EP4106594B1 - Dispositif de nettoyage de sol - Google Patents

Dispositif de nettoyage de sol Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4106594B1
EP4106594B1 EP20839509.5A EP20839509A EP4106594B1 EP 4106594 B1 EP4106594 B1 EP 4106594B1 EP 20839509 A EP20839509 A EP 20839509A EP 4106594 B1 EP4106594 B1 EP 4106594B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
floor cleaner
tank
fluid
tank body
latch
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.)
Active
Application number
EP20839509.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP4106594A1 (fr
Inventor
Douglas M. Rukavina
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Techtronic Floor Care Technology Ltd
Original Assignee
Techtronic Floor Care Technology Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Techtronic Floor Care Technology Ltd filed Critical Techtronic Floor Care Technology Ltd
Publication of EP4106594A1 publication Critical patent/EP4106594A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4106594B1 publication Critical patent/EP4106594B1/fr
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Classifications

    • 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
    • A47L11/29—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
    • 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
    • A47L11/4075—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
    • A47L11/4088—Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a floor cleaner.
  • EP3162262 discloses a surface cleaning apparatus (more particularly a floor cleaner) according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a cleaning apparatus includes housing having an upright handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. It is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway.
  • the fluid delivery channel can be formed by a portion of a suction nozzle assembly on the base.
  • the present invention aims at improving the connection of the supply tank to the floor cleaner. This is achieved by a floor cleaner as defined in claim 1.
  • a floor cleaner including a body having a fluid recovery system.
  • the fluid recovery system includes a suction nozzle having a suction inlet, a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction nozzle by a fluid passageway, and a suction source configured to draw fluid from the suction nozzle to the recovery tank.
  • the floor cleaner further includes a fluid dispensing member selectively releasably attached to the body.
  • the dispensing member includes a grip, a fluid supply tank, a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank, a pump connecting the supply tank to the dispensing nozzle, a power source, and an actuator electrically connected to the power source and the pump.
  • the pump is configured to dispense fluid through the dispensing nozzle when the dispensing member is released from the body and the actuator is actuated by a user.
  • a floor cleaner including a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, a body connected to the base, a first fluid distribution system, and a second fluid distribution system.
  • the first fluid delivery system is supported by the base or the body and includes a first fluid supply tank, a first dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the first fluid supply tank, the first dispensing nozzle configured to provide a fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and a fluid recovery system.
  • the second fluid distribution system operates independently of the first fluid distribution system.
  • the second fluid distribution system is selectively releasably attached to the body and includes a grip, a second fluid supply tank, a second dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the second supply tank, a pump connecting the second supply tank to the second dispensing nozzle, a power source, and an actuator electrically connected to the power source and the pump.
  • the pump is configured to dispense fluid through the second dispensing nozzle when the second fluid distribution system is released from the body and the actuator is actuated by a user.
  • the present invention provides a floor cleaner including a base configured to move over a surface to be cleaned, a handle coupled to the base and the handle operable to move the base over the surface, and a dispensing nozzle configured to dispense a fluid onto the surface to be cleaned.
  • the floor cleaner further includes an actuator that controls a flow of the fluid through the dispensing nozzle and a supply tank in fluid communication with the dispensing nozzle.
  • the supply tank includes a tank body configured to store the fluid and a collar coupled to the tank body, the collar including a latch that removably couples the supply tank to the floor cleaner.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a floor cleaner 10 with a base 12 movable over a surface to be cleaned, a body portion 14 pivotally mounted to the base 12, and a fluid dispensing member 20 removably mounted to the body portion 14.
  • the fluid dispensing member is a handle assembly 20.
  • the handle assembly 20 is configured to include a dispensing nozzle 24.
  • the use of the handle assembly 20 as a dispensing member enables a solution to be applied to the surface to be cleaned with a degree of accuracy as to the position and region of application.
  • the handle assembly 20 is removed from the body portion 14, the user is able to apply a spot treatment to a targeted area of the surface to be cleaned remote from the floor cleaner 10 via the dispensing nozzle 24.
  • the handle assembly 20 and the body portion 14 are pivotal relative to the base 12 between an upright storage position ( FIG. 1 ) and an inclined floor cleaning position.
  • the floor cleaner 10 includes one or more tanks for storing liquid and is configured to distribute cleaning solution to the floor.
  • the floor cleaner 10 includes a supply tank 16 for providing water or other cleaning solution, optionally, a detergent tank 17, a spot treatment tank 28, and a recovery tank 18 for collecting dirty liquid extracted from the surface being cleaned.
  • the spot treatment tank 28 further discussed below, allows the user to apply spot treatment solution to a localized portion of a surface to be cleaned.
  • the supply tank 16 and detergent tank 17 may be positioned on the body portion 14, the fluid dispensing member 20, or operatively coupled to the base 12.
  • the base 12 has a fluid distribution system including a fluid distributer 56 in fluid communication with the supply tank 16 and the detergent tank 17.
  • the fluid distributer 56 distributes solution from the supply tank 16 and/or the detergent tank 17 to the surface to be cleaned.
  • the base 12 may include one or more brushrolls 54 to agitate and scrub the cleaning solution on the surface to dislodge embedded dirt or debris.
  • the floor cleaner 10 includes a first fluid distribution system and a second fluid distribution system.
  • the first fluid distribution system includes the fluid distributer 56 on the base 12 in fluid communication with the supply tank 16.
  • the second fluid distribution system includes the fluid dispensing member 20, and is operable independent of the first fluid distribution system.
  • the second fluid distribution system also includes a grip portion 22, a second fluid supply tank or spot treatment tank 28, the dispensing nozzle 24, a pump 30 connecting the second supply tank 28 to the dispensing nozzle 24, a power source, and an actuator 26 electrically connected to the power source and pump 30.
  • the applied cleaning solution is extracted from the surface by a fluid recovery system.
  • the fluid recovery system includes a mop pad or other absorbent media disposed on the base 12 of the floor cleaner.
  • the fluid recovery system includes a suction nozzle 58, a recovery tank 18, and a suction source 50.
  • the suction nozzle 58 has a suction inlet 52 at least partially spanning the front portion of the base 12. The suction nozzle 58 is in fluid flow communication with the recovery tank 18 by way of an air duct 60 operatively coupled between the base 12 and the body portion 14 .
  • the suction source 50 housed in the body portion 14 draws air and liquid through the suction nozzle 52 and the air duct 60 of the base 12, through an air/liquid separator in the recovery tank 18, to then exhaust the air to the atmosphere leaving separated liquid in the recovery tank 18.
  • the suction source 50 may be housed in a different portion of the floor cleaner 10, such as the base 12.
  • the floor cleaner 10 distributes cleaning solution to the surface, while simultaneously or sequentially extracting and recovering the applied cleaning solution in a continuous operation.
  • the recovery tank 18 is removably coupled to the body portion 14 to allow a user to remove the recovery tank 18 and empty the liquid contents.
  • the recovery tank 18 may be operatively coupled to another portion of the floor cleaner 10, such as the base 12.
  • the floor cleaner 10 is not an extractor and does not include a suction source and recovery tank.
  • the base includes a mop pad or other absorbent media for fluid recovery.
  • the handle assembly 20 includes the grip portion 22, the dispensing nozzle 24 in fluid communication with the spot treatment tank 28 or other supply tank or reservoir, and the actuator 26 configured to be activated by a user to dispense solution through the dispensing nozzle 24.
  • the handle assembly 20 may be used as a fluid dispensing member independent of the fluid distribution system in the base 12 of the floor cleaner, as well as independent of the fluid recovery system of the floor cleaner. In one embodiment, the handle assembly 20 may be used as a fluid dispensing member remote from the fluid distribution system and the fluid recovery system of the floor cleaner.
  • the fluid dispensing member may be used independently from the fluid recovery system, which means that the fluid dispensing member can be moved independently from the suction nozzle 52 or any other suction nozzle or other fluid recovery system on the floor cleaner 10 (such as one used with an accessory hose for above-floor cleaning).
  • the handle assembly 20 is not associated with, affixed in proximity to, or attached to any suction nozzle of the floor cleaner 10 allowing the cleaning fluid to be deposited on the cleaning surface without immediate recovery thereby allowing the deposited cleaning fluid sufficient time treat stains on the surface.
  • the handle assembly 20 may include a wand 23 extending from the grip portion 22.
  • the grip portion 22 is in an upper portion of the handle assembly 20 and the dispensing nozzle 24 is positioned in a lower portion.
  • the dispensing nozzle 24 may be positioned in the wand to dispense fluid through the wand 23 when the user activates the actuator 26.
  • the fluid dispensing member here illustrated as the handle assembly 20, is selectively removable from the body portion.
  • the handle assembly 20 includes a first position in which the handle assembly 20 is mounted to and movable with the body portion 14, and a second position in which the handle assembly 20 is released from and movable independently of the body portion 14.
  • the handle assembly 20 is configured to steer the floor cleaner 10 along the surface to be cleaned in the first position, or mounted position.
  • the handle assembly 20 is in the second position, removed from the body portion 14, the user is able to apply a spot treatment to a targeted area of the surface to be cleaned via the dispensing nozzle 24.
  • the handle assembly 20 is received in an aperture or interior 42 of the body portion and removed from the interior 42 by pulling the handle assembly 20 out of the interior 42.
  • the aperture 42 forms a longitudinal axis 46 and the wand 23 slides into and out of the aperture 42 along the longitudinal axis 46.
  • the interior 42 may be a recess or pocket on the body portion 14 configured to receive a portion of the handle assembly 20.
  • the handle assembly 20 is releasably attached to the body portion 14 using a latch 38 having a release button 40.
  • the body portion 14 includes the latch 38.
  • the handle assembly 20 includes the latch 38.
  • the latch 38 includes a first retaining feature (not shown) that engages with a corresponding second retaining feature, such as a recess 41 ( FIGS. 2 and 2a ) on the handle assembly 20.
  • the latch first retaining feature may be a hook, catch, protrusion, rib, recess, aperture, or other retaining feature as desired.
  • the handle retaining feature 41 may be a hook, catch, protrusion, rib, recess, aperture, or other retaining feature corresponding to and engageable with the latch first retaining feature as desired to releaseably couple the handle assembly 20 to the body portion 14.
  • the user removes the handle assembly 20 from the cleaner 10 by pressing the release button 40 releasing the latch 38, and pulling the handle assembly 20 away from the body portion 14.
  • the removable handle 20 includes the grip 22, the dispensing nozzle 24, the actuator 26, and the spot treatment tank 28.
  • the spot treatment tank 28 is in fluid communication with the dispensing nozzle 24 of the handle assembly 20 via a supply tube 44.
  • the handle assembly 20 contains a pump 30 and a battery 37.
  • the actuator 26 activates a switch 32, such as a microswitch, that activates the pump 30.
  • the pump 30 draws solution from the spot treatment tank 28 through a dip tube 43 ( FIG. 7 ), then moves liquid through the supply tube 44, through a check valve 36 and out the dispensing nozzle 24.
  • This arrangement allows the user to operate the removable handle 20 in an untethered and remote position, independent of the body portion 14 of the floor cleaner.
  • the spot treatment tank 28 is operatively and removably coupled to the handle assembly 20 by a spot treatment housing 35.
  • the spot treatment tank 28 is received into the spot treatment housing 35, and secured to the housing 35 by a latch 34.
  • a latching feature, such as a recess 39 on the spot treatment tank 28 receives the latch 34 to secure the tank 28.
  • the latch 34 secures the spot treatment tank 28 to the housing 35 and handle assembly 20.
  • the spot treatment tank 28 is removable from the handle assembly 20 by releasing the latch 34 and pulling the tank 28 away from the housing 35.
  • the spot treatment tank 28 may be a refillable container or may be a disposable container containing a single use amount of solution.
  • the spot treatment tank 28 may be operatively and removably coupled to the body portion 14 of the floor cleaner 10 instead of being coupled to the fluid dispensing member 20.
  • the fluid dispensing member 20 is tethered to the body portion 14 by a tube fluidly connected to the spot treatment tank 28 configured to dispense solution from the fluid dispensing member 20 in the second position.
  • the pump may be on the fluid dispensing member 20 and powered by a battery to draw fluid from the spot treatment tank on the body portion through the tube to the dispensing nozzle 24.
  • the fluid dispensing member is tethered to the body portion by an electrical connection, wherein the pump on the fluid dispensing member is powered through the electrical connection in the tether.
  • the pump and the spot treatment tank may both be on the body portion 14 and fluidly connected to the dispensing nozzle 24 on the fluid dispensing member 20.
  • the fluid dispensing member 20 is fluidly connected to the supply tank 16 and/or the detergent tank 17 tethered by a tube 45 to provide cleaning solution to the fluid dispensing member 20 in the second position.
  • the pump may be in the fluid dispensing member 20 and powered by a battery or powered by an electrical connection from the body portion 14, or the pump may be on the body portion 14 of the floor cleaner 10.
  • the supply tank 16 and/or detergent tank 17 are removable from the body portion 14 while fluidly connected to the fluid dispensing member 20 to enable the user to apply spot treatment remote from the floor cleaner 10.
  • the pump 30 may be manually operated or electrically operated. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 30 is powered by battery 37.
  • the pump 30 is activated by the actuator 26.
  • the actuator 26 may be a button, trigger, switch, or similar actuation mechanism. In operation, the user presses the actuator 26 to energize the pump for an electrical pump, or presses the actuator to drive a mechanical pump, to move cleaning solution from the spot treatment tank 28 through the dispensing nozzle 24 located on the fluid dispensing member 20. This allows the user to selectively apply solution to the surface to be cleaned, for example, to a particularly dirty spot on the surface to be cleaned.
  • cleaning solution flows by gravity from the spot treatment tank 28, through the supply tube 44, to the dispensing nozzle 24.
  • the actuator 26 is communicatively coupled with a valve to be opened if the actuator 26 is actuated and closed if the actuator 26 is released. The user can selectively actuate the actuator 26 to open the valve to allow passage of the cleaning solution to the dispensing nozzle 24.
  • the floor cleaner 10 In use of the floor cleaner 10, it will be appreciated that it is convenient for the user, if wishing to subject the surface to be cleaned to pre or post-cleaning spot treatment, either localized or over a larger area, to dismount the fluid dispensing member 20 from the body portion 14 and wield it remote from the floor cleaner 10 as required to apply the liquid where needed. After use, the fluid dispensing member20 can be returned to its mounted position on the body portion 14.
  • the actuator 26 on the handle assembly 20 is accessible when the handle 20 is removed from the body portion 14 in the second position, and retracted into the grip portion 22 when the handle 20 is installed on the body portion 14 in the first position.
  • the actuator 26 and switch 32 are attached to a carriage assembly 72 that is pivotally mounted in the grip portion and movable between a carriage first position and a carriage second position. When the carriage assembly 72 is in the carriage second position, the actuator 26 is extended through an aperture 78 in the grip, operable as an actuator in a position accessible to the user.
  • a push rod 74 is positioned in the wand 23 and configured to axially move within the wand 23 to press the carriage assembly 72 from the carriage second position to the carriage first position.
  • the push rod 74 is configured to engage with the body portion 14 when installed on the body portion such that the push rod 74 is displaced upwardly toward the grip portion 22, moving the carriage assembly 72.
  • a spring 76 is provided in the grip to press the carriage assembly 72 toward the carriage second position. The push rod 74 presses the carriage assembly 72 against the force of the spring 76 into the carriage first position.
  • the force of the compressed spring 76 presses the assembly 72 and actuator 26 to rotate about a pivot 80, and moves the actuator 26 through the aperture 78 of the grip 22, and holds the actuator in a position that is accessible to the user. Recessing the spot cleaning actuator 26 when the handle assembly 20 is installed on the body portion 14 reduces confusion of the user about solution distribution when the floor cleaner 10 is used in the inclined use position.
  • the handle assembly 20 includes an electrical circuit 70 connecting the user-activated switch 32 controlled by the actuator 26, the battery 37, and the pump 30.
  • the switch 32 is open when the actuator 26 is not actuated, and closed when the actuator 26 is actuated.
  • the handle assembly 20 and the electrical circuit 70 may be configured to include a lock-out that prevents the dispensing nozzle 24 from distributing solution when the handle assembly 20 is installed on the body portion in the first position.
  • the lock-out includes a second switch 33 that is closed when the handle assembly 20 is removed from the body portion in the second position, and is open when the handle assembly 20 is installed on the body portion in the first position.
  • a switch being "open” is not necessarily a physical discontinuity in a circuit, but more generally means disabling a function or operation by an electrical disconnection, electrical connection, software instruction, firmware operation, or other control.
  • a switch being “closed” is not necessarily a physical continuity in a circuit, but more generally means enabling a function or operation by an electrical connection, electrical disconnection, software instruction, firmware operation, or other control.
  • the handle assembly 20 includes a button 62 positioned adjacent the second switch 33 and pressed by a spring 66 away from the second switch 33.
  • the button 62 is positioned on the handle assembly 20 and configured such that the button 62 is pressed against the force of the spring 66 when the handle assembly 20 is attached to the body portion 14 to activate the second switch 33.
  • the second switch 33 is wired in parallel to the pump ( FIG. 11 ).
  • the spring 66 presses the button 62 away from the second switch 33 to enable the pump 30 and extend the button 62 outside of the handle assembly 20 ( FIG. 14 ).
  • the button 62 When the handle assembly 20 is reinserted into the interior 42 of the body portion, the button 62 is pressed by the body portion 14 to activate the second switch 33 and disable the pump 30.
  • the second switch 33 is in series with the pump 30 ( Fig. 12 ), and the button 62 is configured with a mechanism to open the second switch 33 to disable the pump 30.
  • a user operating the floor cleaner 10 can steer the base 12 of the floor cleaner 10 along the surface to be cleaned using the handle assembly 20 in the first position.
  • the user steers the base 12 of the floor cleaner using the grip portion 22 of the handle assembly 20.
  • the user steers the base 12 of the floor cleaner independent of interaction with the grip portion 22 of the fluid dispensing member 20.
  • a user can apply a spot treatment to the surface to be cleaned when the handle assembly 20 is in the second position.
  • the user actuates the release button 40 to release the latch 38 and pulls the handle assembly 20 away from the body portion 14.
  • the user can apply a spot treatment to the surface to be cleaned by pressing the actuator 26 on the handle assembly 20 to distribute solution from the dispensing nozzle 24.
  • Fig. 15 illustrates a floor cleaner 100 according to another embodiment.
  • the floor cleaner 100 includes a supply tank 102.
  • the supply tank 102 can be used in place of the supply tank 28 of the floor cleaners discussed above and illustrated in Figs. 1-14 .
  • the floor cleaner 100 includes a base 104 and a handle 106 coupled to the base 104.
  • the handle 106 is operable by the user to move the base 104 over a surface to be cleaned by the floor cleaner 100.
  • the handle 106 includes a grip 108 that can be grabbed by the user's hand to move the floor cleaner 100.
  • the handle 106 further includes a supply tank housing 110 having a recess 112 ( Fig. 17 ) that receives the supply tank 102 to couple the supply tank 102 to the handle 106.
  • a dispensing nozzle 114 is located at an end of the handle 106 and the dispensing nozzle 114 is in fluid communication with the supply tank 102 when the supply tank 102 is connected to the handle 106.
  • An actuator 115 is located on the handle 106 adjacent the grip 108.
  • the actuator 115 controls a flow of fluid from the supply tank 102 through the dispensing nozzle 114.
  • the dispensing nozzle 114 and fluid from the supply tank 102 can be used to spot or pre-treat a stain on the surface being cleaned.
  • the supply tank 102 includes a tank body 116, a collar 118, and a lid 120.
  • the tank body 116 stores the fluid dispensed through the nozzle 114.
  • the tank body 116 includes an opening 122 through which the tank body 116 is filled with the fluid and the lid 120 is removably attached to the opening 122. Threads 124 are adjacent the opening 122.
  • the lid 120 includes corresponding threads that removably couple the lid 120 to the tank body 116.
  • the tank body 116 further includes a neck 126.
  • the threads 124 are located on the neck 126 and the neck 126 is received in the lid 120.
  • the tank body 116 further includes a recessed portion 128.
  • the collar 118 is nested or received in the recessed portion 128 of the tank body 116.
  • the tank body 116 is blow molded from a plastic material.
  • the collar 118 is coupled to the tank body 116.
  • the collar 118 includes an aperture 130 through which the threads 124 or neck 126 of the tank body 116 extends.
  • the collar 118 is attached to the tank body 116 by a dimension of the aperture 130 being smaller than a dimension of the threads 124.
  • the tank body includes a flange 131 adjacent the threads 124, the threads 124 being disposed between the flange 131 and the opening 122.
  • the collar 118 is attached to the tank body 116 by a dimension of the aperture 130 being smaller than a dimension of the flange 131.
  • the collar 118 can be coupled to the tank body using pinned, screwed, welded, riveted, glued, or threaded type connections.
  • the collar 118 is removable from the tank body 116 when the lid 120 is removed from the neck 126 by sliding the collar 118 off of the tank body 116.
  • the collar 118 is captured between the lid 120 and the tank body 116 to hold the collar 118 in the position shown in Fig. 19 .
  • the collar 118 is injection molded from a plastic material.
  • the collar 118 include a first side 132 and a second side 134 opposite the first side 132.
  • the collar 118 further includes a first latch 136 on the first side 132 and a second latch 138 on the second side 134.
  • the latches 136, 138 removably couple the supply tank 102 to the supply tank housing 110 of the handle 106.
  • the latches 136, 138 engage the supply tank housing 110 to secure the supply tank 102 to the handle 106.
  • the latches 136, 138 are movable between a latched position and an unlatched position.
  • the supply tank 102 is removable from the housing 110 when the latches 136, 138 are in the unlatched position and the supply tank 102 is secured to the housing 110 when the latches 136, 138 are in the latched position.
  • the latches 136, 138 pivot about a pivot axis 140 between the latched an unlatched positions.
  • the latches 136, 138 include springs pressing the latches, or spring biased, toward the latched position. In one embodiment, the springs are about the pivot axis 140.
  • the latches 136, 138 are configured and positioned for the user to easily grab the supply tank 102 and actuate the latches 136, 138 with a single hand to remove the supply tank 102 from the housing 110 to refill the supply tank 102.
  • the collar 118 includes two latches 136, 138.
  • the collar may include one latch or more than two latches.
  • the latch may include a friction lock between the collar 118 and the tank body 116 rather than latches 136, 138 that pivot about an axis 140.
  • the latch may include a spring loaded locking pin or the like.
  • the lid 120 includes a tube 142 that extends into the tank body 116 to provide fluid communication between the tank body 116 and the dispensing nozzle 114.
  • the lid further includes an opening 144 that provides fluid communication between the tube 142 and the dispensing nozzle 114.
  • the disclosure is described herein in relation to the spot treatment of a carpet or the like with a cleaning fluid, it may also be applicable to use with other treatment fluids, e.g. a post-cleaning protective (e.g. stain resistant) and/or fragrancing fluid.
  • a post-cleaning protective e.g. stain resistant
  • fragrancing fluid e.g. stain resistant
  • the fluid could be in the form of a powder rather than a liquid.
  • the invention may also find application in relation to hard floor cleaners, mops, or other extractor or non-extractor floor cleaners.

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  • Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
  • Organic Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds And Preparation Thereof (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100), comprenant :
    une base (12, 104) configurée pour se déplacer par-dessus une surface destinée à être nettoyée ;
    une poignée (20, 106) couplée à la base (12, 104) et la poignée (20, 106) étant utilisable pour déplacer la base (12, 104) par-dessus la surface ;
    une buse de distribution (24, 114) configurée pour distribuer un fluide sur la surface destinée à être nettoyée ;
    un actionneur (26, 115) qui commande un débit du fluide à travers la buse de distribution (24, 114) ; et
    un réservoir d'alimentation (102) en communication fluidique avec la buse de distribution (24, 114), le réservoir d'alimentation (102) incluant,
    un corps de réservoir (116) configuré pour stocker le fluide, caractérisé en ce que le réservoir d'alimentation comprend en outre
    un collier (118) couplé au corps de réservoir (116), le collier (118) incluant un taquet de verrouillage (136, 138) qui couple de façon amovible le réservoir d'alimentation (102) à l'appareil de nettoyage de sol (100).
  2. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le réservoir d'alimentation (102) inclut en outre un couvercle (120), dans lequel le corps de réservoir (116) inclut un orifice (144) à travers lequel le corps de réservoir (116) est rempli avec le fluide, et dans lequel le couvercle (120) est attaché à l'orifice (144) de façon amovible.
  3. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le corps de réservoir (116) inclut des filets (124) adjacents à l'orifice (144), et dans lequel le couvercle (120) inclut des filets qui couplent de façon amovible le couvercle (120) aux filets (124) du corps de réservoir (126).
  4. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le collier (118) inclut une ouverture (130) et les filets (124) du corps de réservoir (116) s'étendent à travers l'ouverture (130) du collier (118).
  5. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le collier (118) est couplé au corps de réservoir (116) par les filets (124).
  6. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le corps de réservoir (116) inclut un col (126) et les filets (124) du corps de réservoir (116) sont situés sur le col (126), et facultativement
    dans lequel le corps de réservoir (116) inclut une bride (131), autour du col (126), adjacente aux filets (124), les filets (124) sont disposés entre la bride (131) et l'orifice (144), dans lequel le collier (118) est couplé au corps de réservoir (116) par la bride (131).
  7. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le couvercle (120) est attaché au corps de réservoir (116) pour coupler le collier (118) au corps de réservoir (116).
  8. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le couvercle (120) inclut un tube (142) qui s'étend dans le corps de réservoir (116) pour fournir une communication fluidique entre le corps de réservoir (116) et la buse de distribution (114).
  9. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le couvercle (120) inclut un orifice (144) qui fournit une communication fluidique entre le corps de réservoir (116) et la buse de distribution (114).
  10. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le taquet de verrouillage (136, 138) est mobile entre une position verrouillée et une position déverrouillée, et dans lequel le réservoir d'alimentation (102) est amovible à partir de l'appareil de nettoyage de sol (100) lorsque le taquet de verrouillage (136, 138) est dans la position déverrouillée et le réservoir d'alimentation (102) est fixé à l'appareil de nettoyage de sol (100) lorsque le taquet de verrouillage (136, 138) est dans la position verrouillée.
  11. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 11, dans lequel le taquet de verrouillage (136, 138) est sollicité vers la position verrouillée, ou facultativement
    dans lequel le taquet de verrouillage (136, 138) pivote entre la position verrouillée et la position déverrouillée.
  12. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le taquet de verrouillage (136, 138) est un premier taquet de verrouillage (136) et le collier (118) inclut en outre un second taquet de verrouillage (138), et facultativement
    dans lequel le collier (118) inclut un premier côté (132) et un second côté (134) opposé au premier côté (132), et dans lequel le premier taquet de verrouillage (136) est situé sur le premier côté (132) et le second taquet de verrouillage (138) est situé sur le second côté (134).
  13. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le réservoir d'alimentation (102) est couplé à la poignée (106) de façon amovible, et facultativement
    dans lequel la poignée (106) inclut un logement de réservoir d'alimentation (110) ayant un évidement (112) qui reçoit le réservoir d'alimentation (102) lorsque le réservoir d'alimentation (102) est couplé à la poignée (106), et facultativement en outre
    dans lequel le taquet de verrouillage (136, 138) entre en prise avec le logement de réservoir d'alimentation (110) pour coupler le réservoir d'alimentation (102) à la poignée (106).
  14. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le corps de réservoir (116) inclut une partie évidée (128) et le collier (118) est emboîté dans la partie évidée (128) du corps de réservoir (116).
  15. Appareil de nettoyage de sol (10, 100) selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un corps (14) ayant un système de récupération de fluide incluant,
    une buse d'aspiration (58) ayant une entrée d'aspiration (52),
    un réservoir de récupération (18) en communication fluidique avec la buse d'aspiration (52) par l'intermédiaire d'une voie de passage de fluide, et
    une source d'aspiration (50) configurée pour attirer un fluide à partir de la buse d'aspiration (52) jusqu'au réservoir de récupération (18), et facultativement
    dans lequel la poignée (20, 106) inclut la buse de distribution (24, 114) et le réservoir d'alimentation (102), et dans lequel la poignée (20, 106) est sélectivement attachée au corps (14) de façon libérable.
EP20839509.5A 2020-02-20 2020-12-17 Dispositif de nettoyage de sol Active EP4106594B1 (fr)

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US202062978962P 2020-02-20 2020-02-20
PCT/US2020/065509 WO2021167686A1 (fr) 2020-02-20 2020-12-17 Dispositif de nettoyage de sol

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EP4106594B1 true EP4106594B1 (fr) 2024-04-17

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CN (1) CN115397295A (fr)
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WO (1) WO2021167686A1 (fr)

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US20210259501A1 (en) 2021-08-26
CN115397295A (zh) 2022-11-25
AU2020430093A1 (en) 2022-10-06
WO2021167686A1 (fr) 2021-08-26
EP4106594A1 (fr) 2022-12-28

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