CN112770657B

CN112770657B - Vertical surface treatment apparatus with removable compartments

Info

Publication number: CN112770657B
Application number: CN201980062711.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斯科特·B·尼德维克; 安德烈·D·布朗; 苏明顺; 罗伯特·杨; 李·M·科特雷尔; 帕特里克·克利里
Original assignee: Sharkninja Operating LLC
Current assignee: Sharkninja Operating LLC
Priority date: 2018-07-31
Filing date: 2019-07-31
Publication date: 2022-07-15
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-31
Also published as: EP3829406A4; WO2020028556A1; CN112770657A; CN115191862A; EP3829406A1; AU2019312591A1; CA3112975C; CN115191862B; CA3112975A1; CN211985257U; AU2019312591B2

Abstract

A reconfigurable surface treatment device can include a wand and a pod removably coupled to the wand. The wand may have a first distal end configured to be coupled to a surface cleaning head and a second distal end configured to be coupled to a handle. The compartment can include a suction motor assembly cavity, a battery cavity, and a dirt cup cavity. The suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity may be disposed on opposite sides of a vertical plane, wherein the vertical plane extends along a central longitudinal axis of the compartment. The dirt cup cavity can be disposed between the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity such that at least a portion of the dirt cup cavity is disposed on each side of the vertical plane.

Description

Vertical surface treatment apparatus with removable compartments

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of united States provisional application No. 62/712,634 entitled "vertical Surface Treatment device with Removable Pod" (upper Surface Treatment Apparatus having Removable Pod) filed on 31.7.2018, and is a partial continuation of united States patent application No. 16/270,078 entitled "attachment for Surface Treatment device having multiple operating States and Surface Treatment device configured to Actuate the attachment" (access for a Surface Treatment Apparatus having a Plurality of operating States and Surface Treatment Apparatus configured to Actuate the attachment) filed on 7.2019, each of which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to surface treatment apparatuses, and more particularly, to reconfigurable surface treatment apparatuses having removable pods.

Background

The surface treating appliance may comprise an upright vacuum cleaner configured to be convertible between a storage position and an in-use position. The upright vacuum cleaner may include a suction motor configured to draw air into an air intake of the upright vacuum cleaner such that debris deposited on the surface may be pushed into the air intake. At least a portion of the debris pushed into the air inlet may be deposited in a dust storage receptacle in the upright vacuum cleaner for subsequent disposal.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a reconfigurable surface treatment device comprising: a wand having a first distal end configured to be coupled to the surface cleaning head and a second distal end configured to be coupled to the handle, the wand defining a central wand longitudinal axis; and a nacelle removably coupled to the wand, wherein the nacelle comprises: a suction motor assembly cavity; a battery cavity, wherein the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity are disposed on opposite sides of a vertical plane that extends along a central pod longitudinal axis of the pod that extends substantially parallel to the central wand longitudinal axis when the pod is coupled to the wand; and a dirt cup cavity disposed between the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity such that substantially equal portions of the dirt cup cavity are disposed on each side of the vertical plane.

In one embodiment, the battery cavity is fluidly coupled to the suction motor assembly cavity when a dirt cup is received in the dirt cup cavity.

In one embodiment, the battery cavity is further configured to receive a filter.

In one embodiment, the battery cavity further comprises a battery protrusion configured to transition between a depressible state and a rigid state in response to the battery cavity receiving the filter.

In one embodiment, the battery protrusion is further configured to be depressed when a battery pack and the filter are disposed within the battery cavity.

In one embodiment, the reconfigurable surface treatment device further includes a flexible conduit configured to fluidly couple the pod to the wand, the flexible conduit being electrically charged.

In one embodiment, the reconfigurable surface treatment device further includes the handle including a switch configured to decouple the handle from the wand.

In one embodiment, the wand includes a detachable portion and a neck, the detachable portion being configured to be detached from the neck.

In one embodiment, the detachable portion is detachable from the neck in response to actuation of a release switch.

In one embodiment, the reconfigurable surface treatment device further comprises a battery pack disposed within the battery cavity.

In one embodiment, the battery pack includes a housing having a plurality of apertures configured to allow air to flow therethrough.

In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of apertures has a circular shape and at least one of the plurality of apertures has an elongated shape.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a pod for a reconfigurable surface treatment device, comprising: a suction motor assembly cavity; a battery cavity, wherein the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity are disposed on opposite sides of a vertical plane extending along a central longitudinal axis of the compartment, the battery cavity configured to receive a filter, wherein the battery cavity comprises a battery protrusion configured to transition from a rigid state to a depressible state in response to the battery cavity receiving the filter; and a dirt cup cavity disposed between the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity such that at least a portion of the dirt cup cavity is disposed on each side of the vertical plane.

In one embodiment, the compartment further comprises a battery pack disposed within the battery cavity.

Drawings

These and other features and advantages will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a surface treatment apparatus having a nacelle, wand, and surface cleaning head consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the surface treatment apparatus of fig. 1 with the nacelle decoupled from the wand consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2B is a perspective rear view of the surface treating device of fig. 1 with the pods and flexible conduits removed for clarity, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the surface treatment apparatus of FIG. 2A with a portion of the surface cleaning head and wand removed therefrom, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the surface treatment device of FIG. 3 with a detachable portion of the wand removed therefrom, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of a switch coupled to a switching mechanism consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5A is a perspective view of an example of a handle assembly with a switching mechanism with a portion of the handle assembly housing removed from the handle assembly for clarity consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5B is another perspective view of the handle assembly of fig. 5A consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the bin of figure 1 with a dirt cup and a battery pack coupled thereto, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the bin of figure 6 with the dirt cup removed therefrom, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the pod of fig. 7 with a door enclosing a suction motor assembly cavity removed from the pod, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a top view of the pod of fig. 6 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a top view of the pod of fig. 6 with the battery pack removed from the pod, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a filter configured to be inserted into a battery cavity of the pod of fig. 6, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a battery pack configured to be inserted within the compartment of fig. 6, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 is another perspective view of the battery pack of fig. 12 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14A is a side view of the battery pack of fig. 12 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14B illustrates a perspective view of a latch mechanism for the battery pack of fig. 12, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14C is a perspective view of the pod of fig. 6 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a dock configured to receive, for example, the pod of fig. 6, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 16 is another perspective view of the interface element of fig. 15 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 17A is another perspective view of the interface element of fig. 15 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 17B is a perspective view of the dock of fig. 15 to which the pod and surface cleaning head are docked, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an example of a battery docking station consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 19A is a perspective view of the battery docking station of fig. 18 with a battery pack coupled thereto consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 19B is a bottom view of the battery pack of fig. 19A consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an example of a portion of a pod with a battery pack consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the pod of fig. 20 with the handle of the battery pack raised to a removed position, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the pod of fig. 21 with the battery pack partially removed from the pod, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure generally relates to a reconfigurable surface treatment device. The surface treatment apparatus includes a vertical section configured to be coupled to a cabin. The upright section includes a wand having a first distal end configured to be coupled to the surface cleaning head and a second distal end opposite the first distal end configured to be coupled to the handle. The nacelle is configured to be removably coupled to a portion of a wand that extends between a first distal end and a second distal end. The compartment includes a suction motor assembly cavity configured to receive a suction motor and a pre-motor filter, a dirt cup cavity configured to receive a dirt cup, and a power supply cavity configured to receive a power source (e.g., one or more batteries). The suction motor assembly cavity and the power supply cavity extend along opposite sides of a vertical plane that extends along the central longitudinal axis of the bin, and the dirt cup cavity extends along the vertical plane such that at least a portion of the dirt cup rests on each side of the vertical plane. Such a configuration may substantially align the center of gravity of the nacelle with the wand when the nacelle is coupled to the wand. Thus, when the user is operating the surface treatment apparatus, the surface treatment apparatus can be felt to be substantially balanced, thereby making it possible to reduce user fatigue.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an upright surface treating device 100 having a wand 102, wherein a first distal end 104 of the wand 102 is coupled to a surface cleaning head 106 and a second distal end 108 of the wand 102 is coupled to a cleaner handle 110, the first distal end 104 being opposite the second distal end 108. As shown, the nacelle 112 can be coupled to the wand 102 at a location between the first distal end 104 and the second distal end 108. Nacelle 112 may be removably coupled to pole 102 such that nacelle 112 may be handled by a user independently of pole 102. For example, a user can actuate a switch (e.g., a button) 111 configured to transition an engagement mechanism (e.g., a latch) between an engaged state and a disengaged state to decouple the nacelle 112 from the wand 102.

As shown, the compartment 112 includes a suction motor assembly cavity 114 configured to receive a suction motor, a battery cavity 116 configured to receive a power source (e.g., a battery), and a dirt cup cavity 118 configured to receive a dirt cup 120. The airflow path 122 may extend from an air inlet 124 of the surface cleaning head 106, through the wand 102 and a flexible conduit 126 (e.g., a non-powered hose or a powered hose), and into the dirt cup 120. Thus, the flexible conduit 126 can be generally described as fluidly coupling the nacelle 112 to the wand 102. The dirt cup 120 may be configured such that a cyclone is generated within the dirt cup 120. Thus, at least a portion of any debris entrained with the air extending along the airflow path 122 is deposited within the dirt cup 120 due to the cyclonic motion of the air prior to exiting the dirt cup 120. After exiting the dirt cup 120, the airflow path 122 extends into a pre-motor filter within the suction motor assembly cavity 114 and through a suction motor disposed within the suction motor assembly cavity 114. After passing through the suction motor, the airflow path 122 extends into the battery cavity 116 and provides cooling to a battery pack 128 (e.g., having one or more batteries) disposed within the battery cavity 116. In some cases, the post-motor filter media may be positioned within the airflow path 122 (e.g., the battery cavity 116) such that the airflow path 122 passes through the post-motor filter media before passing through the battery pack 128. This may reduce the amount of debris that collects in the battery pack 128. The post-motor filter media may be a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. Thus, the suction motor assembly cavity 114 can be generally described as being fluidly coupled to the battery cavity 116 when the dirt cup 120 is received within the dirt cup cavity 118.

Also as shown, the suction motor assembly cavity 114 and the battery cavity 116 are disposed on opposite sides of a vertical plane 130 extending through the center of the compartment 112. In some cases, the vertical plane 130 can include a central longitudinal axis 132 of the wand 102 and/or a central longitudinal axis 134 of the nacelle 112. When the nacelle 112 is coupled to the wand 102, a central longitudinal axis 134 of the nacelle 112 extends generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis 132 of the wand 102. At least a portion of the dirt cup cavity 118 is disposed between the suction motor assembly cavity 114 and the battery cavity 116 such that a portion of the dirt cup 120 is disposed on an opposite side of the vertical plane 130. For example, the dirt cup cavities 118 can be positioned such that the portions of the dirt cup cavities 118 on opposite sides of the vertical plane 130 are substantially equal. Accordingly, the dirt cup 120 can be generally described as having substantially equal portions disposed on opposite sides of the vertical plane 130 when received within the dirt cup cavity 118. Thus, when fully assembled (e.g., when the battery pack 128, suction motor, pre-motor filter, and dirt cup 120 are coupled to the cabin 112), the cabin 112 may generally be described as being substantially balanced in the vertical plane 130.

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of nacelle 112 decoupled from wand 102 in response to actuation of switch 111. As shown, when the nacelle 112 is decoupled from the wand 102, the clip 202, which is configured to couple the flexible conduit 126 to the wand 102, is decoupled from the wand 102. Thus, the wand 102 can be maneuvered independently of the nacelle 112. Clip 202 may include a plurality of protrusions 203 extending from a body 205 of clip 202. The protrusions 203 can include one or more ribs 207 configured to engage a corresponding portion of the wand 102 (e.g., a groove extending along the wand 102). The clip 202 can be configured to slide along the wand 102.

Fig. 2B shows a rear perspective view of the surface treatment apparatus 100 with the capsule 112 and flexible conduit 126 removed therefrom for clarity. As shown, at least a portion of cane 102 includes a groove 201 for coupling to a clip 202.

Referring again to fig. 2A, wand 102 is configured such that at least a portion of wand 102 can be decoupled from surface cleaning head 106. For example, and as shown, wand 102 includes a neck 204 coupled to surface cleaning head 106 and a detachable portion 211. The detachable portion 211 is detachable from the neck 204 and can be used independently of the neck 204 and the surface cleaning head 106. Thus, when the pod 112 is decoupled from the wand 102 (e.g., neck 204), the pod 112 and the detachable portion 211 can be manipulated independently of the surface cleaning head 106 and neck 204. Thus, when the nacelle 112 is fluidly decoupled from the surface cleaning head 106, only a portion of the wand may be fluidly coupled to the nacelle 112.

The neck 204 may define a portion of the latching mechanism. The latch mechanism is actuated in response to pressing the release switch (e.g., button) 208. When the release switch 208 is actuated, the detachable portion 211 of the wand 102 can be detached from the neck 204. In some cases, a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) can be disposed within the neck 204 such that the biasing mechanism urges the detachable portion 211 of the wand 102 in a direction away from the neck 204. In these cases, the detachable portion 211 of the wand 102 can be pushed at least partially outward from the neck 204 when the release switch 208 is depressed.

The neck 204 can also include a plurality of alignment features 210 for aligning the nacelle 112 when coupling the nacelle 112 to the wand 102 (e.g., the neck 204). For example, and as shown, the alignment feature 210 may include an elongated protrusion extending from the neck 204 and configured to engage a corresponding groove defined in the capsule 112. The alignment feature 210 can also be configured to cooperate with an engagement mechanism for coupling the pod 112 to the wand 102.

The neck 204 defines a fluid path that fluidly couples the pod 112 to the surface cleaning head 106. Neck 204 may also include one or more electrical contacts configured to electrically couple battery pack 128 to surface cleaning head 106. For example, the battery pack 128 may be configured to power one or more brush rolls 206 and/or one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes, incandescent lights, and/or any other light source) disposed within the surface cleaning head 106.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the nacelle 112 decoupled from the wand 102 and the detachable portion 211 of the wand 102 decoupled from the neck 204. As shown, the detachable portion 211 of the wand 102 includes electrical contacts 302 that correspond to electrical contacts in the neck 204 such that the battery pack 128 can be electrically coupled to the surface cleaning head 106.

The cleaner handle 110 can include a switch (e.g., trigger) 304 configured to actuate a latch mechanism that removably couples the cleaner handle 110 to the detachable portion 211 of the wand 102. For example, the switch 304 can be configured to transition the latching mechanism from the latched state to the unlatched state in response to a user pulling the switch 304 in a direction generally away from the detachable portion 211 of the wand 102.

The cleaner handle 110 may also include a user interface 306 having a plurality of buttons 308. Each button 308 may cause the surface treating device 100 to function in a different manner. For example, there may be one or more buttons corresponding to suction power, floor surface type, and/or any other function. In some cases, one or more buttons 308 may control the surface cleaning head 106. For example, one or more buttons 308 may enable and/or disable one or more brushrolls, a light source, and/or any other function. One of the one or more buttons 308 may correspond to a power button for the entire surface treating device 100.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the nacelle 112 decoupled from the wand 102 and the cleaner handle 110 decoupled from the wand 102. As shown, cleaner handle 110 can include electrical contacts 402 configured to electrically couple cleaner handle 110 to wand 102 such that battery pack 128 can be electrically coupled to surface cleaning head 106. In some cases, cleaner handle 110 (and/or detachable portion 211 of wand 102) can be configured to be coupled to one or more surface cleaning attachments.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of an example of switch 304 coupled to a switching mechanism 500 configured to transition a latch mechanism between latched and unlatched states. The switching mechanism 500 includes a plunger portion 504 configured to actuate the latch mechanism and a pivot collar 506. For example, when the switch 304 is pulled along the actuation axis 502, the pivot collar 506 is caused to rotate. Rotation of the pivot collar 506 causes the plunger portion 504 to be urged in a direction away from the switch 304 and generally parallel to the actuation axis 502. In other words, the switching mechanism 500 may be generally described as being configured to convert a pulling motion into a pushing motion.

Fig. 5A and 5B show perspective views of handle assembly 5000, portions of which are removed for purposes of illustrating pivot link 5200, which may be an example of handle 110 of fig. 1, and pivot link 5200 may be an example of switching mechanism 500 of fig. 5. As shown, the pivot link 5200 includes a pivot body 5202 that is pivotally coupled to the air guide 5204 such that the pivot body 5202 pivots about a body pivot point 5206. The pivot body 5202 can extend at least partially around the air guide 5204. For example, the air guide 5204 may extend through an opening 5205 that extends through the pivot body 5202.

The pivot body 5202 can be coupled to the switch 5010 (e.g., a trigger) such that actuation of the switch 5010 causes the pivot body 5202 to pivot about the body pivot point 5206. The pivot body 5202 can also be coupled to the actuator 5214 such that pivoting of the pivot body 5202 about the body pivot point 5206 causes the actuator 5214 to transition between the actuated and unactuated states. As the actuator 5214 transitions toward the actuated state, the latches 5012 can be urged toward the unlocked state (e.g., the latches 5012 are out of engagement with the catch). The switch 5010 and the actuator 5214 may be coupled to opposite sides of the pivot body 5202 relative to a pivot axis defined by the body pivot point 5206.

As shown, the pivot body 5202 can include an arm 5208 that defines an arm slot 5210 corresponding to at least one switch protrusion 5212 extending from the switch 5010. The switching piece protrusion 5212 is configured to be slidable within the arm slot 5210. Thus, the latch 5012 can be actuated without actuating the switch 5010. The actuator 5214 can define an actuator slot 5216 configured to receive at least one corresponding body protrusion 5218. The body projection 5218 can be configured to slide within the actuator slot 5216. In some cases, one or more of the switch 5010, pivot link 5200, and/or actuator 5214 can engage and/or include a biasing mechanism that biases the actuator 5214 toward, for example, an unactuated state. The biasing mechanism may be, for example, a spring (e.g., an extension spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring, and/or any other suitable spring), an elastic material (e.g., rubber), and/or any other suitable biasing mechanism.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the nacelle 112 decoupled from the flexible conduit 126 and the wand 102. As shown, the dirt cup 120 is configured to be coupled to the bin 112 at the dirt cup cavity 118. The dirt cup 120 can include a latch mechanism 602 configured to removably couple the dirt cup 120 to the bin 112. The dirt cup 120 can further comprise a dirt cup handle 604 configured to allow the dirt cup 120 to be carried by a user and/or the bin 112 to be carried by a user (when the dirt cup 120 is coupled to the bin 112). The dirt cup 120 can further include a first openable door 606 coupled to the dirt cup handle 604 and a second openable door 608 on the opposite end of the dirt cup 120.

The dirt cup 120 may also be configured to generate a cyclone. For example, the dirt cup 120 may have a cyclonic section 610 and a collection section 612 for collecting debris. As shown, the cyclonic section 610 may be positioned above the collection section 612.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the bin 112 with the dirt cup 120 uncoupled from the bin. As shown, the dirt cup cavity 118 includes a protrusion 702 extending from a base portion 704 of the pod 112. The projection 702 is configured to engage the dirt cup 120 such that the projection 702 is aligned with the dirt cup 120 when the dirt cup 120 is coupled to the bin 112. As shown, the projections 702 can include a generally frustoconical shape extending from a portion of the projections 702, and the frustoconical shape can be angled outward (e.g., away from an operator of the surface treatment apparatus 100 when the pod is coupled to the wand 102).

Also as shown, the dirt cup cavity 118 defines a suction motor inlet 706 and a dirt cup inlet 708. The dirt cup inlet 708 is configured to be fluidly coupled to the flexible conduit 126.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the capsule 112 with the door enclosing the suction motor assembly cavity 114 removed. As shown, the suction motor assembly cavity 114 includes a suction motor 802 and a pre-motor filter cavity 804 configured to receive a pre-motor filter.

Also as shown, the pod 112 may include a flexible conduit coupling 806. Flexible conduit coupling 806 may be positioned on the opposite side of compartment 112 from dirt cup cavity 118. Such a configuration may result in an airflow path with more gradual direction transitions than other locations. However, the flexible conduit coupler 806 may be positioned elsewhere on the pod 112. For example, the flexible conduit coupler 806 may be positioned on the top, bottom, or side of the bay 112.

Fig. 9 shows a top view of the bay 112, with the battery pack 128 and dirt cup 120 coupled to the bay 112. Figure 10 shows a top view of the compartment 112 with the battery pack 128 removed from the compartment 112 and the dirt cup 120 coupled thereto. The filter 902 may be positioned within the battery cavity 116 such that the filter 902 is positioned between the battery pack 128 and at least a portion of an inner surface 904 of the battery cavity 116. For example, the filter 902 may be positioned within the airflow path 122 at a location of the upward flow of the battery pack 128 (see fig. 1). Thus, air passes through the filter 902 before passing through the battery pack 128. As previously discussed, exhaust from the suction motor 802 is used to provide cooling to the battery pack 128. Thus, the filter 902 collects at least a portion of any debris still entrained within the airflow, which may reduce the amount of debris that accumulates in the battery pack 128. The filter 902 may be a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

As shown in fig. 10, the battery cavity 116 includes a battery tab 906 extending from a base 908 of the battery cavity 116. The battery protrusion 906 may be configured to transition between a depressible state and a rigid state. For example, the battery tab 906 may be configured to transition from a rigid state to a depressible state in response to the filter 902 being received within the battery cavity 116. Thus, when the battery pack 128 and the filter 902 are received within the battery cavity 116, the battery pack 128 will press against the battery protrusion 906. Such a configuration may prevent the battery pack 128 from being installed within the battery cavity 116 such that the battery pack 128 forms an electrical coupling with the bay 112 when the filter 902 is not installed.

As shown in fig. 11, filter 902 may include a filter protrusion 1102 extending from a base portion 1104 of filter 902 (e.g., and as shown, filter 902 may include a filter frame 1105 extending around a filter media 1107, with filter protrusion 1102 extending from filter frame 1105). The filter protrusion 1102 may be configured to engage a latch mechanism in communication with the battery protrusion 906. For example, when the filter protrusion 1102 engages with the latch mechanism and the latch mechanism is actuated, the battery protrusion 906 is switched from the rigid state to the depressible state so that the battery protrusion 906 can be depressed by the battery pack 128. Accordingly, the battery pack 128 can be properly seated within the battery cavity 116 (e.g., fully inserted such that the battery pack 128 is electrically coupled to the surface cleaning head 106 and/or the suction motor 802). As also shown in fig. 11, the filter 902 may include a latch mechanism 1106 configured to couple the filter 902 to the compartment 112 within the battery cavity 116. For example, the latch mechanism 1106 may be slidably coupled to the filter frame 1105 and configured to move between latched and unlatched positions along a longitudinal axis 1108 of the filter 902. In some cases, the filter 902 may have a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the battery cavity 116 (e.g., as shown, the filter 902 may have an arcuate shape).

Fig. 12 shows a perspective front view of the battery pack 128. Fig. 13 shows a perspective rear view of the battery pack 128. Fig. 14A shows a side view of the battery pack 128. As shown, the battery pack 128 includes a battery handle 1202 configured to transition between a storage position (e.g., where the battery handle 1202 is substantially flush with a top surface 1204 of the battery pack 128) to an upright (or release) position. In some cases, and as shown, when the battery handle 1202 is transitioned between the storage position and the upright position, the battery handle 1202 can actuate a battery latch mechanism 1400 (see fig. 14B) that transitions the latch 1205 between a latched state and an unlatched (or released) state. The latch 1205 may be configured to retain the battery pack 128 within the battery cavity 116.

As shown in fig. 14B, the battery latch mechanism 1400 includes a battery handle 1202, wherein the battery handle 1202 is pivotally coupled to a cover 1402 of the battery pack 128. As shown, the battery handle 1202 is pivotally coupled to the cover 1402 using a shaft 1404 extending between opposite sides of the cover 1402. The shaft 1404 includes a cam 1406 configured to engage a slider 1408. The slider 1408 is slidably coupled to the cover 1402 such that the slider 1408 slides in response to rotation of the shaft 1404. Sliding movement of the slider 1408 transitions the latch 1205 between the latched state and the unlatched state. A handle biasing mechanism 1410 (e.g., a torsion spring) can urge the battery handle 1202 toward the storage position, and a latch biasing mechanism 1412 (e.g., a compression spring) can urge the latch 1205 toward the latched state. For example, the latch biasing mechanism 1412 may be configured to extend between the slider 1408 and a portion of the lid 1402 so that the slider urges the latch 1205 toward the latched state.

Referring again to fig. 12, 13 and 14A, as also shown, the battery pack 128 can include a housing 1206 having a plurality of apertures 1208 extending therethrough. Apertures 1208 are configured to allow air to flow through battery pack 128. The air passing through the battery pack may be exhaust air from the suction motor 802. Additionally or alternatively, the battery pack 128 may include a cooling fan disposed therein for generating an airflow to cool the battery pack 128.

As shown, the size of the aperture 1208 near the center of the battery pack 128 is smaller than the size of the aperture 1208 spaced from the center of the battery pack 128. Thus, the size of the apertures 1208 may generally increase with increasing distance from the center of the battery pack 128. For example, in some cases, the size of the apertures 1208 may gradually increase with increasing distance from the center of the battery pack 128.

Alternatively, the apertures 1208 may be arranged in one or more groups along the battery pack 128. Each group may have a predetermined aperture size, wherein the aperture size increases with increasing distance from the center of the battery pack 128. In some cases, the aperture size may increase with increasing distance from the center of the battery pack 128 within the respective pack. For example, and as shown, a first (e.g., center) group 1210 may have a substantially constant orifice size therein, and second and

third groups

1212 and 1214 may have increasing orifice sizes with increasing distance from the first group 1210.

Also as shown, the aperture 1208 near the center of the battery pack 128 can have a circular profile (or shape), and the aperture 1208 spaced from the center of the battery pack 128 can have an elongated (e.g., oval) profile (or shape). In other words, the apertures 1208 may include at least one aperture having a circular profile and at least one aperture having an elongated profile. In some cases, apertures 1208 having a circular profile may correspond to first group 1210, and apertures 1208 having an elongated profile may correspond to second group 1212 and third group 1214. Thus, the apertures 1208 corresponding to the first set 1210 may be generally described as having a first set of characteristics, and the apertures 1208 corresponding to the second and

third sets

1212, 1214 may be generally described as having a second set of characteristics, where the first and second sets of characteristics are different. The characteristics may include one or more of size, shape, orientation, and/or any other characteristic.

Fig. 14C shows a perspective view of the battery pack 128 installed in the compartment 112. As shown, a plurality of apertures 1401 may extend from an outer surface 1403 of compartment 112 and into battery cavity 116. A plurality of apertures 1401 allow air to flow out of the battery pack 128 and into the environment. As shown, plurality of apertures 1401 increase in size as apertures 1401 move away from base portion 704 of pod 112. In some cases, the plurality of apertures 1401 may be arranged to generally correspond to apertures 1208 in the battery pack 128.

Fig. 15-17A show an example of a cleaner docking station 1500. The cleaner docking station 1500 may be configured to couple to the pod 112 and/or one or more accessories. Fig. 17B shows a pod 1700, which may be an example of the pod 112 and a surface cleaning head 1702, which may be an example of the surface cleaning head 106, docked to a cleaner docking station 1500.

As shown, cleaner docking station 1500 includes a platform 1704 on which surface cleaning head 1702 is positioned. In some cases, platform 1704 is configured to electrically couple to surface cleaning head 1702. For example, platform 1704 may include one or more charging contacts configured to engage corresponding charging contacts of the surface cleaning head, and/or platform 1704 may include a wireless charging module. Thus, when surface cleaning head 1702 is positioned on platform 1704, one or more batteries that power compartment 1700 may be recharged.

Platform 1704 may also be configured to clean one or more agitators 1706 of surface cleaning head 1702. For example, the platform 1704 may include and/or define a comb or blade configured to engage one or more of the one or more agitators 1706, wherein the comb or blade is configured to remove fiber debris (e.g., hair or threads) from the one or more agitators 1706. In some cases, the comb or blade may be stationary when surface cleaning head 1702 is positioned on platform 1704 and may remove fiber debris in response to agitator 1706 being rotated. In some cases, the platform 1704 may define one or more receptacles 1708 configured to receive corresponding rollers 1710 of the surface cleaning head 1702. Thus, socket 1708 may hold surface cleaning head 1702 to platform 1704.

Fig. 18 shows an example of a battery docking station 1800 configured to receive, for example, a battery pack 128. Fig. 19A shows a battery pack 1900, which may be an example of the battery pack 128, positioned within the battery docking station 1800. As shown, the battery pack 1900 may include a lighted charge indicator 1901 that may be configured to emit light based on a charge level in the battery pack 1900. For example, a segment of charge indicator 1901 may be illuminated based on the stored charge. Fig. 19B shows a bottom view of the battery pack 1900. As shown, the battery pack 1900 may include a charging port 1902 and electrical contacts 1904. Also as shown, battery pack 1900 includes a receptacle 1906 for receiving at least a portion of a protrusion (e.g., battery protrusion 906) extending from the base of the battery cavity of the compartment.

Fig. 20-22 show an example of a battery pack 2000 removed from a compartment 2002, which may be an example of battery pack 128 and which may be an example of compartment 112. The battery pack 2000 may be releasably coupled to the compartment 2002 using, for example, an actuatable latch. As shown, the battery pack 2000 includes a battery handle 2004. A battery handle 2004 may be pivotally coupled to the housing 2006 of the battery pack 2000. For example, the battery handle 2004 may be configured to pivot between the storage and upright (or removed) positions. As the battery handle 2004 pivots, the battery handle 2004 may actuate an actuatable latch that couples the battery pack 2000 to the compartment 2002 toward a released position. Once in the release position, a force may be applied to the battery handle 2004 to remove the battery pack 2000 from the compartment 2002. In other words, the battery pack 2000 may be configured to decouple from the compartment 2002 in response to pivoting of the battery handle 2004 from the storage position toward the upright position (or removal position).

A reconfigurable surface treatment device consistent with the present disclosure may include a wand and a nacelle removably coupled to the wand. The wand may have a first distal end configured to be coupled to a surface cleaning head and a second distal end configured to be coupled to a handle. The compartment can include a suction motor assembly cavity, a battery cavity, and a dirt cup cavity. The suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity may be disposed on opposite sides of a vertical plane, wherein the vertical plane extends along a central longitudinal axis of the compartment. The dirt cup cavity can be disposed between the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity such that at least a portion of the dirt cup cavity is disposed on each side of the vertical plane.

In some cases, the battery cavity can be fluidly coupled to the suction motor assembly cavity when a dirt cup is received in the dirt cup cavity. In some cases, the battery cavity may be further configured to receive a filter. In some cases, the battery cavity may further include a battery protrusion configured to transition between a depressible state and a rigid state in response to the battery cavity receiving the filter. In some cases, the battery protrusion may be further configured to be depressed when a battery pack and the filter are disposed within the battery cavity. In some cases, the reconfigurable surface treatment device can further include a flexible conduit configured to fluidly couple the pod to the wand, the flexible conduit being electrically charged. In some cases, the reconfigurable surface treatment device can further include the handle, where the handle can include a switch configured to decouple the handle from the wand. In some cases, the wand may include a detachable portion and a neck, the detachable portion configured to be detached from the neck. In some cases, the detachable portion may be detached from the neck in response to actuation of a release switch. In some cases, the reconfigurable surface treatment device may further include a battery pack disposed within the battery cavity. In some cases, the battery pack may include a housing having a plurality of apertures configured to allow air to flow therethrough. In some cases, at least one of the plurality of apertures may have a circular shape and at least one of the plurality of apertures may have an elongated shape.

A compartment for a reconfigurable surface treating appliance consistent with the present disclosure may include a suction motor assembly cavity, a battery cavity, and a dirt cup cavity. The suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity may be disposed on opposite sides of a vertical plane, wherein the vertical plane extends along a central longitudinal axis of the compartment. The dirt cup cavity can be disposed between the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity such that at least a portion of the dirt cup cavity is disposed on each side of the vertical plane.

In some cases, the battery cavity can be fluidly coupled to the suction motor assembly cavity when a dirt cup is received in the dirt cup cavity. In some cases, the battery cavity may be further configured to receive a filter. In some cases, the battery cavity may further include a battery protrusion configured to transition between a depressible state and a rigid state in response to the battery cavity receiving the filter. In some cases, the battery protrusion may be further configured to be depressed when a battery pack and the filter are disposed within the battery cavity. In some cases, the compartment may further include a battery pack disposed within the battery cavity. In some cases, the battery pack may include a housing having a plurality of apertures configured to allow air to flow therethrough. In some cases, at least one of the plurality of apertures may have a circular shape and at least one of the plurality of apertures may have an elongated shape.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are also encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.

Claims

1. A reconfigurable surface treatment device comprising:

a wand having a first distal end configured to be coupled to the surface cleaning head and a second distal end configured to be coupled to the handle, the wand defining a central wand longitudinal axis; and

a nacelle removably coupled to the wand, wherein the nacelle comprises:

a suction motor assembly cavity;

a battery cavity, wherein the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity are disposed on opposite sides of a vertical plane that extends along a central nacelle longitudinal axis of the nacelle that extends substantially parallel to the central pole longitudinal axis when the nacelle is coupled to the pole; and

a dirt cup cavity disposed between the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity such that substantially equal portions of the dirt cup cavity are disposed on each side of the vertical plane.

2. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 1, wherein the battery cavity is fluidly coupled to the suction motor assembly cavity when a dirt cup is received in the dirt cup cavity.

3. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 1, wherein the battery cavity is further configured to receive a filter.

4. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 3, wherein the battery cavity further comprises a battery protrusion configured to transition between a depressible state and a rigid state in response to the battery cavity receiving the filter.

5. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 4, wherein the battery protrusion is further configured to be depressed when a battery pack and the filter are disposed within the battery cavity.

6. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 1, further comprising a flexible conduit configured to fluidly couple the pod to the wand, the flexible conduit being electrically charged.

7. The reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the handle comprising a switch configured to decouple the handle from the wand.

8. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 1, wherein the wand includes a detachable portion and a neck, the detachable portion configured to detach from the neck.

9. The reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus of claim 8, wherein the detachable portion is detachable from the neck in response to actuation of a release switch.

10. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 1, further comprising a battery pack disposed within the battery cavity.

11. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 10, wherein the battery pack includes a housing having a plurality of apertures configured to allow air to flow therethrough.

12. The reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of apertures has a circular shape and at least one of the plurality of apertures has an elongated shape.

13. A pod for a reconfigurable surface treating appliance comprising:

a suction motor assembly cavity;

a battery cavity, wherein the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity are disposed on opposite sides of a vertical plane extending along a central longitudinal axis of the compartment, the battery cavity configured to receive a filter, wherein the battery cavity comprises a battery protrusion configured to transition from a rigid state to a depressible state in response to the battery cavity receiving the filter; and

a dirt cup cavity disposed between the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity such that at least a portion of the dirt cup cavity is disposed on each side of the vertical plane.

14. The compartment of claim 13, wherein the battery cavity is fluidly coupled to the suction motor assembly cavity when a dirt cup is received in the dirt cup cavity.

15. The compartment of claim 13, wherein the battery protrusion is further configured to be depressed when a battery pack and the filter are disposed within the battery cavity.

16. The pod of claim 13, further comprising a battery pack disposed within the battery cavity.

17. The pod of claim 16, wherein the battery pack comprises a housing having a plurality of apertures configured to allow air to flow therethrough.

18. The pod of claim 17, wherein at least one of the plurality of apertures has a circular shape and at least one of the plurality of apertures has an elongated shape.