EP0744148B1 - Cleaning apparatus - Google Patents
Cleaning apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0744148B1 EP0744148B1 EP96110973A EP96110973A EP0744148B1 EP 0744148 B1 EP0744148 B1 EP 0744148B1 EP 96110973 A EP96110973 A EP 96110973A EP 96110973 A EP96110973 A EP 96110973A EP 0744148 B1 EP0744148 B1 EP 0744148B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- reservoir
- compartment
- cleaning
- water
- cleaning fluid
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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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
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/14—Bags or the like; Rigid filtering receptacles; Attachment of, or closures for, bags or receptacles
- A47L9/1427—Means for mounting or attaching bags or filtering receptacles in suction cleaners; Adapters
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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
- A47L11/34—Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
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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
- A47L11/4002—Installations of electric equipment
- A47L11/4008—Arrangements of switches, indicators or the like
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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
- A47L11/4075—Handles; levers
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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
- A47L11/408—Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
- A47L11/4083—Liquid supply reservoirs; Preparation of the agents, e.g. mixing devices
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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
- A47L11/408—Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
- A47L11/4088—Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits
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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
- A47L11/4097—Means for exhaust-air diffusion; Exhaust-air treatment, e.g. air purification; Means for sound or vibration damping
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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
- A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
- A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
- A47L7/0009—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners with means mounted on the nozzle; nozzles specially adapted for the recovery of liquid
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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
- A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
- A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
- A47L7/0023—Recovery tanks
- A47L7/0028—Security means, e.g. float valves or level switches for preventing overflow
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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
- A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
- A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
- A47L7/0023—Recovery tanks
- A47L7/0038—Recovery tanks with means for emptying the tanks
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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
- A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
- A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
- A47L7/0042—Gaskets; Sealing means
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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
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/0009—Storing devices ; Supports, stands or holders
- A47L9/0018—Storing devices ; Supports, stands or holders integrated in or removably mounted upon the suction cleaner for storing parts of said suction cleaner
- A47L9/0027—Storing devices ; Supports, stands or holders integrated in or removably mounted upon the suction cleaner for storing parts of said suction cleaner specially adapted for holding the suction cleaning tools
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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
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/12—Dry filters
- A47L9/122—Dry filters flat
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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
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/32—Handles
Definitions
- This invention relates to cleaning apparatus, such as a multi-function suction cleaners, having a cleaning fluid dispensing system.
- multi-function suction cleaners having a washing mode of operation
- the cleaning fluid or shampoo must normally be pre-mixed with water in a reservoir within the cleaner.
- a disadvantage of this is that the correct quantity of shampoo must be pre-mixed with the water every time the water reservoir is filled.
- Another disadvantage of known multi-function cleaners is that they do not offer a rinsing mode of operation.
- European patent application No. 0 173 392 discloses a multi-function suction comprising container of cleaning fluid and a reservoir divided into first and second compartments by a flexible wall, the second compartment of the reservoir having an inlet for receiving pressurised water from the mains supply.
- the cleaning fluid is mixed with a stream of clean water pumped from the second compartment of the reservoir to the washing head of the cleaner: this arrangement is complex, with several flow valves through which the cleaning fluid passes; the valves are liable to become blocked when the equipment is not in use and the residual cleaning fluid in the valves dries out.
- a cleaning apparatus of the type disclosed in European patent application No. 0 173 392, which is characterised in that said first compartment of the reservoir is arranged to contain cleaning fluid, said flexible wall being arranged to deform under the pressure of water applied to said second compartment, to reduce the volume of said first compartment and force the cleaning fluid contained therein through a dispensing outlet.
- cleaning fluid is dispensed from the reservoir.
- the water under pressure is branched from a main flow of water passing to the cleaning or washing head of the apparatus, and the dispensed cleaning fluid mixes with this flow downstream of the branching point in a WASH mode of the apparatus.
- the cleaning fluid reservoir is mounted in a hand-grip, which comprises a tubular portion connectable at a first end to a flexible suction hose extending from a suction cleaner body of the apparatus and at its second end to a wand or directly to the cleaning or washing head of the apparatus (at the user's choice).
- the hand-grip includes an L-shaped handle joined at its opposite ends to the tubular portion: preferably the second end of the latter is angled to extend generally parallel to the adjacent, first arm of the L-shaped handle. The user grips the hand-grip around the second arm of the L-shaped handle.
- the dispensing system includes a control valve for controlling the flow of the water under pressure.
- the water is applied to the dispenser over a branch to dispense cleaning fluid into the main flow.
- the branch to the dispenser is shut-off and clean water only flows to the cleaning head, for rinsing purposes.
- the branch to the dispenser is connected to the air suction stream to drain the water compartment of the dispenser and so allow the cleaning fluid compartment to expand for refilling the latter with cleaning fluid.
- the feed of water to the dispenser and to the cleaning head and the suction to the water compartment of the dispenser are all shut-off, to provide a DRYING mode in which the apparatus applies normal suction only to the cleaning head.
- the dispensing system is controlled by a single valve permitting one-handed operation, with the cleaning fluid mixing with the water downstream of the valve and therefore without the risk of the valve becoming blocked.
- control valve is mounted in the hand-grip and is manually operated by an actuator (preferably a slidable trigger) also mounted on the hand-grip.
- actuator preferably a slidable trigger
- the actuator detents in its respective positions.
- the actuator includes indicia or other markings visible, in each of its positions, to indicate the operating mode.
- the reservoir is tubular in shape and the flexible wall comprises an elastomeric diaphragm sealed across one end of the compartment.
- the diaphragm is a rolling-wall type of diaphragm, comprising a series of annular sections, one encircling another and joined together to form a convoluted configuration. Under pressure from one side of the diaphragm, the diaphragm expands along the length of the reservoir by means of the annular sections inverting: for example, they may invert one-by-one, starting with the centre section.
- the dispensing outlet of the reservoir forms a constriction which determines the rate of flow of cleaning fluid, for a constant applied water pressure, so that the water finally passing to the cleaning head will include a constant concentration of the cleaning fluid.
- the dispensing outlet is provided with a non-return valve.
- a hand-grip of a suction cleaner in accordance with this invention, the hand-grip comprising an injection moulded plastics body which is formed in two halves, so as to allow components to be mounted inside the hand-grip before its two halves are joined.
- the hand-grip includes a straight tubular portion 75 formed at one end with the tubular collar 37 which connects to a suction hose 28, and formed at its opposite end with an angled portion which terminates in an end connector 70 to which an extension tube or a cleaning accessory may be connected.
- the hand-grip further comprises an L-shaped handle, having a first arm joined to the tube 75 adjacent the end connector 70 and a second arm joined to the tube 75 adjacent the end connector 37.
- the first arm of the L-shaped handle lies parallel to the axis of the end connector 70 and the second arm of the handle lies substantially perpendicular to the axis of the end connector 70.
- a slidably-mounted suction control knob 57 is mounted on the tube 75 under the L-shaped handle, to control a window allowing air to enter and reduce the suction at the inlet connector 70 if desired.
- a passage 43 which receives water from the body of the cleaner via the fluid feed tube 50, is connected to a port 100 of a dispenser valve 55 housed within the second arm of the L-shaped handle and shown in detail in Figure 8.
- the dispenser valve 55 comprises a piston 101 which is slidably mounted in a barrel 102.
- An actuating rod 73 connects the piston 101 to a trigger 56 on the handle.
- the valve further comprises a manifold 74 having three ports 103, 104, 105 which extend through the side wall of the barrel 102 and are connected to outlets 80, 81, 82 respectively.
- O-ring seals e.g. 83 are mounted around the piston 101 at intervals along its length.
- An annular cut-out 84 is formed in the piston 101 to connect ports 103 and 104 together when the piston is slid fully into the barrel, i.e. when the end of the piston is positioned at A ( Figure 11).
- An elongate cylindrical shampoo reservoir 66 is disposed within the first arm of the handle of the hand-grip.
- a removable plug 67 covers an aperture 68 for filling the shampoo reservoir 66, preferably from a sachet of shampoo.
- a fine gauze filter 69 covers the aperture to prevent any dirt entering the reservoir.
- a portion of the handle wall overlying the reservoir 66 is formed with a window 65 which enables the user to see how much shampoo is left within the reservoir 66.
- An elastomeric diaphragm 64 is sealed across an end of the reservoir 66: the diaphragm 64 is a rolling wall type, moulded in a convoluted shape such that it is able to open out when unequal pressures are applied to the compartments 34, 36 on its opposite sides.
- a pipe 58 is connected to the adjacent end wall of the reservoir 66 from the outlet 81 of the dispenser valve 55.
- Orifice plate 62 comprises a metal disc having a small hole in its centre, the size of the hole determining the rate of flow of shampoo from the compartment 36 of the reservoir.
- a non-return valve 63 of the duck-bill type, is mounted over the orifice plate 62.
- FIG. 1 shows the dispenser valve set in the wash mode, by setting the piston with its end at position D. In this mode both water and shampoo are fed to the shampoo head via an outlet pipe 61. Water under pressure enters the valve barrel and passes out through ports 104 and 105 and along pipes 58 and 59. Pipe 58 is connected to the compartment 34 of the shampoo reservoir 66.
- the water pressure on the inlet side of the diaphragm 64 is approximately 22 psi, whilst the other side of the diaphragm (in contact with the shampoo) is at atmospheric pressure.
- FIG. 6 shows the piston 101 fully inserted into the barrel 102 to position A, to provide the drain mode.
- the annular cut-out 84 formed in the piston 101 now connects the water space behind the diaphragm to the tube 75 of the hand-grip, by way of a pipe 71 connected to the manifold 74.
- the nozzle of a shampoo sachet is introduced into the filling aperture 68 and squeezed by hand to refill the reservoir: this refilling is assisted in that as the diaphragm 64 collapses, fresh shampoo is drawn into the compartment 36 by suction.
- the piston 101 is set to position C within its barrel as shown in Figure 4. In this rinse mode, water passes out of the valve 55 only through the fresh water pipe 59. No shampoo is dispensed in this mode because no water pressure is applied to the diaphragm 66 in the shampoo reservoir.
- the trigger 56 which controls the piston 101 is slidably mounted and projects through the second arm of the L-shaped handle.
- the piston actuating rod 73 is journalled to the trigger 56 such that sliding the trigger inwardly or outwardly moves the piston 101 into or out of the valve barrel.
- the user places his or her index finger on the profiled inner end of the trigger 56 to move it outwards and his or her thumb on the outer end of the trigger to move in inwards: the trigger detents in each of its different positions.
- the angled end connector 70 of the hand-grip comprises an oval-section female socket as shown in Figure 2.
- An outlet pipe 72 is mounted to project into this socket parallel to its axis, the inner end of the pipe 72 being connected to the pipe 61.
- the female connector 70 is arranged for receiving the male end of an extension tube or cleaning accessory.
- two rigid extension tubes are provided with the cleaner, each having a male connector at one end and a female at the other.
- the extension tubes connect the hand-grip to the tool being used e.g. a shampoo cleaning head.
- the outlet pipe 72 of the hand-grip connects to a fluid feed tube running along the extension tubes.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
- Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
Description
- This invention relates to cleaning apparatus, such as a multi-function suction cleaners, having a cleaning fluid dispensing system.
- In multi-function suction cleaners having a washing mode of operation, the cleaning fluid or shampoo must normally be pre-mixed with water in a reservoir within the cleaner. A disadvantage of this is that the correct quantity of shampoo must be pre-mixed with the water every time the water reservoir is filled. Another disadvantage of known multi-function cleaners is that they do not offer a rinsing mode of operation.
- European patent application No. 0 173 392 discloses a multi-function suction comprising container of cleaning fluid and a reservoir divided into first and second compartments by a flexible wall, the second compartment of the reservoir having an inlet for receiving pressurised water from the mains supply.
- In use, the cleaning fluid is mixed with a stream of clean water pumped from the second compartment of the reservoir to the washing head of the cleaner: this arrangement is complex, with several flow valves through which the cleaning fluid passes; the valves are liable to become blocked when the equipment is not in use and the residual cleaning fluid in the valves dries out.
- In accordance with this invention there is provided a cleaning apparatus of the type disclosed in European patent application No. 0 173 392, which is characterised in that said first compartment of the reservoir is arranged to contain cleaning fluid, said flexible wall being arranged to deform under the pressure of water applied to said second compartment, to reduce the volume of said first compartment and force the cleaning fluid contained therein through a dispensing outlet.
- Thus when water under pressure is applied to the second compartment, cleaning fluid is dispensed from the reservoir. Preferably the water under pressure is branched from a main flow of water passing to the cleaning or washing head of the apparatus, and the dispensed cleaning fluid mixes with this flow downstream of the branching point in a WASH mode of the apparatus.
- Preferably the cleaning fluid reservoir is mounted in a hand-grip, which comprises a tubular portion connectable at a first end to a flexible suction hose extending from a suction cleaner body of the apparatus and at its second end to a wand or directly to the cleaning or washing head of the apparatus (at the user's choice). Preferably the hand-grip includes an L-shaped handle joined at its opposite ends to the tubular portion: preferably the second end of the latter is angled to extend generally parallel to the adjacent, first arm of the L-shaped handle. The user grips the hand-grip around the second arm of the L-shaped handle.
- Preferably the dispensing system includes a control valve for controlling the flow of the water under pressure. In one setting, the water is applied to the dispenser over a branch to dispense cleaning fluid into the main flow. In another setting, the branch to the dispenser is shut-off and clean water only flows to the cleaning head, for rinsing purposes. In a further setting, the branch to the dispenser is connected to the air suction stream to drain the water compartment of the dispenser and so allow the cleaning fluid compartment to expand for refilling the latter with cleaning fluid. In a yet further setting, the feed of water to the dispenser and to the cleaning head and the suction to the water compartment of the dispenser are all shut-off, to provide a DRYING mode in which the apparatus applies normal suction only to the cleaning head.
- In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing system is controlled by a single valve permitting one-handed operation, with the cleaning fluid mixing with the water downstream of the valve and therefore without the risk of the valve becoming blocked.
- Preferably the control valve is mounted in the hand-grip and is manually operated by an actuator (preferably a slidable trigger) also mounted on the hand-grip. Preferably the actuator detents in its respective positions. Preferably the actuator includes indicia or other markings visible, in each of its positions, to indicate the operating mode.
- Preferably only one fill of the shampoo or cleaning fluid reservoir is necessary for several (e.g. two) refills of the water reservoir in the cleaner.
- Preferably the reservoir is tubular in shape and the flexible wall comprises an elastomeric diaphragm sealed across one end of the compartment. Preferably the diaphragm is a rolling-wall type of diaphragm, comprising a series of annular sections, one encircling another and joined together to form a convoluted configuration. Under pressure from one side of the diaphragm, the diaphragm expands along the length of the reservoir by means of the annular sections inverting: for example, they may invert one-by-one, starting with the centre section.
- Preferably the dispensing outlet of the reservoir forms a constriction which determines the rate of flow of cleaning fluid, for a constant applied water pressure, so that the water finally passing to the cleaning head will include a constant concentration of the cleaning fluid. Preferably the dispensing outlet is provided with a non-return valve.
- An embodiment of this invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal section through a hand-grip of a suction cleaner in accordance with this invention;
- FIGURE 2 is a sectional view along the line II-II of the hand-grip Figure 1;
- FIGURE 3 is a block diagram to explain the operation of a dispensing valve of the hand-grip of Figure 1, in a WASH mode of the cleaner;
- FIGURE 4 is a block diagram to explain the operation of the dispensing valve in a RINSE mode of the cleaner;
- FIGURE 5 is a block diagram to explain the operation of the dispensing valve in a DRYING mode of the cleaner; and
- FIGURE 6 is a block diagram to explain operation of the dispensing valve in a REFILL mode of the cleaner;
-
- Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown a hand-grip of a suction cleaner in accordance with this invention, the hand-grip comprising an injection moulded plastics body which is formed in two halves, so as to allow components to be mounted inside the hand-grip before its two halves are joined. The hand-grip includes a straight
tubular portion 75 formed at one end with thetubular collar 37 which connects to asuction hose 28, and formed at its opposite end with an angled portion which terminates in anend connector 70 to which an extension tube or a cleaning accessory may be connected. The hand-grip further comprises an L-shaped handle, having a first arm joined to thetube 75 adjacent theend connector 70 and a second arm joined to thetube 75 adjacent theend connector 37. The first arm of the L-shaped handle lies parallel to the axis of theend connector 70 and the second arm of the handle lies substantially perpendicular to the axis of theend connector 70. A slidably-mountedsuction control knob 57 is mounted on thetube 75 under the L-shaped handle, to control a window allowing air to enter and reduce the suction at theinlet connector 70 if desired. - A
passage 43, which receives water from the body of the cleaner via thefluid feed tube 50, is connected to aport 100 of adispenser valve 55 housed within the second arm of the L-shaped handle and shown in detail in Figure 8. Thedispenser valve 55 comprises apiston 101 which is slidably mounted in abarrel 102. An actuatingrod 73 connects thepiston 101 to atrigger 56 on the handle. The valve further comprises amanifold 74 having threeports barrel 102 and are connected tooutlets piston 101 at intervals along its length. An annular cut-out 84 is formed in thepiston 101 to connectports piston 101 is retracted from this position, water frompassage 43 can enter thebarrel 102 and the position to which the piston is retracted determines to which ofoutlets port 105 only. If the piston is withdrawn to position D (Figure 8), then water can flow out of bothports - An elongate
cylindrical shampoo reservoir 66 is disposed within the first arm of the handle of the hand-grip. Aremovable plug 67 covers anaperture 68 for filling theshampoo reservoir 66, preferably from a sachet of shampoo. Afine gauze filter 69 covers the aperture to prevent any dirt entering the reservoir. A portion of the handle wall overlying thereservoir 66 is formed with awindow 65 which enables the user to see how much shampoo is left within thereservoir 66. Anelastomeric diaphragm 64 is sealed across an end of the reservoir 66: thediaphragm 64 is a rolling wall type, moulded in a convoluted shape such that it is able to open out when unequal pressures are applied to thecompartments pipe 58 is connected to the adjacent end wall of thereservoir 66 from theoutlet 81 of thedispenser valve 55. - The opposite end of the
reservoir 66 is formed with an outlet aperture in which anorifice plate 62 is disposed. Orificeplate 62 comprises a metal disc having a small hole in its centre, the size of the hole determining the rate of flow of shampoo from thecompartment 36 of the reservoir. Anon-return valve 63, of the duck-bill type, is mounted over theorifice plate 62. - The operation of the
dispenser valve 55 andshampoo reservoir 66 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6 of the drawings. Figure 1 shows the dispenser valve set in the wash mode, by setting the piston with its end at position D. In this mode both water and shampoo are fed to the shampoo head via anoutlet pipe 61. Water under pressure enters the valve barrel and passes out throughports pipes compartment 34 of theshampoo reservoir 66. The water pressure on the inlet side of thediaphragm 64 is approximately 22 psi, whilst the other side of the diaphragm (in contact with the shampoo) is at atmospheric pressure. Thus shampoo is forced out of thecompartment 36 of thereservoir 66 through theorifice plate 62 andnon-return valve 63 to mix with the flow of fresh water passing along thepipe 59. The size of the hole formed in theorifice plate 62 determines the concentration of shampoo in the mixture. It should be noted that thepump 25 of the cleaner maintains a constant pressure of water behind thediaphragm 64, so that the flow-rate of the shampoo remains constant. Thediaphragm 64 progressively expands and eventually will completely fill thecompartment 36 of theshampoo reservoir 66, whereupon the reservoir will need refilling. For this purpose, all of the water contained behind thediaphragm 64 must be drained, to return thediaphragm 64 to its original convoluted configuration. Figure 6 shows thepiston 101 fully inserted into thebarrel 102 to position A, to provide the drain mode. The annular cut-out 84 formed in thepiston 101 now connects the water space behind the diaphragm to thetube 75 of the hand-grip, by way of apipe 71 connected to themanifold 74. Thus the water in thecompartment 34 is sucked out into the air stream which is passing to the cleaner through thesuction hose 28. The nozzle of a shampoo sachet is introduced into the fillingaperture 68 and squeezed by hand to refill the reservoir: this refilling is assisted in that as thediaphragm 64 collapses, fresh shampoo is drawn into thecompartment 36 by suction. - If it is desired to rinse a surface with fresh water only, the
piston 101 is set to position C within its barrel as shown in Figure 4. In this rinse mode, water passes out of thevalve 55 only through thefresh water pipe 59. No shampoo is dispensed in this mode because no water pressure is applied to thediaphragm 66 in the shampoo reservoir. - In order to dry a surface being cleaned, the flow of both water and shampoo is stopped by setting the
piston 101 with its end at position B as shown in Figure 5. - The
trigger 56 which controls thepiston 101 is slidably mounted and projects through the second arm of the L-shaped handle. Thepiston actuating rod 73 is journalled to thetrigger 56 such that sliding the trigger inwardly or outwardly moves thepiston 101 into or out of the valve barrel. The user places his or her index finger on the profiled inner end of thetrigger 56 to move it outwards and his or her thumb on the outer end of the trigger to move in inwards: the trigger detents in each of its different positions. - The
angled end connector 70 of the hand-grip comprises an oval-section female socket as shown in Figure 2. Anoutlet pipe 72 is mounted to project into this socket parallel to its axis, the inner end of thepipe 72 being connected to thepipe 61. Thefemale connector 70 is arranged for receiving the male end of an extension tube or cleaning accessory. Typically two rigid extension tubes are provided with the cleaner, each having a male connector at one end and a female at the other. - The extension tubes connect the hand-grip to the tool being used e.g. a shampoo cleaning head. The
outlet pipe 72 of the hand-grip connects to a fluid feed tube running along the extension tubes.
Claims (8)
- A cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaning fluid dispensing system having a reservoir (66) divided into first and second compartments (36, 34) by a flexible wall (64), said second compartment (34) of the reservoir having an inlet (58) for water under pressure, characterised in that said first compartment (36) of the reservoir is arranged to contain cleaning fluid, said flexible wall (64) being arranged to deform under the pressure of water applied to said second compartment (34), to reduce the volume of said first compartment (36) and force the cleaning fluid contained therein through a dispensing outlet (60).
- A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the water under pressure is branched from a main flow of water passing to a cleaning or washing head of the apparatus and the dispensed cleaning fluid mixes with this flow downstream of the branching point in a WASH mode of the cleaner.
- A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the dispensing system comprises control valve means (55) operable to relieve the second compartment (34) of the reservoir from the water under pressure, in a RINSE mode of the apparatus.
- A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the control valve means (55) is operable to interrupt said main flow of water and to relieve the second compartment (34) of the reservoir from the water under pressure, in a DRYING mode of the apparatus.
- A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the control valve means (55) is operable to interrupt said main flow of water and vent the second compartment (34) of the reservoir, in order to permit refilling of the first compartment (36) with cleaning fluid.
- A cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the control valve means (55) comprises a single actuator (56) which is manually operable.
- A cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the cleaning fluid reservoir (66) is mounted in a hand-grip which comprises a tubular portion (75) connectable at a first end (37) to a flexible suction hose (28) extending from a suction cleaner body (1) of the apparatus, and its second end (70) connectable to a wand or directly to the cleaning or washing head of the cleaner.
- A cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the reservoir (66) is tubular in shape and the flexible wall (64) comprises an elastomeric diaphragm sealed across one end of the reservoir.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB919116200A GB9116200D0 (en) | 1991-07-26 | 1991-07-26 | Suction cleaner |
GB9116200 | 1991-07-26 | ||
EP92306845A EP0529805B1 (en) | 1991-07-26 | 1992-07-27 | Suction cleaner |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP92306845.6 Division | 1992-07-27 | ||
EP92306845A Division EP0529805B1 (en) | 1991-07-26 | 1992-07-27 | Suction cleaner |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0744148A2 EP0744148A2 (en) | 1996-11-27 |
EP0744148A3 EP0744148A3 (en) | 1997-02-12 |
EP0744148B1 true EP0744148B1 (en) | 2000-05-17 |
Family
ID=10699053
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP96110973A Expired - Lifetime EP0744148B1 (en) | 1991-07-26 | 1992-07-27 | Cleaning apparatus |
EP92306845A Expired - Lifetime EP0529805B1 (en) | 1991-07-26 | 1992-07-27 | Suction cleaner |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP92306845A Expired - Lifetime EP0529805B1 (en) | 1991-07-26 | 1992-07-27 | Suction cleaner |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP0744148B1 (en) |
DE (2) | DE69231070T2 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9116200D0 (en) |
Families Citing this family (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6041472A (en) | 1995-11-06 | 2000-03-28 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Upright water extraction cleaning machine |
FR2798276B1 (en) * | 1999-09-09 | 2002-05-24 | Seb Sa | TANK VACUUM |
US6571421B1 (en) * | 2000-10-03 | 2003-06-03 | John Chun Kuen Sham | Vacuum cleaner and steamer apparatus |
US6735811B2 (en) * | 2001-07-30 | 2004-05-18 | Tennant Company | Cleaning liquid dispensing system for a hard floor surface cleaner |
US20040040102A1 (en) * | 2001-07-30 | 2004-03-04 | Tennant Company | Foamed cleaning liquid dispensing system |
US6662600B1 (en) | 2002-08-07 | 2003-12-16 | Tennant Company | Foamed cleaning liquid dispensing system |
US8051861B2 (en) | 2001-07-30 | 2011-11-08 | Tennant Company | Cleaning system utilizing purified water |
US6671925B2 (en) * | 2001-07-30 | 2004-01-06 | Tennant Company | Chemical dispenser for a hard floor surface cleaner |
US8028365B2 (en) | 2003-09-02 | 2011-10-04 | Tennant Company | Hard and soft floor cleaning tool and machine |
BRPI0611656A2 (en) | 2005-05-05 | 2011-05-31 | Tennant Co | floor sweeping and scrubbing machinery, and method of cleaning a surface |
US8584294B2 (en) | 2005-10-21 | 2013-11-19 | Tennant Company | Floor cleaner scrub head having a movable disc scrub member |
DE102008009389B3 (en) * | 2008-02-14 | 2009-04-16 | Truplast Kunststofftechnik Gmbh | Handle arrangement on a suction hose |
DE102010035335A1 (en) | 2010-08-24 | 2012-03-01 | Robert Thomas Metall- Und Elektrowerke Gmbh & Co. Kg | Floor care unit and dust container for floor care appliance |
EP2644077A1 (en) * | 2012-03-27 | 2013-10-02 | Jan Schultink | Method for optimising a device for vacuum cleaning with hand-held, compact or upright vacuum cleaning device and filter bag |
EP2644075A1 (en) | 2012-03-27 | 2013-10-02 | Jan Schultink | Method for optimising a device for vacuum cleaning with hand-held, compact or upright vacuum cleaning device and filter bag |
DE102012110850A1 (en) * | 2012-11-12 | 2014-05-15 | Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg | Dampfsauggerät |
CN105407775B (en) * | 2013-07-02 | 2019-09-24 | 阿尔弗雷德·卡赫欧洲两合公司 | The method of steaming plant and operation steaming plant |
CN105358032B (en) | 2013-07-02 | 2019-01-01 | 阿尔弗雷德·卡赫欧洲两合公司 | Pumping equipment and method for running pumping equipment |
DE102013012241A1 (en) * | 2013-07-23 | 2015-01-29 | Festool Gmbh | Suction device with a dirt collector |
PL228042B1 (en) | 2015-08-07 | 2018-02-28 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Vacuum cleaner |
US10064530B2 (en) | 2015-09-16 | 2018-09-04 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Handheld vacuum cleaner |
DE102019121604B4 (en) * | 2019-08-09 | 2021-12-30 | Leifheit Ag | Wet / dry vacuum device |
EP3772314A1 (en) | 2019-08-09 | 2021-02-10 | Leifheit AG | Wet/dry vacuum cleaner |
WO2022160343A1 (en) * | 2021-02-01 | 2022-08-04 | 广东智意机器人科技有限公司 | Cleaning machine |
DE102021121707A1 (en) * | 2021-08-20 | 2023-02-23 | Festool Gmbh | suction device |
Family Cites Families (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2757406A (en) * | 1951-07-18 | 1956-08-07 | Moses O Decker | Apparatus for vacuum-cleaning upholstery, carpets, etc. |
US4153968A (en) * | 1977-08-08 | 1979-05-15 | Perkins Larry M | Cleaning device |
US4333203A (en) * | 1980-04-23 | 1982-06-08 | Bissell, Inc. | Conversion attachment for a wet-dry vacuum cleaner |
EP0404279B1 (en) * | 1984-03-02 | 1995-02-15 | Trc Acquisition Corporation | Apparatus with removable container for cleaning machine |
GB8421711D0 (en) * | 1984-08-28 | 1984-10-03 | Unilever Plc | Floor-cleaning machine |
DE8428799U1 (en) * | 1984-09-29 | 1985-02-14 | Engel, Sabine | VACUUM, WET, AND SPRAY EXTRACTORS |
DE3436064C2 (en) * | 1984-10-02 | 1986-08-07 | Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co, 7057 Winnenden | Wet-dry vacuum cleaner |
DE8633220U1 (en) * | 1986-12-11 | 1987-02-12 | Proha Gerätebau GmbH, 5000 Köln | Vacuum cleaner for picking up dry, wet and liquid dirt substances |
US4827562A (en) * | 1987-03-20 | 1989-05-09 | Bissell Inc. | Liquid extraction surface cleaning apparatus |
DE3879296D1 (en) * | 1987-06-29 | 1993-04-22 | Thomas Robert Metall Elektro | WET DRY SUCTION. |
DE8715687U1 (en) * | 1987-11-26 | 1989-03-23 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Filter cassette that can be inserted into the dust compartment of a vacuum cleaner |
DE8905958U1 (en) * | 1989-05-12 | 1990-09-13 | Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen | Portable receiving element with a receiving space for a vacuum cleaner filter bag |
DE4014219A1 (en) * | 1989-05-16 | 1990-11-22 | Siemens Ag | Horizontal vacuum cleaner dust bag - fits in carrier of open-topped skeleton strip structure clipped into position |
-
1991
- 1991-07-26 GB GB919116200A patent/GB9116200D0/en active Pending
-
1992
- 1992-07-27 DE DE1992631070 patent/DE69231070T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-07-27 EP EP96110973A patent/EP0744148B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-07-27 DE DE1992616716 patent/DE69216716T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-07-27 EP EP92306845A patent/EP0529805B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69216716T2 (en) | 1997-05-28 |
DE69231070D1 (en) | 2000-06-21 |
GB9116200D0 (en) | 1991-09-11 |
EP0529805B1 (en) | 1997-01-15 |
EP0744148A2 (en) | 1996-11-27 |
EP0529805A2 (en) | 1993-03-03 |
DE69231070T2 (en) | 2000-09-14 |
EP0529805A3 (en) | 1993-05-12 |
EP0744148A3 (en) | 1997-02-12 |
DE69216716D1 (en) | 1997-02-27 |
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