U.S. patent application number 17/746182 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-01 for extractor cleaning machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.. Invention is credited to Luke Phalen, Robert Salo.
Application Number | 20220273151 17/746182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006336786 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220273151 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Salo; Robert ; et
al. |
September 1, 2022 |
EXTRACTOR CLEANING MACHINE
Abstract
An extractor cleaning machine includes a supply tank configured
to store a cleaning fluid and a base configured to be movable along
a surface to be cleaned. The base includes a suction nozzle and an
aperture configured to spray the cleaning fluid onto the surface.
The extractor cleaning machine also includes a recovery tank in
fluid communication with the suction nozzle and a suction source in
fluid communication with the suction nozzle and the recovery tank.
The suction source is configured to draw the cleaning fluid through
the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. The extractor
cleaning machine further includes a body pivotally coupled to the
base between an upright position and an inclined position. The body
includes an outlet in fluid communication with the suction source
such that an airflow generated by the suction source is discharged
from the outlet toward the surface.
Inventors: |
Salo; Robert; (Mentor,
OH) ; Phalen; Luke; (Streetsboro, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. |
Tsuen Wan |
|
HK |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006336786 |
Appl. No.: |
17/746182 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16546425 |
Aug 21, 2019 |
11330950 |
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17746182 |
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|
15484588 |
Apr 11, 2017 |
10405721 |
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16546425 |
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15095610 |
Apr 11, 2016 |
9615713 |
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15484588 |
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14206150 |
Mar 12, 2014 |
9307881 |
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15095610 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/34 20130101;
A47L 11/4044 20130101; A47L 11/4083 20130101; A47L 11/4088
20130101; A47L 11/4016 20130101; A47L 5/14 20130101; A47L 11/4097
20130101; A47L 11/4041 20130101; A47L 11/302 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/30 20060101
A47L011/30; A47L 11/34 20060101 A47L011/34; A47L 11/40 20060101
A47L011/40; A47L 5/14 20060101 A47L005/14 |
Claims
1. An extractor cleaning machine comprising: a supply tank
configured to store a cleaning fluid; a base configured to be
movable along a surface to be cleaned, the base including a suction
nozzle and an aperture configured to spray the cleaning fluid onto
the surface; a recovery tank in fluid communication with the
suction nozzle; a suction source in fluid communication with the
suction nozzle and the recovery tank, the suction source configured
to draw the cleaning fluid through the suction nozzle and into the
recovery tank; and a body pivotally coupled to the base between an
upright position and an inclined position, the body including an
outlet in fluid communication with the suction source such that an
airflow generated by the suction source is discharged from the
outlet toward the surface.
2. The extractor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the body
includes a body exhaust duct in communication with the airflow
discharged from the outlet of the body, and wherein the body
exhaust duct directs the airflow from the outlet toward the
surface.
3. The extractor cleaning machine of claim 2, wherein the body
includes a motor housing supporting the suction source, and wherein
the body exhaust duct is coupled to the motor housing.
4. The extractor cleaning machine of claim 3, wherein the motor
housing is cylindrical.
5. The extractor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the airflow
discharged from the outlet is a cooling airflow of the suction
source, and wherein the cooling airflow does not travel through the
recovery tank.
6. The extractor cleaning machine of claim 5, wherein the body
includes a body exhaust duct in communication with the cooling
airflow discharged from the outlet of the body, and wherein the
body exhaust duct directs the cooling airflow from the outlet
toward the surface.
7. The extractor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the airflow
discharged from the outlet is a primary airflow configured to draw
the cleaning fluid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery
tank.
8. The extractor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the airflow
is discharged from the extractor cleaning machine in a first
direction relative to the base while the body is in the upright
position, and wherein the airflow is discharged from the extractor
cleaning machine in a second direction different from the first
direction relative to the base while the body is in the inclined
position.
9. The extractor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the outlet is
a first outlet of the body, wherein the airflow is a primary
airflow configured to draw the cleaning fluid through the suction
nozzle and into the recovery tank, wherein the body includes a
second outlet in fluid communication with the suction source such
that a cooling airflow generated by the suction source is
discharged from the second outlet toward the surface, and wherein
the cooling airflow does not travel through the recovery tank.
10. The extractor cleaning machine of claim 9, wherein the body
includes a body exhaust duct in communication with the primary
airflow and the cooling airflow, and wherein the body exhaust duct
directs the primary airflow and the cooling airflow toward the
surface.
11. The extractor cleaning machine of claim 10, wherein the body
includes a motor housing supporting the suction source, and wherein
the body exhaust duct is coupled to the motor housing.
12. The extractor cleaning machine of claim 11, wherein the motor
housing is cylindrical.
13. A floor cleaning machine comprising: a base configured to be
movable along a surface to be cleaned, the base including a suction
nozzle; a suction source in fluid communication with the suction
nozzle, the suction source configured to draw debris through the
suction nozzle; a body pivotally coupled to the base between an
upright position and an inclined position, the body including an
outlet movable relative to the base as the body pivots between the
upright position and the inclined position, the outlet in fluid
communication with the suction source to discharge an airflow
generated by the suction source, wherein the airflow is discharged
from the floor cleaning machine toward the surface in a first
direction relative to the base while the body is in the upright
position, and wherein the airflow is discharged from the floor
cleaning machine toward the surface in a second direction different
from the first direction relative to the base while the body is in
the inclined position.
14. The floor cleaning machine of claim 13, wherein the body
includes a body exhaust duct in communication with the airflow
discharged from the outlet of the body, and wherein the body
exhaust duct directs the airflow from the outlet toward the
surface.
15. The floor cleaning machine of claim 14, wherein the body
includes a motor housing supporting the suction source, and wherein
the body exhaust duct is coupled to the motor housing.
16. The floor cleaning machine of claim 15, wherein the motor
housing is cylindrical.
17. The floor cleaning machine of claim 13, wherein the airflow
discharged from the outlet is a cooling airflow of the suction
source, and wherein the cooling airflow does not travel through the
suction nozzle.
18. The floor cleaning machine of claim 17, wherein the body
includes a body exhaust duct in communication with the cooling
airflow discharged from the outlet of the body, and wherein the
body exhaust duct directs the cooling airflow from the outlet
toward the surface.
19. The floor cleaning machine of claim 13, wherein the airflow
discharged from the outlet is a primary airflow configured to draw
the debris through the suction nozzle.
20. The floor cleaning machine of claim 13, wherein the outlet is a
first outlet of the body, wherein the airflow is a primary airflow
configured to draw the debris through the suction nozzle, wherein
the body includes a second outlet in fluid communication with the
suction source such that a cooling airflow generated by the suction
source is discharged from the second outlet toward the surface, and
wherein the cooling airflow does not travel through the suction
nozzle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/546,425, filed Aug. 21, 2019, now U.S. Pat.
No. 11,330,950, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/484,588, filed Apr. 11, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.
10,405,721, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/095,610, filed Apr. 11, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,615,713,
which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/206,150,
filed Mar. 12, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,881, the entire
contents all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to extractor cleaning machines
and, more particularly, to airflow exhaust for extractor cleaning
machines.
[0003] Extractor cleaning machines typically include a supply tank
for storing a cleaning fluid or a mixture of cleaning fluids. The
extractor discharges the cleaning fluid onto a surface to be
cleaned. A suction source, such as a motor and fan, draw the
cleaning fluid and dirt from the surface through a suction nozzle
and into a recovery tank. In the recovery tank, the airflow
generated by the suction source is separated from the cleaning
fluid and dirt and the cleaning fluid and dirt are stored in the
recovery tank. The airflow is discharged from the extractor.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, an extractor cleaning machine includes a
supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid and a base
configured to be movable along a surface to be cleaned. The base
includes a suction nozzle and an aperture configured to spray the
cleaning fluid onto the surface. The extractor cleaning machine
also includes a recovery tank in fluid communication with the
suction nozzle and a suction source in fluid communication with the
suction nozzle and the recovery tank. The suction source is
configured to draw the cleaning fluid through the suction nozzle
and into the recovery tank. The extractor cleaning machine further
includes a body pivotally coupled to the base between an upright
position and an inclined position. The body includes an outlet in
fluid communication with the suction source such that an airflow
generated by the suction source is discharged from the outlet
toward the surface.
[0005] In another aspect, a floor cleaning machine includes a base
configured to be movable along a surface to be cleaned. The base
includes a suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine also includes
a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle.
The suction source is configured to draw debris through the suction
nozzle. The floor cleaning machine further includes a body
pivotally coupled to the base between an upright position and an
inclined position. The body includes an outlet movable relative to
the base as the body pivots between the upright position and the
inclined position. The outlet is in fluid communication with the
suction source to discharge an airflow generated by the suction
source. The airflow is discharged from the floor cleaning machine
toward the surface in a first direction relative to the base while
the body is in the upright position. The airflow is discharged from
the floor cleaning machine toward the surface in a second direction
different from the first direction relative to the base while the
body is in the inclined position.
[0006] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an extractor cleaning
machine according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the
extractor cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lower surface of the
extractor cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the
extractor cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1 with a portion of a body
removed.
[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the rear portion
of the extractor cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1 including a body
exhaust duct.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional perspective view of a portion of
the body exhaust duct and a portion of the body.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a partial cross sectional side view of a portion
of the extractor cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1 in an up-right
storage position.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a partial cross sectional side view of a portion
of the extractor cleaning machine of FIG. 1 in an inclined
operating position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways.
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an extractor cleaning machine 10
(hereinafter referred "extractor"). In the illustrated embodiment,
the extractor 10 is an upright extractor operable to clean a
surface 14, such as, for example, a floor (FIG. 7). In some
embodiments, the extractor 10 may be adapted to clean a variety of
surfaces, such as carpets, hardwood floors, tiles, or the like. The
extractor 10 distributes or sprays a cleaning fluid (e.g., water,
detergent, or a mixture of water and detergent) onto the surface to
clean the surface. The extractor 10 then draws the cleaning fluid
and dirt from the surface, leaving the surface relatively clean. As
discussed in more detail below, the extractor 10 includes an
airflow discharge that at least partially dries the surface 14.
[0017] The illustrated extractor 10 includes a base 18, a body 22
coupled to the base 18, a recovery tank 26 coupled to the body 22,
a fluid distribution system (not shown), and a supply tank assembly
34 coupled to the body 22. Other extractors within the scope of the
invention may include a different type of base, such as including
the recovery tank and or supply tank coupled to the base. The
supply tank assembly 34 is configured to store cleaning fluid to be
distributed by the extractor 10 onto the surface 14. The recovery
tank 26 is configured to store cleaning fluid and any dirt
extracted from the surface 14.
[0018] The base 18 is movable along the surface to be cleaned. In
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, two primary wheels 38 and optionally
two secondary wheels 42 are coupled to the base 18 to facilitate
movement of the base 18 along the surface. In the illustrated
embodiment, the wheels 38, 42 are idle wheels. In other
embodiments, one or more of the wheels 38, 42 may be driven
wheels.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, the base 18 further includes a
distribution nozzle (not shown) for delivering cleaning fluid, a
suction nozzle 50, and a brush assembly 54 adjacent a lower surface
58 of the base 18. The distribution nozzle directs cleaning fluid
toward the surface 14 to be cleaned. The suction nozzle 50 draws
fluid and dirt from the surface into the recovery tank 26 of the
extractor 10. The brush assembly 54 is coupled to the lower surface
58 adjacent the distribution nozzle and suction nozzle 50 to scrub
the surface 14 (shown in FIG. 7). The brush assembly 54 also helps
inhibit fluid from flowing beyond a periphery of the base 18. In
some embodiments, individual brushes of the brush assembly 54 may
be electrically or pneumatically rotated to agitate and scrub the
surface.
[0020] The fluid distribution system is in fluid communication with
the supply tank assembly 34 to draw cleaning fluid from the supply
tank assembly 34 and distribute the fluid to the surface 14. In
some embodiments, the fluid distribution system may include a pump
that propels the cleaning fluid to the surface 14.
[0021] In reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 18 further includes
a base exhaust duct 62 having an exhaust outlet 70 directed toward
the surface to be cleaned and generally positioned opposite from
the suction nozzle 50 and the brush assembly 54. In the illustrated
embodiment, the base exhaust duct 62 is rigidly attached to the
base 18 for movement with the base 18. The base exhaust duct 62
defines a curved member extending from an exhaust inlet 66 to the
exhaust outlet 70. The exhaust outlet 70 is located at a distal end
of the base exhaust duct 62 directed generally towards the surface
14 (FIG. 7). The base exhaust duct 62 generally has a rectangular
cross-sectional profile. In other embodiments, the base exhaust
duct 62 may be located elsewhere on the base 18 and include a
different geometric profile (e.g., semicircle, oval, etc.). As
discussed in more detail below, the base exhaust duct 62 directs an
airflow to at least partially aid in the drying of the surface 14
being cleaned.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the body 22 supports a trigger 74 and
optionally a mode switch 78. The trigger 74 is actuatable to spray
cleaning fluid from the supply tank assembly 34 through the
distribution nozzle and onto the surface 14. The mode switch 78
adjusts the operating mode (i.e., wash, rinse, auto-rinse, etc.) of
the extractor 10.
[0023] In addition, the illustrated body 22 is pivotally coupled to
and extends from the base 18. The body 22 is pivotable or tiltable
relative to the base 18 from a generally vertical, or upright,
storage position 82 shown in FIG. 7 to one or more non-vertical, or
inclined, operating positions 86, one of which is shown in FIG. 8.
Pivoting the body 22 to an operating position 86 facilitates moving
the base 18 along the surface 14.
[0024] In reference to FIG. 4, the body 22 includes a motor housing
90 supporting a suction source 94. The motor housing 90 is
generally attached to the body 22 underneath the recovery tank 26
and is designed in a generally cylindrical configuration. In other
embodiments, the suction source 94 may be supported by the base 18
or may be positioned elsewhere on the extractor 10 (FIG. 7). The
suction source 94 is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle
50 to draw fluid and dirt from the surface 14 through the suction
nozzle 50 and into the recovery tank 26.
[0025] In one embodiment, the suction source 94 includes an
electric motor 98 operable to drive a primary fan 102 and a cooling
fan 106 located at distal ends of the motor 98 (FIG. 4 and FIG. 7).
The fans 102, 106 generate a primary airflow 110 and a cooling
airflow 114, respectively, that are fluidly isolated from one
another within the body 22. The primary airflow 110 is in fluid
communication with the suction nozzle 50. However, the primary
airflow 110 is fluidly isolated from the motor 98 and flows out of
the machine 10 through a primary air duct 126 having a primary duct
outlet 142. In addition, the cooling airflow 114 is in fluid
communication with the motor 98 through a cooling air duct 118
having a cooling duct inlet 134 and a cooling duct outlet 138. The
cooling duct outlet 138 and the primary duct outlet 142 are
positioned to deliver the airflows 110 and 114 to the exhaust
outlet 70 of the base directed toward the surface 14 to at least
partially aid in the drying of the surface 14, which is described
in more detail below. The cooling duct outlet 138 and the primary
duct outlet 142 are generally separated from each other prior to
exiting a body exhaust duct 162.
[0026] In continued reference to FIG. 5, a body exhaust duct 162 is
generally formed in a semicircular configuration in the illustrated
embodiment. The body exhaust duct 162 is positioned over the
cooling duct outlet 138 and the primary duct outlet 142 to receive
the cooling airflow 114 and the primary airflow 110. A wall 174 may
be provided in the body exhaust duct 162 to isolate the cooling
duct outlet 138 from the primary duct outlet 142 inhibiting the
primary airflow 110 from entering the cooling duct outlet 138.
Stated another way, the body exhaust duct 162 forms a first inlet
aperture 166 adjacent the cooling duct outlet 138 that receives the
cooling airflow 114 and a second inlet aperture 170 adjacent the
primary duct outlet 142 that receives the primary airflow 110. The
first and second inlet apertures 166, 170 are defined by an inner
surface 178 of the body exhaust duct 162. In the illustrated
embodiment, the wall 174 is shown as a two-sided member extending
from the inner surface 178. In other embodiments, the wall 174 may
be differently configured to guide airflow from the cooling duct
outlet 138 and the primary duct outlet 142.
[0027] In reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the body exhaust duct 162
is attached to body panel 130 adjacent the motor housing 90. The
body exhaust duct 162 may be secured to the body panel 130 by
fasteners 186, for example by fastening through fastener holes 182
in the illustrated embodiment.
[0028] Furthermore, in reference to FIGS. 2 and 7, the base exhaust
duct 62 and the body exhaust duct 162 cooperate to form an exhaust
passageway 190 between the suction source 94 and the exhaust outlet
70. A portion of the body exhaust duct 162 is positioned within the
exhaust inlet 66 of the base exhaust duct 62 such that airflow
through the body exhaust duct 162 passes through the base exhaust
duct 62. Stated another way, the body exhaust duct 162 in
combination with the base exhaust duct 62 defines the exhaust
passageway 190 between the suction source 94 and the exhaust outlet
70 (FIG. 7). Additionally, the body exhaust duct 162 moves relative
to the base exhaust duct 62 as the handle pivots between the
upright position 82 and the inclined position 86. In the
illustrated embodiment, the shape of the body exhaust duct 162
cooperates with the shape of the base exhaust duct 62 such that the
body exhaust duct 162 slides within the base exhaust duct 62 as the
handle pivots between the upright position 82 and the inclined
position 86, providing the exhaust passageway 190 in an extended or
lengthened state in the upright position 82 shown in FIG. 7 and a
shortened or retracted state in the inclined position 86 as shown
in FIG. 8.
[0029] In operation, in reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the
electric motor 98 is operable to rotate the primary fan 102 and the
cooling fan 106. The primary fan 102 creates the primary airflow
110 that extracts dirt and liquid from the surface 14 through the
suction nozzle 50. The primary airflow 110 is initially processed
by the extractor 10 through the recovery tank 26. Before the
primary airflow 110 reaches the recovery tank 26, the primary
airflow contains a substantial amount of moisture from the surface
14. The recovery tank 26 collects the moisture from the primary
airflow 110 before the primary airflow 110 travels towards the
suction source 94. The primary airflow 110 travels adjacent the
electric motor 98 and exits the body 22 through the primary air
duct 126 and the primary duct outlet 142 (FIG. 5).
[0030] The cooling fan 106 creates the cooling airflow 114 that
draws ambient air through the cooling duct inlet 134 and into the
cooling air duct 118. The cooling airflow 114 then passes adjacent
the motor 98 which absorbs heat from the motor 98. The cooling
airflow 114 exits the body 22 through the cooling duct outlet 138
(FIG. 5).
[0031] With reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, when the extractor 10
is in the upright position 82, the exhaust passageway 190 is in
fluid communication with the exhaust outlet 70. The exhaust outlet
70 directs the primary airflow 110 and the cooling airflow 114
towards the surface 14 to act in aiding of drying the surface 14.
When the extractor 10 is in the inclined operating position 86, the
body exhaust duct 162 slides downward within the base exhaust duct
62. As a result, the body exhaust duct 162 extends beyond the
exhaust outlet 70 and directs the primary airflow 110 and the
cooling airflow 114 generally towards the suction nozzle 50 and the
surface 14. The primary airflow 110 and the cooling airflow 114 act
to dry the surface 14.
[0032] Various features and advantages of the invention are set
forth in the following claims.
* * * * *