of claim 6, comprising automatically moving a contact
cover on at least one of the surface cleaning apparatus and the
cleaning tray to an uncovered position to enable engagement of the
charging contacts.
8. The method of claim 1, comprising: automatically disabling a
battery charging circuit of the surface cleaning apparatus that
controls recharging of the battery during the unattended automatic
cleanout cycle; and automatically enabling the battery charging
circuit after the end of the unattended automatic cleanout cycle to
recharge the battery of the surface cleaning apparatus.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein running the unattended automatic
cleanout cycle comprises: powering the brush motor and the pump by
the battery, whereby cleaning liquid is sprayed on a brushroll
while the brushroll rotates, without the vacuum motor being
powered; and powering the vacuum motor by the battery after the
brush motor and the pump are powered, whereby cleaning liquid is
extracted and deposited into a recovery tank of the surface
cleaning apparatus and a portion of the recovery pathway is flushed
out.
10. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying a self-cleaning
status and a battery charge status on a display of the surface
cleaning apparatus.
11. A method for self-cleaning a surface cleaning apparatus docked
at a cleaning tray, the surface cleaning apparatus comprising a
battery, a fluid delivery system, and a recovery system having a
recovery pathway, and the cleaning tray configured to recharge the
battery of the surface cleaning apparatus, the method comprising:
enabling an unattended automatic cleanout cycle upon docking the
surface cleaning apparatus with the cleaning tray; initiating, by a
controller of the surface cleaning apparatus, a self-cleaning mode
of operation for the surface cleaning apparatus upon actuation of a
self-cleaning mode input control on the surface cleaning apparatus;
running the unattended automatic cleanout cycle to self-clean at
least a portion of the recovery pathway of the surface cleaning
apparatus, wherein running the unattended automatic cleanout cycle
comprises powering at least one of a brush motor, a pump, and a
vacuum motor; and locking out the unattended automatic cleanout
cycle upon removal of the surface cleaning apparatus from the
cleaning tray to prevent the unattended automatic cleanout cycle
from running when the surface cleaning apparatus is not docked with
the cleaning tray.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein running the unattended
automatic cleanout cycle comprises powering at least one of the
brush motor and the pump first, and thereafter powering the vacuum
motor.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein running the unattended
automatic cleanout cycle comprises: rotating a brushroll of the
surface cleaning apparatus; and spraying cleaning fluid onto the
brushroll of the surface cleaning apparatus.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein running the unattended
automatic cleanout cycle comprises: extracting cleaning fluid from
the brushroll and depositing cleaning fluid in a recovery tank of
the surface cleaning apparatus.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein running the unattended
automatic cleanout cycle comprises powering the vacuum motor after
powering the brush motor and the pump.
16. The method of claim 11, comprising engaging a charging contact
on the surface cleaning apparatus with a charging contact on the
cleaning tray, wherein the charging contacts are engaged and remain
engaged during self-cleaning cycle.
17. The method of claim 16, comprising automatically moving a
contact cover on at least one of the surface cleaning apparatus and
the cleaning tray to an uncovered position to enable engagement of
the charging contacts.
18. The method of claim 11, comprising: automatically disabling a
battery charging circuit of the surface cleaning apparatus that
controls recharging of the battery during the unattended automatic
cleanout cycle; and automatically enabling the battery charging
circuit after the end of the unattended automatic cleanout cycle to
recharge the battery of the surface cleaning apparatus.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein running the unattended
automatic cleanout cycle comprises: powering the brush motor and
the pump by the battery, whereby cleaning liquid is sprayed on a
brushroll while the brushroll rotates, without the vacuum motor
being powered; and powering the vacuum motor by the battery after
the brush motor and the pump are powered, whereby cleaning liquid
is extracted and deposited into a recovery tank of the surface
cleaning apparatus and a portion of the recovery pathway is flushed
out.
20. The method of claim 11, comprising displaying a self-cleaning
status and a battery charge status on a display of the surface
cleaning apparatus.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 17/016,814, filed Sep. 10, 2020, which is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/734,708, filed Jan. 6, 2020,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/789,661, filed Jan. 8, 2019, all of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Multi-surface vacuum cleaners are adapted for cleaning hard
floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces
such as carpet and upholstery. Some multi-surface vacuum cleaners
comprise a fluid delivery system that delivers cleaning fluid to a
surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system that extracts
spent cleaning fluid and debris (which may include dirt, dust,
stains, soil, hair, and other debris) from the surface. The fluid
delivery system typically includes one or more fluid supply tanks
for storing a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid distributor for
applying the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a
fluid supply conduit for delivering the cleaning fluid from the
fluid supply tank to the fluid distributor. An agitator can be
provided for agitating the cleaning fluid on the surface. The fluid
recovery system typically includes a recovery tank, a nozzle
adjacent the surface to be cleaned and in fluid communication with
the recovery tank through a working air conduit, and a source of
suction in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw
the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the
nozzle and the working air conduit to the recovery tank. Other
multi-surface cleaning apparatuses include "dry" vacuum cleaners
which can clean different surface types, but do not dispense or
recover liquid.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] A surface cleaning apparatus is provided herein. In certain
embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus is a multi-surface wet
vacuum cleaner that can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such
as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as carpet.
[0004] According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for
self-cleaning a surface cleaning apparatus docked at a cleaning
tray is provided. The surface cleaning apparatus can include at
least a battery, a fluid delivery system, and a recovery system
having a recovery pathway. The cleaning tray can be configured to
recharge the battery of the surface cleaning apparatus. The method
can include initiating a self-cleaning mode of operation for the
surface cleaning apparatus, disabling a battery charging circuit
that controls recharging of the battery during the cleanout cycle,
and running an automatic cleanout cycle to self-clean at least a
portion of the recovery pathway of the surface cleaning
apparatus.
[0005] These and other features and advantages of the present
disclosure will become apparent from the following description of
particular embodiments, when viewed in accordance with the
accompanying drawings and appended claims.
[0006] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to
the details of operation or to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be
implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or
being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed
herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and
"comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items
listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional
items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in
the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly
stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting
the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor
should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the
scope of the invention any additional steps or components that
might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.
Any reference to claim elements as "at least one of X, Y and Z" is
meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any
combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and
Y,
[0007] Z.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus
according to one embodiment of the invention, showing the apparatus
in an upright or storage position;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the surface cleaning
apparatus from FIG. 1, showing the apparatus in a reclined
position;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning
apparatus taken through line III-III of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of a
base of the surface cleaning apparatus, showing details of one
embodiment of a wheel for the base.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the base, with portion
of the base partially cut away to show internal details of the
base;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of section VI of FIG. 3, showing
a forward section of the base including details of a brushroll,
brush chamber, and a rigid interference wiper;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the
base of the surface cleaning apparatus, showing details of one
embodiment of a removable nozzle assembly;
[0015] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of one end of the brushroll,
showing details of one embodiment of a latch for the brushroll for
the apparatus;
[0016] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the base, showing
details of one embodiment of a mating component for the brushroll
latch of FIG. 8;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a partially-exploded perspective view of the
base, showing one embodiment of a drive transmission operably
connecting the brushroll to a brush motor, and in which a portion
of the base has been removed in order to better show the
transmission;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a partially-exploded rear perspective view of the
surface cleaning apparatus, showing one embodiment of a supply
tank, receiver, and supply tank latch for the surface cleaning
apparatus;
[0019] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of section XII of FIG. 3,
showing the supply tank and supply tank latch of FIG. 11;
[0020] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a recovery
tank for the surface cleaning apparatus;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view through the recovery tank
of FIG. 13;
[0022] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a liquid
level sensing system for the surface cleaning apparatus;
[0023] FIG. 16A is a sectional view showing portions of a recovery
pathway and a motor cooling air path of the apparatus;
[0024] FIG. 16B is a sectional view showing portions of a recovery
pathway and a motor cooling air path of the apparatus;
[0025] FIG. 17 is a partially-exploded rear perspective view of the
surface cleaning apparatus, showing portions of a working air
exhaust path and a motor cooling air path of the apparatus;
[0026] FIG. 18 is a schematic control diagram for the surface
cleaning apparatus;
[0027] FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the apparatus 10
docked with a storage tray according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0028] FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower
portion of the surface cleaning apparatus docked with the storage
tray, taken through line XX-XX of FIG. 19;
[0029] FIG. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower
portion of the surface cleaning apparatus taken through line
XXI-XXI of FIG. 19, showing a shielded electrical contact of the
apparatus;
[0030] FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of
the storage tray taken through line XXII-XXII of FIG. 19, showing a
shielded electrical contact of the tray;
[0031] FIGS. 23-25 illustrate a docking operation of the surface
cleaning apparatus with the storage tray;
[0032] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the storage tray from FIG.
19;
[0033] FIG. 27 is a block diagram for the surface cleaning
apparatus, showing a condition when the surface cleaning apparatus
is docked with the storage tray for recharging;
[0034] FIG. 28 shows the block diagram of FIG. 27 in a condition
when the surface cleaning apparatus is docked with the storage tray
in a self-cleaning mode; and
[0035] FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing one embodiment of a
self-cleaning method for the surface cleaning apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0036] The invention generally relates to a surface cleaning
apparatus, which may be in the form of a multi-surface wet vacuum
cleaner.
[0037] The functional systems of the surface cleaning apparatus can
be arranged into any desired configuration, such as an upright
device having a base and an upright body for directing the base
across the surface to be cleaned, a canister device having a
cleaning implement connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose, a
portable device adapted to be hand carried by a user for cleaning
relatively small areas, or a commercial device. Any of the
aforementioned cleaners can be adapted to include a flexible vacuum
hose, which can form a portion of the working air conduit between a
nozzle and the suction source. As used herein, the term
"multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner" includes a vacuum cleaner that
can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood
and soft floor surfaces such as carpet.
[0038] The cleaner can include a fluid delivery system for storing
cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to
be cleaned and a recovery system for removing the spent cleaning
fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the
spent cleaning fluid and debris.
[0039] The recovery system can include a suction nozzle, a suction
source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for
generating a working air stream, and a recovery container for
separating and collecting fluid and debris from the working
airstream for later disposal. A separator can be formed in a
portion of the recovery container for separating fluid and
entrained debris from the working airstream. The recovery system
can also be provided with one or more additional filters upstream
or downstream of the motor/fan assembly. The suction source, such
as a motor/fan assembly, is provided in fluid communication with
the recovery container and can be electrically coupled to a power
source.
[0040] The suction nozzle can be provided on a base or cleaning
head adapted to move over the surface to be cleaned. An agitator
can be provided adjacent to the suction nozzle for agitating the
surface to be cleaned so that the debris is more easily ingested
into the suction nozzle. The agitator can be driven by the same
motor/fan assembly serving as the suction source, or may optionally
be driven by a separate drive assembly, such as a dedicated
agitator motor as shown herein.
[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus
10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. As discussed
in further detail below, the surface cleaning apparatus 10 is
provided with various features and improvements, which are
described in further detail below. One example of a suitable
surface cleaning apparatus in which the various features and
improvements described herein can be used is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 10,092,155, issued Oct. 9, 2018, which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
[0042] As illustrated herein, the surface cleaning apparatus 10 can
be an upright multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner having a housing
that includes an upright handle assembly or body 12 and a cleaning
head or base 14 mounted to or coupled with the upright body 12 and
adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. For purposes
of description related to the figures, the terms "upper," "lower,"
"right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal,"
"inner," "outer," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the
disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1 from the perspective of a user
behind the surface cleaning apparatus 10, which defines the rear of
the surface cleaning apparatus 10. However, it is to be understood
that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations,
except where expressly specified to the contrary.
[0043] The upright body 12 can comprise a handle 16 and a frame 18.
The frame 18 can comprise a main support section supporting at
least a supply tank 20 and a recovery tank 22, and may further
support additional components of the body 12. The surface cleaning
apparatus 10 can include a fluid delivery or supply pathway,
including and at least partially defined by the supply tank 20, for
storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the
surface to be cleaned and a recovery pathway, including and at
least partially defined by the recovery tank 22, for removing the
spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and
storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris until emptied by the
user.
[0044] The handle 16 can include a hand grip 26 and a trigger 28
mounted to the hand grip 26, which controls fluid delivery from the
supply tank 20 via an electronic or mechanical coupling with the
tank 20. The trigger 28 can project at least partially exteriorly
of the hand grip 26 for user access. A spring (not shown) can bias
the trigger 28 outwardly from the hand grip 26. Other actuators,
such as a thumb switch, can be provided instead of the trigger
28.
[0045] The surface cleaning apparatus 10 can include at least one
user interface 30, 32 through which a user can interact with the
surface cleaning apparatus 10. The at least one user interface can
enable operation and control of the apparatus 10 from the user's
end, and can also provide feedback information from the apparatus
10 to the user. The at least one user interface can be electrically
coupled with electrical components, including, but not limited to,
circuitry electrically connected to various components of the fluid
delivery and recovery systems of the surface cleaning apparatus 10,
as described in further detail below.
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the surface cleaning
apparatus 10 includes a human-machine interface (HMI) 30 having one
or more input controls, such as but not limited to buttons,
triggers, toggles, keys, switches, or the like, operably connected
to systems in the apparatus 10 to affect and control its operation.
The surface cleaning apparatus 10 also includes a status user
interface (SUI) 32 which communicates a condition or status of the
apparatus 10 to the user. The SUI 32 can communicate visually
and/or audibly, and can optionally include one or more input
controls. The HMI 30 and the SUI 32 can be provided as separate
interfaces or can be integrated with each other, such as in a
composite use interface, graphical user interface, or multimedia
user interface. As shown, the HMI 30 can be provided at a front
side of the hand grip 26, with the trigger 28 provided on a rear
side of the hand grip 26, opposite the HMI 30, and the SUI 32 can
be provided on a front side of the frame 18, below the handle 16
and above the base 14, and optionally above the recovery tank 22.
In other embodiments, the HMI 30 and SUI 32 can be provided
elsewhere on the surface cleaning apparatus 10. One example of a
suitable HMI and/or SUI is disclosed in U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/747,922, filed Oct. 19, 2018, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Either user
interface 30, 32 can comprise a proximity-triggered interface, as
described in the '922 application.
[0047] The HMI 30 can include one or more input controls 34, 36 in
register with a printed circuit board (PCB, not shown) within the
hand grip 26. In one embodiment, one input control 34 is a power
input control which controls the supply of power to one or more
electrical components of the apparatus 10, as explained in further
detail below, one of which may be the SUI 32. Another input control
36 is a cleaning mode input control which cycles the apparatus 10
between a hard floor cleaning mode and a carpet cleaning mode, as
described in further detail below. One or more of the input
controls 34, 36 can comprise a button, trigger, toggle, key,
switch, or the like, or any combination thereof. In one example,
one or more of the input controls 34, 36 can comprise a capacitive
button.
[0048] The SUI 32 can include a display 38, such as, but not
limited to, an LED matrix display or a touchscreen. In one
embodiment, the display 38 can include multiple status indicators
which can display various detailed apparatus status information,
such as, but not limited to, battery status, WiFi connection
status, clean water level, dirty water level, filter status, floor
type, self-cleaning, or any number of other status information. The
status indicators can be a visual display, and may include any of a
variety of lights, such as LEDs, textual displays, graphical
displays, or any variety of known status indicators.
[0049] The SUI 32 can include at least one input control 40, which
can be adjacent the display 38 or provided on the display 38. The
input control 40 can comprise a self-cleaning mode input control
which initiates a self-cleaning mode of operation, as described in
further detail below. The input control 40 can comprise a button,
trigger, toggle, key, switch, or the like, or any combination
thereof. In one example, the input control 40 can comprise a
capacitive button.
[0050] The surface cleaning apparatus 10 can include a controller
308 (FIG. 3) operably coupled with the various functional systems
of the apparatus, including, but not limited to, the fluid delivery
and recovery systems, for controlling its operation. A user of the
apparatus 10 can interact with the controller 308 via one or more
of the user interfaces 30, 32. The controller 308 can further be
configured to execute a cleanout cycle for the self-cleaning mode
of operation. The controller 308 can have software for executing
the self-cleaning cycle.
[0051] Referring additionally to FIG. 2, a moveable joint assembly
42 can be formed at a lower end of the frame 18 and moveably mounts
the base 14 to the upright body 12. In the embodiment shown herein,
the upright body 12 can pivot up and down about at least one axis
relative to the base 14. The joint assembly 42 can alternatively
comprise a universal joint, such that the upright body 12 can pivot
about at least two axes relative to the base 14. Wiring and/or
conduits can optionally supply electricity, air and/or liquid (or
other fluids) between the base 14 and the upright body 12, or vice
versa, and can extend though the joint assembly 42.
[0052] The upright body 12 can pivot, via the joint assembly 42, to
an upright or storage position, an example of which is shown in
FIG. 1, in which the upright body 12 is oriented substantially
upright relative to the surface to be cleaned and in which the
apparatus 10 is self-supporting, i.e. the apparatus 10 can stand
upright without being supported by something else. A locking
mechanism (not shown) can be provided to lock the joint assembly 42
against movement about at least one of the axes of the joint
assembly 42 in the storage position, which can allows the apparatus
10 to be self-supporting. From the storage position, the upright
body 12 can pivot, via the joint assembly 42, to a reclined or use
position, in which the upright body 12 is pivoted rearwardly
relative to the base 14 to form an acute angle with the surface to
be cleaned. In this position, a user can partially support the
apparatus by holding the hand grip 26. Another example of a
reclined position is shown in FIG. 2, in which the upright body 12
can pivot further to at least partially rest on a floor
surface.
[0053] In one embodiment, a bumper 44 is provided on a rear side of
the upright body 12, for example at a lower rear side of the frame
18 and/or below the supply tank 20, to prevent scratching the floor
surface when the upright body 12 is reclined. The provision of the
bumper 44 can also prevent damage to the apparatus 10 or the floor
surface if the apparatus 10 tips backwards when in the storage
position. The bumper 44 can be made from a softer or more pliable
material than the material for the frame 18 or housing of the
upright body 12, i.e. a material that has a lower Young's modulus.
In one example, the bumper 44 can be made from an elastomeric
material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, such as ethylene
propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or nitrile rubber, while the frame
18 is made from a harder and/or stiffer plastic material, such as
polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
[0054] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning
apparatus 10 through line III-III FIG. 1. The supply and recovery
tanks 20, 22 can be provided on the upright body 12. The supply
tank 20 can be mounted to the frame 18 in any configuration. In the
present embodiment, the supply tank 20 can be removably mounted at
the rear of the frame 18 such that the supply tank 20 partially
rests in the upper rear portion of the frame 18 and is removable
from the frame 18 for filling. The recovery tank 22 can be mounted
to the frame 18 in any configuration. In the present embodiment,
the recovery tank 22 can be removably mounted at the front of the
frame 18, below the supply tank 20, and is removable from the frame
18 for emptying.
[0055] The fluid delivery system is configured to deliver cleaning
fluid from the supply tank 20 to a surface to be cleaned, and can
include, as briefly discussed above, a fluid delivery or supply
pathway. The cleaning fluid can comprise one or more of any
suitable cleaning fluids, including, but not limited to, water,
compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., and
mixtures thereof. For example, the fluid can comprise a mixture of
water and concentrated detergent.
[0056] The supply tank 20 includes at least one supply chamber 46
for holding cleaning fluid and a supply valve assembly 48
controlling fluid flow through an outlet of the supply chamber 46.
Alternatively, supply tank 20 can include multiple supply chambers,
such as one chamber containing water and another chamber containing
a cleaning agent. For a removable supply tank 20, the supply valve
assembly 48 can mate with a receiving assembly on the frame 18 and
can be configured to automatically open when the supply tank 20 is
seated on the frame 18 to release fluid to the fluid delivery
pathway.
[0057] The recovery system is configured to remove spent cleaning
fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and store the spent
cleaning fluid and debris on the surface cleaning apparatus 10 for
later disposal, and can include, as briefly discussed above, a
recovery pathway. The recovery pathway can include at least a dirty
inlet 50 and a clean air outlet 52 (FIG. 1). The pathway can be
formed by, among other elements, a suction nozzle 54 defining the
dirty inlet, a suction source 56 in fluid communication with the
suction nozzle 54 for generating a working air stream, the recovery
tank 22, and at least one exhaust vent defining the clean air
outlet 52.
[0058] The suction nozzle 54 can be provided on the base 14 can be
adapted to be adjacent the surface to be cleaned as the base 14
moves across a surface. A brushroll 60 can be provided adjacent to
the suction nozzle 54 for agitating the surface to be cleaned so
that the debris is more easily ingested into the suction nozzle 54.
While a horizontally-rotating brushroll 60 is shown herein, in some
embodiments, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more
vertically-rotating brushrolls, or a stationary brush can be
provided on the apparatus 10.
[0059] The suction nozzle 54 is further in fluid communication with
the recovery tank 22 through a conduit 62. The conduit 62 can pass
through the joint assembly 42 and can be flexible to accommodate
the movement of the joint assembly 42.
[0060] The suction source 56, which can be a motor/fan assembly
including a vacuum motor 64 and a fan 66, is provided in fluid
communication with the recovery tank 22. The suction source 56 can
be positioned within a housing of the frame 18, such as above the
recovery tank 22 and forwardly of the supply tank 20. The recovery
system can also be provided with one or more additional filters
upstream or downstream of the suction source 56. For example, in
the illustrated embodiment, a pre-motor filter 68 is provided in
the recovery pathway downstream of the recovery tank 22 and
upstream of the suction source 56. A post-motor filter (not shown)
can be provided in the recovery pathway downstream of the suction
source 56 and upstream of the clean air outlet 52.
[0061] The base 14 can include a base housing 70 supporting at
least some of the components of the fluid delivery system and fluid
recovery system, and a pair of wheels 72 for moving the apparatus
10 over the surface to be cleaned. The wheels 72 can be provided on
rearward portion of the base housing 70, rearward of components
such as the brushroll 60 and suction nozzle 54. A second pair of
wheels 74 can be provided on the base housing 70, forward of the
first pair of wheels 72.
[0062] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the
base 14. In one embodiment, the wheels 72, or rear wheels, can
comprise an outer edge or rim 76 which holds a tread 78. The rim 76
has a width W1 and the tread 78 has a width W2, as shown in FIG. 4.
The tread 78 can be narrower than the rim 76, i.e. W2<W1, to
reduce the contact width of the wheel 72 on the surface to be
cleaned. The contact width of the wheel 72 can therefore be
.ltoreq.W2. For example, a substantially flat tread 78 can provide
a contact width substantially equal to the width of tread, i.e.
substantially equal to W2, while a tread 78 with a curved or angled
shape can provide a contact width somewhat less than the width of
tread 78, i.e. <W2. The narrow tread 78 therefore reduces the
occurrence and appearance of streaks on a cleaned floor surface
which are caused by the wheels 72 rolling on the wet floor surface.
Optionally, the tread 78 can be overmolded onto a crown 80 of the
rim 76.
[0063] The wheels 72 can further include a hub 82 connected with
the rim 76 and which receives an axle 84 on which the wheel 72
rotates. The axles 84 can be coupled with the base housing 70, and
can further be coupled with rear housing extensions 86 of the base
housing 70, to which a yoke 88 of the joint assembly 42 couples to
pivot up and down relative to the base 14. The axles 84 can couple
to an outer side of the housing extensions 86, while the yoke 88
couples to an inner side of the housing extensions 86. Optionally,
the flexible conduit 62 can pass between the housing extensions 86
can up through the yoke 88.
[0064] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the base 14, with
portion of the base 14 partially cut away to show some internal
details of the base 14. In addition to the supply tank 20 (FIG. 3),
the fluid delivery pathway can include a fluid distributor 90
having at least one outlet for applying the cleaning fluid to the
surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the fluid distributor 90
can be one or more spray tips 92 on the base 14 configured to
deliver cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned directly or
indirectly by spraying the brushroll 60. Other embodiments of fluid
distributors 90 are possible, such as a spray manifold having
multiple outlets or a spray nozzle configured to spray cleaning
fluid outwardly from the base 14 in front of the surface cleaning
apparatus 10.
[0065] The fluid delivery system can further comprise a flow
control system for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply
tank 20 to the fluid distributor 90. In one configuration, the flow
control system can comprise a pump 94 which pressurizes the system.
The trigger 28 (FIG. 1) can be operably coupled with the flow
control system such that pressing the trigger 28 will deliver fluid
from the fluid distributor 90. The pump 94 can be positioned within
a housing of the base 14, and is in fluid communication with the
supply tank 20 via the valve assembly 48. Optionally, a fluid
supply conduit can pass interiorly to joint assembly 42 and fluidly
connect the supply tank 20 to the pump 94. In one example, the pump
94 can be a centrifugal pump. In another example, the pump 94 can
be a solenoid pump having a single, dual, or variable speed.
[0066] In another configuration of the fluid supply pathway, the
pump 94 can be eliminated and the flow control system can comprise
a gravity-feed system having a valve fluidly coupled with an outlet
of the supply tank 20, whereby when valve is open, fluid will flow
under the force of gravity to the fluid distributor 90.
[0067] Optionally, a heater (not shown) can be provided for heating
the cleaning fluid prior to delivering the cleaning fluid to the
surface to be cleaned. In one example, an in-line heater can be
located downstream of the supply tank 20, and upstream or
downstream of the pump 94. Other types of heaters can also be used.
In yet another example, the cleaning fluid can be heated using
exhaust air from a motor-cooling pathway for the suction source 56
of the recovery system.
[0068] The brushroll 60 can be operably coupled to and driven by a
drive assembly including a dedicated brushroll motor or brush motor
96 in the base 14. The coupling between the brushroll 60 and the
brush motor 96 can comprise one or more belts, gears, shafts,
pulleys or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the vacuum motor 64
(FIG. 3) can provide both vacuum suction and brushroll
rotation.
[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the base housing 70 comprises
a rear housing 98 which contains the pump 94 and the brush motor
96. The flexible conduit 62 can pass between the pump 94 and the
brush motor 96, and can generally bisect the rear housing 98 into a
pump cavity 100 and a brush motor cavity 102. The rear housing
extensions 86 can extend rearwardly from the rear housing 98. A
wiring conduit (not shown) can provide a passthrough for electrical
wiring from the upright body 12 to the base 14 through joint
assembly 42. For example, the wiring can be used to supply
electrical power to the pump 94 and brush motor 96.
[0070] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of section VI of FIG. 3, showing
a forward section of the base 14. The brushroll 60 can be provided
at a forward portion of the base 14 and received in a brush chamber
104 on the base 14. The brushroll 60 is positioned for rotational
movement in a direction R about a central rotational axis X. The
brush chamber 104 can be forward of the rear housing 98, and can be
defined at least in part by the suction nozzle 54, as described in
more detail below. In the present embodiment the suction nozzle 54
is configured to extract fluid and debris from the brushroll 60 and
from the surface to be cleaned.
[0071] An interference wiper 106 is mounted at a forward portion of
the brush chamber 104 and is configured to interface with a leading
portion of the brushroll 60, as defined by the direction of
rotation R of the brushroll 60. The interference wiper 106 is below
the fluid distributor 90, such that the wetted portion brushroll 60
rotates past the interference wiper 106, which scrapes excess fluid
off the brushroll 60, before reaching the surface to be cleaned.
Optionally, the interference wiper 106 can be disposed generally
parallel to the surface to be cleaned.
[0072] The wiper 106 can be rigid, i.e. stiff and non-flexible, so
the wiper 106 does not yield or flex by engagement with the
brushroll 60. Optionally, the wiper 106 can be formed of rigid
thermoplastic material, such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA),
polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
[0073] A squeegee 108 is mounted to the base housing 70 behind the
brushroll 60 and the brush chamber 104 and is configured to contact
the surface as the base 14 moves across the surface to be cleaned.
The squeegee 108 wipes residual fluid from the surface to be
cleaned so that it can be drawn into the recovery pathway via the
suction nozzle 54, thereby leaving a moisture and streak-free
finish on the surface to be cleaned. Optionally, the squeegee 108
can be disposed generally orthogonal to the surface to be cleaned,
or vertically. The squeegee 108 can be smooth as shown, or
optionally comprise nubs on the end thereof.
[0074] The squeegee 108 can be pliant, i.e. flexible or resilient,
in order to bend readily according to the contour of the surface to
be cleaned yet remain undeformed by normal use of the apparatus 10.
Optionally, the squeegee 108 can be formed of a resilient polymeric
material, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber,
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a rubber copolymer such as nitrile
butadiene rubber, or any material known in the art of sufficient
rigidity to remain substantially undeformed during normal use of
the apparatus 10.
[0075] In the present example, brushroll 60 can be a hybrid
brushroll suitable for use on both hard and soft surfaces, and for
wet or dry vacuum cleaning. In one embodiment, the brushroll 60
comprises a dowel 110, a plurality of bristles 112 extending from
the dowel 110, and microfiber material 114 provided on the dowel
110 and arranged between the bristles 112. One example of a
suitable hybrid brushroll is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,092,155,
incorporated above. The bristles 112 can be arranged in a plurality
of tufts or in a unitary strip. Dowel 110 can be constructed of a
polymeric material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),
polypropylene or styrene, or any other suitable material such as
plastic, wood, or metal. Bristles 112 can be tufted or unitary
bristle strips and constructed of nylon, or any other suitable
synthetic or natural fiber. The microfiber material 114 can be
constructed of polyester, polyamides, or a conjugation of materials
including polypropylene or any other suitable material known in the
art from which to construct microfiber.
[0076] FIG. 7 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the base
14. In one embodiment, the base 14 can comprise a removable nozzle
assembly 116 coupled to the base housing 70 and defining at least
the suction nozzle 54. In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 116
can comprise a nozzle housing 118. The nozzle housing 118 can
define the brush chamber 104 which partially encloses the brushroll
60. Optionally, the wiper 106 is mounted at an interior forward
side of the nozzle housing 118, and projects into the brush chamber
104.
[0077] The nozzle assembly 116 can comprise a hand grip 120 on the
nozzle housing 118 which can be used to lift the nozzle assembly
116 away from the base housing 70. The nozzle assembly 116 can
comprise a cover 122 on which the hand grip 120 is provided, or the
hand grip 120 can be provided directly on the nozzle housing 118.
The nozzle housing 118 and/or cover 122 can be formed from a
translucent or transparent material, such that the brushroll 60 is
at least partially visible to a user through the suction nozzle
assembly 116. A bumper 124 can be provided on the nozzle assembly
116, such as at a lower front edge of the nozzle housing 118. A
base conduit 126 of the recovery pathway can be provided in the
base housing 70 and can couple the nozzle housing 118, particularly
the suction nozzle 54 and brush chamber 104 defined by the nozzle
housing 118, with the flexible conduit 62.
[0078] The fluid distributor 90 can optionally be integrated with
the removable nozzle assembly 116. The nozzle housing 118 can
include at least one outlet opening 128 in register with the fluid
distributor 90 for delivering fluid to the surface to be cleaned,
including to the brushroll 60 or directly to the surface to be
cleaned.
[0079] In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 116 can define a pair
of fluid delivery channels 130 that are each fluidly connected to
one of the spray tips 92 at a terminal end thereof. Each spray tip
92 can include at least one outlet to deliver fluid to the surface
to be cleaned, and can be in fluid communication with the brush
chamber 104 to delivery fluid directly to the brushroll 60, or
directly to the surface to be cleaned. The spray tips 92 can
optionally be oriented to spray fluid inwardly onto the brushroll
60.
[0080] The fluid delivery channels 130 can be defined by lower
channel halves 132 and upper channel halves 134, which can be
provided on mating components of the nozzle assembly 116. In the
embodiment shown, the lower channel halves 132 are provided on the
nozzle housing 118 and the upper channel halves 134 are provided on
a channel housing 136 which mates with the nozzle housing 118,
optionally beneath the cover 122.
[0081] A fluid coupling can be provided between the nozzle assembly
116 and the base housing 70 in order to fluidly connect the pump 94
(FIG. 5) with the fluid delivery channels 130 when the nozzle
assembly 116 is seated on the base housing 70. In the illustrated
embodiment, spray connectors 138 are provided on the base housing
70 and can comprise valves that are normally closed when the nozzle
assembly 116 is removed from the base housing 70. Installing the
nozzle assembly 116 on the base housing 70 can automatically open
the spray connectors 138 and permit fluid to flow into the delivery
channels 130. Optionally, a fluid supply conduit (not shown) can
fluidly connect the pump 94 to the spray connectors 138.
[0082] A nozzle latch 140 can be provided to releasably secure the
nozzle assembly 116 on the base housing 70. The nozzle latch 140
can be received in a latch receiver 142 provided on the base
housing 70, and be biased by a spring 144 to a latched position.
The nozzle latch 140 can be configured to releasably latch or
retain, but not lock, the nozzle assembly 116 to the base housing
70, such that a user can conveniently apply sufficient force to the
nozzle assembly 116 itself, such as via the hand grip 120, to pull
the nozzle assembly 116 off the base housing 70. Optionally the
latch 140 can be carried by the channel housing 136.
[0083] The base 14 can have at least one indicator light 146
configured to activate in combination with the pump 94 (FIG. 5)
when trigger 28 (FIG. 1) is depressed to deliver fluid. In the
illustrated embodiment, the indicator light 146 includes at least
one light emitting diode (LED) or other illumination source
provided on the base housing 70, and more particularly provided on
the rear housing 98. The indicator light 146 can be positioned
behind the nozzle cover 122, which can be formed from a translucent
or transparent material, such that the illumination from the
indicator light 146 is at least partially visible to a user from
the exterior of the base 14. Electrical wiring for the indicator
light 146 can be passed through the joint assembly 42 from the
upright body 12 to the base 14 through joint assembly 42.
[0084] Optionally, the brushroll 60 can be configured to be removed
by the user from the base 14, such as for cleaning and/or drying
the brushroll 60. The brushroll 60 can be removably mounted in the
brush chamber 104 by a brushroll latch 148 which is coupled with
the brushroll 60. Accordingly, the nozzle assembly 116 may be
removed from the base housing 70 prior to removing the brushroll
60. In other embodiments, the brushroll 60 and latch 148 can be
configured such that prior removal of the nozzle assembly 116 is
not required.
[0085] The brushroll latch 148 can be received by a mating
component 150 on the base housing 70. In one embodiment, the base
housing 70 can include spaced lateral sidewalls 152 which define a
cavity 154 therebetween. The mating component 150 can be provided
on an inner surface of one of the lateral sidewalls 152. The
lateral sidewalls 152 can extend forwardly from the rear housing
98. Optionally, the lateral sidewalls 152 can form a portion of the
brush chamber 104, such as by enclosing open lateral ends 156 of
the nozzle housing 118.
[0086] The latch 148 can be provided on one end of the dowel 110 of
the brushroll 60. The opposite end of the dowel 110 can have a
splined drive connection 158 with a drive head 160 of a
transmission operably connecting the brush motor 96 (FIG. 5) to the
brushroll 60. The drive head 160 can be provided at the lateral
sidewall 152 opposite the mating component 150.
[0087] With additional reference to FIGS. 8-9, the brushroll latch
148 can have a latch body 162 that is received by a latch body
receiver 164 of the mating component 150. The latch body 162 can be
complementary to or keyed with the receiver 164 to ensure proper
installation of the brushroll 60. In the illustrated embodiment,
the latch body 162 and the receiver 164 can have complementary
U-shapes and can optionally taper in the insertion direction of the
brushroll 60, i.e. downwardly.
[0088] The brushroll latch 148 can comprise a protruding part 166
which is snap fit with the mating component 150 on the base housing
70. In one embodiment, the protruding part 166 include at least
one, and optionally two, cantilever part 168 having a hook, stud,
lug, bead, or other engagement element 170 at an end thereof. The
protruding part 166 is deflected briefly during the joining
operation and catches in a depression or undercut 172 in the mating
component 150, optionally in the latch body receiver 164. The
depression or undercut 172 is shaped to allow separation of the
brushroll 60 and from the base housing 70.
[0089] The brushroll latch 148 can form part of an outer perimeter
of the base housing 70. which can improve edge cleaning by enabling
the end of the brushroll 60 to extend closer to the lateral edge of
the base 14. For example, a portion of the brushroll latch 148 can
form a portion of the lateral sidewall 152 of the housing 70 when
the brushroll 60 is installed. When assembled, the brushroll latch
148 can form an exterior surface of the base 14. Using the
brushroll latch 148 to form a portion of the base housing 70,
rather than having the brushroll latch 148 abut up against an outer
wall of the base housing 70, eliminates bulk without sacrificing
housing strength, allowing the brushroll 60 to be closer to the
lateral edge of the base 14.
[0090] The brushroll latch 148 can include a release tab 174, which
can be coupled with the latch body 162, and which a user can grip
to remove the brushroll 60. The release tab 174 can form a portion
of one of the lateral sidewalls 152 of the base housing 70, which
can improve edge cleaning by enabling the end of the brushroll 60
to extend closer to the lateral edge of the base 14. In the
illustrated embodiment, the release tab has a top edge or surface
176 that is continuous with a top edge or surface 178 on the
lateral sidewall 152 when the brushroll 60 is installed on the base
housing 70. When assembled, the top edge or surface 176, and
optionally only the top edge or surface 176, of the release tab 174
is visible, and can form an exterior surface of the base 14.
[0091] The release tab 174 can be captured by the removable nozzle
assembly 116 upon installation of the brushroll 60 on the base
housing 70, which can prevent unintended release of the brushroll
60. Optionally, a portion of the nozzle assembly 116 can overlie a
tab or shoulder 180 on the latch 148 to prevent upward movement of
latch 148, and therefore the brushroll 60, when the nozzle assembly
116 is installed. In the embodiment shown, the nozzle cover 122
overlies the shoulder 180.
[0092] The release tab 174 can optionally include a gripping
feature 182 to assist in lifting the brushroll 60. The gripping
feature 182 can be hidden by the nozzle assembly 116 when installed
on the base housing 70 and revealed upon removal of the nozzle
assembly 116 from the base housing 70. The gripping feature 182 can
be provided a portion of the latch 148 extending above the
brushroll 60.
[0093] The latch 148 and lateral sidewall 152 can include one or
more additional mating surfaces or joints which help distribute the
weight of the brushroll 60 supported by the lateral sidewall 152.
In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 148 includes a slot 184 on
a lower side of the top surface 176 that receives a thin ridge 186
on the lateral sidewall 152; the slot 184 and ridge 186 together
form a tongue and groove joint between the latch 148 and the
lateral sidewall 152. Alternatively or additionally, the latch 148
can include a tab or shoulder 188 which rests on a ledge 190 of the
mating component 150.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 10, an example of a transmission 192 for
the brushroll 60 (FIG. 7) is shown. The transmission 192 connects
the brush motor 96 to the brushroll 60 for transmitting rotational
motion of a motor shaft 194 of the brush motor 96 to the brushroll
60. The transmission 192 can include a V-belt 196 (or vee belt) and
one or more gears, shafts, pulleys, or combinations thereof. The
V-belt 196 is narrower than other types of belts conventionally
used for surface cleaning apparatus, such as flat belts or cog
belts, which can increase available space within the base 14 and
improve edge cleaning by enabling the end of the brushroll 60 to
extend closer to the lateral edge of the base 14, for example
closer to the lateral sidewall 152 on the transmission side. As an
additional benefit, the V-belt 196 is quieter than other belts
conventionally used for surface cleaning apparatus and reduces
operational noise of the apparatus.
[0095] In addition to the V-belt 196, the transmission 192 can, for
example, include a pulley 198 coupled with the motor shaft 194 and
a pulley 200 coupled with brushroll 60, with the V-belt 196
coupling the motor pulley 198 with the brushroll pulley 200. The
V-belt 196 can be a multi-groove or polygroove belt with multiple
"V" shape ribs 202 alongside each other, which track in mating
grooves 204, 206 in the motor and brushroll pulleys 198, 200,
respectively. Because the V-belt 196 tends to wedge into the mating
grooves 204, 206, sufficient torque transmission can be provided
with less belt width and tension, for example as compared to a flat
belt.
[0096] The transmission 192 can further include the drive head 160
keyed to or otherwise fixed with the brush pulley 200 by an axle
208. A bearing 210 may also be carried on the axle 208. The
brushroll pulley 200 can be keyed to or otherwise fixed with the
motor shaft 194, and secured thereon by a retaining ring 212.
[0097] It is noted that in FIG. 10, a portion of the base housing
70 has been removed in order to view the transmission 192 and an
optional drive housing 214 for the transmission 192. The drive
housing 214 can be formed with or otherwise coupled to the lateral
sidewall 152 on the transmission side.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 11, the upright body 12 comprises tank
sockets or receivers 216, 218 for respectively receiving the supply
and recovery tanks 20, 22. As shown herein, in one embodiment the
tank receivers 216, 218 can be defined by portions of the frame 18,
and can be provided on opposing sides of the frame 18, and more
particularly on rear and front sides of the frame 18, respectively.
The supply and recovery tanks 20, 22 can include externally-facing
surfaces 220, 222, which form external surfaces of the apparatus 10
when the tank 20, 22 are seated in the receivers 216, 218.
Optionally, the tank 20, 22 can have hand grips 224, 226 provided
on the externally-facing surfaces 220, 222. As shown herein, the
supply tank hand grip 224 comprises hand grip indentations formed
in its externally-facing surface 220, and the recovery tank hand
grip 226 comprises a handle projecting from its externally-facing
surface 222, although other configurations are possible for
each.
[0099] Referring to FIGS. 11-12, the supply tank receiver 216
include a latch 228 for securing the supply tank 20 to the upright
body 12. The latch 228 facilitates correct installation and better
sealing of the supply tank 20, which alleviates user error and
misassembly. The latch 228 can be configured to releasably latch or
retain, but not lock, the supply tank 20 to the upright body 12,
such that a user can conveniently apply sufficient force to the
supply tank 20 itself to pull the supply tank 20 off the frame 18.
In one embodiment, the latch 228 for the supply tank 20 can
comprise a biased latch configured to release the supply tank 20
upon application a sufficient force to overcome the biased latching
force of the latch 228. More specifically, the latch 228 can
comprise a spring-biased latch. One example of a suitable latch is
disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/638,477, filed
Mar. 5, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0100] In the embodiment illustrated herein, the supply tank
receiver 216 can include a support wall 230 and an overhanging wall
232 provided on the frame 18, below the handle 16. The overhanging
wall 232 can extend outwardly to overhang at least a portion of the
support wall 230. The lower end of the supply tank 20 can comprise
one or more internally-facing surfaces 234 adapted to rest on the
support wall 230 of the receiver 216. Optionally, the supply tank
20 can include an indent 236 in a sidewall thereof which rests on a
platform 238 of the support wall 230. The upper end of supply tank
20 can comprise one or more internally-facing surfaces 240 adapted
to confront the overhanging wall 232 when the supply tank 20 is
installed on the frame 18. Optionally, the supply tank receiver 216
can have substantially open sides.
[0101] The latch 228 can be provided on the frame 18 of the upright
body 12. More specifically, as shown in the embodiment illustrated
herein, the latch 228 can be provided on the overhanging wall 232
of the supply tank receiver 216. When the supply tank 20 is seated
within the supply tank receiver 216, the supply tank 20 rests on
the support wall 230 and is retained in place by the latch 228 on
the overhanging wall 232. Alternatively, the latch 228 can be
provided elsewhere on the receiver 216.
[0102] A valve seat 242 can be formed in the supply tank receiver
216, such as in the support wall 230, for receiving the supply
valve assembly 48 controlling fluid flow through an outlet of the
supply chamber 46 when the supply tank 20 is seated within the
supply tank receiver 216. The supply valve assembly 48 can be
adapted to open upon the seating of the supply tank 20 within the
supply tank receiver 216, and to close upon removal of the supply
tank 20 from the supply tank receiver 216.
[0103] In the embodiment illustrated herein, the frame 18 includes
a pocket 246 formed therein for mounting the latch 228. More
particularly, the pocket 246 can be provided in the overhanging
wall 232 of the receiver 216.
[0104] The latch 228 can include a latch member 248 and a biasing
member 250 configured to bias the latch member 248 outwardly from
the pocket 246. In one embodiment, the latch member 248 can
comprise a spring-biased latch and the biasing member 250 can
specifically comprise a spring, such as a coil spring. As shown
herein, the spring 250 can be retained between the latch member 248
and the pocket 246. The latch member 248 is moveable relative to
the pocket 246 and is constrained by the pocket 246 for axial
movement along a latch axis, which can be substantially parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the upright body 12 or handle 16.
[0105] The supply tank 20 includes a catch 252 for the latch 228.
The catch 252 is configured to be retained by the latch 228 to
releasably hold the supply tank 20 in the receiver 216. As shown
herein, the catch 252 can be formed on one of the internally-facing
surfaces of the supply tank 20 such that the catch 252 and latch
228 are hidden when the supply tank 20 is seated in the receiver
216. More specifically, the catch 252 can be formed on the upper
internally-facing surface 240 of the supply tank 20, which
confronts the overhanging wall 232. The supply tank 20 can be
shaped to facilitate movement of the latch 228 during installation,
such as having an angled lead-in portion 254 on the upper
internally-facing surface 240. In an embodiment where the supply
tank 20 comprise a blow-molded tank body 256, the catch 252 can be
formed integrally in an upper portion of the blow-molded tank body
256 forming the upper end of the tank 20.
[0106] The supply tank 20 can be installed on the frame 18 in
accordance with the following method. The bottom of the supply tank
20 is inserted into the receiver 216, with the supply valve
assembly 48 in register with the valve seat 242, and the upper
portion of the supply tank 20 is rotated toward the receiver 216 to
seat the supply tank 20. During installation, the angled lead-in
portion 254 of the supply tank 20 rides under the latch 228 and
causes the latch member 248 to compress the spring 250, and retract
into the pocket 246. When the supply tank 20 is seated, the latch
member 248 clears the angled lead-in portion 254 of the supply tank
20 and the spring 250 forces the latch member 248 to extend out of
the pocket 246 and into the latched position shown in FIG. 12.
[0107] To remove the supply tank 20, the user can conveniently
apply sufficient force to the supply tank 20 itself, such as by
gripping the hand grips 224, to pull the supply tank 20 off the
frame 18. Upon application a sufficient force via engagement of the
catch 252 with the latch member 248 to overcome the biasing force
of the spring 250, the latch member 248 is forced deeper into the
pocket 246 and clears the catch 252, thereby releasing the supply
tank 20 to be lifted away from the frame 18.
[0108] FIG. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of one
embodiment of the recovery tank 22 and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional
view of the recovery tank 22. The recovery tank 22 can include a
recovery tank container 258, which forms a collection chamber 260
for the fluid recovery system, with a hollow standpipe 262 therein.
The standpipe 262 can be oriented such that it is generally
coincident with a longitudinal axis of the tank container 258. The
standpipe 262 forms a flow path between a tank inlet 264 formed at
a lower end of the tank container 258 and a tank outlet 266 at the
upper end of the standpipe 262 within the interior of the tank
container 258. When the recovery tank 22 is mounted to the frame 18
as shown in FIG. 3, the inlet 264 is aligned with the flexible
conduit 62 to establish fluid communication between the base 14 and
the recovery tank 22. The standpipe 262 can be integrally formed
with the tank container 258.
[0109] The recovery tank 22 further includes a lid 268 sized for
receipt on the tank container 258. The lid 268 at least partially
encloses an open top of the tank container 258 and can further
define an air outlet 270 of the recovery tank 22 leading to the
downstream suction source 56. A gasket 272 is positioned between
mating surfaces of the lid 268 and the tank container 258 and
creates a seal therebetween for prevention of leaks.
[0110] A recovery tank latch 274 can optionally be supported by the
lid 268 for securing the recovery tank 22 to the upright body 12
within the recovery tank receiver 218 (FIG. 11). The latch 274 can
be configured to releasably lock the recovery tank 22 to the
upright body 12, such that a user must actuate the latch 274 before
pulling the tank 22 off the frame 18. The hand grip 226 on the
recovery tank 22 can be located below the latch 274 and can
facilitate removal of the recovery tank 22 from the frame 18.
[0111] The recovery tank 22 can further include a filter 276
provided at the air outlet 270. The filter 276 can be supported by
the lid 268 and can comprise a pleated filter. In one embodiment,
the pleated filter is made of a material that remains porous when
wet. A mesh screen 278 can be carried by the lid 268 and can
support the filter 276 thereon.
[0112] The recovery tank 22 can further include a removable
strainer 280 configured to strain large debris and hair out of the
tank container 258 prior to emptying. The strainer 280 is
configured to collect the large debris and hair while draining
fluid (e.g. liquid) and smaller debris back into the tank container
258. One example of a suitable strainer is disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2019/0159646, filed Nov. 30, 2017,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0113] For purposes of this description, large debris are any
debris with a maximum dimension, such as a length or diameter, of
greater than or equal to 0.5 mm to 6 mm, and preferably 3 mm,
whereas small debris are any debris having a maximum dimension,
such as a length or diameter, of less than that of the larger
debris. An example of a piece of large debris includes a strand of
hair with a length greater than 3 mm. Examples of small debris
include coffee grounds and crumbs with diameters less than 3
mm.
[0114] The strainer 280 can comprises an elongated handle or grip
282 and a base 284. The strainer 280 can be removably mounted
within the tank container 258 such that the base 284 is at a bottom
end of the tank container 258 and the grip 282 extends toward a top
end of the tank container 258. The base 284 can include a plurality
of drain holes 286 for draining fluid when the strainer 280 is
removed from the tank container 258, and optionally a raised rim
288 around its perimeter for containing debris. An opening 290 can
also be provided in the base 284 for accommodating the standpipe
262. The base 284 can form a cup-shaped colander that retains large
debris and hair.
[0115] The drain holes 286 can be circular or non-circular openings
or apertures in the base 284. In one example, the size of the drain
holes 286 can range in diameter from 0.5 mm to 6 mm, and optionally
from 3 mm to 4 mm. Other embodiments of drain holes 286 are
possible, including the strainer 280 having a grid or mesh on the
base 284 defining the drain holes 286.
[0116] The base 284 can be configured to fit within the tank
container 258 at a location spaced from a bottom wall 292 thereof.
When the strainer 280 is inserted into the tank container 258,
fluid and small debris can pass through the drain holes 286 to the
area of the collection chamber 260 below the base 284, while large
debris and hair is trapped above the base 284. Optionally, a stop
294 can be provided on the standpipe 262 that limits the insertion
of the strainer 280 into the tank container 258 to maintain the
base 284 spaced above the bottom wall 292.
[0117] As shown, the grip 282 can extends upwardly and/or
vertically along the inner surface of the tank container 258 and
can be oriented such that it is generally parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the tank container 258, and optionally also to
the standpipe 262. The strainer 92806 shown herein is further
inserted and removed from the tank container 258 along a direction
that is parallel to, or coincident with, the longitudinal axis of
the tank container 258.
[0118] The base 284 extends from a lower end of the grip 282 to
substantially cover the bottom wall 292 of the tank container 258,
such that any large debris/hair is trapped by the base 284 above
the bottom wall 292. The grip 282 can be offset and relatively
slender to maximize space available in the collection chamber 260
for collecting debris and fluid.
[0119] In typical recovery tanks, large debris and hair is not
strained out and is disposed of together with the fluid waste (e.g.
liquid waste), which can potentially result in clogged drains and
pipes. Alternatively, large debris and hair can be manually picked
out of the recovery tank, which is unsanitary and laborious. With
the strainer 280 according to the embodiment of the present
invention disclosed herein, a user can simply remove the lid 268
and lift the strainer 280 out. The strainer 280 separates out large
debris and hair while fluid and smaller debris drains back into the
tank container 258. The long grip 282 prevents a user from contact
with any of the collected debris or fluid. Thus, a user can easily
and sanitarily dispose of any large debris and hair in the trash,
prior to emptying the fluid waste down a sink, toilet, or other
drain thereby avoiding the problems with prior recovery tanks. The
strainer 280 can be particularly helpful for use with a
multi-surface vacuum cleaner because these types of vacuum cleaners
ingest wet and dry debris, including large dry debris, and deposit
the debris mixture into a single recovery tank.
[0120] In one embodiment, the recovery tank 22 can have a liquid
level sensing system 296 configured to detect liquid at one or more
levels within the recovery tank 22 and determine when to shut-off
or otherwise interrupt the recovery system. The sensing system 296
can include any suitable components for sensing liquid within the
recovery tank 22. With the provision of the sensing system 296, the
recovery tank 22 does not require an in-tank float-style shut off.
In other words, the recovery tank 22 is a floatless tank. One
example of a suitable floatless tank and sensing system is
disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/688,428, filed
Jun. 22, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. The '428 application further discloses a system and
method for sensing foam in the tank 22, which can be provided on
the apparatus 10 shown herein.
[0121] In the illustrated example, the sensing system 296 includes
at least one sensor 298, 300, optionally in the form of at least
one probe, which can detect liquid. In the illustrated embodiment,
two sensors 298, 300 in the form of probes are included, through
other numbers and forms of sensors are possible. The sensors 298,
300 can be electrically coupled with power terminals 302,
optionally provided on the lid 268, which couple with electrical
contacts (not shown) on the recovery tank receiver 218 when the
recovery tank 22 is mounted on the frame 18 to supply power to the
sensors 298, 300. The electrical contacts on the recovery tank
receiver 218 are electrically coupled with a power source of the
apparatus 10, an example of which is described in further detail
below.
[0122] The sensors 298, 300 can optionally be supported by the lid
268 or, or more particularly by at least one bracket 306 formed on
or otherwise coupled with the lid 268. In the illustrated
embodiment, two brackets 306 depending downwardly from the lid 268
are included, through other numbers and forms of brackets are
possible. The brackets 306 can be offset from the standpipe 262.
When the lid 268 is coupled to the container 258, the brackets 306
can project into the collection chamber 260. It is further
contemplated that the sensors 298, 300 can be molded directly into
the side walls of the container 258, thereby eliminating the
brackets 306.
[0123] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the sensing system 296 for
the apparatus 10. The various sensors 298, 300 are coupled with a
controller 308. The controller 308 can also be operationally
connected to other components of the apparatus 10, as described in
further detail below. The first sensor 298 can emit a liquid
sensing signal 310 from the controller 308 at a given frequency
312. The liquid sensing signal 310 travels through contents of the
recovery tank 22 to form a liquid response signal 314 that is
detected by the second sensor 300 and communicated to the
controller 308. The second sensor 300 can be located in the
recovery tank 22 at a critical liquid level 316. The term critical
liquid level is used herein to define a level or location where, if
liquid is present, at least one electrical component of the
apparatus 10 is shut down to prevent liquid ingress into the
suction source 56. If the liquid response signal 314 indicates that
the liquid in the recovery tank 22 is at or above the critical
level 316, the controller 308 can turn off the at least one
electrical component of the apparatus 10. Such components can
include the suction source 56 itself, and more particularly the
vacuum motor 64, and optionally also the pump 94 and/or the brush
motor 96.
[0124] In yet another configuration, the controller 308 can
additionally or alternatively activate a shut-off valve 318 in
response to the liquid response signal 314 to prevent liquid
ingress into the suction source 56. The shut-off valve 318 can be
provided for interrupting suction when liquid in the recovery tank
22 reaches the critical level 316. The shut-off valve 318 can be
positioned in any suitable manner and include any suitable type of
valve.
[0125] Additionally or alternatively, the controller 308, based on
the liquid response signal 314, can provide a visual or audible
status indication such as a light or sound via the SUI 32. The
visual or audible status indication can alert the user that the
liquid is too high in the recovery tank 22 or that a component of
the apparatus 10 has been turned off.
[0126] Optionally, the sensing system 296 can include electronic
components to capacitively couple and smooth the response signals
such that the rise time or the average amplitude of the voltage of
the received signals can be determined. In another non-limiting
example, the controller 308 can be configured to perform one or
more signal processing algorithms on the received response signals
to determine one or more characteristics of the received response
signal. Signal processing algorithms incorporated into the
controller 308 for assisting in the determination of one or more
characteristics of the received signals can include, but are not
limited to, blind source separation, principal component analysis,
singular value decomposition, wavelet analysis, independent
component analysis, cluster analysis, Bayesian classification,
etc.
[0127] It is contemplated that any of the sensors 298, 300 of the
sensing system 296 can be configured to transmit, receive or
transmit and receive one or more sensing signals. The sensing
signals can include any waveform useful in sensing liquid,
including, but not limited to, square waves, sine waves, triangle
waves, sawtooth waves, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the
sensing signals can include any frequency useful in sensing liquid,
including, but not limited to, frequencies ranging from
approximately 10 kilohertz to 10 megahertz. In one non-limiting
example, the liquid sensing signals can be multiplexed and
transmitted simultaneously to one or more sensors.
[0128] The recovery tank 22 can be periodically emptied of
collected fluid and debris by removing the recovery tank 22 from
the frame 18, removing the lid 268 from the tank container 258,
which also removes the sensors 298, 300 and brackets 306. Next, a
user lifts the strainer 280 out of the tank container 258. As the
strainer 280 is lifted, large debris and hair is captured while
fluid and smaller debris is allowed to drain back into the
container 258. The user can then dispose of any debris on the
strainer 280 in the trash, and then dispose of the remaining fluid
and smaller debris in the tank container 258 in a sink, toilet, or
other drain.
[0129] Referring to FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 17, downstream of the
recovery tank 22, the recovery pathway can include suction source
56 and at least one exhaust vent 328 defining the clean air outlet
52. In the illustrated embodiment, two exhaust vents 328 are
provided on opposing sides of the frame 18, through other numbers
and locations for the exhaust vents 328 are possible. The vacuum
motor 64 is enclosed within a motor housing 330 and the fan 66 is
enclosed within a fan housing 332 and the housings 330, 332 may be
made of one or more separate pieces. The fan housing 332 includes
at least one inlet aperture 334 for drawing working air into the
fan housing 332 and at least one outlet aperture 336 through which
working air is exhausted. The recovery tank receiver 218 can
include a grille 338 in register with the inlet aperture 334 and in
fluid communication with the air outlet 270 of the recovery tank 22
when the tank 22 is seated in the receiver 218.
[0130] The recovery pathway can further include a portion defining
an air exhaust path, which extends from the fan outlet aperture 336
to the clean air outlet or exhaust vents 328. The air exhaust path
can be defined by at least one working air exhaust duct or conduit
342, with the fan outlet aperture 336 in fluid communication with a
first end of exhaust conduit 342 and the clean air outlet 52 in
fluid communication with a second end of the exhaust conduit
342.
[0131] The exhaust conduit 342 can be formed internally between
housings of the upright body 12, and more specifically can be
formed between housings forming the frame 18. Routing the working
air exhaust internally within the handle housings reduces noise
from the vacuum motor 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the
exhaust conduit 342 can be formed by first and second frame
housings 344, 346. The first frame housing 344 can define an
exterior surface of the upright body 12 which is visible to the
user, including a portion of a rear of the frame 18. The second
frame housing 346 can define an interior surface of the upright
body 12 which is not visible to the user and which can be at least
partially covered by the first frame housing 344. The first and
second frame housings 344, 346 can include mating portions of the
exhaust conduit 342. The first and second frame housings 344, 346
can optionally comprise molded parts, with the mating portions of
the exhaust conduit 342 integrally formed therewith. Optionally,
the first frame housing 344 can define the supply tank receiver
216. In this case, the supply tank 20 mounted on the supply tank
receiver 216 provides further insulation from operational noise
generated by the vacuum motor 64.
[0132] The exhaust conduit 342 can include at least one louver or
baffle which directs air flow. The at least one louver or baffle
can provide a tortuous exhaust path that extends from the fan
outlet aperture 336 to the exhaust vents. The tortuous exhaust path
can comprise multiple turns of at least 90 degrees, and can
optionally include at least one turn of greater than 90 degrees,
for example 180 degrees or greater. In the embodiment shown, a 90
degree turn is provided into the exhaust conduit 342 at the fan
outlet aperture 336, and a 180 degree turn is provided at a baffle
348 separating sections of the exhaust conduit 342. The sections of
the exhaust conduit 342 separated by the baffle 348 can run
parallel to each other, which increases the length of the exhaust
path to further reduces noise at the exhaust vents.
[0133] In one embodiment, a motor cooling air path is provided for
supplying cooling air to the vacuum motor 64 and for removing
heated cooling air (also referred to herein as "heated air") from
the vacuum motor 64. The motor cooling air path includes a cooling
air inlet and a cooling air outlet, both of which are in fluid
communication with the ambient air outside the apparatus 10.
Ambient air is drawn into the apparatus 10 through the cooling air
inlet, passes through the vacuum motor 64, and is subsequently
exhausted through the cooling air outlet. In the embodiment
illustrated, the cooling air inlet is provided by gaps between the
housings forming the upright body 12, including between the first
frame housing 344 and a third frame housing 352. The third frame
housing 352 can define an exterior surface of the upright body 12
which is visible to the user, including a portion of a side and/or
front of the frame 18. Alternatively, a dedicated cooling air inlet
can be provided in the upright body 12, such as through one of the
housings of the frame 18. The cooling air outlet is provided by the
clean air outlet 52, i.e. the exhaust vents 328, and as such the
motor cooling air path and the working air exhaust path share a
common outlet.
[0134] The motor housing 330 includes at least one inlet aperture
354 for allowing cooling air to enter the motor housing 330 and
pass by the vacuum motor 64, and at least one outlet aperture 356
through which heated cooling air is exhausted. The motor cooling
air path can be defined by at least one heated air exhaust duct or
conduit 358 for allowing heated air to be transported away from the
vacuum motor 64, with the motor outlet aperture 356 in fluid
communication with a first end of the exhaust conduit 358 and the
exhaust vents 328 in fluid communication with a second end of the
exhaust conduit 358.
[0135] The heated air exhaust conduit 358 can be formed internally
between housings of the upright body 12, and more specifically can
be formed between the first and second frame housings 344, 346
forming the frame 18. Routing the heated air exhaust internally
within the handle housings 344, 346 reduces noise from the vacuum
motor 64. The first and second frame housings 344, 346 can include
mating portions of the heated air exhaust conduit 358. The first
and second frame housings 344, 346 can optionally comprise molded
parts, with the mating portions of the exhaust conduit 358
integrally formed therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, the
motor outlet aperture 356 can jut rearwardly to an opening 360 in
the second frame housing 346 to enter the heated air exhaust
conduit 358.
[0136] Optionally, the motor cooling air path can have a tortuous
exhaust path that extends from the motor outlet aperture 356 to the
exhaust vents, and include at least one louver or baffle (not
shown) which directs air flow. The motor and airflow noise
generated by the apparatus 10 during operation is dampened by the
torturous exhaust path. The tortuous exhaust path can comprise
multiple turns of at least 90 degrees. In the embodiment shown, a
first 90 degree turn is provided into the exhaust conduit 358 at
the motor outlet aperture 356, and a second 90 degree turn is
provided at a passage 362 separating a first section of the exhaust
conduit 358 from a second section which includes the exhaust vents
328.
[0137] FIG. 18 shows one example of a schematic control diagram for
the apparatus 10. As briefly mentioned above, the surface cleaning
apparatus 10 can further include a controller 308 operably coupled
with the various function systems, such as the fluid delivery and
recovery systems, of the apparatus 10 for controlling its
operation. The controller 308 is operably coupled with the HMI 30
for receiving inputs from a user and with the SUI 32 for providing
one or more indicia about the status of the apparatus 10. In one
embodiment, the controller 308 can comprise a microcontroller unit
(MCU) that contains at least one central processing unit (CPU). In
the embodiment shown, the controller 308 is operably coupled with
at least the vacuum motor 64, the pump 94, and the brush motor 96
for the brushroll 60.
[0138] Electrical components of the surface cleaning apparatus 10,
including the vacuum motor 64, the pump 94, and the brush motor 96
for the brushroll 60, can be electrically coupled to a power source
such as a battery 372 or a power cord plugged into a household
outlet. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source comprises a
rechargeable battery 372. In one example, the battery 372 can be a
lithium ion battery. In another exemplary arrangement, the battery
372 can comprise a user replaceable battery.
[0139] As discussed above, the power input control 34 which
controls the supply of power to one or more electrical components
of the apparatus 10, and in the illustrated embodiment controls the
supply of power to at least the SUI 32, the vacuum motor 64, the
pump 94, and the brush motor 96. The cleaning mode input control 36
cycles the apparatus 10 between a hard floor cleaning mode and a
carpet cleaning mode. In one example of the hard floor cleaning
mode, vacuum motor 64, the pump 94, and the brush motor 96 are
activated, with the pump 94 operating at a first flow rate. In the
carpet cleaning mode, the vacuum motor 64, the pump 94, and the
brush motor 96 are activated, with the pump 94 operating at a
second flow rate which is greater than the first flow rate. The
self-cleaning mode input control 40 initiates a self-cleaning mode
of operation, one embodiment of which is described in detail below.
Briefly, during the self-cleaning mode, a cleanout cycle can run in
which cleaning liquid is sprayed on the brushroll 60 while the
brushroll 60 rotates. Liquid is extracted and deposited into the
recovery tank, thereby also flushing out a portion of the recovery
pathway.
[0140] With reference to FIG. 3, the controller 308 can be provided
at various locations on the apparatus 10, and in the illustrated
embodiment is located in the upright body 12, within the frame 18,
and is integrated with the SUI 32. Alternatively, the controller
308 can be integrated with the HMI 30 (FIG. 1), or can be separate
from both the HMI 30 and SUI 32.
[0141] The battery 372 can be located within a battery housing 374
located on the upright body 12 or base 14 of the apparatus, which
can protect and retain the battery 372 on the apparatus 10. In the
illustrated embodiment, the battery housing 374 is provided on the
frame 18 of the upright body 12. Optionally, the battery housing
374 can be located below the supply tank 20 and/or rearwardly of
the recovery tank 22. The bumper 44 can be provided on a rear
exterior side of the battery housing 374.
[0142] Referring to FIG. 19, the surface cleaning apparatus 10 can
optionally be provided with a storage tray 380 that can be used
when storing the apparatus 10. The storage tray 380 can be
configured to receive the base 14 of the apparatus 10 in an
upright, stored position. The storage tray 380 can further be
configured for further functionality beyond simple storage, such as
for charging the apparatus 10 and/or for self-cleaning of the
apparatus 10.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 20, in the illustration embodiment, the
storage tray 380 functions as a docking station for recharging the
battery 372 of the apparatus 10. The storage tray 380 can
optionally having at least one charging contact 382, and at least
one corresponding charging contact 384 can be provided on the
apparatus 10, such as on the exterior of the battery housing 374.
When operation has ceased, the apparatus 10 can be locked upright
and placed into the storage tray 380 for recharging the battery
372. When the apparatus 10 is removed from the storage tray 380,
one or both of the charging contacts 382, 384 can be shielded, as
described in further detail below. One example of a storage tray
with shielded charging contacts is disclosed in U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/671,119, filed Jun. 22, 2018, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0144] A charging unit 386 is provided on the storage tray 380 and
comprises the charging contacts 382. The charging unit 386 can
electrically couple with the battery 372 when the base 14 of the
apparatus 10 is docked with the storage tray 380. The charging unit
386 can be electrically coupled to a power source including, but
not limited to, a household outlet. In one example, a cord 388 can
be coupled with the charging unit 386 to connect the storage tray
380 to the power source.
[0145] The battery housing 374 and the charging unit 386 of the
storage tray 380 can possess complementary shapes, with the battery
housing 374 fitting against the charging unit 386 to help support
the apparatus 10 on the storage tray 380. In the illustrated
embodiment, the battery housing 374 can include a socket 390
containing the charging contacts 384 and the charging unit 386 can
be at least partially received by the socket 390 when the apparatus
10 is docked with the tray 380.
[0146] FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of a lower portion of the
upright body 12 showing a cross-section through the charging
contact 384 of the battery 372. A contact casing 392 can extend
downwardly within the socket 390, and includes the charging contact
384, which is illustrated as DC connector or socket. The charging
contact 384 or socket can be normally covered, or closed, by a
retractable charging contact cover 394, also referred to herein as
battery-side cover. The battery-side cover 394 can be slidably
mounted to or within the casing 392 and can be biased to the
normally covered position by a spring 396. When the battery-side
cover 394 is in the closed position, the battery-side cover 394
shields the charging contact 384 such that liquid cannot enter the
charging contact 384 or casing 392.
[0147] The battery-side cover 394 can include a ramp 398 against
which a portion of the storage tray 380 presses to move the cover
394 to uncover the charging contact 384 against the biasing force
of the spring 396. It is noted that while a ramp 398 is shown, the
apparatus 10 can include any suitable mating feature configurable
to move the cover 394 upon docking, such as a cam or a rack and
pinion gear, for example. Alternatively, a linear actuator can be
incorporated to move the cover 394 to the open position upon
docking.
[0148] Referring to FIG. 22, the charging contact 382 of the
charging unit 386, which is illustrated as DC connector or plug,
can be normally covered, or closed, by a retractable charging
contact cover 400, also referred to herein as tray-side cover. A
bracket 402 can be provided in the charging unit to mount the
charging contact or plug 382 and the cover 400. The tray-side cover
400 can be biased to the normally covered position by springs 404,
406, which bias the cover 400 rearwardly and upwardly. When the
tray-side cover 400 is in the closed position, the tray-side cover
400 shields the charging contact 382 such that liquid cannot enter
the charging contact 382 or charging unit 386.
[0149] The tray-side cover 400 can include a ramp 408 against which
a portion of the apparatus 10 presses to move the cover 400 to
uncover the charging contact 382 against the biasing force of the
springs 404, 406. It is noted that while a ramp 408 is shown, the
apparatus 10 can include any suitable mating feature configurable
to move the cover 400 upon docking, such as a cam or a rack and
pinion gear, for example. Alternatively, a linear actuator can be
incorporated to move the cover 400 to the open position upon
docking.
[0150] Docking the apparatus 10 with the storage tray 380 can
automatically move the covers 394, 400 to an uncovered or open
position, an example of which is shown in FIGS. 23-25, in which the
charging contacts 382, 384 can be coupled, i.e. by the socket 384
receiving the plug 382. In one embodiment, in order to dock the
apparatus 10 within the storage tray 380 for charging, the
apparatus 10 is lowered into the storage tray 380 as shown in FIG.
23 and the casing 392 pushes against the ramp 408 on the tray-side
cover 400, sliding the cover 400 forwardly to expose the charging
contact or plug 382. As the apparatus 10 continues to be lowered
onto the storage tray 380, the exposed plug 382 presses against the
ramp 398 on the battery-side cover 394, as shown in FIG. 24,
sliding the cover 394 laterally to expose the charging contact or
socket 384. Continued lowering of the apparatus 10 plugs the plug
382 into the socket 384, as shown in FIG. 25. The charging plug 382
on the storage tray 380 and socket 384 on the apparatus 10 become
fully engaged, or electrically connected, when the apparatus 10 is
fully seated on the storage tray 380.
[0151] Referring back to FIGS. 19-20, during use, the apparatus 10
can get very dirty, particularly in the brush chamber 104 and
extraction pathway, and can be difficult for the user to clean. The
storage tray 380 can function as a cleaning tray during a
self-cleaning mode of the apparatus 10, which can be used to clean
the brushroll 60 and internal components of the fluid recovery
pathway of apparatus 10. Self-cleaning using the storage tray 380
can save the user considerable time and may lead to more frequent
use of the apparatus 10. The storage tray 380 can optionally be
adapted to contain a liquid for the purposes of cleaning the
interior parts of apparatus 10 and/or receiving liquid that may
leak from the supply tank 20 while the apparatus 10 is not in
active operation. When operation has ceased, the apparatus 10 can
be locked upright and placed into the storage tray 380 for
cleaning. The apparatus 10 is prepared for self-cleaning by filling
the storage tray 380 to a predesignated fill level with a cleaning
liquid, such as water. The user can select the self-cleaning mode
via the input control 40 (FIGS. 1 and 18). In one example, during
the self-cleaning mode, the vacuum motor 64 and brush motor 96 are
activated, which draws cleaning liquid in the storage tray 380 into
the fluid recovery pathway. The self-cleaning mode can be
configured to last for a predetermined amount of time or until the
cleaning liquid in storage tray 380 has been depleted. Examples of
self-cleaning cycles and storage trays are disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2018/0344112, filed May 31, 2018, which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0152] The tray 380 can physically support the entire apparatus 10.
More specifically, the base 14 can be seated in the tray 380. The
tray 380 can have a recessed portion in the form of a sump 410 in
register with at least one of the suction nozzle 54 or brushroll
60. Optionally, the sump 410 can sealingly receive the suction
nozzle 54 and brushroll 60, such as by sealingly receiving the
brush chamber 104. The sump 410 can fluidly isolate, or seal, the
suction nozzle 54 and fluid distributor 90 (FIG. 5) within the
brush chamber 104 to create a closed loop between the fluid
delivery and fluid recovery systems of the apparatus 10. The sump
410 can collect excess liquid for eventual extraction by the
suction nozzle 54. This also serves to flush out a recovery pathway
between the suction nozzle 54 and the recovery tank 22.
[0153] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the storage tray 380. The
tray 380 can include guide walls 412 extending upwardly and
configured to align the base 14 within the tray 380. A rear portion
of the tray 380 can comprise wheel holders 414 for receiving the
rear wheels 72 of the apparatus 10. The wheel holders 414 can be
formed as a recess, or groove in the storage tray 380, and can be
provided on opposite lateral sides of the charging unit 386.
[0154] Optionally the storage tray 380 can include a removable
accessory holder 416 for storing one or more accessories for the
apparatus 10. The accessory holder 416 can be provided on an
exterior side wall of the tray 380, and can be removably mounted to
the tray 380. The tray 380 can optionally be provided with a
mounting location on either lateral side of the tray 380 to allow
the user some flexibility in where the accessory holder 416 is
attached. FIG. 26 includes an accessory holder 416 in phantom line
showing one optional alternative mounting location. The mounting
locations can include a retention latch, sliding lock, clamp,
brace, or any other mechanism in which to secure accessory holder
416 on the storage tray 380. Alternatively, storage tray 380 can be
configured with a non-removable or integral accessory holder
416.
[0155] The illustrated accessory holder 416 can removably receive
one or more brushrolls 60 and/or one of more filters 276 for the
purposes of storage and/or drying. Accessory holder 416 can
comprise one or more brushroll slots 418 to securely receive
brushrolls 60 in a vertical fixed position for drying and storage.
Brushroll slots 418 can be fixed or adjustable and can be comprised
of clamps, rods, or molded receiving positions that can accommodate
brushroll 546 with or without the dowel 110 inserted. Accessory
holder 416 can comprise at least one filter slot 420 to securely
receive filter 276 in a vertical fixed position for drying and
storage. Alternatively, accessory holder 416 can store the
brushrolls 60 and filter 276 in a variety of other positions.
[0156] FIG. 27 is a block diagram for the apparatus 10, showing a
condition when the apparatus 10 is docked with the storage tray 380
for recharging. The apparatus 10 includes a battery charging
circuit 430 that controls recharging of the battery 372. When the
apparatus 10 is docked with the storage tray 380, as shown in FIG.
20, the battery charging circuit 430 is active and the battery 372
is charged. In at least some embodiments of the storage tray 380,
the tray 380 includes power cord 388 plugged into a household
outlet, such as by a wall charger 432 having, for example an
operating power of 35 W. However, during a self-cleaning cycle
during which the vacuum motor 64, pump 94, and brush motor 96 are
all energized, the required power draw can far exceed the operating
power of the wall charger 432. In one example, the required power
draw for the vacuum motor 64, pump 94, and brush motor 96 can be
200-250W. The apparatus 10 can include a battery monitoring circuit
433 for monitoring the status of the battery 372 and individual
battery cells contained therein. Feedback from the battery
monitoring circuit 433 is used by the controller 308 to optimize
the discharging and recharging process, as well as for displaying
battery charge status on the SUI 32.
[0157] Referring to FIG. 28, the block diagram shows a condition
when the apparatus 10 is docked with the storage tray 380 in the
self-cleaning mode. Actuating (e.g. depressing) the self-cleaning
mode input control 40 disables or shuts off the battery charging
circuit 430, and allows the apparatus 10 to energize and be powered
by the onboard battery 472. The apparatus 10 then automatically
cycles through the self-cleaning mode, and during this cycle the
battery charging circuit 430 remains disabled, i.e. the battery 372
does not recharge during the self-cleaning mode. This operational
behavior is beneficial because if the battery charging circuit 430
is not disabled and power not supplied by the battery 472 during
the self-cleaning mode, the capacity of the wall charger 432 can be
exceeded. As noted above, in one embodiment the wall charger 432
can have, for example, an operating power of 35 W. Wall chargers
with higher capacity are much more expensive.
[0158] FIG. 29 depicts one aspect of the disclosure of a
self-cleaning method 440 for the apparatus 10 using the storage
tray 380. In use, a user at 442 docks the apparatus 10 with the
storage tray 380. The docking may include parking the base 14 on
the cleaning tray 380 and establishing a closed loop between the
fluid delivery and fluid recovery systems of the apparatus 10. For
example, the docking can include sealing the brush chamber 104 to
establish a sealed cleaning pathway between the fluid distributor
90 and the suction nozzle 54.
[0159] At step 444, the charging circuit 430 is enabled when the
apparatus 10 is docked with the tray 380 and the charging contacts
382, 384 couple. When the charging circuit 430 is enabled, the
battery 372 may begin being recharged.
[0160] At step 446, the cleanout cycle for the self-cleaning mode
of operation is initiated. The controller 308 can initiate the
cleanout cycle based on input from the user, such as by the user
pressing the self-cleaning mode input control 40 on the SUI 32. The
self-cleaning cycle may be locked-out by the controller 308 when
the apparatus 10 is not docked with the storage tray 380 to prevent
inadvertent initiation of the self-cleaning cycle.
[0161] At step 448, upon initiation of the self-cleaning cycle,
such as upon the user pressing the self-cleaning mode input control
40, the charging circuit 430 is disabled, i.e. the battery 372
ceases to recharge.
[0162] Pressing the input control 40 at step 446 can energize one
or more components of the apparatus 10 to energize and be powered
by the onboard battery 472. The self-cleaning cycle may begin at
step 450 in which the pump 94 is active to deliver cleaning fluid
from the supply tank 20 to the distributor 90 that sprays the
brushroll 60. During step 450, the brush motor 96 can also activate
to rotate the brushroll 60 while applying cleaning fluid to the
brushroll 60 to flush the brush chamber 104 and cleaning lines, and
wash debris from the brushroll 60. The self-cleaning cycle may use
the same cleaning fluid normally used by the apparatus 10 for
surface cleaning, or may use a different detergent focused on
cleaning the recovery system of the apparatus 10.
[0163] The vacuum motor can be actuated during or after step 450 to
extract the cleaning fluid via the suction nozzle 54. During
extraction, the cleaning fluid and debris from the sump 410 in the
tray 380 is sucked through the suction nozzle 54 and the downstream
fluid recovery path. The flushing action also cleans the entire
fluid recovery path of the apparatus 10, including the suction
nozzle 54 and downstream conduits.
[0164] At step 452, the self-cleaning cycle ends. The end of the
self-cleaning cycle can be time-dependent, or can continue until
the recovery tank 22 is full or the supply tank 20 is empty. For a
timed self-cleaning cycle, the pump 94, brush motor 96, and vacuum
motor 64 are energized and de-energized for predetermined periods
of time. Optionally, the pump 94 or brush motor 96 can pulse on/off
intermittently so that any debris is flushed off of the brushroll
60 and extracted into the recovery tank 22. Optionally, the
brushroll 60 can be rotated at slower or faster speeds to
facilitate more effective wetting, shedding of debris, and/or spin
drying. Near the end of the cycle, the pump 94 can de-energize to
end fluid dispensing while the brush motor 96 and vacuum motor 64
can remain energized to continue extraction. This is to ensure that
any liquid remaining in the sump 410, on the brushroll 60, or in
the fluid recovery path is completely extracted into the recovery
tank 22.
[0165] After the end of the self-cleaning cycle, the charging
circuit 430 is enabled to continue to recharging the battery 472 at
step 454.
[0166] To the extent not already described, the different features
and structures of the various embodiments of the invention, may be
used in combination with each other as desired, or may be used
separately. That one surface cleaning apparatus is illustrated
herein as having all of these features does not mean that all of
these features must be used in combination, but rather done so here
for brevity of description. Furthermore, while the surface cleaning
apparatus 10 shown herein has an upright configuration, the surface
cleaning apparatus can be configured as a canister or portable
unit. For example, in a canister arrangement, foot components such
as the suction nozzle and brushroll can be provided on a cleaning
head coupled with a canister unit. Still further, the surface
cleaning apparatus can additionally have steam delivery capability.
Thus, the various features of the different embodiments may be
mixed and matched in various vacuum cleaner configurations as
desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments
are expressly described.
[0167] The above description relates to general and specific
embodiments of the disclosure. However, various alterations and
changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader
aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which
are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent
law including the doctrine of equivalents. As such, this disclosure
is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be
interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the
disclosure or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific
elements illustrated or described in connection with these
embodiments. Any reference to elements in the singular, for
example, using the articles "a," "an," "the," or "said," is not to
be construed as limiting the element to the singular.
[0168] Likewise, it is also to be understood that the appended
claims are not limited to express and particular compounds,
compositions, or methods described in the detailed description,
which may vary between particular embodiments that fall within the
scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups
relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of
various embodiments, different, special, and/or unexpected results
may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group
independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a
Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination
and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *