EP0404279A2 - Apparatus with removable container for cleaning machine - Google Patents
Apparatus with removable container for cleaning machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0404279A2 EP0404279A2 EP90202187A EP90202187A EP0404279A2 EP 0404279 A2 EP0404279 A2 EP 0404279A2 EP 90202187 A EP90202187 A EP 90202187A EP 90202187 A EP90202187 A EP 90202187A EP 0404279 A2 EP0404279 A2 EP 0404279A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- collar
- recess
- pair
- extending
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
- A47L11/4044—Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/29—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid
- A47L11/30—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/4013—Contaminants collecting devices, i.e. hoppers, tanks or the like
- A47L11/4016—Contaminants collecting devices, i.e. hoppers, tanks or the like specially adapted for collecting fluids
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/4027—Filtering or separating contaminants or debris
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/4075—Handles; levers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/408—Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
- A47L11/4083—Liquid supply reservoirs; Preparation of the agents, e.g. mixing devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/408—Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
- A47L11/4088—Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/40—Mixing liquids with liquids; Emulsifying
- B01F23/49—Mixing systems, i.e. flow charts or diagrams
Definitions
- the present invention relates to cleaning devices and more particularly to an improved machine for the cleaning of surfaces such as carpets, floors and the like.
- a liquid is projected onto the carpet and the dirty liquid is removed by a suction nozzle.
- An air-liquid separator is generally provided to remove air from the dirty, waste liquid and disperse the air into the atmosphere.
- Cleaning fluid may be added to the liquid.
- the liquids trickle into a spray nozzle since they are above the spray nozzle.
- the liquids may be mixed in a mixing manifold.
- a typical example of such carpet cleaners is illustrated in U.S. Patent 2,986,764 issued June 6, 1961 to D. C. Krammes. Other systems use various arrangements of tanks, valves and controls to carry out carpet cleaning operations.
- the objects and advantages of the invention are obtained in a machine having improved arrangements of containers for cleaning fluids, such as shampoos and concentrated cleaning solutions, fresh liquids, such as clean water and for the reception of waste liquids.
- the machine has a nozzle for projecting the liquids onto the surface to be cleaned and for picking up the waste liquid from the surface. Both the separation of waste liquid and air and the delivery of the liquids is conjointly carried out with suction and air pressure generated in a housing to which a common air pump is connected.
- the machine is further improved by facilities for removably attaching the containers to the frame of the machine and for the controlled and selective application of the liquids with different concentrations of cleaning liquid and fresh liquid.
- a machine in accordance with the invention for cleaning surfaces such as carpets, floors and the like has a frame.
- An air pump is mounted on the frame.
- a housing communicating with the pump has a suction inlet and pressurized air outlets.
- a suction nozzle is mounted on the frame at the end of the frame which is disposed adjacent to the surface to be cleaned.
- a liquid projecting nozzle is also mounted on the frame at the end adjacent to the surface to be cleaned.
- a plurality of containers for concentrated cleaning liquid, fresh and waste liquid are utilized. The containers are removably mounted to the frame and the housing with a conduit connecting the housing and the waste liquid container to communicate waste liquid separated from air and liquid transported into the housing to the waste liquid container.
- a conduit for air and waste liquid from the suction nozzle is connected to the suction inlet of the housing.
- a coupling between the pressurized air outlets, the cleaning fluid container and the fresh liquid container provide for the pressurization thereof.
- a further coupling is connected to the outlets from the fresh liquid and cleaning liquid containers, in which coupling the fresh and cleaning liquids flow together to an outlet to the liquid projection nozzle so as to apply the fresh and cleaning liquids to the surface.
- This coupling utilizes simplified mixing and valving to control the flow of the liquid to the liquid projecting nozzle and to provide selected concentrations of the cleaning liquid and the fresh liquid.
- a cleaning device is illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 as including a frame 30 to which are mounted a pair of wheels 32 by strut 34. As illustrated in Figure 2, the wheels are in their operable position allowing the cleaning device to move across the surface to be cleaned. For the stored position, the wheels are rotated forward or counter-clockwise in Figure 2 and comes to rest below the front end of the frame 30. Extending from the top end of the frame 30 is a handle 36 having fluid activation trigger 38 and a spotter actuator 40. Mounted to the front end of the frame is a spray nozzle 42 for projected cleaning fluid mixtures onto the surface to be cleaned and a suction nozzle 46 mounted to pipe 44 for removing fluids from the surface to be cleaned.
- a water tank 48 and waste fluid or return tank 50 are connected as a single unit including a handle 52.
- the tanks are removably mounted to the frame 30 and are secured thereto by a cam latch 54 engaging the bottom of the waste fluid tank 50.
- An upper housing 56 mounted to frame 30 above the tank unit includes an air fluid separator 58, a motor 60 and a pump or fan 62 as illustrated in Figure 3.
- An opening 57 is provided in the upper housing 56 to view the fluid in the separator 58 which has a transparent body.
- An electrical switch 63 activates the motor 60 and an electric cord 65 provides power.
- a container or cartridge of detergent, shampoo or other concentrated cleaning fluid 64 including a collar 66 is mounted to docking port 68 in the upper housing 56 as illustrated in Figure 2.
- the cleaning fluid is mixed with water from the water tank and projected through spray nozzle 42.
- the water tank 48 is filled with fluid and mounted to the frame 30 and securely held thereto by cam latch 54.
- a concentrated cleaning fluid cartridge 64 is mounted into docking port 68. Now the system is ready for operation.
- the cleaning device operates by activating the motor 63 to turn on the motor to operate the fan and pump 62 to create a force to project a mixture of cleaning fluid and water out of spray nozzle 42 on the surface as well as to create a suction to draw fluid through suction nozzle 46.
- the trigger 38 With the trigger 38 in its normal position, no fluid is dispensed. Upon depressing trigger 38, the amount of fluid projected from spray nozzle 42 can be controlled.
- the spotting actuator 40 is operated to increase the mixing ratio of detergent to water.
- the dirty or waste fluid from suction nozzle 46 is provided to separator 58 wherein the air is separated from the dirty fluid which is provided to waste fluid tank 50.
- the air is provided back through the fan/pump 62 to be re-introduced to the spray nozzle 42.
- the tank assembly is removed by releasing cam latch 54 and the contents of the waste fluid tank 50 are emptied. This cycle of operation may be repeated.
- the spray nozzle 42 which is illustrated in detail in Figure 4, is an air venturi system which draws a cleaning fluid mixture and projects it onto the cleaning surface.
- Spray nozzle 42 includes an air manifold having two complementary pieces 70 and 72 joined along a line or plane 74 (see Figure 2).
- the nozzle of the air manifold is generally fan-shaped having a plurality of nozzle channels 76 extending therethrough.
- an inlet tube or conduit 78 mounted to a source of pressurized air or the output of the fan 62.
- Mounted interior the air manifold is a fluid manifold 80 having a plurality of fingers 82 extending therefrom and lying in the nozzle channels 76.
- Supports 84 and 85 which are integral with the air manifold elements 70 and 72, position the fluid manifold 80 and its fingers 82 central within the air manifold and supports 84 and the nozzle channels 76.
- the fluid manifold 80 includes an inlet 86 extending through the back wall of the air manifold and is connected by tubing 88 to the source of a cleaning fluid mixture.
- Air introduced into conduit 78 moves through the air manifold around the liquid manifold 80 and fingers 82 and exit nozzle channels 76.
- the restriction of the air through the nozzle channels creates a venturi effect so as to draw or educe cleaning fluid mixture from the fingers 82 to be forceably ejected onto a surface to be cleaned.
- the source of cleaning fluid mixture be pressurized so as to maintain an even flow of cleaning mixture fluid to the spray nozzle 42. Since the principle force to draw the cleaning fluid mixture is the venturi effect produced by the air manifold, the pressure provided to the cleaning fluid source is substantially smaller than that provided to the air manifold.
- the cleaning fluid mixture provided to the spray nozzle 42 by tubing 88 is from a control switch and mixer illustrated specifically in Figures 5-8 and operated by the trigger actuator 40 and the spotting actuator 38 illustrated in detail in Figure 9.
- a mixing V or connector 90 which is mounted to the frame 30 has a mixing outlet connected to tube 88, a water inlet connected to tube 92 and a cleaning fluid inlet connected to tubing 94.
- the water from tube 92 and the cleaning fluid from tube 94 are mixed in the V 90 and provided to outlet tube 88.
- Engaging one side of the outlet tube 88 is an anvil 96 and adjacent one side of the water inlet tube 92 is an anvil 98.
- a rocker arm 102 Pivotally connected to the frame 30 at 100 is a rocker arm 102 having hammers 104 and 106 respectively on opposite sides of the pivot 100.
- a biasing means or spring 108 is received in a spring housing 110 on the frame 30 and engages the rocker arm 102 around post 112. The biasing means or spring 108 biases the rocker arm 102 counter-clockwise in Figure 5.
- a slot 114 in the rocker arm 102 receives a control link or wire 116 connected to the spotter actuator 40 and the trigger 38.
- the rocker arm 102 With movement of the control wire 116 to the right, the rocker arm 102 rotates counter-clockwise moving the hammer 104 away from the anvil 96 so as to begin to open the closed outlet tube 88.
- the flow rate of cleaning fluid mixture can be controlled.
- the rocker arm 102 can be rotated to a position allowing unrestricted flow of the outlet tube 88 as well as unrestricted flow from water inlet tubing 92.
- the rocker arm 102 sequentially operates from a first position illustrated in Figure 5 wherein the outlet is restricted by anvil 96 and hammer 104 for zero flow rate through a first plurality of intermediate angular positions having intermediate restrictions of the outlet to define various flow rates and a second plurality of intermediate angular positions having intermediate restrictions of the water inlet 92 provided by anvil 98 and hammer 106 to define the mixing ratio.
- a single assembly is provided which controls both the flow rate of dispensing cleaning fluid mixture as well as the mixing ratio of cleaning fluid to water.
- the rocker arm can be reshaped such that hammer 106 will begin to restrict water inlet tube 92 while hammer 104 also restricts outlet tube 88.
- the operation of the rocker arm 102 is controlled via wire 116 by the spotting actuator 40 and trigger 38 illustrated in detail in Figure 9.
- the spotting actuator 40 is pivotally mounted to the handle 36 at 120 as is trigger 38.
- the control wire 116 is connected to post 122 on spotting actuator 40.
- Post 122 lies in a elongated slot 124 in the trigger 38.
- the spotting actuator 40 extends from the top of the handle while the trigger 38 extends from the bottom of the handle. This allows activation of either control with the same hand that holds and directs the cleaning device.
- the spotting actuator 40 may be controlled by the thumb and the trigger 38 by the other fingers which wrap about the handle 36.
- Counter-clockwise rotation of trigger 38 as illustrated in Figure 9 from its initial position causes counter-clockwise rotation of the spotting actuator 40 and moves the control wire 116 to the right.
- the trigger 38 is designed such that the total amount of angular motion which it is capable of travelling is limited to produce via control wire 116 rotation of the rocker arm 102 from the fully restricted condition of outlet tube 88 of mixer 90 to the completely unrestricted condition of outlet tube 88 and no restriction of the water inlet tube 92.
- the restriction of water inlet tube 92 by hammer 106 is produced by the further motion by travel produced by spotting actuator 40.
- the counter-clockwise rotation of spotter actuator 40 moves the wire 116 further to the right without further motion of trigger 38 since post 122 moves in slot 124.
- spotter actuator 40 may be operated independent of trigger 38 because of the slot 124.
- the biasing means 108 of rocker arm 102 is sufficiently strong to clamp the outlet tubing 88 and retains the spotting actuator 38 and trigger 40 in their position illustrated in Figure 9 via wire 116.
- a block 126 includes an air port 128 and a water port 130.
- An air inlet nipple 132 and a water outlet nipple 134 are provided in the top of water tank 48.
- a tube 136 extends down from the water outlet nipple 134 to the bottom of the water tank 48.
- the nipples 132 and 134 are received in ports 128 and 130 respectively of the block 126.
- the block 126 is mounted to the separator 58 to receive the nipples 132 and 134 during mounting of the tank assembly onto the frame as illustrated in Figure 10.
- a ball 138 in water port 130 acts as a check valve to prevent back flow into the water tank 48.
- first fitting 140 Connected to the other end of water port 130 is a first fitting 140 having a main outlet 142 connected to the mixing water inlet tube 92 and a restricted outlet 144.
- the axis of the inlet of fitting 140 is coincident with the axis of the restricted outlet 144 and is orthogonal to the main outlet 142 axis.
- the cross-sectional area of main outlet 142 is substantially larger than the cross-sectional area of restricted outlet 144.
- the main outlet may have a cross-sectional area four times that of the restricted outlet.
- a primary cleaning fluid inlet 148 of fitting 146 is connected to the concentrated cleaning fluid container 64 by tube 150.
- the restricted outlet 144 provides a secondary inlet to the second fitting 146.
- the outlet 152 of the second fitting 146 is connected to cleaning fluid inlet pipe 94 of the mixer 90.
- the fan or pump 62 provides pressurized air via tubing 154 to an input of the concentrated cleaning fluid container 64 and by tubing 156 to water tank 48 via air port 128.
- the primary outlet of pump 62 is through conduit 158 to the air manifold of spray nozzle 142.
- the water and the cleaning fluid supply of the system are pressurized. This produces even control of the fluids such that their mixing ratio and flow rate can be assured.
- the system also takes advantage of the natural siphoning effect which results from the venturi spray nozzle 42.
- the pressure provided by pump 62 via tubing 154 and 156 to the concentrated fluid supply and the water supply respectively is small compared to the overall air pressure provided via conduit 158 to the venturi spray nozzle 42.
- the pressure supply via tubing 154 and 156 is small, it is very important that it be constant to maintain the desired mixing ratio and flow rates. It should also be noted that by providing the water outlet on the top of tank 48 and the secondary passage 144 of fitting 140 being vertical, the force of gravity helps to further reduce the amount of fluid flowing through restrictive passage 144 into the concentrated cleaning fluid fitting 146.
- the unique cartridge 64 including collar 66 is illustrated in Figures 18-21.
- the cartridge 64 includes a non-circular body 200 having a neck 202 extending therefrom. Threaded portions 204 on neck 202 receives cap 206. A circumferential ridge 208 on neck 202 retains the collar 66 between the top of the cartridge and the ridge 208 such that the collar may rotate relative to the cartridge 64 without any axial motion between the collar and cartridge.
- the sides of the cartridge adjacent the top includes four indentures 210, 212, 214 and 216. Indentures 210 and 212 receive a handle 218 extending from collar 66 to define two distinct positions of the collar relative to the body.
- the collar 66 is in its initial angular position capable of entering into the docking port 68 of the cleaning device. As the collar 66 is rotated counter-clockwise in Figure 19, the handle will be received in recess 212 which will define a final locked angular position of the collar in the docking port. It should also be noted that the recess 210 allows the handle to be received substantially within the body 200 and therefore allows for easy packaging.
- the collar 66 includes a pair of camming recesses 220 therein to receive a pair of tabs in the docking port of the cleaning device.
- Each recess 220 includes an entry slot 222 on the top of the collar connected respectively to a inclined portion 224 followed by a horizontal lock portion 226.
- a pair of lugs 260 ( Figure 22) on the docking port 68 are received in entry slots 222 and the collar is rotated relative to the body causing the total assembly to move axially without rotation of the cartridge 64.
- the lugs 260 ride down the inclined portion 224 along portion 226 to lock the collar and cartridge in place in the docking port.
- the locking portion 226 prevents reverse rotation by vibration or use of the cleaning device.
- the collar 66 is formed of two portions connected by an integral lying hinge 228. The collar is wrapped around the neck 202 below ridge 208 with latch 232 locking on top of catch 230.
- Indentures 214 and 216 receive shoulders or keys in the docking port to align and restrain the cartridge from rotating during axial insertion into the docking port by hand as well as by rotation of the collar 66.
- an insert 234 Received in the top opening of the bottle neck 202 is an insert 234 having a pair of nozzles 236 and 238 thereon. As will be explained below, these nozzles are aligned with ports in the docking port with nozzle 236 being an air inlet and nozzle 238 being a fluid outlet.
- the insert 234 has a pair of circumferial ridges 240 which engage and seal the insert against the interior of the neck 202. As previously discussed, this is a positive pressure supply system and therefore this seal must be maintained.
- An axial keyway 242 is provided in the insert 234 and is received in key 244 running along the interior of the neck 202. This aligns the insert 234 and the nozzles 236 and 238 to the cartridge and consequently to the collar. This assures alignment of the nozzle and the appropriate inlet and outlet of the docking port.
- a tube 246 extends from the bottom of the body 200 to the fluid outlet nozzle 238.
- the cartridge 64 in docking port 68 is illustrated in detail in Figure 22.
- the docking port is an assembly which includes a docking housing 250 mounted to the upper housing 56.
- a pair of opposed slots 252 are provided in the docking housing 250.
- a U-shaped clip 254 is inserted in the docking housing having a pair of nipples 256 and 258 extending through the housing 250 to receive air inlet conduit 154 from the outlet of the pump and cleaning fluid supply tubing 150 leading to the second fitting 146 (see Figure 11).
- the outer edges of the U-shaped clip 254 has tabs 260 which engage the bottom of the slots 252 in the docking housing to maintain the clip therein.
- Extending to the interior of the docking housing are a pair of lugs 262. These lugs form the complementary camming surfaces to be used with the camming recesses 220 in the collar 66.
- a molded rubber sealing disc 264 is received in the U-shaped clip 254.
- a clip 254 By using a clip 254 to be inserted through the docking housing, it can be made of hard material capable of many insertions on the camming surface. For example, it may be made of Delrin plastic. This reduces the cost of the overall device by making the shaped clip of such expensive material instead of requiring the whole docking housing to be so made.
- the molded rubber seal 264 creates an airtight seal since it receives nozzles 236 and 238 on the container and deforms as the container is moved axially within the docking housing.
- a pair of shoulders 266 and 268 extend from the housing wall 56 and provide guides or key for indentures 214 and 216 of the cartridge.
- the cartridge 64 lies in a chamber in the upper housing 56 with the neck portion 202 extending into a recess portion and the body 200 lying in a cavity portion of the chamber.
- the cavity encompasses at least three of the sides of the body.
- a cartridge 64 of concentrated cleaning fluid may be mounted to the docking port 68 by aligning the indentures 214 and 216 of the cartridge with shoulders 266 and 268 of the housing, respectively.
- the collar 66 is placed in its initial or insertion position as defined by the handle 218 lying in indenture 210 of the body.
- the body and collar are moved axially until the lugs 262 of the docking port are received in entry slots 222 in the top of the collar.
- the collar 66 is then rotated by handle 218 accessible from the exterior of the cavity causing the body and collar to move axially during rotation of the collar.
- the indentures 214 and 216 engage the shoulders 266 and 268 to prevent the cartridge 64 from rotating.
- the collar is rotated to its final or lock position defined by the handle 218 being received in indenture 212 on the body.
- orifices in nozzles 236 and 238 are aligned and received with apertures in the base of nipples 256 and 258.
- the insert 234 having a keyway assures alignment of the nozzles with the body and the camming recess 220 of the collar with tabs 262 assure initial alignment as well as indentures 214 and 216 of the body and shoulders 266 and 268 of the housing assure initial alignment of the body and nozzles during the axial movement of the body produced by rotation of the collar 66.
- the suction nozzle 46 of the present invention as illustrated in Figures 23 and 24 is composed of a front-top piece 270 and a back-bottom piece 272 joined by appropriate fasteners.
- the nozzle includes a first or inlet passage 274 and a second or outlet passage 276.
- the inlet passage 274 is generally U-shaped along a cross-section transverse to the flow axis having a flat bight portion 278 and a pair of short leg portions 280.
- the front flat bight portion 278 has a substantially triangular configuration diminishing from the base or nozzle inlet 282 to its juncture 284 with the outlet passage 276.
- This change of distance of separation compensates for the diminishing triangular portion of the front and back faces such that the cross-sectional area of the inlet passage 274 is substantially equal along the flow axis. This allows a uniform draw or suction throughout the inlet passage 278 and prevents fluid from hanging up and flowing back out the inlet 282.
- the second passage or outlet passage 276 as illustrated in Figure 23 has a generally triangular cross-section along the flow axis such that its cross-sectional area, transfers to the flow axis, increases along the flow axis.
- a cylindrical connector portion 285 receives pipe 44 of the housing.
- the bottom wall 286 of the outlet passage extends diagonally across the connector inlet 284 (see Figure 3).
- the projected axis of the pipe 44 and outlet connector 285 intersects the first, inlet passage 278 below the juncture 284 of the inlet and outlet passages 274 and 276, respectively, and forms an oblique angle therewith.
- the outlet passage 276 forms a horizontal trough to collect fluid which will drip from the conduits between the nozzle 46 and the fluid separator 58 when the motor and suction system are deactivated. Thus, no fluid will exit the outlet 282 when the device is turned off.
- the top wall 288 of the outlet section 276 should be transparent.
- the front, top and sides of the top piece of the nozzle 46 are transparent. This allows viewing of the fluid by the user during use. The operator cannot see the front wall of passage 274 since he generally stands behind the device during use.
- the enlarged cross-sectional area of the trough 276 causes a pressure drop to slow down the fluid at the juncture or intersection 284.
- the bottom wall 286 maintains the fluid adjacent the top wall 288 for better vieweing. When this fluid is slowed down, the exact content and color can be more readily ascertained.
- the fluid from legs 280 on entering the outlet passage 276 intersect the primary flow from the bight portion 280 and create eddy currents at their junction. These eddy currents further slow down the fluid in the viewing area.
- the back and bottom walls of the bottom piece 272 should be made of non-transparent material. Preferably, they should be white such that additional light may be provided from the back to illuminate the extracted fluids. It should be noted that the outside side walls are extended at 290 to provide a shield for the spray nozzle 42 to prevent water from being sprayed outside the suction nozzle 46.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
- Nozzles (AREA)
- Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
- Detergent Compositions (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
- Dry Shavers And Clippers (AREA)
- Separation Of Suspended Particles By Flocculating Agents (AREA)
- Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to cleaning devices and more particularly to an improved machine for the cleaning of surfaces such as carpets, floors and the like.
- In carpet cleaning machines, a liquid is projected onto the carpet and the dirty liquid is removed by a suction nozzle. An air-liquid separator is generally provided to remove air from the dirty, waste liquid and disperse the air into the atmosphere. Cleaning fluid may be added to the liquid. Usually the liquids trickle into a spray nozzle since they are above the spray nozzle. The liquids may be mixed in a mixing manifold. A typical example of such carpet cleaners is illustrated in U.S. Patent 2,986,764 issued June 6, 1961 to D. C. Krammes. Other systems use various arrangements of tanks, valves and controls to carry out carpet cleaning operations. In spite of all of these efforts directed to the cleaning of floors and carpets, there has not, heretofore, been provided a machine adapted for domestic use which provides effective cleaning of surfaces such as carpets, floors and the like, which is simple to use and sufficiently low in cost to be attractive to domestic users.
- Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved machine for cleaning surfaces such as carpets, floors and the like which can be manufactured and sold at low cost and which, nevertheless, is both simple to use and effective in operation.
- The objects and advantages of the invention are obtained in a machine having improved arrangements of containers for cleaning fluids, such as shampoos and concentrated cleaning solutions, fresh liquids, such as clean water and for the reception of waste liquids. The machine has a nozzle for projecting the liquids onto the surface to be cleaned and for picking up the waste liquid from the surface. Both the separation of waste liquid and air and the delivery of the liquids is conjointly carried out with suction and air pressure generated in a housing to which a common air pump is connected. The machine is further improved by facilities for removably attaching the containers to the frame of the machine and for the controlled and selective application of the liquids with different concentrations of cleaning liquid and fresh liquid.
- Briefly described, a machine in accordance with the invention for cleaning surfaces such as carpets, floors and the like has a frame. An air pump is mounted on the frame. A housing communicating with the pump has a suction inlet and pressurized air outlets. A suction nozzle is mounted on the frame at the end of the frame which is disposed adjacent to the surface to be cleaned. A liquid projecting nozzle is also mounted on the frame at the end adjacent to the surface to be cleaned. A plurality of containers for concentrated cleaning liquid, fresh and waste liquid are utilized. The containers are removably mounted to the frame and the housing with a conduit connecting the housing and the waste liquid container to communicate waste liquid separated from air and liquid transported into the housing to the waste liquid container. A conduit for air and waste liquid from the suction nozzle is connected to the suction inlet of the housing. A coupling between the pressurized air outlets, the cleaning fluid container and the fresh liquid container provide for the pressurization thereof. A further coupling is connected to the outlets from the fresh liquid and cleaning liquid containers, in which coupling the fresh and cleaning liquids flow together to an outlet to the liquid projection nozzle so as to apply the fresh and cleaning liquids to the surface. This coupling utilizes simplified mixing and valving to control the flow of the liquid to the liquid projecting nozzle and to provide selected concentrations of the cleaning liquid and the fresh liquid.
- Other features and advantages of the invention are provided by the arrangements used for assembling the containers, for providing the pressurized air and suction, and for separating waste liquid picked up from the surface to be cleaned from the air, the container for the cleaning liquid which is adapted to be readily attached and removed from the housing of the machine and the liquid projection and spray nozzles themselves.
- The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention, as well as the presently preferred embodiment thereof will become more apparent from a reading of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings.
-
- Figure 1 is a perspective of a cleaning device incorporating the principles of the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a side view of the cleaning device of Figure 1.
- Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cleaning device.
- Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the spray nozzle incorporating the principles of the present invention.
- Figure 5 is a plan view of a control switch and mixer in its initial closed position incorporating the principles of the present invention.
- Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of Figure 5.
- Figure 7 is a plan view of the control switch and mixer in its spotting position.
- Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of Figure 7.
- Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the trigger and spotting actuator assembly incorporating the principles of the present invention.
- Figure 10 is a top view of a portion of the water tank and separator assembly.
- Figure 11 is a combined cross-sectional view taken along lines 11-11 of Figure 10 and a fluid schematic of the fluid system incorporating the principles of the present invention.
- Figure 18 is a side view of a cleaning fluid cartridge incorporating the principles of the present invention.
- Figure 19 is a top view taken along lines 19-19 of Figure 18.
- Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 20-20 of Figure 18.
- Figure 21 is a perspective of a collar incorporating the principles of the present invention.
- Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge and docking port incorporating the principles of the present invention.
- Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the suction nozzle taken along lines 23-23 of Figure 24.
- Figure 24 is a perspective view of the suction nozzle.
- A cleaning device according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 as including a
frame 30 to which are mounted a pair ofwheels 32 bystrut 34. As illustrated in Figure 2, the wheels are in their operable position allowing the cleaning device to move across the surface to be cleaned. For the stored position, the wheels are rotated forward or counter-clockwise in Figure 2 and comes to rest below the front end of theframe 30. Extending from the top end of theframe 30 is ahandle 36 having fluid activation trigger 38 and aspotter actuator 40. Mounted to the front end of the frame is aspray nozzle 42 for projected cleaning fluid mixtures onto the surface to be cleaned and asuction nozzle 46 mounted topipe 44 for removing fluids from the surface to be cleaned. - A
water tank 48 and waste fluid orreturn tank 50 are connected as a single unit including ahandle 52. The tanks are removably mounted to theframe 30 and are secured thereto by acam latch 54 engaging the bottom of thewaste fluid tank 50. Anupper housing 56 mounted toframe 30 above the tank unit includes anair fluid separator 58, amotor 60 and a pump orfan 62 as illustrated in Figure 3. Anopening 57 is provided in theupper housing 56 to view the fluid in theseparator 58 which has a transparent body. Anelectrical switch 63 activates themotor 60 and anelectric cord 65 provides power. - A container or cartridge of detergent, shampoo or other concentrated
cleaning fluid 64 including acollar 66 is mounted todocking port 68 in theupper housing 56 as illustrated in Figure 2. The cleaning fluid is mixed with water from the water tank and projected throughspray nozzle 42. - Initially, the
water tank 48 is filled with fluid and mounted to theframe 30 and securely held thereto bycam latch 54. A concentratedcleaning fluid cartridge 64 is mounted intodocking port 68. Now the system is ready for operation. As will be explained more fully below, the cleaning device operates by activating themotor 63 to turn on the motor to operate the fan andpump 62 to create a force to project a mixture of cleaning fluid and water out ofspray nozzle 42 on the surface as well as to create a suction to draw fluid throughsuction nozzle 46. With thetrigger 38 in its normal position, no fluid is dispensed. Upon depressingtrigger 38, the amount of fluid projected fromspray nozzle 42 can be controlled. If a stubborn stain or especially dirty surface is to be cleaned, the spottingactuator 40 is operated to increase the mixing ratio of detergent to water. The dirty or waste fluid fromsuction nozzle 46 is provided toseparator 58 wherein the air is separated from the dirty fluid which is provided to wastefluid tank 50. The air is provided back through the fan/pump 62 to be re-introduced to thespray nozzle 42. Once the cleaning is done, the tank assembly is removed by releasingcam latch 54 and the contents of thewaste fluid tank 50 are emptied. This cycle of operation may be repeated. - The
spray nozzle 42, which is illustrated in detail in Figure 4, is an air venturi system which draws a cleaning fluid mixture and projects it onto the cleaning surface. Spraynozzle 42 includes an air manifold having twocomplementary pieces top air manifold 72 removed, the nozzle of the air manifold is generally fan-shaped having a plurality ofnozzle channels 76 extending therethrough. Unitary to the air manifold is an inlet tube orconduit 78 connected to a source of pressurized air or the output of thefan 62. Mounted interior the air manifold is afluid manifold 80 having a plurality offingers 82 extending therefrom and lying in thenozzle channels 76.Supports 84 and 85, which are integral with the airmanifold elements fluid manifold 80 and itsfingers 82 central within the air manifold and supports 84 and thenozzle channels 76. Thefluid manifold 80 includes aninlet 86 extending through the back wall of the air manifold and is connected bytubing 88 to the source of a cleaning fluid mixture. - Air introduced into
conduit 78 moves through the air manifold around theliquid manifold 80 andfingers 82 andexit nozzle channels 76. The restriction of the air through the nozzle channels creates a venturi effect so as to draw or educe cleaning fluid mixture from thefingers 82 to be forceably ejected onto a surface to be cleaned. Although the system has been designed to operate on a pure eduction principle, it is preferred that the source of cleaning fluid mixture be pressurized so as to maintain an even flow of cleaning mixture fluid to thespray nozzle 42. Since the principle force to draw the cleaning fluid mixture is the venturi effect produced by the air manifold, the pressure provided to the cleaning fluid source is substantially smaller than that provided to the air manifold. - The cleaning fluid mixture provided to the
spray nozzle 42 bytubing 88 is from a control switch and mixer illustrated specifically in Figures 5-8 and operated by thetrigger actuator 40 and the spottingactuator 38 illustrated in detail in Figure 9. A mixing V orconnector 90 which is mounted to theframe 30 has a mixing outlet connected totube 88, a water inlet connected totube 92 and a cleaning fluid inlet connected totubing 94. The water fromtube 92 and the cleaning fluid fromtube 94 are mixed in theV 90 and provided tooutlet tube 88. Engaging one side of theoutlet tube 88 is ananvil 96 and adjacent one side of thewater inlet tube 92 is ananvil 98. Pivotally connected to theframe 30 at 100 is arocker arm 102 havinghammers pivot 100. A biasing means orspring 108 is received in aspring housing 110 on theframe 30 and engages therocker arm 102 aroundpost 112. The biasing means orspring 108 biases therocker arm 102 counter-clockwise in Figure 5. Aslot 114 in therocker arm 102 receives a control link orwire 116 connected to thespotter actuator 40 and thetrigger 38. - Without operation of the
trigger 38 or spottingactuator 40,spring 108 rotates therocker arm 102 to its initial position illustrated in Figure 5 such thathammer 104 is pressed againstanvil 96 completely restricting thetubing 88 at the outlet of themixer 90. This is illustrated specifically in the cross-section of Figure 6. In this position, no cleaning fluid mixture is provided to thespray nozzle 42. Thus, if the electric motor is actuated, only air is blown onto the surface to be cleaned. This could produce an air drying if desired. - With movement of the
control wire 116 to the right, therocker arm 102 rotates counter-clockwise moving thehammer 104 away from theanvil 96 so as to begin to open theclosed outlet tube 88. Dependent upon the amount of motion ofwire 116 and pivotal rotation ofrocker arm 102, the flow rate of cleaning fluid mixture can be controlled. Therocker arm 102 can be rotated to a position allowing unrestricted flow of theoutlet tube 88 as well as unrestricted flow fromwater inlet tubing 92. - Further rightward motion of
wire 116 and counter-clockwise rotation ofrocker arm 102 causes hammer 106 to engage thewater inlet tube 92 and being restricting its flow into the mixingV 90. The degree of restriction ofwater inlet 92 permitted is defined by astop 118 and is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. This restricted position ofwater inlet tube 92 defines a specific ratio of concentrated cleaning fluid fromtube 94 and water fromtube 92 to remove stubborn stains or spots and is known as the spotting position. - Thus, it can be seen that the
rocker arm 102 sequentially operates from a first position illustrated in Figure 5 wherein the outlet is restricted byanvil 96 andhammer 104 for zero flow rate through a first plurality of intermediate angular positions having intermediate restrictions of the outlet to define various flow rates and a second plurality of intermediate angular positions having intermediate restrictions of thewater inlet 92 provided byanvil 98 andhammer 106 to define the mixing ratio. Thus, a single assembly is provided which controls both the flow rate of dispensing cleaning fluid mixture as well as the mixing ratio of cleaning fluid to water. If required, the rocker arm can be reshaped such thathammer 106 will begin to restrictwater inlet tube 92 whilehammer 104 also restrictsoutlet tube 88. - The operation of the
rocker arm 102 is controlled viawire 116 by the spottingactuator 40 and trigger 38 illustrated in detail in Figure 9. The spottingactuator 40 is pivotally mounted to thehandle 36 at 120 as istrigger 38. Thecontrol wire 116 is connected to post 122 on spottingactuator 40.Post 122 lies in aelongated slot 124 in thetrigger 38. The spottingactuator 40 extends from the top of the handle while thetrigger 38 extends from the bottom of the handle. This allows activation of either control with the same hand that holds and directs the cleaning device. The spottingactuator 40 may be controlled by the thumb and thetrigger 38 by the other fingers which wrap about thehandle 36. - Counter-clockwise rotation of
trigger 38 as illustrated in Figure 9 from its initial position causes counter-clockwise rotation of the spottingactuator 40 and moves thecontrol wire 116 to the right. Thetrigger 38 is designed such that the total amount of angular motion which it is capable of travelling is limited to produce viacontrol wire 116 rotation of therocker arm 102 from the fully restricted condition ofoutlet tube 88 ofmixer 90 to the completely unrestricted condition ofoutlet tube 88 and no restriction of thewater inlet tube 92. The restriction ofwater inlet tube 92 byhammer 106 is produced by the further motion by travel produced by spottingactuator 40. The counter-clockwise rotation ofspotter actuator 40 moves thewire 116 further to the right without further motion oftrigger 38 sincepost 122 moves inslot 124. It should also be noted thatspotter actuator 40 may be operated independent oftrigger 38 because of theslot 124. The biasing means 108 ofrocker arm 102 is sufficiently strong to clamp theoutlet tubing 88 and retains the spottingactuator 38 and trigger 40 in their position illustrated in Figure 9 viawire 116. - The
water line 92 and the cleaningfluid line 94 of the mixingV 90 are connected to the fluid circuit illustrated in Figure 11. Ablock 126 includes anair port 128 and awater port 130. Anair inlet nipple 132 and awater outlet nipple 134 are provided in the top ofwater tank 48. Atube 136 extends down from thewater outlet nipple 134 to the bottom of thewater tank 48. Thenipples ports block 126. As will be explained more fully below, theblock 126 is mounted to theseparator 58 to receive thenipples ball 138 inwater port 130 acts as a check valve to prevent back flow into thewater tank 48. - Connected to the other end of
water port 130 is afirst fitting 140 having amain outlet 142 connected to the mixingwater inlet tube 92 and arestricted outlet 144. The axis of the inlet of fitting 140 is coincident with the axis of the restrictedoutlet 144 and is orthogonal to themain outlet 142 axis. The cross-sectional area ofmain outlet 142 is substantially larger than the cross-sectional area of restrictedoutlet 144. By way of example, the main outlet may have a cross-sectional area four times that of the restricted outlet. - Connected to the
first fitting 140 about restrictedoutlet 144 is asecond fitting 146. A primarycleaning fluid inlet 148 of fitting 146 is connected to the concentratedcleaning fluid container 64 bytube 150. The restrictedoutlet 144 provides a secondary inlet to thesecond fitting 146. Theoutlet 152 of thesecond fitting 146 is connected to cleaningfluid inlet pipe 94 of themixer 90. The fan or pump 62 provides pressurized air viatubing 154 to an input of the concentratedcleaning fluid container 64 and bytubing 156 towater tank 48 viaair port 128. The primary outlet ofpump 62 is throughconduit 158 to the air manifold ofspray nozzle 142. - When the
outlet tubing 88 ofmixer 90 is totally restricted, no fluid is flowing in the circuitry of Figure 11. Once the restriction ofoutlet tubing 88 is removed, water under pressure leaves thetank 48 throughtubing 136,nipple 134 andport 132 to raisecheck valve 138 and the flow throughmain outlet 142 andtubing 92 to the mixingvalve 90. Similarly, concentrated cleaning fluid fromcontainer 64 flows viaconduit 150 and fitting 146 totubing 94 andmixer 90. In this state, very little water, if any, exits the restrictedoutlet 144 from thefirst fitting 140 into thesecond fitting 146. For spotting or any other condition wherein thewater inlet tubing 92 is restricted, the flow inmain outlet 142 of fitting 140 is reduced and therefore the flow in restrictedoutlet 144 is increased. Although this flow introduces water into the concentrated cleaning fluid, it does not dilute it compared to the unrestricted waterline flow mixture. It also increases the pressure intubing 94. This allows for greater flow rate of the concentrated cleaning fluid into themixer 90 and thus the resulting cleaning fluid mixture exiting themixer 90 has a substantially increased ratio of cleaning fluid to water. - As can be seen from the circuit of Figure 11, the water and the cleaning fluid supply of the system are pressurized. This produces even control of the fluids such that their mixing ratio and flow rate can be assured. The system also takes advantage of the natural siphoning effect which results from the
venturi spray nozzle 42. - Realizing this, the pressure provided by
pump 62 viatubing conduit 158 to theventuri spray nozzle 42. Although the pressure supply viatubing tank 48 and thesecondary passage 144 of fitting 140 being vertical, the force of gravity helps to further reduce the amount of fluid flowing throughrestrictive passage 144 into the concentratedcleaning fluid fitting 146. - The
unique cartridge 64 includingcollar 66 is illustrated in Figures 18-21. Thecartridge 64 includes anon-circular body 200 having aneck 202 extending therefrom. Threadedportions 204 onneck 202 receivescap 206. Acircumferential ridge 208 onneck 202 retains thecollar 66 between the top of the cartridge and theridge 208 such that the collar may rotate relative to thecartridge 64 without any axial motion between the collar and cartridge. The sides of the cartridge adjacent the top includes fourindentures Indentures handle 218 extending fromcollar 66 to define two distinct positions of the collar relative to the body. As will be explained more fully below, when thehandle 218 is inrecess 210, thecollar 66 is in its initial angular position capable of entering into thedocking port 68 of the cleaning device. As thecollar 66 is rotated counter-clockwise in Figure 19, the handle will be received inrecess 212 which will define a final locked angular position of the collar in the docking port. It should also be noted that therecess 210 allows the handle to be received substantially within thebody 200 and therefore allows for easy packaging. - The
collar 66 includes a pair of camming recesses 220 therein to receive a pair of tabs in the docking port of the cleaning device. Eachrecess 220 includes anentry slot 222 on the top of the collar connected respectively to ainclined portion 224 followed by ahorizontal lock portion 226. A pair of lugs 260 (Figure 22) on thedocking port 68 are received inentry slots 222 and the collar is rotated relative to the body causing the total assembly to move axially without rotation of thecartridge 64. Thelugs 260 ride down theinclined portion 224 alongportion 226 to lock the collar and cartridge in place in the docking port. The lockingportion 226 prevents reverse rotation by vibration or use of the cleaning device. Since the cartridge is part of a pressure fluid system, it is important that the docking be firm and secure for proper operation of the cleaning device. Thus, alignment and airtight connection is critical. As illustrated in Figure 21, thecollar 66 is formed of two portions connected by an integral lyinghinge 228. The collar is wrapped around theneck 202 belowridge 208 withlatch 232 locking on top ofcatch 230. -
Indentures collar 66. - Received in the top opening of the
bottle neck 202 is aninsert 234 having a pair ofnozzles nozzle 236 being an air inlet andnozzle 238 being a fluid outlet. Theinsert 234 has a pair ofcircumferial ridges 240 which engage and seal the insert against the interior of theneck 202. As previously discussed, this is a positive pressure supply system and therefore this seal must be maintained. Anaxial keyway 242 is provided in theinsert 234 and is received inkey 244 running along the interior of theneck 202. This aligns theinsert 234 and thenozzles tube 246 extends from the bottom of thebody 200 to thefluid outlet nozzle 238. - The
cartridge 64 in dockingport 68 is illustrated in detail in Figure 22. The docking port is an assembly which includes adocking housing 250 mounted to theupper housing 56. A pair ofopposed slots 252 are provided in thedocking housing 250. AU-shaped clip 254 is inserted in the docking housing having a pair ofnipples housing 250 to receiveair inlet conduit 154 from the outlet of the pump and cleaningfluid supply tubing 150 leading to the second fitting 146 (see Figure 11). The outer edges of theU-shaped clip 254 hastabs 260 which engage the bottom of theslots 252 in the docking housing to maintain the clip therein. Extending to the interior of the docking housing are a pair oflugs 262. These lugs form the complementary camming surfaces to be used with the camming recesses 220 in thecollar 66. A moldedrubber sealing disc 264 is received in theU-shaped clip 254. - By using a
clip 254 to be inserted through the docking housing, it can be made of hard material capable of many insertions on the camming surface. For example, it may be made of Delrin plastic. This reduces the cost of the overall device by making the shaped clip of such expensive material instead of requiring the whole docking housing to be so made. The moldedrubber seal 264 creates an airtight seal since it receivesnozzles shoulders 266 and 268 extend from thehousing wall 56 and provide guides or key forindentures - As can be seen from Figures 2 and 22, the
cartridge 64 lies in a chamber in theupper housing 56 with theneck portion 202 extending into a recess portion and thebody 200 lying in a cavity portion of the chamber. The cavity encompasses at least three of the sides of the body. - A
cartridge 64 of concentrated cleaning fluid may be mounted to thedocking port 68 by aligning theindentures shoulders 266 and 268 of the housing, respectively. Thecollar 66 is placed in its initial or insertion position as defined by thehandle 218 lying inindenture 210 of the body. The body and collar are moved axially until thelugs 262 of the docking port are received inentry slots 222 in the top of the collar. Thecollar 66 is then rotated byhandle 218 accessible from the exterior of the cavity causing the body and collar to move axially during rotation of the collar. Theindentures shoulders 266 and 268 to prevent thecartridge 64 from rotating. The collar is rotated to its final or lock position defined by thehandle 218 being received inindenture 212 on the body. In this position, orifices innozzles nipples insert 234 having a keyway assures alignment of the nozzles with the body and thecamming recess 220 of the collar withtabs 262 assure initial alignment as well asindentures collar 66. - The
suction nozzle 46 of the present invention as illustrated in Figures 23 and 24 is composed of a front-top piece 270 and a back-bottom piece 272 joined by appropriate fasteners. The nozzle includes a first orinlet passage 274 and a second oroutlet passage 276. Theinlet passage 274 is generally U-shaped along a cross-section transverse to the flow axis having aflat bight portion 278 and a pair ofshort leg portions 280. The frontflat bight portion 278 has a substantially triangular configuration diminishing from the base ornozzle inlet 282 to itsjuncture 284 with theoutlet passage 276. As can be seen from Figure 23, the distance of separation between the front and back portions of the walls of the front andbottom pieces inlet portion 282 to thejuncture 284 between the inlet,first passage 274 and the outlet,second passage 276. This change of distance of separation compensates for the diminishing triangular portion of the front and back faces such that the cross-sectional area of theinlet passage 274 is substantially equal along the flow axis. This allows a uniform draw or suction throughout theinlet passage 278 and prevents fluid from hanging up and flowing back out theinlet 282. - The second passage or
outlet passage 276 as illustrated in Figure 23 has a generally triangular cross-section along the flow axis such that its cross-sectional area, transfers to the flow axis, increases along the flow axis. Acylindrical connector portion 285 receivespipe 44 of the housing. Thebottom wall 286 of the outlet passage extends diagonally across the connector inlet 284 (see Figure 3). Thus, the projected axis of thepipe 44 andoutlet connector 285 intersects the first,inlet passage 278 below thejuncture 284 of the inlet andoutlet passages outlet passage 276 forms a horizontal trough to collect fluid which will drip from the conduits between thenozzle 46 and thefluid separator 58 when the motor and suction system are deactivated. Thus, no fluid will exit theoutlet 282 when the device is turned off. - In order for the user to determine the condition of the extracted fluid being drawn through
nozzle inlet 282, at least thetop wall 288 of theoutlet section 276 should be transparent. The front, top and sides of the top piece of thenozzle 46 are transparent. This allows viewing of the fluid by the user during use. The operator cannot see the front wall ofpassage 274 since he generally stands behind the device during use. To further increase visibility of the fluid, the enlarged cross-sectional area of thetrough 276 causes a pressure drop to slow down the fluid at the juncture orintersection 284. Thebottom wall 286 maintains the fluid adjacent thetop wall 288 for better vieweing. When this fluid is slowed down, the exact content and color can be more readily ascertained. It should also be noted that by providing the front orinlet passage 274 as U-shaped, the fluid fromlegs 280 on entering theoutlet passage 276 intersect the primary flow from thebight portion 280 and create eddy currents at their junction. These eddy currents further slow down the fluid in the viewing area. - To further increase visibility, the back and bottom walls of the
bottom piece 272 should be made of non-transparent material. Preferably, they should be white such that additional light may be provided from the back to illuminate the extracted fluids. It should be noted that the outside side walls are extended at 290 to provide a shield for thespray nozzle 42 to prevent water from being sprayed outside thesuction nozzle 46. - From the preceding description of the preferred embodiments, it is evident that the objects of the invention are attained, and although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The spirit and scope of the invention are to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
Claims (30)
a body;
a pair of laterally spaced orifices;
a collar encompassing and rotatable about a portion of said body;
a cam surface on said collar for cooperating with a respective cam surface of said device; and
means on said collar and said body defining an initial entry angular position of said collar on said body and defining a final locked angular position of said collar on said body.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US58560984A | 1984-03-02 | 1984-03-02 | |
US06/585,547 US4570856A (en) | 1984-03-02 | 1984-03-02 | Liquid and detergent mixing chamber and valves |
US585873 | 1984-03-02 | ||
US06/585,873 US4559666A (en) | 1984-03-02 | 1984-03-02 | Air-liquid separator for cleaning devices |
US585547 | 1984-03-02 | ||
US585609 | 1984-03-02 | ||
EP84904255A EP0174312B1 (en) | 1984-03-02 | 1984-11-02 | Machine for cleaning surfaces such as carpets, floors and the like |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP84904255A Division EP0174312B1 (en) | 1984-03-02 | 1984-11-02 | Machine for cleaning surfaces such as carpets, floors and the like |
EP84904255.1 Division | 1985-09-19 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0404279A2 true EP0404279A2 (en) | 1990-12-27 |
EP0404279A3 EP0404279A3 (en) | 1992-03-25 |
EP0404279B1 EP0404279B1 (en) | 1995-02-15 |
Family
ID=27416457
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP90202187A Expired - Lifetime EP0404279B1 (en) | 1984-03-02 | 1984-11-02 | Apparatus with removable container for cleaning machine |
EP90202186A Expired - Lifetime EP0404278B1 (en) | 1984-03-02 | 1984-11-02 | Floor washing apparatus |
EP84904255A Expired - Lifetime EP0174312B1 (en) | 1984-03-02 | 1984-11-02 | Machine for cleaning surfaces such as carpets, floors and the like |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP90202186A Expired - Lifetime EP0404278B1 (en) | 1984-03-02 | 1984-11-02 | Floor washing apparatus |
EP84904255A Expired - Lifetime EP0174312B1 (en) | 1984-03-02 | 1984-11-02 | Machine for cleaning surfaces such as carpets, floors and the like |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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EP (3) | EP0404279B1 (en) |
AT (2) | ATE121918T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU3671884A (en) |
DE (3) | DE3486386T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1985003853A1 (en) |
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- 1984-11-02 EP EP90202187A patent/EP0404279B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1984-11-02 DE DE3486386T patent/DE3486386T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1984-11-02 DE DE8484904255T patent/DE3485060D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1984-11-02 WO PCT/US1984/001786 patent/WO1985003853A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1984-11-02 EP EP90202186A patent/EP0404278B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1984-11-02 EP EP84904255A patent/EP0174312B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1984-11-02 AT AT90202186T patent/ATE121918T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1984-11-02 DE DE3486370T patent/DE3486370T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1984-11-02 AU AU36718/84A patent/AU3671884A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1984-11-02 AT AT90202187T patent/ATE118324T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0535782A1 (en) * | 1991-07-15 | 1993-04-07 | Trc Acquisition Corporation | Cleaning device |
EP0744148A2 (en) * | 1991-07-26 | 1996-11-27 | Hoover Limited | Cleaning apparatus |
EP0744148A3 (en) * | 1991-07-26 | 1997-02-12 | Hoover Ltd | Cleaning apparatus |
DE102004063201A1 (en) * | 2004-12-23 | 2006-07-06 | Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg | Surface cleaning device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0174312A4 (en) | 1986-07-24 |
ATE121918T1 (en) | 1995-05-15 |
EP0404279B1 (en) | 1995-02-15 |
EP0174312B1 (en) | 1991-09-11 |
EP0404278A2 (en) | 1990-12-27 |
DE3486370T2 (en) | 1995-06-14 |
DE3485060D1 (en) | 1991-10-17 |
DE3486386D1 (en) | 1995-06-08 |
EP0404278A3 (en) | 1992-03-25 |
ATE118324T1 (en) | 1995-03-15 |
DE3486370D1 (en) | 1995-03-23 |
EP0404278B1 (en) | 1995-05-03 |
EP0174312A1 (en) | 1986-03-19 |
EP0404279A3 (en) | 1992-03-25 |
WO1985003853A1 (en) | 1985-09-12 |
DE3486386T2 (en) | 1996-01-25 |
AU3671884A (en) | 1985-09-24 |
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