CN211985257U

CN211985257U - Reconfigurable surface treatment device

Info

Publication number: CN211985257U
Application number: CN201921234288.3U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斯科特·尼德维克; 安德烈·D·布朗; 亚伦·苏; 罗伯特·杨; 李·M·科特雷尔; 帕特里克·克利里
Original assignee: Shangconing Home Operations Co ltd
Current assignee: Shangconing Home Operations Co ltd; Sharkninja Operating LLC
Priority date: 2018-07-31
Filing date: 2019-07-31
Publication date: 2020-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-31
Also published as: CN112770657B; EP3829406A4; WO2020028556A1; CN112770657A; CN115191862A; EP3829406A1; AU2019312591A1; CA3112975C; CN115191862B; CA3112975A1; AU2019312591B2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reconfigurable surface treatment device that may include a pole and a separator tank removably connected to the pole. The separator tank may include a suction motor assembly cavity. The separator tank may also include a battery cavity configured to receive a battery pack having one or more batteries. The suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity may be disposed on opposite sides of a vertical plane. The vertical plane may extend along a central longitudinal axis of the separator tank. The separator box can also include a dirt cup cavity configured to receive a dirt cup. 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 a vertical plane.

Description

Reconfigurable surface treatment device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of a U.S. provisional application serial No. 62/712,634 entitled "upright surface treatment apparatus with separator tank" filed on 31.7.2018 and a U.S. patent application serial No. 16/270,078 entitled "accessories for surface treatment apparatus with multiple operating states and surface treatment apparatus configured to actuate same" filed on 7.2.7.2019, each of which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to surface treatment devices, and more particularly to reconfigurable surface treatment devices having removable vacuum separation tanks.

Background

The surface treating device may comprise an upright vacuum cleaner configured to be switchable between a storage position and a use position. The upright vacuum cleaner may include a suction motor configured to draw air into an air inlet of the upright vacuum cleaner such that debris deposited on the surface may be pushed into the air inlet. 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 later disposal.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The utility model relates to a reconfigurable surface treatment device, include:

a shaft having a first distal end configured to be connected to a surface cleaning head and a second distal end configured to be connected to a handle; and

a separator tank removably connected to the rod, the separator tank comprising:

a suction motor assembly cavity;

a battery cavity configured to receive a battery pack having one or more batteries, wherein the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity are disposed on opposite sides of a vertical plane that extends along a central longitudinal axis of the separation box; and

a dirt cup cavity configured to receive a dirt cup, the 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 surface.

Drawings

These and other features and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a surface treatment device having a separation tank (pod), a wand, and a surface cleaning head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the surface treatment device of fig. 1 having a separation box separated therefrom, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2B is a rear perspective view of the surface treatment apparatus of fig. 1 with the separation tank and flexible conduit removed for clarity, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the surface treatment device of fig. 2A with a portion of the surface cleaning head and the wand removed from the surface treatment device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the surface treatment device of fig. 3 with a detachable portion of the rod removed from the surface treatment device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of a trigger connected to a trigger mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5A illustrates a perspective view of an example of a handle assembly having a trigger mechanism, where a portion of the handle assembly housing is removed from the handle assembly for clarity, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5B illustrates another perspective view of the handle assembly of fig. 5A, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the separator box of fig. 1 having a dirt cup and battery pack connected thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the separator box of fig. 6 with the dirt cup removed from the separator box, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the separator box of fig. 7 with the door that will enclose the suction motor assembly cavity removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a top view of the separation tank of fig. 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a top view of the separator box of fig. 6 with a battery pack removed from the separator box, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a filter media configured to be inserted into a cell cavity of the separator tank of fig. 6, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a battery pack configured to be embedded within the separator tank of fig. 6, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is another perspective view of the battery pack of fig. 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14A is a side view of the battery pack of fig. 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14B illustrates a perspective view of a latch mechanism for the battery pack of fig. 12, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14C is a perspective view of the separator tank of fig. 6, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a base configured to receive, for example, the separator tank of fig. 6, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 16 is another perspective view of the base of fig. 15, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17A is another perspective view of the base of fig. 15, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17B is a perspective view of the base of fig. 15 with a battery pack and a surface cleaning head docked to the separator tank, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an example of a battery docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19A is a perspective view of the battery docking station of fig. 18, wherein the battery pack is coupled to the battery docking station, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19B is a bottom view of the battery pack of fig. 19A, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an example of a portion of a separation box with a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the separator box of fig. 20, with the handle of the battery pack lifted to a removal position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the separator box of fig. 21 with the battery pack partially removed from the separator box, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention generally relates to a reconfigurable surface treatment device. The surface treating device includes an upright portion configured to be connected to the separator tank. The upright portion includes a stem having a first distal end configured to be connected to the surface cleaning head and a second distal end opposite the first distal end configured to be connected to the handle. The separator tank is configured to be removably connected to a portion of the rod extending between the first distal end and the second distal end. The separator tank 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 that extends along a central longitudinal axis of the separation box, 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 an arrangement may enable the centre of gravity of the separator box to be substantially aligned with the pole when the separator box is connected to the pole. In this way, the surface treating apparatus may be perceived to be substantially balanced when the user operates the surface treating apparatus, potentially reducing 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 connected to a surface cleaning head 106 and a second distal end 108 of the wand 102 is connected to a cleaner handle 110, the first distal end 104 being opposite the second distal end 108. As shown, the separator box 112 is connected to the rod 102 at a location between the first distal end 104 and the second distal end 108. The separation box 112 may be removably connected to the pole 102 such that the separation box 112 may be carried by a user independently of the pole 102. For example, a user may actuate a button 111, the button 111 configured to cause an engagement mechanism (e.g., a latch) to switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state to disengage the disconnect box 112 from the rod 102.

As shown, the separator box 112 includes a suction motor assembly cavity 114, a battery cavity 116, and a dirt cup cavity 118, the dirt cup cavity 118 configured to receive a dirt cup 120. The air flow 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-energized hose or an energized hose) and into the dirt cup 120. The dirt cup 120 can be configured such that a cyclone is created within the dirt cup 120. As such, at least a portion of any debris entrained in the airflow extending along the air flow path 122 is deposited within the dirt cup 120 before exiting the dirt cup 120. The air flow path 122 extends into the pre-motor filter within the suction motor assembly cavity 114 after exiting the dirt cup 120 and through the suction motor disposed within the suction motor assembly cavity 114. The air flow path 122 extends into the battery cavity 116 after passing through the suction motor and provides cooling for 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 located within the air flow path 122 (e.g., the battery cavity 116) such that the air flow path 122 passes through the post-motor filter media before passing through the battery pack 128. This may reduce the amount of debris collected in the battery pack 128. The post-motor filter media may be a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

Also as shown, the suction motor assembly cavity 114 and the battery cavity 116 are disposed on opposite sides of a vertical plane 130, the vertical plane 130 extending through the center of the separator box 112. In some instances, the vertical plane 130 may include a central longitudinal axis 132 of the rod 102 and/or a central longitudinal axis 134 of the separator box 112. When the separator box 112 is connected to the rod 102, the central longitudinal axis 132 of the rod 102 extends substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 134 of the separator box 112. 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 surface 130. As such, the separator box 112 can generally be described as being substantially balanced in a vertical plane 130 when fully assembled (e.g., when the battery pack 128, suction motor, pre-motor filter, and dirt cup 120 are attached to the separator box 112).

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of the separator tank 112 separated from the rod 102 in response to actuation of the button 111. As shown, when the disconnect box 112 is disconnected from the rod 102, the clip 202 configured to connect the flexible conduit 126 to the rod 102 is disconnected from the rod 102. In this way, the lever 102 can be operated independently of the separation tank 112. The clip 202 may include a plurality of tabs 203 extending from a body 205 of the clip 202. The tab 203 may include one or more ribs 207, the ribs 207 configured to engage a corresponding portion of the rod 102 (e.g., a groove extending along the rod 102). The clip 202 may be configured to slide along the rod 102.

Fig. 2B shows a rear perspective view of the surface treating device 100 with the separator tank 112 and the flexible conduit 126 removed from the surface treating device 100 for clarity. As shown, at least a portion of the rod 102 includes a groove 201 for connecting to a clip 202.

Referring again to fig. 2A, the wand 102 is configured such that at least a portion of the wand 102 can be detached from the surface cleaning head 106. For example, as shown, the wand 102 includes a neck 204 connected to the surface cleaning head 106 and a detachable portion 211. The detachable portion 211 may be separate from the neck 204 and used independently of the neck 204 and the surface cleaning head 106. Thus, when the separation tank 112 is separated from the rod 102 (e.g., neck 204), the separation tank 112 and the detachable portion 211 may operate independently of the surface cleaning head 106 and the neck 204. In this way, when the separator tank 112 is fluidly separated from the surface cleaning head 106, only a portion of the wand may be fluidly connected to the separator tank 112.

The neck 204 defines a fluid path that fluidly connects the separation tank 112 to the surface cleaning head 106. The neck 204 may also include one or more electrical contacts configured to electrically connect 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 disposed within the surface cleaning head 106 and/or one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes, incandescent lights, and/or any other light source).

The neck 204 may define a portion of the latching mechanism. The latch mechanism is actuated in response to depression of the release button 208. When the release button 208 is actuated, the detachable portion 211 of the lever 102 is detached from the neck 204. In some cases, a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) may be disposed in the neck 204 such that the biasing mechanism urges the detachable portion 211 of the stem 102 in a direction away from the neck 204. In these cases, the detachable portion 211 of the stem 102 may be pushed out of the neck 204 when the release button 208 is pressed.

The neck 204 may also include a plurality of alignment features 210 for aligning the separation box 112 when connecting the separation box 112 to the rod 102 (e.g., the neck 204). For example, as shown, the alignment feature 210 may include an elongated tab extending from the neck 204 that is configured to engage a corresponding groove defined in the separation tank 112. The alignment feature 210 may also be configured to cooperate with an engagement mechanism to connect the separator box 112 to the rod 102.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the separation box 112 separated from the rod 102 and the detachable portion 211 of the rod 102 separated from the neck 204. As shown, the removable portion 211 of the stem 102 includes electrical contacts 302 that correspond to the electrical contacts in the neck 204 so that the battery pack 128 can be electrically connected to the surface cleaning head 106.

The cleaner handle 110 can include a trigger 304, the trigger 304 being configured to actuate a latching mechanism that removably connects the cleaner handle 110 to the detachable portion 211 of the wand 102. For example, the trigger 304 may be configured to switch the latch mechanism from the latched state to the unlatched state in response to a user pressing the trigger 304 in a direction generally away from the detachable portion 211 of the lever 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, 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 functionality. One of the one or more buttons 308 may correspond to a power button of the entire surface treatment device 100.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the separator tank 112 separated from the wand 102 and the cleaner handle 110 separated from the wand 102. As shown, the cleaner handle 110 can include electrical contacts 402, the electrical contacts 402 being configured to electrically connect the cleaner handle 110 to the wand 102 so that the battery pack 128 can be electrically connected 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 connect to one or more surface cleaning accessories.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of an example of the trigger 304 connected to a trigger mechanism 500, the trigger mechanism 500 being configured to switch the latch mechanism between the latched state and the unlocked state. The trigger mechanism 500 includes a plunger portion 504 and a pivot collar 506, the plunger portion 504 being configured to actuate the latching mechanism. For example, when the trigger 304 is pulled along the actuation axis 502, the pivot collar 506 rotates. Rotation of the pivot collar 506 causes the plunger portion 504 to be pushed in a direction away from the trigger 304 and generally parallel to the actuation axis 502. In other words, the trigger mechanism 500 may generally be described as being configured to convert a pulling action into a pushing action.

Fig. 5A and 5B show perspective views of handle assembly 5000, handle assembly 5000 may be an example of handle 110 of fig. 1, where pivot connection 5200 may be an example of trigger mechanism 500 of fig. 5 with portions removed to show pivot connection 5200. As shown, the pivot connection 5200 includes a pivot body 5202, the pivot body 5202 being pivotably connected to the air guide 5204 such that the pivot body 5202 pivots about a body pivot point 5206. The pivot body 5202 may extend at least partially around the air guide 5204. For example, the air guide 5204 may extend through an opening 5205, the opening 5205 extending through the pivot body 5202.

The pivot body 5202 may be connected to a toggle key (e.g., trigger) 5010 such that actuation of the toggle key 5010 pivots the pivot body 5202 about the body pivot point 5206. The pivot body 5202 can also be connected to an actuator 5214 such that pivoting of the pivot body 5202 about the body pivot point 5206 causes the actuator 5214 to switch between an actuated state and an unactuated state. When the actuator 5214 is switched to the actuated state, the latch 5012 can be pushed toward the unlocked state (e.g., the latch 5012 is out of engagement with a catch). The switch key 5010 and the actuator 5214 may be connected 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, the arm slot 5210 corresponding to at least one switch key protrusion 5212 extending from the switch key 5010. The switching key protrusion 5212 is configured to be slidable within the arm groove 5210. In this way, the latch 5012 can be actuated without actuating the switch key 5010. The actuator 5214 can define an actuator slot 5216, the actuator slot 5216 being configured to receive at least one corresponding body projection 5218. The body projection 5218 can be configured to slide within the actuator slot 5216. In some instances, one or more of the switch key 5010, the pivot connection 5200, and/or the actuator 5214 can engage and/or incorporate 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 elastomeric material (e.g., rubber) and/or any other suitable biasing mechanism.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the separator tank 112 separated from the flexible conduit 126 and the rod 102. As shown, the dirt cup 120 is configured to be connected to the separator tank 112 at the dirt cup cavity 118. The dirt cup 120 can include a latch mechanism 602, the latch mechanism 602 configured to removably connect the dirt cup 120 to the separator box 112. The dirt cup 120 can also include a dirt cup handle 604 that is configured to enable the dirt cup 120 to be carried by a user and/or to enable the separation bin 112 (when the dirt cup 120 is connected to the separation bin 112) to be carried by a user. The dirt cup 120 can also include a first openable door 606 connected to the dirt cup handle 604 and a second openable door 608 located at an opposite end of the dirt cup 120.

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

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the separator box 112 with the dirt cup 120 separated from the separator box 112. As shown, the dirt cup cavity 118 includes a protrusion 702 extending from a base 704 of the separator box 112. The tab 702 is configured to engage the dirt cup 120 such that the tab 702 is aligned with the dirt cup 120 when the dirt cup 120 is connected to the separation bin 112. As shown, the tab 702 can include a generally frustoconical shape extending from a portion of the tab 702, and the frustoconical shape can be angled outward (e.g., away from an operator of the surface treating device 100 when the separator tank is connected to the rod 102).

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

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

Also as shown, the separation tank 112 may include a flexible conduit connector 806. A flexible conduit connector 806 can be positioned on the opposite side of the separation box 112 from the dirt cup cavity 118. This configuration may allow for a more gradual directional switch of the airflow path than at other locations. However, the flexible conduit connector 806 may be positioned elsewhere on the separation tank 112. For example, the flexible conduit connector 806 may be positioned on the top, bottom, or sides of the separation tank 112.

Figure 9 shows a top view of the separator box 112 with the battery pack 128 and dirt cup 120 attached to the separator box 112. FIG. 10 shows a top view of the separator box 112 with the battery pack 128 removed from the separator box 112 and the dirt cup 120 attached to the separator box 112. The filter media 902 may be disposed within the battery cavity 116 such that the filter media 902 is located between the battery pack 128 and at least a portion of an inner surface 904 of the battery cavity 116. The filter media 902 may be a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

As previously described, the exhaust air from the suction motor 802 is used to provide cooling for the battery pack 128. In this manner, the filter media 902 collects at least a portion of any debris still entrained in the airflow.

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 tabs 906 may be configured to be depressed when the battery pack 128 is inserted into the battery cavity 116. In some cases, the battery tab 906 can only be depressed when the filter media 902 is embedded in the battery cavity 116. For example, as shown in fig. 11, the filter media 902 may include a filter tab 1102 extending from a base 1104 of the filter media 902. The filter tab 1102 can be configured to engage a latch mechanism in communication with the battery tab 906. For example, when the filter tab 1102 engages and actuates the latch mechanism, the battery tab 906 can be depressed by the battery pack 128. Accordingly, the battery pack 128 can be properly positioned within the battery cavity 116 (e.g., fully embedded such that the battery pack 128 is electrically connected to the surface cleaning head 106 and/or the suction motor 802). As also shown in fig. 11, the filter media 902 may include a latch mechanism 1106, the latch mechanism 1106 configured to couple the filter media 902 to the separation box 112 within the battery cavity 116. For example, the latch mechanism 1106 may be configured to move along a longitudinal axis 1108 of the filter media 902 between a latched position and an unlatched position.

Fig. 12 shows a front perspective view of the battery pack 128. Fig. 13 shows a rear perspective 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, the battery handle 1202 configured to switch 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 released) position. In some cases, as shown, when the battery handle 1202 is switched between the storage position and the upright position, the battery handle 1202 may actuate the battery latch mechanism 1400 (see fig. 14B), which the battery latch mechanism 1400 causes the latch 1205 to switch between the latched state and the 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 pivotally connected to a closed cover 1402 of the battery pack 128. As shown, the battery handle 1202 is pivotably connected to the closure cap 1402 through the use of a shaft 1404 extending between opposite sides of the closure cap 1402. The shaft 1404 includes a cam 1406, the cam 1406 configured to engage the slider 1408. The slider 1408 is slidably connected to the closure cap 1402 such that the slider 1408 slides in response to rotation of the shaft 1404. The sliding movement of the slider 1408 switches 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 closure lid 1402 such that the slider urges the latch 1205 toward the latched state.

Referring again to fig. 12, 13, and 14A, as shown, the battery pack 128 may further include a housing 1206, the housing 1206 having a plurality of apertures 1208 extending through the housing 1206. 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 in the battery pack 128 for generating an air flow to cool the battery pack 128. As shown, the aperture 1208 near the center of the battery pack 128 has a smaller size than the aperture 1208 spaced a distance from the center of the battery pack 128. Also as shown, the aperture 1208 near the center of the battery pack 128 can have a circular profile, and the aperture 1208 spaced a distance from the center of the battery pack 128 can have an elongated (e.g., oval) profile. In other words, the apertures 1208 may generally be described as being arranged in groups, wherein a first group of apertures 1210 having a first set of characteristics is disposed between a second group of apertures 1212 and a third group of apertures 1214 having a second set of characteristics, wherein the first and second sets of characteristics are different. These features may include one or more of size, shape, orientation, and/or any other feature.

Fig. 14C shows a perspective view of the battery pack 128 mounted in the separation box 112. As shown, a plurality of apertures 1401 may extend from the outer surface 1403 of the separator box 112 into the battery cavity 116. A plurality of apertures 1401 allow air to flow out of battery pack 128 and into the environment. As shown, the plurality of apertures 1401 increase in size as the apertures 1401 move away from the base 704 of the separator box 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 connect to the separator tank 112 and/or one or more accessories. Fig. 17B shows a separator box 1700 (which may be an example of separator box 112) and a surface cleaning head 1702 (which may be an example of surface cleaning head 106 docked to cleaner docking station 1500).

As shown, cleaner docking station 1500 includes a stand 1704 with a surface cleaning head 1702 positioned on stand 1704. In some cases, the stand 1704 is configured to be electrically connected to the surface cleaning head 1702. For example, the stand 1704 may include one or more charging contacts configured to engage corresponding charging contacts of the surface cleaning head, and/or the stand 1704 may include a wireless charging module. In this way, one or more batteries powering the separation tank 1700 may be recharged while the surface cleaning head 1702 is on the gantry 1704.

Gantry 1704 may also be configured to clean one or more agitators 1706 of surface cleaning head 1702. For example, the stand 1704 may include and/or define a comb portion or blade configured to engage one or more of the one or more agitators 1706, wherein the comb portion or blade is configured to remove fiber fragments (e.g., hair or strings) from the one or more agitators 1706. In some cases, the comb or blades may be stationary and remove fiber debris in response to rotation of agitator 1706 when surface cleaning head 1702 is positioned on stage 1704.

Fig. 18 shows an example of a battery docking station 1800, the battery docking station 1800 configured to receive a battery pack 128. Fig. 19A shows a battery pack 1900, which may be an example of the battery pack 128, disposed within the battery docking station 1800. As shown, battery pack 1900 may include illuminated charge indicator 1901, which may be configured to illuminate based on a charge level in battery pack 1900. For example, charge indicator 1901 may be partially illuminated based on the amount of power stored. 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, the battery pack 1900 includes a receptacle 1906 for receiving at least a portion of a tab (e.g., battery tab 906) extending from the base of the battery cavity of the separator box.

Fig. 20 to 22 show an example of the battery pack 2000, and the battery pack 2000 may be an example of the battery pack 128, in which the battery pack is removed from a separate box 2002, and the separate box 2002 may be an example of the separate box 112. The battery pack 2000 may be releasably connected to the separator tank 2002 using, for example, an actuatable latch. As shown, the battery pack 2000 includes a battery handle 2004. The battery handle 2004 is pivotably connected to the housing 2006 of the battery pack 2000. For example, the battery handle 2004 may be configured to pivot between storage positions and an upright (or removed) position. As the battery handle 2004 pivots, the battery handle 2004 may actuate an actuatable latch connecting the battery pack 2000 to the separator box 2002 toward a release position. Once in the release position, a force may be applied to the battery handle 2004 to remove the battery pack 2000 from the separator box 2002. In other words, the battery pack 2000 may be configured to detach from the detachment compartment 2002 in response to the battery handle 2004 pivoting from the storage position toward the upright position (or removal position).

A reconfigurable surface treatment device according to the present disclosure may include a rod having a first distal end configured to be connected to a surface cleaning head and a second distal end configured to be connected to a handle, and a separation tank removably connected to the rod. The separator box can include a suction motor assembly cavity, a battery cavity configured to receive a battery pack having one or more batteries, and a dirt cup cavity configured to receive a dirt cup, 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 separator box, the 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 some cases, the battery cavity may be fluidly connected to the suction motor assembly cavity. In some cases, the battery cavity may be further configured to receive a filter media. In some cases, the battery cavity may further include a battery tab configured to be depressed when the battery pack is disposed within the battery cavity. In some cases, the battery tabs may be configured to prevent the battery pack from being fully inserted into the battery cavity when the filter media is not installed in the battery cavity. In some cases, the reconfigurable surface treatment device may also include a flexible conduit configured to fluidly connect the separation tank to the stem. In some cases, the flexible conduit may be electrically energized. In some cases, the handle may further include a trigger configured to detach the handle from the lever. In some cases, the stem may include a detachable portion and a neck, the detachable portion configured to be detachable from the neck. In some cases, the detachable portion may be detached from the neck in response to actuation of the release button. In some cases, the battery pack may be 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 pass through. In some cases, the battery cavity may be fluidly connected to the suction motor assembly cavity.

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 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 separator tank removably connected to the rod, the separator tank comprising:

a suction motor assembly cavity;

2. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 1, wherein the battery cavity is fluidly connected to the suction motor assembly cavity.

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

4. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 1, wherein the battery cavity further comprises a battery tab configured to be depressed when the battery pack is disposed within the battery cavity.

5. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 4, wherein the battery tab is configured to prevent the battery pack from being fully inserted into the battery cavity when a filter media is not installed in the battery cavity.

6. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 1, further comprising a flexible conduit configured to fluidly connect the separation tank to the stem.

7. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 6, wherein the flexible conduit is energized.

8. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 1, wherein the handle further comprises a trigger configured to separate the handle from the lever.

9. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 1, wherein the stem comprises a detachable portion and a neck, the detachable portion configured to be detachable from the neck.

10. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 9, wherein the detachable portion is detachable from the neck in response to actuation of a release button.

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

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

13. The reconfigurable surface treatment device of claim 12, wherein the battery cavity is fluidly connected to the suction motor assembly cavity.