CN115191862B

CN115191862B - Vertical surface treatment apparatus with removable compartment

Info

Publication number: CN115191862B
Application number: CN202210749672.7A
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: 2023-12-01
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-31
Also published as: CN112770657B; EP3829406A4; WO2020028556A1; CN112770657A; CN115191862A; EP3829406A1; AU2019312591A1; CA3112975C; CA3112975A1; CN211985257U; AU2019312591B2

Abstract

The present application relates to a vertical surface treatment apparatus with a removable compartment. A reconfigurable surface treatment device may 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 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 pod. The dirt cup cavity may 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 compartment

The application is a divisional application of PCT application entering the national stage of china, with application date 2019, month 07, 31, application number CN201980062711.2 (international application number PCT/US 2019/044483), entitled "vertical surface treatment apparatus with removable cabin".

Cross reference to related applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/712,634 entitled "vertical surface treatment apparatus with removable cabin (Upright Surface Treatment Apparatus having Removable Pod)" filed on 7.31.2018, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 16/270,078 entitled "attachment for surface treatment apparatus with various operational states and surface treatment apparatus (Accessories for a Surface Treatment Apparatus having a Plurality of Operational States and Surface Treatment Apparatus configured to Actuate the same) configured to actuate such attachments", filed on 7.2.7.2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

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

Background

The surface treatment apparatus may comprise an upright vacuum cleaner configured to be convertible between a storage position and a use position. The upright vacuum cleaner can include a suction motor configured to draw air into the air intake of the upright vacuum cleaner such that debris deposited on the surface can be pushed into the air intake. At least a portion of the debris pushed into the air intake may be deposited within a dust storage container within the upright vacuum cleaner for subsequent processing.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present application, there is disclosed a reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus comprising: a wand having 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 wand defining a central wand longitudinal axis; and a pod removably coupled to the wand, wherein the pod 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 extending along a central cabin longitudinal axis of the cabin, the central cabin longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to the central wand longitudinal axis when the cabin 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 dust cup is received in the dust 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 the battery pack and the filter are disposed within the battery cavity.

In one embodiment, the reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus further comprises 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 comprises the handle comprising a switch configured to uncouple the handle from the wand.

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

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

In one embodiment, the reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus 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 application, there is disclosed a pod for a reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus, 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 pod, 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 dust cup cavity disposed between the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity such that at least a portion of the dust 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 pod, 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 decoupling a pod from a wand in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2B is a perspective rear view of the surface treatment apparatus of fig. 1 with the pod and flexible conduit 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, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the surface treatment apparatus of FIG. 3 with the detachable portion of the wand removed therefrom, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the pod of figure 1 with a dust cup and battery pack coupled thereto, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the pod of figure 6 with the dirt cup removed therefrom in accordance 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 embodiments 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 embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

Fig. 16 is another perspective view of the dock of fig. 15, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 17A is another perspective view of the dock of fig. 15, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 17B is a perspective view of the docking member of figure 15 to which the pod and surface cleaning head are docked, consistent with embodiments 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 docked to the battery docking station, consistent with embodiments 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 having 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 raised to a removed position consistent with embodiments 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 embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates generally to a reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus. 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 configured to be coupled to the handle opposite the first distal end. The compartment is configured to be removably coupled to a portion of a wand extending between the first distal end and the second distal end. The pod 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 supply (e.g., one or more batteries). The suction motor assembly cavity and the power supply cavity extend along opposite sides of a vertical plane extending along a central longitudinal axis of the pod, and the dirt cup cavity extends along the vertical plane such that at least a portion of the dirt cup is disposed on each side of the vertical plane. Such a configuration may generally align the center of gravity of the pod with the cane when the pod is coupled to the cane. Thus, when the user is operating the surface treatment apparatus, the surface treatment apparatus can be perceived as being substantially balanced, so that it is possible to reduce user fatigue.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an upright surface treatment apparatus 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 compartment 112 may be coupled to the wand 102 at a location between the first distal end 104 and the second distal end 108. The compartment 112 may be removably coupled to the wand 102 such that the compartment 112 may be handled by a user independently of the wand 102. For example, a user may 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 uncouple the compartment 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 dust cup cavity 118 configured to receive a dust cup 120. The airflow path 122 may extend from an air inlet 124 of the surface cleaning head 106, through the wand 102 and flexible conduit 126 (e.g., an uncharged hose or an charged hose), and into the dirt cup 120. Thus, the flexible conduit 126 may be generally described as fluidly coupling the pod 112 to the wand 102. The dirt cup 120 may be configured such that a cyclone is created within the dirt cup 120. Thus, at least a portion of any debris entrained by the air extending along the airflow path 122 is deposited within the dirt cup 120 prior to exiting the dirt cup 120 due to the cyclonic motion of the air. 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 may collect in the battery pack 128. The post-motor filter medium may be a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. Thus, when the dirt cup 120 is received within the dirt cup chamber 118, the suction motor assembly chamber 114 may be generally described as being fluidly coupled to the battery chamber 116.

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 may include a central longitudinal axis 132 of the wand 102 and/or a central longitudinal axis 134 of the pod 112. When the pod 112 is coupled to the wand 102, the central longitudinal axis 134 of the pod 112 extends substantially 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 cavity 118 may be positioned such that portions of the dirt cup cavity 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 pod 112), the pod 112 may be generally described as being substantially balanced on the vertical plane 130.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the pod 112 uncoupled from the wand 102 in response to actuation of the switch 111. As shown, when the pod 112 is uncoupled from the wand 102, the clip 202, which is configured to couple the flexible conduit 126 to the wand 102, is uncoupled from the wand 102. Thus, the wand 102 may be maneuvered independently of the cabin 112. The clip 202 may include a plurality of protrusions 203 extending from a body 205 of the clip 202. The protrusion 203 may 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 may be configured to slide along the cane 102.

Fig. 2B shows a rear perspective view of the surface treating apparatus 100 with the compartment 112 and flexible conduit 126 removed therefrom for clarity. As shown, at least a portion of the cane 102 includes a recess 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 and a detachable portion 211 coupled to surface cleaning head 106. Removable portion 211 is separable from neck 204 and can be used independently of neck 204 and surface cleaning head 106. Thus, when the pod 112 is uncoupled from the wand 102 (e.g., neck 204), the pod 112 and removable portion 211 may be manipulated independently of the surface cleaning head 106 and neck 204. Thus, when the pod 112 is fluidly decoupled from the surface cleaning head 106, only a portion of the wand may be fluidly coupled to the pod 112.

The neck 204 may define a portion of a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is actuated in response to depressing a release switch (e.g., button) 208. When the release switch 208 is actuated, the detachable portion 211 of the wand 102 may be separated from the neck 204. In some cases, a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) may 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 may be pushed at least partially outwardly from the neck 204 when the release switch 208 is depressed.

The neck 204 may also include a plurality of alignment features 210 for aligning the pod 112 when coupling the pod 112 to the wand 102 (e.g., 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 recess defined in the compartment 112. The alignment feature 210 may also be configured to cooperate with an engagement mechanism for coupling the pod 112 to the wand 102.

Neck 204 defines a fluid path that fluidly couples pod 112 to surface cleaning head 106. The neck 204 may also include one or more electrical contacts configured to electrically couple the battery pack 128 to the surface cleaning head 106. For example, the battery pack 128 may be configured to power one or more brushrolls 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 compartment 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 so that the battery pack 128 can be electrically coupled to the surface cleaning head 106.

The cleaner handle 110 may 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 may be configured to transition the latch 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 treatment apparatus 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, the one or more buttons 308 may enable and/or disable one or more brushrolls, light sources, and/or any other functions. One of the one or more buttons 308 may correspond to a power button of the entire surface treating apparatus 100.

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

Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a switch 304 coupled to a switch mechanism 500 configured to transition a latch mechanism between a latched and an unlatched state. The switching mechanism 500 includes a plunger portion 504 and a pivot collar 506 configured to actuate a latch mechanism. For example, when the switch 304 is pulled along the actuation axis 502, the pivot collar 506 is rotated. Rotation of the pivot collar 506 causes the plug 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 to a pushing motion.

Fig. 5A and 5B show perspective views of a handle assembly 5000, which may be an example of the handle 110 of fig. 1, with portions of the handle assembly removed for purposes of illustration of the pivot link 5200, which may be an example of the 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 can 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 pivots the pivot body 5202 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. Upon transition of the actuator 5214 toward the actuated state, the latch 5012 can be pushed toward the unlatched state (e.g., the latch 5012 is out of engagement with the catch). The switch 5010 and the actuator 5214 can 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 defining an arm slot 5210 corresponding to at least one switch projection 5212 extending from the switch 5010. The switch 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 protrusion 5218 can be configured to slide within the actuator slot 5216. In some cases, one or more of the switch 5010, the pivot link 5200, and/or the 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 compartment 112 uncoupled from the flexible conduit 126 and the wand 102. As shown, the dirt cup 120 is configured to be coupled to the compartment 112 at the dirt cup cavity 118. The dirt cup 120 may include a latch mechanism 602 configured to removably couple the dirt cup 120 to the compartment 112. The dirt cup 120 may also include a dirt cup handle 604 configured to allow the dirt cup 120 to be carried by a user and/or the compartment 112 to be carried by a user (when the dirt cup 120 is coupled to the compartment 112). The dirt cup 120 may also include a first openable door 606 coupled to the dirt cup handle 604 and a second openable door 608 on an opposite end of the dirt cup 120.

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

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

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

Fig. 8 is a side view of the pod 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.

As also shown, the pod 112 may include a flexible conduit coupler 806. The flexible conduit coupler 806 may be positioned on the opposite side of the pod 112 from the dirt cup cavity 118. Such a configuration may produce an airflow path with more gradual direction transitions than at other locations. However, the flexible conduit coupler 806 may be positioned at other locations on the pod 112. For example, the flexible conduit coupler 806 may be positioned on the top, bottom, or side of the pod 112.

Figure 9 shows a top view of the compartment 112 with the battery pack 128 and dirt cup 120 coupled to the compartment 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 disposed within the battery cavity 116 such that the filter 902 is disposed between the battery pack 128 and at least a portion of the inner surface 904 of the battery cavity 116. For example, the filter 902 may be disposed within the airflow path 122 at an upward flow location of the battery pack 128 (see fig. 1). Thus, air passes through the filter 902 first and then 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 that is still entrained within the airflow, which may reduce the amount of debris that is collected 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 protrusion 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 protrusion 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 filter 902 are received within the battery cavity 116, the battery pack 128 may 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 is electrically coupled to the compartment 112 when the filter 902 is not installed.

As shown in fig. 11, the filter 902 may include a filter protrusion 1102 extending from a base portion 1104 of the filter 902 (e.g., and as shown, the filter 902 may include a filter frame 1105 extending around the filter media 1107, wherein the filter protrusion 1102 extends from the 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 actuates the latch mechanism, the battery protrusion 906 transitions from the rigid state to the depressible state such that the battery protrusion 906 may 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 along a longitudinal axis 1108 of the filter 902 between a latched and an unlatched position. 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 a stand-up (or released) position. In some cases, and as shown, when transitioning the battery handle 1202 between the storage position and the upright position, the battery handle 1202 may actuate the battery latch mechanism 1400 (see fig. 14B) that transitions the latch 1205 between the latched state and the unlatched (or released) state. The latch 1205 may be configured to hold 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 that extends between opposite sides of the cover 1402. The shaft 1404 includes a cam 1406 configured to engage a slide 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. The sliding movement of the slider 1408 transitions the latch 1205 between the latched state and the unlatched state. The handle biasing mechanism 1410 (e.g., a torsion spring) may urge the battery handle 1202 toward the storage position and the latch biasing mechanism 1412 (e.g., a compression spring) may 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 cover 1402 such that the slider pushes the latch 1205 toward the latched state.

Referring again to fig. 12, 13 and 14A, as also shown, the battery pack 128 may include a housing 1206 having a plurality of apertures 1208 extending therethrough. The aperture 1208 is configured to allow air to flow through the battery pack 128. The air passing through the battery pack may be exhaust from the suction motor 802. Additionally or alternatively, the battery pack 128 may include a cooling fan disposed therein for generating an air flow 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 aperture 1208 may generally increase with increasing distance from the center of the battery pack 128. For example, in some cases, the size of the aperture 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 group. For example, and as shown, the first (e.g., center) set 1210 may have a substantially constant orifice size therein, and the second set 1212 and the third set 1214 may have increasing orifice sizes with increasing distance from the first set 1210.

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

Fig. 14C shows a perspective view of the battery pack 128 mounted in the bay 112. As shown, a plurality of apertures 1401 may extend from an outer surface 1403 of the compartment 112 and into the battery cavity 116. A plurality of apertures 1401 allow air to flow out of the battery pack 128 and into the environment. As shown, the size of the plurality of apertures 1401 increases as the apertures 1401 move away from the base portion 704 of the 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 illustrate 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 a pod 112 and a surface cleaning head 1702 that is docked to the cleaner docking station 1500, which may be an example of a surface cleaning head 106.

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

The platform 1704 may also be configured to clean one or more agitators 1706 of the 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 fibrous debris (e.g., hair or threads) from the one or more agitators 1706. In some cases, the comb or blade may be stationary when the surface cleaning head 1702 is positioned on the platform 1704 and may remove fibrous debris in response to the 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, the receptacle 1708 may hold the surface cleaning head 1702 to the platform 1704.

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

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. The battery handle 2004 may be pivotally coupled to a housing 2006 of the battery pack 2000. For example, the battery handle 2004 may be configured to pivot between a storage and an upright (or removed) position. 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 the released position. Once in the released 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 uncouple from the compartment 2002 in response to pivoting of the battery handle 2004 from the storage position toward the upright position (or the removal position).

A reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus consistent with the present disclosure may 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 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 pod. The dirt cup cavity may 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 may 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 the battery pack and the filter are disposed within the battery cavity. In some cases, the reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus may 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 may further include the handle, wherein the handle may include a toggle configured to uncouple the handle from the wand. In some cases, the cane may include a detachable portion and a neck portion, the detachable portion configured to be separated from the neck portion. In some cases, the detachable portion may be separated from the neck in response to actuation of a release switch. In some cases, the reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus 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 pod for a reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus 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 pod. The dirt cup cavity may 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 may 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 the 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 application 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 on the scope of the application. In addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present application. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present application, which is not limited except by the following claims.

Claims

1. A pod for a reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus, comprising:

a suction motor assembly cavity;

a battery cavity configured to receive a battery pack and 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, wherein when the battery protrusion is in the rigid state, the battery protrusion prevents the battery pack from being mounted within the battery cavity such that the battery pack forms an electrical coupling with the compartment; and

a dirt cup cavity configured to receive a dirt cup.

2. The pod of claim 1, wherein the battery cavity is fluidly coupled to the suction motor assembly cavity when the dirt cup is received in the dirt cup cavity.

3. The pod of claim 1, wherein the battery protrusion is further configured to be depressed when the battery pack and the filter are disposed within the battery cavity.

4. The pod of claim 1, further comprising the battery pack disposed within the battery cavity.

5. The pod of claim 4, wherein the battery pack comprises a housing having a plurality of apertures configured to allow air to flow therethrough.

6. The pod of claim 5, 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.