JP3226916U - Floor cleaning device with cleaning fluid delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-function cleaner which can be used for completely cleaning a hard floor surface such as tiles and hardwoods by performing both a dry sweep and a wet wipe. A cleaner 10 includes a housing that includes an upright handle assembly or body 12 and a cleaning foot or base 14 that is attached to or coupled to the upright body 12 and that is adapted to move across a surface to be cleaned. An upright multi-sided vacuum cleaner equipped with. The vacuum cleaner 10 includes a fluid delivery system and a recovery system. The upright body 12 includes a handle 16 and a frame 18. The frame 18 may include at least a main support section that supports the supply tank 20 and may further support additional components of the body 12. The handle 16 includes a hand grip 22 and a trigger 24 attached to the hand grip 22. The trigger 24 controls fluid delivery from the supply tank 20 via electronic or mechanical coupling with the tank 20. [Selection diagram] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates generally to surface cleaning or floor cleaning devices that may be in the form of a vacuum cleaner with a fluid delivery system.

[Cross-reference of related applications]
This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/804,342, filed February 12, 2019, and is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Floors and other surface cleaning devices are well known devices for removing dust (including dust, hair, and other debris) from floors. One particular category of floor cleaning equipment is vacuum cleaners (eg, carpet vacuum cleaners) that use mechanical action to clean the floor. Typically, vacuum cleaners include a cleaning foot or base with at least one agitator such as a brush roll. The agitator or brush roll can be powered by a motor or the like. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner can include an agitator driven by manual propulsion. Usually, dust is thrown into a bin by means of an agitator or a brush roll. In some vacuum cleaners, the trash can is a cavity through which the contents can be evacuated by opening a panel within the vacuum cleaner housing. Other cleaners include a separate trash can mounted within the cleaner housing, which trash can can be removed from the vacuum cleaner for emptying. Some cleaners also include a handle assembly pivotally mounted to the base to move the cleaner across the surface to be cleaned. Traditionally, the vacuum cleaner handle assembly has an elongated stick-like portion that a user can grip when standing in an upright position. Autonomous or robotic vacuum cleaners are also known.

Vacuum cleaners are suitable for removing dry or uncollected dust from bare floors such as tiles, linoleum, and hardwood floors, but other steps are generally required to clean bare floors. Accompany. That is, after removing the dry dust, the bare floor surface is wiped or wet-cleaned with a cleaning fluid. Therefore, cleaning bare floors often requires multiple cleaning tools.

The most common cleaning implements for wipes or wet cleaning are conventional sponges or rug mops. The mop is capable of removing dust from the floor and has good absorbency. However, if the mop needs more wash solution, the mop will be placed in a bucket, soaked with warm wash solution and returned to the floor. Normally, the mop is placed in the same bucket each time more cleaning solution is needed, so after several repetitions, the cleaning solution becomes dirty and cools. As a result, a dirty cleaning solution will be used to remove the dust from the bare surface. In addition, the mop head wears with use and must be replaced on a regular basis. Woven fabric can be used as an agitator, but it also requires regular replacement. Moreover, since the cloth is not as absorbent as the mop, excess soiled cleaning solution may be left on the floor.

Some household cleaning devices have been developed to reduce the number of cleaning steps required and to simplify the cleaning process by eliminating the need for multiple cleaning implements. These devices alleviate some of the above-mentioned problems associated with individual tools. These washing devices usually suck or sweep dry dust and dirt before applying the washing solution, apply and stir the washing solution, and then suck the dirty washing solution into the collecting tank, Is adapted to leave only a small amount of cleaning solution on the bare surface. Common agitators are rotating brushes, rotating mop cloths, and static or vibrating sponge mops. Most multi-function cleaning devices utilize accessories that are attached to the cleaning device for switching between dry and wet cleaning modes. Other devices can perform all functions without accessories, but have complicated designs and features that can be difficult and confusing to operate, and are heavy and expensive. Moreover, upon completion of the cleaning task, the agitator is often wet and dirty and does not dry properly during the cleaning operation, which reduces the cleaning efficiency of the device during subsequent cleaning.

Provided herein is a surface cleaning device. In certain embodiments, a surface cleaning device is a multifunctional cleaning that can be used to thoroughly clean hard floors such as tiles and hardwood by performing both dry and wet cleaning. It is a machine.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum cleaner for cleaning a floor is a housing or base adapted to move along a surface to be cleaned, the housing comprising a brush chamber and a surface of the housing. A housing or base having an inlet opening configured to abut the surface to be cleaned as it moves across, a supply tank configured to store the cleaning fluid, and a cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. A fluid delivery system comprising a fluid spreader configured to apply, a collection cup located behind the inlet opening and the brush chamber and removably attached to the housing, and within the housing for rotation about an axis. A brush roll in a brush chamber attached to a portion of the brush roll projecting through an inlet opening to sweep a surface to be cleaned, the brush roll comprising a microfiber material capable of absorbing liquid A brush roll with sweeping media configured to mechanically drive dust and liquid from the surface to be cleaned into the collection cup, and a drive connection to the brush roll for rotation of the brush roll about its axis. And a brush roll motor. The collection cup can have an inflow opening and a collection chamber in fluid communication with the brush chamber through the inflow opening so that the dust and liquid mechanically pumped through the inflow opening by the brush roll is removed by the collection cup. Collect in defined collection chamber.

In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner comprises an upright body that is pivotally mounted to the housing or base.

In one embodiment, the collection cup can be removed through the lateral side of the base for emptying the contents. The collection cup can be slid laterally out of the housing of the base to remove the collection cup from the base.

In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner is preferably battery powered. The battery pack is attached to the base and is connected to a motor that is drivingly connected to the brush roll. The collection cup can be located between the brush roll and the battery. If desired, the vacuum cleaner can have a USB charging port that can be used to charge the battery.

In one embodiment, the brush roll is removable from the base. If desired, the brush roll latch can secure the brush roll in the base brush chamber.

In one embodiment, the brush roll is a hybrid brush roll that includes multiple agitated materials for different cleaning modes, including wet wipes and dry sweeps, to optimize cleaning performance.

In one embodiment, the base has a brush chamber in which the brush roll is mounted for rotation about a brush roll rotation axis. The brush chamber increases or decreases the pressure of the brush roll by the brush chamber and increases or decreases the interference between the brush chamber and the brush roll and the surface to be cleaned, thereby balancing the cleaning performance or efficiency of the vacuum cleaner with the battery life. As described above, a brush roll gap that changes in the radial direction with respect to the brush roll rotation axis can be provided.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum cleaner helps to scrape off excess liquid from the brush roll and/or distribute the cleaning fluid evenly along the length of the brush roll. An interference edge, such as a rigid wiper, is provided that is configured to interact with a portion of the brush roll. The rigid wiper can be integrated with a removable cover on the base. If desired, the wiper can be rigid, i.e. stiff and inflexible, so that the wiper does not bend or flex upon engagement with the brush roll. In certain embodiments, the rigid wiper interacts with a hybrid brush roll including a plurality of agitating materials to optimize cleaning performance during different cleaning modes including wet wipes and dry sweeps.

In one embodiment, a squeegee is provided behind the brush roll, and the squeegee wipes the surface to be cleaned while introducing liquid and dust into the inlet opening, thereby reducing streaks on the surface to be cleaned, Prevents dry dust from scattering when rotating the brush roll.

In one embodiment, the base can include a removable cover that surrounds one or both of the collection cup and the brush roll. The cover can be at least partially formed of a translucent material or a transparent material so that the user can see the interior space of the base through the cover. For example, one or both of the brush roll and the collection chamber defined by the collection cup may be at least partially visible to the user through the cover. This allows the user to look at the brush roll to see if it needs cleaning and/or see the dust collected in the collection chamber to determine if the contents of the collection cup need to be drained. You can be sure. If desired, the collection cup can be removed from the base for emptying the contents without removing the cover.

In one embodiment, the fluid delivery system may include a supply tank optionally provided on the upright body and a fluid sparger for applying cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The fluid sprinkler can be located on the upright body and can be configured to spray directly onto the floor. Alternatively, the fluid dispenser may be located in the base and configured to spray indirectly onto the floor, such as spraying onto a brush roll.

In one embodiment, the fluid delivery system can include a flow control system that controls the flow of fluid from the supply tank to the fluid distributor. The flow control system can include a pump. The pump can be located on the upright body and can be mechanically actuated by a trigger on the handle. If desired, the push rod can mechanically connect the trigger to the pump.

In another embodiment, the flow control system can include an electric pump, such as a solenoid pump.

In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner may include a swivel joint, such as a multi-axis cardan joint or ball joint, between the upright body and the base. The swivel joint defines a first axis that is generally perpendicular to the direction of travel of the cleaner, and the upright body can pivot back and forth about the first axis relative to the base. The swivel joint further defines a second axis that is generally parallel to the direction of travel of the cleaner, and the upright body is capable of pivoting left and right relative to the base about the second axis. Therefore, the swivel joint is configured such that the base portion is pivoted with respect to the upright body in a multiaxial manner. Wirings and/or conduits may supply electricity and/or liquid (or other fluids) between the base and the upright body or vice versa as needed, and the wiring and/or conduits may be swivel. It can extend through the joint.

In one embodiment, the base of the vacuum cleaner may comprise a single rear wheel located at the rear of the base. The rear wheel may be centrally located under the upright body and, optionally, under the swivel joint connecting the upright body to the base. The pair of front wheels can be located at the base in front of a single rear wheel.

In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner can include an upright body having a foldable handle and a frame. The handle can be pivotally coupled to the frame to pivot between a deployed position and a folded position.

In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner can include at least one user interface through which a user can interact with the vacuum cleaner. If desired, the vacuum cleaner can include a rechargeable battery for cordless operation. The battery can power the user interface and can also power the motor drivingly connected to the brush roll.

At least one user interface comprises a human machine interface (HMI) comprising one or more input controls operatively connected to a system within the vacuum cleaner to influence and control the operation, and/or cleaning. A status user interface (SUI) may be provided to notify the user of the status or status of the machine.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum cleaner comprises an upright body pivotally mounted to a base and adapted to move along a surface to be cleaned. The base comprises an inlet opening and a drive brush roll mounted for rotation in the inlet opening to sweep the surface to be cleaned. A collection cup is operatively associated with the inlet opening to contain dust and liquid mechanically pumped into the collection cup by the brush rolls. The cleaner includes a fluid delivery system that delivers cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned.

In another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner can include an autonomous or robotic vacuum cleaner. Various functional system components of the vacuum cleaner can be mounted to the autonomously movable housing, including fluid delivery systems, collection systems, and autonomous drive systems.

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description of specific embodiments when considered in accordance with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

Before describing the embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the operational details or structural details and component configurations described or illustrated in the following description. is there. The present invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and may be practiced or carried out in alternative ways not explicitly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is intended to encompass the items listed previously and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumerations may be used in describing various embodiments. The use of an enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to a particular order or number of components unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, the use of an enumeration is to be interpreted as excluding additional steps or components that may be combined with or incorporated into the recited steps or components from the scope of the present invention. Should not References to a claim element such as "at least one of X, Y and Z" may also individually include any one of X, Y or Z or any combination of X, Y and Z. , For example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z are also intended to be included.

1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning device in the form of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. Here, the break line indicates that a portion of the handle of the vacuum cleaner is not shown for clarity. It is an expansion perspective sectional view of the handle of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective sectional view of a portion of the fluid delivery system of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. It is a partially exploded view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of a portion of the cleaner of FIG. 1, showing the supply tank and a latch securing the supply tank to the cleaner. It is a rear perspective view of the base part of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, showing the collection cup removed from the vacuum cleaner. 2 is an enlarged view of a recovery cup latch for the recovery cup of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the base of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. FIG. Here, some of the base has been removed for clarity. It is sectional drawing of the base of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning device in the form of a vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the base part of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. It is a schematic control diagram of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. It is a perspective view of a surface cleaning device in the form of a vacuum cleaner according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a surface cleaning device in the form of an autonomous cleaner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the autonomous type vacuum cleaner of FIG.

The present invention relates generally to surface cleaning or floor cleaning devices that may be in the form of a vacuum cleaner with a fluid delivery system.

The functional system of a surface cleaner or vacuum cleaner can be configured in any desired form, such as an upright device with a base and an upright body that orients the base across the surface to be cleaned. Another optional form is a portable device adapted to be handheld by a user for cleaning a relatively small area. Any of the cleaners described above can be adapted as an electric vacuum cleaner with a built-in battery for cordless operation if desired. As used herein, the term "multifunctional vacuum cleaner" is used to thoroughly clean hard floors such as tiles and hardwood by performing both dry and wet sweeps. Including a vacuum cleaner that can.

The apparatus includes a fluid delivery system for storing the cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a recovery system for recovering the fluid and dust from the surface to be cleaned and storing the fluid and dust on the apparatus. Can be provided.

The fluid delivery system may include a supply tank that stores the supplied cleaning fluid, and a fluid sprinkler that applies the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The supply tank and fluid dispenser can be provided on the upright handle assembly or body of the device. Alternatively, the supply tank and fluid dispenser can include a cleaning foot or base adapted to move across the surface to be cleaned.

The collection system is an inlet opening, a collection cup that collects fluid and dust from the surface for later disposal, and an agitator or brush roll that sweeps and cleans the surface to be cleaned, the dust being swept and absorbed by the brush roll. And an agitator or brush roll adapted to mechanically pump liquid into the collection cup. It is noted that in some embodiments, at least some liquid and at least some dust absorbed by the brush roll may remain on the brush roll rather than being pumped into the collection cup. The inlet opening, collection cup, and brush roll may be provided on a wash foot or base adapted to move across the surface to be washed. The agitator or brush roll can be motorized if desired.

Although discussed primarily herein with respect to vacuum cleaners, a feature of the surface cleaning apparatus disclosed herein is that any surface cleaning apparatus that includes a cleaning fluid delivery system, such as dust and liquid from floors and other surfaces. It is applicable to other types of surface cleaning devices, including vacuum cleaners, extraction cleaners, or deep cleaners, which include a suction source that creates a partial vacuum to suck up air.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure. This surface cleaning device is illustrated as a vacuum cleaner and is generally designated by 10. As described in more detail below, the vacuum cleaner 10 includes various features and improvements. This will be described in more detail below. As shown herein, a vacuum cleaner 10 includes an upright handle assembly or body 12 and a cleaning foot attached to or coupled to the upright body 12 and adapted to move across a surface to be cleaned. Alternatively, the upright multi-sided vacuum cleaner may include a housing including the base 14. The vacuum cleaner 10 includes a fluid delivery system and a recovery system. This will be described in more detail below. The fluid delivery system and collection system can include components supported on one or both of the body 12 and the base 14.

In the description relating to the drawings, the terms "top", "bottom", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside" and their The derivations thereof are relevant to the present disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1 from the user's perspective behind the cleaner 10 defining the rear of the cleaner 10. However, it is understood that the present disclosure can contemplate various alternative orientations, unless clearly different provisions are provided. The term "dust" includes dust, dirt, hair, and other debris, unless otherwise specified.

The upright body 12 may include a handle 16 and a frame 18. The frame 18 may include at least a main support section that supports the supply tank 20 and may further support additional components of the body 12. The handle 16 may include a hand grip 22 and a trigger 24 attached to the hand grip 22. The trigger 24 controls fluid delivery from the supply tank 20 via electronic or mechanical coupling with the tank 20.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the trigger 24 can project at least partially outside the handgrip 22 for user access. The trigger 24 can rotate about a pivot 26 and can be biased outwardly from the handgrip 22, as described in more detail below. Instead of the trigger 24, another actuator such as a thumb switch may be provided.

The upstanding body 12 may comprise any type of elongated handle or body suitable for the purposes described herein, and may be adapted to pivot about one or more axes. For example, the upright body 12 can swivel about a swivel axis 30 over an angular range relative to the surface to be cleaned. The pivot axis 30 can lie substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned and can extend transversely or laterally through the base. If desired, the upstanding body 12 can be configured to pivot about a longitudinal axis in addition to pivoting about a pivot axis 30.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upright body 12 can be pivotally mounted to the base 14 for rotation about the pivot axis 30 by the moveable joint assembly 32. The joint assembly 32 may be formed at the lower end of the frame 18 and movably mounts the base 14 to the upright body 12. In the embodiments shown herein, the upright body 12 is capable of pivoting up and down relative to the base 14 at least about the pivot axis 30. The joint assembly 32 may include a yoke 34 pivotally connected to opposite lateral sides of the base 14 by the pivot connection defining the pivot axis 30. The yoke 34 is further secured directly to the upright body 12 or via an extension 36 at the lower end of the upright body 12, and in particular, which can extend from the lower end of the frame 18. In another embodiment, the joint assembly 32 may alternatively include a universal joint, allowing the upstanding body 12 to pivot about at least two axes relative to the base 14. There is.

The fluid delivery system of the cleaner 10 includes a supply tank 20 for storing the cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and having a fluid delivery or supply path at least partially defined by the supply tank 20. You can The cleaning fluid can include one or more of any suitable cleaning fluid, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergents, diluted detergents, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example, the fluid can include a mixture of water and a concentrated detergent.

The supply tank 20 may be provided on the upright body 12. The supply tank 20 can be attached to the frame 18 in any form. In the present embodiment, the supply tank 20 can be removably attached to the front of the frame 18 such that the supply tank 20 is partially seated on the upper front of the frame 18 in contact with a portion of the handle 16 for filling or filling. It can be removable from the frame 18 for refilling.

The supply tank 20 comprises at least one supply chamber 38 holding a cleaning fluid and a supply valve assembly 40 controlling the flow of fluid through the outlet of the supply chamber 38. Alternatively, supply tank 20 can have multiple supply chambers, such as one chamber containing water and another chamber containing a cleaning agent. In the case of a removable supply tank 20, the supply valve assembly 40 can fit into a valve housing 42 on the frame 18 and will automatically open when the supply tank 20 seats on the frame 18 to provide a fluid delivery path. It can be configured to expel a fluid.

In addition to the supply tank 20, the fluid delivery path may include a fluid distributor 44 having at least one outlet for applying cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the fluid spreader 44 is provided on the upright body 12 and may be configured to deliver cleaning fluid directly to the surface to be cleaned by spraying outward and forward in front of the base 14. it can. More specifically, the fluid dispenser 44 may spray the cleaning fluid in front of the front leading edge 46 of the base 14. As shown, a fluid distributor 44 is provided on the front side 48 of the frame 18 and optionally below the supply tank 20 and above the joint 32. In other embodiments, the fluid dispenser 44 can be provided on the base 14 and can be configured to deliver the cleaning fluid directly or indirectly to the surface to be cleaned.

The fluid dispenser 44 may include at least one spray tip 50, which may be tilted or otherwise configured to spray outwardly and downwardly at an angle. You can A spray manifold having a plurality of outlets, a spray nozzle configured to spray the cleaning fluid from the upright body 12 toward the side or rear of the base 14 laterally or rearward, or the front of the cleaner 10 with the cleaning fluid. Other embodiments of the fluid dispenser 44 are possible, such as a spray nozzle configured to spray outward from the base 14.

The fluid delivery system may further include a flow control system that controls the flow of fluid from the supply tank 20 to the fluid distributor 44. In one form, the flow control system can include a pump 52 that pressurizes the system. The trigger 24 can be operatively coupled to a flow control system such that pushing the trigger 24 delivers fluid from the fluid distributor 44. The pump 52 may be located within the frame 18 and is in fluid communication with the supply tank 20 via the valve assembly 40. If desired, a fluid supply conduit 54 for fluidly connecting the outlet of the pump 52 with the inlet of the fluid distributor 44 can be routed inside the frame 18. The fluid supply conduit 54 can be sloped downwards to assist the flow of wash fluid from the pump 52 to the fluid distributor 44 by gravity. In another embodiment, the pump 52 and the fluid distributor 44 may be provided on the base 14 by passing a fluid supply conduit for connecting the supply tank 20 to the pump 52 to the exterior or interior of the joint assembly 32. ..

The pump 52 can be selectively mechanically actuated by the trigger 24. In one embodiment, the trigger 24 is operatively connected to a push rod 56, which is further aligned with the pump 52. As shown, the push rod 56 may be slidably mounted within the handle 16. The push rod 56 is linearly movable or slidable within a cavity 58 formed in the handle 16, the cavity 58 defining a hollow interior space defining a cavity 58 for housing the push rod 56. It can be tubular or otherwise formed. It is noted that the handle 16 and push rod 56 can be monolithic, that is, can be a single-piece component, or can be made by combining multiple parts or segments.

With further reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the trigger 24 may have a trigger arm 60 in the handgrip 22 that is aligned with the upper end 62 of the push rod 56. By pushing a portion 64 of the trigger 24, which is external to the handgrip 22, the entire trigger 24, including the trigger arm 60, rotates about the pivot 26 and the trigger arm 60 exerts a force on the upper end 62 of the push rod 56. , Push the push rod 56 downward in the handle 16 or towards the pump 52.

The lower end 66 of the push rod 56 is aligned with a portion of the pump 52. The movement of the lower end portion 66 of the push rod 56 against the pump 52 drives the pump 52, and the cleaning fluid is delivered to the sprayer 44. In one example, the pump 52 can be a positive displacement pump such as a piston pump. In another example, the pump 52 can be a centrifugal pump.

The push rod 56 can be constrained to slide linearly within the handle 16. Optionally, the joint connecting the push rod 56 to the handle 16 includes at least one pin-in-slot joint 88 that limits movement of the push rod 56 relative to the handle 16 to linear sliding. can do. The pin-in-slot joint 88 can be formed by a main shaft in the form of a shaft pin 90 provided in the cavity 58 of the handle 16 and a slot 92 in a portion of the push rod 56. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of pin-in-slot joints 88 are provided to secure the push rod 56 at a plurality of positions along its length, eg, the upper end 62 and the lower end 66 of the push rod 56. The slot 92 can be elongated in the direction of linear sliding of the push rod 56.

In operation, when the trigger 24 is pushed, the trigger arm 60 pushes the upper end portion 62 of the push rod 56, and the upper end portion 62 slides downward in the handle 16. The pump 52 is driven by the lower end portion 66 of the push rod 56. The pump 52 pumps the cleaning fluid through the fluid supply conduit 54 and the spreader 44, where the cleaning fluid is sprayed outward and delivered to the surface to be cleaned. The push rod 56 can be further biased to slide upward when the trigger 24 is released.

In one embodiment, the pump 52 may include a pump housing 68 that is coupled to the valve housing 42 and that is selectively closed by a pump inlet one-way valve 72 and a fluid supply. A chamber 70 having an outlet connected to the conduit 54 and selectively closed by a pump outlet one-way valve 74. The piston 76 is disposed within the pump housing 68 and is configured to reciprocate linearly within the pump chamber 70. The piston 76 can have a piston head 78 located outside the pump housing 68, which is aligned with the lower end 66 of the push rod 56.

The downward stroke of the piston 76 is executed by the push rod 56 by operating the trigger 24. A return spring 80, such as a coil spring, can urge the piston 76 upward within the pump housing 68 to perform an upstroke. The return spring 80 may be located between the pump housing 68 and the piston 76. The return spring 80 biases the push rod 56 upwards within the handle 16 or biases the handgrip 22 toward a non-discharging position and, if desired, causes the trigger 24 to not discharge from the handgrip 22. It can be further configured to bias outwardly into position. Alternatively, one or more additional biasing members may be provided to bias the push rod 56 and/or the trigger 24 to the non-discharge position.

In operation, the upstroke of piston 76 draws cleaning fluid through pump inlet valve 72 into pump chamber 70. On the downward stroke of the piston 76, wash fluid is discharged into the fluid supply conduit 54 through the pump outlet valve 74.

As described above, the supply valve assembly 40 can mate with the valve housing 42 on the frame 18 and will automatically open when the supply tank 20 seats on the frame 18 to expel the wash fluid into the fluid delivery path. Can be configured to. In one embodiment, the valve housing 42 includes a plunger 82 that pushes open the valve assembly 40 against the bias of the valve spring 84 when the supply tank 20 seats on the frame 18. Discharge the cleaning fluid to the pump inlet valve 72. If desired, a storage conduit 86 that fluidly connects the outlet of the valve storage 42 with the pump inlet valve 72 can be routed inside the frame 18.

In another embodiment, the pump 52 can be an electrically actuated pump such as, but not limited to, a first speed, second speed, or variable speed solenoid pump. In one such embodiment, one end of the push rod 56 can be aligned with a switch that activates the pump 52. Alternatively, the push rod 56 can be omitted and the trigger 24 can be electronically coupled to a switch and PCB configured to control the duty cycle of the pump 52.

In another configuration of the fluid supply path, the pump 52 can be omitted and the flow control system can comprise a gravity feed system with a valve fluidly connected to the outlet of the supply tank 20, in which case the valve opens. Then, the fluid flows by gravity to the fluid distributor 44. The valve can be mechanically actuated by aligning one end of the push rod 56 with the valve such that pushing the trigger 24 causes the push rod 56 to push open the valve.

If desired, a heater (not shown) may be provided to heat the cleaning fluid before delivering it to the surface to be cleaned. In one example, in-line heaters can be located downstream of the supply tank 20 and upstream or downstream of the pump 52 or other flow control system. Other types of heaters can also be used.

Referring to FIG. 5, the upright body 12 may include a tank housing or socket 94 that houses the supply tank 20. As shown herein, in one embodiment, the tank socket 94 may be defined by a portion of the frame 18, and more particularly by a portion of the frame 18 that is in front of the handle 16. can do. The socket 94 may be configured to releasably retain the supply tank 20 on the upright body 12 so that the user may apply sufficient force to the supply tank 20 itself to secure the supply tank 20 to the socket 94. Can be pulled from. If desired, the tank 20 can be provided with a handle to facilitate removal and handling of the tank 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle for the supply tank 20 is provided as a handgrip recess 96 formed in the body of the tank 20.

With reference to FIG. 6, in the embodiment shown herein, the socket 94 may include a bottom wall 98 on the frame 18 and a peripheral wall 100 extending from the bottom wall 98. The lower end of the supply tank 20 can contact the bottom wall 98 of the socket 94 when the supply tank 20 is fixed in the socket 94. If desired, a portion of the supply tank 20 including the handgrip recess 96 can extend upwardly over the peripheral wall 100 to facilitate grasping the supply tank 20 for removal from the socket 94. ..

If desired, the socket 94 can include a pair of tongue clutches 102 that secure the supply tank 20 to the upright body 12. The tongue clutch 102 facilitates proper installation and good sealing of the supply tank 20, thereby reducing user error and assembly error. The tongue clutch 102 may be configured to releasably engage or retain the supply tank 20 on the upright body 12, but not to lock it, thereby allowing the user to apply sufficient force to the supply tank 20 itself. Then, the supply tank 20 can be pulled out from the frame 18. In one embodiment, the tongue clutch 102 for the supply tank 20 includes a spring biased latch configured to release the supply tank 20 when exerting sufficient force to overcome the biasing latching force of the latch 102. Can be included. The tongue clutch 102 may be disposed below the bottom wall 98 to engage opposing portions of the supply tank 20, such as on opposite sides of the valve assembly 40, in opposed relation.

The valve housing 42 can be located in a socket 94, for example in the bottom wall 98, for housing the supply valve assembly 40, the supply valve assembly 40 having the supply tank 20 seated in the socket 94. At times, it controls the flow of fluid through the outlet of supply chamber 38. The supply valve assembly 40 may be adapted to open when the supply tank 20 is seated in the socket 94 and close when the supply tank 20 is removed from the socket 94.

Referring to FIG. 2, the base 14 supports a base housing 104 that supports at least some of the components of the fluid delivery and collection system, a collection cup 106, a brush roll 108 or other agitator, and the collection cup 106. And a removable cover 110 on the base housing 104 that encloses one or both of the brush rolls 108 or other agitators. Wheels for the cleaner 10 to move on the surface to be cleaned can be provided in the base housing 104 and can optionally include a pair of front wheels 112 and a pair of rear wheels 114. The rear wheel 114 can be provided in a rear portion of the base housing 104, i.e., behind components such as the brush roll 108 and the collection cup 106.

The fluid spreader 44 is shown as being on the upright body 12, but alternatively, the fluid spreader 44 is located inside the base 14 and is sprayed onto the brush roll 108 or the like. It is noted that the can be configured to spray indirectly. One example of a suitable fluid disperser configured to spray onto the brush roll 108 is disclosed in US Pat. No. 10,092,155 issued Oct. 9, 2018. This US patent is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The recovery system of the cleaner 10 is configured to remove fluid and dust from the surface to be cleaned and store the recovered fluid and dust on the cleaner 10 for later disposal. The collection system can include at least an inlet opening 116, a collection cup 106, and a brush roll 108. The inlet opening 116 can be provided on the base 14 and can be adapted to abut the surface to be cleaned as the base 14 moves across the surface. The brush roll 108 can be provided adjacent to the inlet opening 116 such that at least a portion of the brush roll 108 projects through the inlet opening 116 to sweep the surface to be cleaned and dust and liquid swept by the brush roll 108. Are mechanically fed into the collection cup 106.

The brush roll 108 can be provided in the front portion of the base portion 14 and housed in the brush chamber 118 on the base portion 14. The brush roll 108 can be mounted for rotational movement in the direction R about the central axis of rotation X (see FIG. 11). The brush chamber 118 can be in front of the collection cup 106 and can be at least partially defined by the inlet opening 116 and the cover 110, as described in more detail below. The squeegee 120 is attached to the base housing 104 behind the brush roll 108 and is configured to contact the surface as the base 14 moves across the surface to be cleaned.

Referring to FIG. 5, the base housing 104 generally has a front side 122, a back side 124, and two lateral sides 126, 128, although other forms of the base housing 104 are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the base housing 104 includes a bottom housing 130 and a top housing 132 housed in the rear of the bottom housing 130. The cover 110 is housed in the front of the bottom housing 130, generally in front of the top housing 132. The bottom housing 130 and the cover 110 may together define a front enclosure that may house components of the cleaner 10 such as, but not limited to, the collection cup 106 and the brush roll 108. The bottom housing 130 and the top housing 132 together define a rear enclosure that can house other components of the vacuum cleaner 10, as described in further detail below. The squeegee 120 may be attached to or otherwise provided on the bottom housing 130 and may extend between the lateral sides 126, 128 of the base housing 104.

The collection cup 106 can be any type of collection bin or tank suitable for the purposes described herein, including the collection of dust and liquid, and the dust that is mechanically pumped into the collection cup 106 by the brush rolls 108. And a collection chamber 134 for containing the liquid can be defined. The collection cup 106 is typically open at the top, which defines an inlet opening 136 into the collection chamber 134 and is in fluid communication with the brush chamber 118. The dust and liquid swept by the brush roll 108 can be sent to the collection cup 106 through the inflow opening 136.

In the illustrated embodiment, the collection cup 106 can be elongated in a transverse direction and linearly shaped, with a closed bottom wall 138, spaced front and rear sidewalls 140, 142, and front and rear sidewalls 140, 140. 142 and lateral sidewalls 144, 146 extending between the two. The sidewalls 140-146 may jointly define an open top, ie an inlet opening 136 to the collection chamber 134.

The collection cup 106 is removable from the base 14 for emptying the contents. The base 14 can have a collection cup housing, such as a collection cup pocket 148, that houses the collection cup 106. As shown herein, in one embodiment, the pocket 148 can be defined by a portion of the base housing 104 and cover 110. The collection cup 106 can be slid into the pocket 148 to place the collection cup 106 on the base 14 and can be slid out of the pocket 148 to remove the collection cup 106 from the base 14. be able to.

In one embodiment, the retrieval cup 106 can be removed through the lateral side 128 of the base housing 104 for evacuation of the contents. The retrieval cup 106 can be slid laterally out of the base housing 104 to remove the retrieval cup 106 from the base 14. In the embodiment having a pocket 148 shown herein, the pocket 148 may have a pocket opening 150 in the lateral side 128 of the base housing 104 through which the collection cup 106 is slid transversely. Can be moved.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, if desired, the cleaner 10 may include a recovery cup latch 152 that secures the recovery cup 106 to the base 14. The retrieval cup latch 152 can be configured to releasably lock the retrieval cup 106 onto the base 14 and thus the user must activate the latch 152 before removing the retrieval cup 106 from the base 14. .. Alternatively, the retrieval cup latch 152 can be configured to releasably latch or retain the retrieval cup 106 on the base 14 but not lock it so that the user can access the retrieval cup 106 itself. The recovery cup 106 can be withdrawn from the base 14 with sufficient force.

In one embodiment, the retrieval cup latch 152 can include a latch body 154 that is biased by a spring 156 to the latched or locked position shown in FIG. The slot 158 formed through the wall of the collection cup 106, such as the rear wall 142, aligns with the slot 160 formed through the pocket 148 when the collection cup 106 is fully inserted. It The latching end 162 of the latch body 154 is biased by the spring 156 toward the aligned slots 158, 160.

The collection cup latch 152 may further include a user-operable collection cup release button 164 operatively coupled to the latch body 154. The latch body 154 can be located inside the base 14 and the release button 164 is outside the base 14, such as the lateral side 128 of the base housing 104. The latch body 154 can be slid linearly within the base 14 or otherwise within the base 14 such that the latching end 162 is disengaged from the aligned slots 158, 160. Can be moved. When sufficient force is applied to the release button 164 to overcome the force of the spring 156, the latch body 154 slides or otherwise moves away from the collection cup 106 and the latching end 162 is aligned. Disengaged from the slots 158, 160 and the collection cup 106 is released for removal from the base 14.

A handle 166 may be provided on the collection cup 106 to facilitate removal of the collection cup 106 from the base 14 for emptying the contents. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 166 may be provided on the side wall 146 of the collection cup 106. For convenience, the handle 166 can be provided on the same side as the release button 164.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the removable cover 110 can be coupled to the front portion of the base housing 104. The cover 110 can be removable from the base housing 104 without the use of tools. At least one cover latch 168 may be provided for releasably securing cover 110 on base housing 104, as described in further detail below. When secured on the base housing 104, the cover 110 can define at least a portion of a brush chamber 118 that partially surrounds the brush roll 108. Additionally or alternatively, the cover 110 may define at least a portion of the collection chamber 134 when the collection cup 106 is installed on the base 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 110 collects to cover a curved front end 170 that can cover the brush roll 108 and around the front face to define a brush chamber 118 and the inflow opening 136 of the collection cup 106. A rear end 172 that can extend over the chamber 134.

The front end 170 of the cover 110 can have a lower edge 174 that defines a front opening 176 on the base 14. The lower edge portion 174 is separated from the surface to be cleaned, and therefore, in addition to exposing a part of the brush roll 108 from the bottom portion of the base portion 14, it is also exposed from the front surface of the base portion 14. The front opening 176 allows the lower edge 174 to move over a relatively large amount of dust on the surface to be cleaned, allowing the base 14 to remove a relatively large amount of dust in front of the base 14 during the forward stroke of the cleaner 10. Prevent pushing away. Instead, relatively large dust travels through the front opening 176 and is swept by the brush roll 108. In one non-limiting example, the height of the front opening 176, ie, the distance between the floor surface F and the lower edge 174, is greater than 0 mm and the microfiber material 220 that covers the brush roll 108 is micro. It can be less than or equal to the fiber length. In one embodiment, the microfiber length of the microfiber material 220 can be 16 mm or less, alternatively 13 mm or less, alternatively 11 mm or more and 13 mm or less.

Removal of the cover 110 allows easy access to the brush roll 108, the brush chamber 118, and/or the collection cup 106 for cleaning or maintenance of the vacuum cleaner 10. In embodiments where the cover 110 defines a front enclosure with the bottom housing 130, the cover 110 can be removed to access the front enclosure from above, which also requires the user to flip the vacuum cleaner 10 over. It is also not necessary to move it from its normal operating position with the base 14 on the surface to be cleaned.

The cover 110 can include a handgrip such as a carry handle 178 that can be used to lift the cover 110 from the base housing 104. The vacuum cleaner 10 may be configured with a sufficient clearance between the carry handle 178 on the cover 110 and the yoke 34 of the joint assembly 32 so that the rotational position of the upright body 12 relative to the base 14 is maintained. Nevertheless, the carry handle 178 allows the cover 110 to be lifted from the base 14.

The cover 110 is at least partially formed of a translucent material or a transparent material so that a user can see the internal space of the base 14 through the cover 110. For example, one or both of brush roll 108 and collection chamber 134 defined by collection cup 106 may be at least partially visible to a user through cover 110. This allows the user to look at the brush roll 108 to see if the brush roll 108 needs cleaning and/or to see the dust collected in the collection chamber 134 and eject the contents of the collection cup 106. You can see if is needed. As shown, the cover 110 may be molded from translucent or transparent materials using plastic injection molding. Alternatively, cover 110 may be formed with one or more viewing windows that are aligned with one or both of collection chambers 134 defined by brush roll 108 and collection cup 106. The viewing window is made of a translucent or transparent material.

In the embodiments shown herein, the collection cup 106 can be removed from the base 14 for evacuation of the contents without removing the cover 110. Alternatively, the collection cup 106 can be coupled to or otherwise combined with the cover 110 so that the collection cup 106 can be removed at the same time that the cover 110 is removed and the brush chamber 118 and the collection cup 106 can be removed. Both sides are easier to clean.

If desired, the brush roll 108 can be configured to be removed from the base 14 by the user, such as for cleaning and/or drying the brush roll 108. The brush roll 108 can be removably mounted within the brush chamber 118 by a brush roll latch 180 coupled to the brush roll 108. Thus, the cover 110 can be removed from the base housing 104 prior to removing the brush roll 108. The brush roll latch 180 may be inaccessible when the housing 104 is fitted with the cover 110 and accessible when the cover 110 is removed from the housing 104. Removing the cover 110 allows the brush chamber 118 and the latch 180 to be accessed from above so that the user needs to turn the vacuum cleaner 10 over to remove the brush roll 108 from the brush chamber 118 and the surface to be cleaned. There is also no need to move it from its normal operating position with the base 14 above it. In other embodiments, the brush roll 108 and the latch 180 may be configured such that the cover 110 does not have to be removed first.

The brush roll latch 180 can fit into a mating element on the base housing 104. The mating element can be provided on one of the lateral sides 126, 128 of the base 14. In one embodiment, the base housing 104 can include spaced side walls 182, 184 that define a brush chamber 118 therebetween. The mating element may be a cradle 186 provided on the inner surface of one of the side walls 184. The brush roll latch 180 may be provided at one end of the brush roll 108 and may fit within the cradle 186 to mount the brush roll 108 within the brush chamber 118. The opposite end of the brush roll 108 can have a splined drive connection 188 to the transmission that drives the brush roll 108, as described in further detail below.

Referring to FIG. 10, the collection system may further include a motor 190 drivingly connected to the brush roll 108, as described below. The vacuum cleaner 10 can be cordless or battery powered. In the illustrated embodiment, a rechargeable battery 194 (eg, battery pack or battery cells) is provided for cordless operation. In one example, the battery 194 can be a lithium ion battery. In another exemplary configuration, the battery 194 can include a user replaceable battery. In an alternative embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include a power cord configured to plug into a domestic outlet to power the electronic components of the vacuum cleaner 10.

The motor 190 may be adapted to drive the brush roll 108 at a speed sufficient to mechanically drive dust and liquid swept and absorbed by the brush roll 108 into the collection cup. In one embodiment, at speeds of 500 RPM and above, at least some of the dust and/or liquid swept by the brush roll 108 is centrifugally generated during rotation of the brush roll 108 by the motor 190 due to centrifugal force. Is enough to be thrown into. Alternatively, the motor 190 may be adapted to drive the brush roll 108 at 1000 RPM or higher, or alternatively at about 2000 RPM.

The cleaner 10 may further include a controller 196, which is operably coupled to various functional systems of the cleaner 10 to control the operation of the cleaner 10, such as controlling a brush motor. Is operatively connected to the brush motor 190 for controlling the battery charging operation. The controller 196 can be a microcontroller unit (MCU) that includes at least one central processing unit (CPU). The controller 196 may be provided at various locations on the cleaner 10, and in the illustrated embodiment is located within the base housing 104 of the base 14. Alternatively, the controller 196 may be provided within the frame 18 of the upright body 12 or the like.

The vacuum cleaner 10 may further include at least one status indicator 198, such as an LED, which may notify the user of status information. Such status information may include power status, i.e. whether vacuum cleaner 10 is powered on or off, or battery status, i.e. whether battery 194 is charging and/or battery charge level. You can As shown herein, the status indicator 198 can be provided on the base 14 and is visible to the user from outside the cleaner 10. Alternatively, the status indicator 198 may be provided, such as on the handle 16 or frame 18 of the upright body 12.

The battery 194 can be provided at various locations, such as within the base 14 of the cleaner 10 or within the frame 18 on the upright body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 194 is mounted within the base 14 and is electrically connected to the brush motor 190. In particular, the battery 194 can be located on the base 14 or in the battery compartment 200 located within the base 14, thereby protecting the battery 194 and retaining it on the cleaner 10. If desired, the battery compartment 200 can be formed within a rear enclosure defined by the bottom housing 130 and the top housing 132 (FIG. 5), which also houses the brush motor 190 and the controller 196. You can As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a vent 202 may be provided in the rear enclosure bottom housing 130 or the like to cool the motor 190 and the battery 194.

As shown, the battery compartment 200 may be located on the base 14 between the rear wheels 114. If desired, the collection cup 106 can be positioned between the brush roll 108 and the battery 194, ie, between the brush chamber 118 and the battery 194. In an alternative embodiment, the battery 194 and battery compartment 200 may be provided on the upright body 12. The brush motor 190 can be positioned between the battery 194 and the collection cup 106, although other positions are possible.

With further reference to FIG. 7, the motor 190 can be selectively energized by a brush power switch 192. The brush power switch 192 can be located on the base 14, but other positions are possible. When the brush power switch 192 is located on the base 14, the switch 192 may conveniently be actuated by the user's foot to turn the motor 190 on and off. Regardless of its position, the brush power switch 192 can be operated independently of the trigger 24 (FIG. 2), thereby cleaning when the brush roll 108 spins for simultaneous wet and sweep cleaning. The brush roll 108 may be turned off by a trigger so as to be in a wet wipe only mode while the cleaning fluid is still being discharged, or the brush roll 108 is turned on without discharging the cleaning fluid. It is also possible to set the mode to dry wipe only.

In embodiments where the cleaner 10 comprises a rechargeable battery 194, a suitable charger may be provided with the cleaner 10. In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 10 can include a USB charging port 204 that can be used to charge the battery 194. A USB charging cable (not shown) can be provided to plug the cleaner 10 into a household outlet. As shown herein, the USB charging port 204 can be provided on the base 14 and is accessible to the user from outside the vacuum cleaner 10. Alternatively, the USB charging port 204 may be provided such as on the handle 16 or frame 18 of the upright body 12. In an alternative embodiment, the cleaner 10 may include charging contacts on the base 14 and may be provided with a docking station (not shown) to house the cleaner 10 to recharge the battery 194. it can.

Referring to FIG. 10, the brush roll 108 is operatively coupled to and can be driven by a drive assembly including a motor 190 in the base 14. The drive coupling or transmission between the brush roll 108 and the motor 190 can include one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, or a combination thereof. One example of a brush roll 108 transmission is shown in FIG. The transmission connects the brush motor 190 to the brush roll 108 to transfer the rotational movement of the shaft (not shown) of the brush motor 190 to the brush roll 108. The transmission may include a belt 206, a motor pulley 208 connected to the motor 190, and a brush roll pulley 210 connected to the brush roll 108. The belt 206 connects the motor pulley 208 to the brush roll pulley 210. To do. The transmission may further include a drive head 212 keyed or otherwise secured to the brush roll pulley 210. The drive head 212 can be coupled to the splined drive connection 188 of the brush roll 108 and can be provided on the side wall 182 opposite the cradle 186. The motor pulley 208 can be keyed or otherwise fixed to the shaft of the motor 190. It is noted in FIG. 10 that a portion of the base 14 has been removed so that the transmission and the optional drive housing 214 of the transmission are visible, and in particular the cover 110 and the top housing 132 have been removed. The drive housing 214 can be formed with the side wall 182 or otherwise coupled to the transmission side of the side wall 182. It is noted that the collection cup 106 slides through the opposite lateral sidewall 184, ie, the side that is not the transmission side or the belt side.

One embodiment of the brush roll 108 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is shown in FIG. In this example, the brush roll 108 may be a hybrid brush roll suitable for wet or dry sweeps. In one embodiment, the brush roll 108 comprises a dowel 216, a plurality of bristles 218 extending from the dowel 216, and a microfiber material 220 disposed on the dowel 216 and disposed between the bristles 218. One example of a suitable hybrid brush roll is disclosed in US Pat. No. 10,092,155, incorporated above. The bristles 218 can be configured as multiple tufts or chunks of strips. The dowel 216 can be constructed of a polymeric material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, or styrene, or any other suitable material such as plastic, wood, or metal. The bristles 218 are tufted bristles strips or cohesive bristles strips and can be constructed of nylon, or any other suitable synthetic or natural fiber. The microfiber material 220 can be constructed of a combination of materials including polyester, polyamide, or polypropylene or any other suitable material known to those of skill in the art for constructing microfibers. The microfibers of the microfiber material 220 can be synthetic fibers having a denier or less and/or a diameter of less than 10 micrometers.

Other embodiments of brush roll 108 are possible. For example, the brush roll 108 can include tufted bristles as a medium dedicated to sweeping. Alternatively, the brush roll 108 may comprise a sweeping media made from a soft, compressible material such as a microfiber material. For example, the brush roll 108 can include a microfiber material 220 as a medium dedicated to sweeping. In yet other embodiments, the brush roll 108 may comprise nylon fibers, foam, elastomer blades and paddles, or any other sweep media suitable for mechanically pumping dust and liquid into the collection cup 106. it can. Further, although one horizontal rotating brush roll 108 is shown here, in some embodiments, two horizontal rotating brush rolls, one or more vertical rotating brush rolls may be provided in the cleaner 10.

Referring to FIG. 11, as disclosed above, the brush roll 108 is adjacent to the inlet opening 116 such that a portion of the brush roll 108 projects through the inlet opening 116 and contacts the underlying surface of the base 14. Can be provided. The brush roll 108 rotates so as to sweep the surface to be cleaned, and the dust and liquid swept by the brush roll 108 are mechanically sent to the recovery cup 106. A ramp 222 can be provided at the rear of the brush chamber 118 to guide dust and liquid into the collection cup 106 toward the inlet opening 136. If desired, the beveled portion 222 itself can define a portion of the brush chamber 118, particularly the rear portion of the brush chamber 118. The beveled portion 222 can extend upward from the rear side of the inlet opening 116 to the inlet opening 136. The sloped portion 222 can form a part of the partition plate 224 that partitions the brush chamber 118 from the collection cup pocket 148 in the base portion 14 if necessary, and dust or liquid removed from the surface to be cleaned by the cleaner 10 can be used. Can be contained within the collection cup 106. In at least some embodiments, the ramp 222 can have an angle with the floor F that is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees.

In at least some embodiments of the brush roll 108, liquid swept and absorbed by the rotating brush roll 108 can be shaken off the brush roll 108 and splashed to the rear collection cup 106. Some liquid may hit the upper inner surface 226 of the cover 110 and then fall into the collection cup 106. At least a portion of the upper inner surface 226 of the cover 110 may overlap at least a portion of the sloped portion 222. Advantageously, the upper inner surface 226 can be angled backwards or downwards towards the collection cup 106 to facilitate the liquid falling or flowing into the collection cup 106. In at least some embodiments, the upper interior surface 226 can have an angle with respect to the floor surface F greater than or equal to 0 degrees (ie, parallel to the floor surface F) and less than or equal to 45 degrees. Further, in embodiments where a bevel 222 is present, some liquid that has been spun off the brush roll 108 can fly along or above the bevel 222. Still further, in embodiments where the brush roll 108 includes an absorbent material capable of absorbing liquid, such as microfiber material 220, some liquid may be absorbed by the brush roll 108. At least some of the absorbed liquid may be shaken off brush roll 108 and collected in collection cup 106, and/or at least some of the absorbed liquid may be retained by brush roll 108. can do.

The cover 110 can have an interference edge 228, such as a rigid wiper, that faces the brush chamber 118 and that interacts with the brush roll 108. The interference edge 228 can be a thin or narrow edge such as a blade or scraper, and can be integrally formed with the cover. Alternatively, the interference edge 228 can be formed separately from the cover 110 and coupled to the cover 110.

The interference edge 228 can be inside the front end 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the interference edge 228 includes a rearward facing side of a lower edge 174 that defines a front opening 176 on the base 14. Alternatively, the interference edge 228 may be provided separately from the lower edge 174 inside the front end 170 or elsewhere within the cover 110. The lower edge 174 or the interference edge 228 may further define the leading edge of the inlet opening 116.

The interference edge 228 is configured to engage the leading edge of the brush roll 108, as defined by the rotation direction R of the brush roll 108 about the brush rotation axis X. As the brush roll 108 rotates, the interference edges 228 can scrape off excess liquid from the brush roll 108 and can help to redistribute the liquid evenly along the length of the brush roll 108. .. This can help reduce streaks on the surface to be cleaned.

The interference edge 228 can be rigid, i.e., stiff and inflexible, so that the edge 228 does not bend or flex upon engaging the brush roll 108. In one example, the interference edge 228 and optionally the cover 110 can be formed from a rigid thermoplastic material such as poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

A squeegee 120 may be provided adjacent the trailing edge 230 of the inlet opening 116 behind the brush roll 108 to aid in the collection of dust and liquid, allowing the cleaner 10 to move across the surface to be cleaned. It is configured to come into contact with the surface when it is pressed. Particularly with respect to the liquid on the surface to be cleaned, the squeegee 120 wipes residual liquid from the surface to be cleaned during the forward stroke or forward movement of the cleaner 10, the residual liquid being brushed during the backward stroke or backward movement of the cleaner 10. It is adapted to be collected by roll 108, which provides a moisture and streak-free finish on the surface to be cleaned. As used herein, a stroke refers to the movement of the cleaner 10 in a single direction relative to the surface to be cleaned, as seen from the perspective of the user behind the cleaner 10.

The squeegee 120 may be an elongated blade that generally extends at least the width of the inlet opening 116, or may extend the entire width of the base 14 and may be supported by the bottom housing 130. You can If desired, the squeegee 120 can be tilted forward to assist the squeegee 120 in picking up liquids and small dusts in the rear stroke of the cleaner 10. Alternatively, the squeegee 120 can be placed generally orthogonal to, or perpendicular to, the surface to be cleaned. The squeegee 120 may have a front-facing smooth surface and a rear surface having a plurality of protrusions 232 at the ends, as shown, or as desired, a smooth front surface and a smooth rear surface. Can have The protrusion 232 can reduce the contact area between the surface to be cleaned and the squeegee 120 in the rearward stroke of the cleaner 10, and can reduce the pushing force required to move the cleaner 10.

The squeegee 120 may be coupled to a trailing edge 230 of the inlet opening 116, the trailing edge 230 configured to engage the trailing portion of the brush roll 108, as defined by the direction of rotation R of the brush roll 108. can do. The trailing edge 230 can be further defined by the lower end of the beveled portion 222. When the brush roll 108 rotates, the trailing edge portion 230 presses a part of the brush roll 108, and the brush roll 108 is pressed a short distance before the slope portion 222 spreads against the lower end portion of the slope portion 222. You can leave it alone.

The squeegee 120 is flexible, that is, flexible or elastic so that it flexes easily according to the surface to be cleaned and/or the contour of the brush roll 108, but remains undeformed by normal use of the cleaner 10. You can If desired, the squeegee 120 may be an elastic polymeric material such as a rubber copolymer such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nitrile butadiene rubber, or substantially during normal use of the vacuum cleaner 10. It can be formed from any material known in the art that has sufficient rigidity to remain undeformed.

The brush roll 108 has an uncompressed diameter 234 that defines a perimeter or outer surface 236 of the brush roll 108 in the uncompressed state. The brush chamber 118 can be configured to have a brush roll gap that changes in the radial direction with respect to the brush roll rotation axis X. The brush roll gap can vary from a positive value to a negative value. At some points around the radius, the brush chamber 118 can have a positive clearance value, in which case the brush chamber 118 is spaced from the outer surface 236 of the brush roll 108 and the brush roll 108 is uncompressed. In other respects, the brush chamber 118 can have a negative clearance value, in which case the brush chamber 118 will interfere with the outer surface 236 of the brush roll 108 and the brush roll 108 will be squeezed. In yet another respect, the brush chamber 118 can have a clearance value of zero, in which case the brush chamber 118 exactly matches the outer surface 236 of the brush roll 108, but the brush roll 108 is not compressed. It is noted that, in operation, the base 14 moves on the surface to be cleaned by the wheels 112, 114.

An exemplary floor F is shown in phantom in FIG. 2, 5, and 10 show the brush roll 108 uncompressed, but in operation, when the brush roll 108 engages the floor surface F, as shown in FIG. The brush roll 108 can be compressed. Other aspects are described in more detail below. In particular, the bottom of the brush roll 108 can be pressed flat against the floor surface F.

In the illustrated embodiment, in which the brush chamber 118 is at least partially defined by the cover 110 and the beveled portion 222, the brush roll gap changes at various points to increase or decrease the compression of the brush roll 108 by the brush chamber 118, The interference between the brush chamber 118, the brush roll 108, and the floor surface F can be increased or decreased, thereby balancing the cleaning performance or efficiency of the cleaner 10 with the battery life.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the brush roll gaps at points A, B, C, and D are configured to balance cleaning performance with battery life. Optionally, one or more of the brush roll gaps at points A, B, C, and D are dependent on the radius of the brush roll 108, and more specifically on the length of the microfibers of the microfiber material 220. Can be decided.

The brush roll gap at point A, i.e., the gap between the brush roll 108 and the curved front end 170 of the cover 110, which may cover the brush roll 108 and the front, may have a gap value of zero. Yes, so that the inner surface of the front end 170 exactly matches the outer surface 236 of the brush roll 108, and the brush roll 108 is uncompressed at point A. Alternatively, the brush roll gap at point A can be in the range of -5 mm to +5 mm, or greater than half the length of the microfibers of the microfiber material 220 at negative values, i.e., the brush roll 108. The uncompressed diameter 234 of s is compressed a distance equal to half the length of the microfiber of the microfiber material 220 at point A.

The brush roll gap at point B, i.e. the gap between the brush roll 108 and the interference edge 228 of the cover 110, may have a negative gap value, whereby the interference edge 228 causes the brush roller 108 to have a negative gap value. Interfering with the outer surface 236, the brush roll 108 is squeezed at point B. In one non-limiting example, the brush roll gap at point B can be -7 mm, i.e., the uncompressed diameter 234 of the brush roll 108 is compressed by 7 mm at point B. Alternatively, the brush roll gap at point B can be in the range of -7 mm to +2 mm, or greater than the length of the microfibers of the microfiber material 220 at a negative value, i.e., non-brush of the brush roll 108. The compression diameter 234 is compressed a distance equal to the length of the microfiber of the microfiber material 220 at point B.

The brush roll gap at point C, ie, the gap between the brush roll 108 and the trailing edge 230 of the inlet opening 116, can have a negative gap value, which causes the trailing edge 230 of the inlet opening 116 to move. , Interferes with the outer surface 236 of the brush roll 108, and the brush roll 108 is compressed at the point C. In one non-limiting example, the brush roll gap at point C can be -5 mm, i.e., the uncompressed diameter 234 of the brush roll 108 is compressed by 5 mm at point C. Alternatively, the brush roll gap at point C can be in the range of -5 mm to 0 mm, or greater than the length of the microfibers of the microfiber material 220 at a negative value, i. The compression diameter 234 is compressed a distance equal to the length of the microfiber of the microfiber material 220 at point C.

The brush roll gap at point D, that is, the gap between the brush roll 108 and the floor surface F, can have a negative gap value, whereby the floor surface F interferes with the outer surface 236 of the brush roll 108. , The brush roll 108 is compressed at point D. In one non-limiting example, the brush roll gap at point D can be -8 mm, i.e., the uncompressed diameter 234 of the brush roll 108 is compressed by 8 mm at point D. It is noted that the brush roll gap at point D, ie, the gap between the brush roll 108 and the floor F, can be correlated to the spatial relationship between the brush roll 108, the brush chamber 118, and the wheels 112, 114. To be done. Alternatively, the brush roll gap at point D can be in the range of -8 mm to 0 mm, or greater than the length of the microfibers of the microfiber material 220 at negative values, i.e., non-brush of the brush roll 108. The compression diameter 234 is compressed a distance equal to the length of the microfiber of the microfiber material 220 at point D.

Also, although FIG. 11 shows the squeegee 120 unbent, in operation, the squeegee 120 can flex when engaging the floor surface F. In the forward stroke of the cleaner 10, the squeegee 120 can bend back around the trailing edge 230, with the forward, smooth surface of the squeegee 120 contacting the floor surface F. In the rearward stroke of the cleaner 10, the squeegee 120 can bend forward, with the rear surface having the plurality of protrusions 232 contacting the floor surface F.

At least one cover latch 168 may be provided to releasably secure the cover 110 on the base housing 104. At least one cover latch 168 fits within a latch catch 250 (see FIG. 10) provided on the base housing 104 and can be biased into a latched position by a spring 252. The at least one cover latch 168 can be configured to releasably latch or retain the cover 110 to the base housing 104, but not to lock it, such that a user can attach the cover 110 to the cover 110 itself, such as by a carry handle 178. It is convenient to be able to pull the cover 110 out of the base housing 104 with sufficient force. In one embodiment, the cover 110 can include a pair of cover latches 168 and the base housing 104 can include a corresponding pair of latch catches 250. More specifically, the latch catch 250 may be provided on the top housing 132 of the base housing 104.

A vacuum cleaner 10' according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Figures 12-14. Many of the components of the second embodiment are similar to the first embodiment, and similar features are indicated by the same reference signs with a prime (') symbol. Any one or combination of the above features including a transversely slidable collection cup, a hybrid brush roll, an interference edge, a squeegee, or a brush roll chamber with a variable brush roll gap is contemplated by the present invention. Can be incorporated into this embodiment of.

In the second embodiment, the upright body 12' is pivotally attached to the base 14' by a swivel joint 260. The swivel joint 260 may include a multi-axis cardan joint, as shown, but alternatively comprises a ball joint that pivotally connects the base 14' to the upright body 12'. You can The swivel joint 260 is adapted to pivotally connect the base 14 ′ to the upright body 12 ′ and defines a first axis 262 that is generally perpendicular to the direction of travel of the cleaner 10. The upright body 12' is pivotable back and forth about an axis 262 relative to the base 14'. The swivel joint 260 further defines a second axis 264 that is generally parallel to the direction of travel of the cleaner 10, and the upright body 12' pivots left and right about the second axis relative to the base 14'. be able to. Therefore, the swivel joint 260 is configured such that the base portion 14' pivots with respect to the upright body 12' in a multiaxial manner. Wiring and/or conduits may provide electrical and/or liquid (or other fluid) between base 14' and upright body 12' or vice versa, as needed, and wiring and/or conduits The conduit may extend through swivel joint 260.

The upright body 12' can be pivoted to an upright or storage position via a swivel joint 260. An example of this is shown in FIG. 12, where the upright body 12' is in a substantially upright orientation with respect to the surface to be cleaned and the cleaner 10' is self-supporting, i. 'Can stand upright without the support of anything else. A locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided to lock the swivel joint 260 against movement about at least one of the axes 262, 264 of the swivel joint 260 in the storage position, which allows the cleaner 10 to move. 'Can be self-supporting. The upright body 12' can be pivoted from a storage position to a rearwardly inclined position or a use position (not shown) via a swivel joint 260, in which position the upright body 12' makes an acute angle with the surface to be cleaned. It is pivoted rearward relative to the base 14' so that it does. In this position, the user can partially support the device by holding the handgrip 22'.

In one embodiment, the base 14' of the cleaner 10' can include a single rear wheel 266 located at the rear of the base 14'. By using a single rear wheel 266 rather than a pair of wheels, the total contact area with the surface to be cleaned of the cleaner 10' can be reduced, which allows the wheels to roll over the wet surface to be cleaned. The occurrence and occurrence of streaks caused by A pair of front wheels (not shown) can optionally be provided in front of the single rear wheel 266 at the base 14'. The rear wheel 266 can be centrally located under the upright body 12' and, optionally, under the swivel joint 260 connecting the upright body 12' to the base 14'. More specifically, the rear wheel 266 can be rotatably attached to the yoke 268 of the swivel joint 260. In this case, the axis of rotation of the wheel 266 coincides with the first axis 262 which allows the upright body 12' to pivot back and forth with respect to the base 14'. The yoke 268 is pivotally connected to the wheel 266 on the lateral side of the base 14'. The yoke 268 is further secured to the upstanding body 12', either directly or through an extension (not shown) at the lower end of the upstanding body 12' which may extend from the lower end of the frame 18'.

In the second embodiment, the handle 16' pivots relative to the frame 18' via the handle pivot or coupler 270 and either rotates towards the frame 18' or folds downward. In particular, the handle 16' is pivotable between the deployed position shown in FIG. 12 and the folded position (not shown). One example of a suitable handle pivot or coupler is disclosed in US Pat. No. 9,924,842 issued Mar. 27, 2018. This US patent is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The cleaner 10' may include at least one user interface 272, 274 through which a user may interact with the cleaner 10'. The user interfaces 272, 274 may allow the user to operate and control the cleaner 10' and may also provide feedback information from the cleaner 10' to the user. The user interfaces 272, 274 include electrical circuits, including, but not limited to, circuits electrically connected to various components of the fluid delivery system and recovery system of the vacuum cleaner 10', as described in further detail below. It can be electrically connected to a component.

In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 10 ′ comprises a human machine interface (HMI) 272, which the system within the vacuum cleaner 10 ′ includes, but is not limited to, to affect and control operation. It has one or more input controls, such as buttons, triggers, toggles, keys, switches, etc., operatively connected. The cleaner 10' also includes a status user interface (SUI) 274, which informs the user of the status or status of the cleaner 10'. The SUI 274 can provide visual and/or audible notifications and can have one or more input controls as desired. The HMI 272 and the SUI 274 can be provided as separate interfaces or can be integrated with each other, such as a composite user interface, a graphical user interface, or a multimedia user interface. As shown, the HMI 272 can be provided on the front side of the handgrip 22' and the trigger 24' can be provided on the rear side of the handgrip 22' opposite the HMI 272. The SUI 274 is below the handle 16' and above the base 14', and optionally above the supply tank 20', which can optionally be provided at the rear side of the frame 18' as shown. It can be provided on the front side of the frame 18'. In other embodiments, the HMI 272 and SUI 274 may be located elsewhere on the cleaner 10'. One example of a suitable HMI and/or SUI is U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/747,922, filed October 19, 2018, and international application PCT, now filed October 21, 2019. /US2019/057196. This patent document is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Any of the user interfaces 272, 274 can include a proximity-triggered interface as described in the '922 application.

The HMI 272 can have one or more input controls 276 aligned with a printed circuit board (PCB, not shown) within the handgrip 22'. In one embodiment, one input control 276 is a power input control that controls the power supply to one or more electrical components of the vacuum cleaner 10′, as described in further detail below, One of the one or more electrical components of vacuum cleaner 10 ′ may be SUI 274. The input controls 276 can include buttons, triggers, toggles, keys, switches, etc., or any combination thereof. In one example, the input controller 276 can include a capacitive button.

The SUI 274 can include a display 278 such as, but not limited to, an LED matrix display or touch screen. In one embodiment, the display 278 includes, but is not limited to, battery status, Wi-Fi connection status, wash fluid level in the supply tank, dust/liquid level in the collection cup, filter status, floor type, self-cleaning, Or, it may include multiple status indicators that can display various detailed device status information, such as any number of other status information. The status indicator may be a visual indicator, a textual display, a graphical display, or any type of known status indicator that may comprise any of a variety of light sources such as LEDs. You can

The SUI 274 can include at least one input control 280, which can be adjacent to or on the display 278. The input controller 280 can include buttons, triggers, toggles, keys, switches, etc., or any combination thereof. In one example, the input controller 280 can include a capacitive button. In one example, the input controller 280 can include a self-cleaning mode input controller that initiates a self-cleaning operating mode. An example of a self-cleaning cycle is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0344112, filed March 31, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Part of.

FIG. 14 is a schematic control diagram of the vacuum cleaner 10'. The controller 196' of the cleaner 10' can be operatively coupled to various functional systems of the cleaner 10' for controlling its operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 196' is operatively coupled to the HMI 272 that receives input from the user and the SUI 274 that provides one or more indications regarding the status of the cleaner 10'. In one embodiment, the controller 196' can include a microcontroller unit (MCU) that includes at least one central processing unit (CPU). The controller 196' can be provided at various locations on the cleaner 10', such as being integrated with the SUI 274. Alternatively, controller 196' can be integrated with HMI 272 or can be separate from both HMI 272 and SUI 274.

As mentioned above, the power input controller 276 controls the power supply to one or more electrical components of the vacuum cleaner 10', and in the illustrated embodiment, the SUI 274, pump 52', and/or brush motor 190'. Control the power supply to one or more of the The electrical components of the vacuum cleaner 10', including the pump 52' of the flow control system and/or the brush motor 190' of the brush roll 108', are electrically coupled to a power source such as a battery 194' or a power cord that plugs into a household outlet. can do. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 52' can be an electrically actuated pump such as, but not limited to, a first speed, second speed, or variable speed solenoid pump. Alternatively, the pump 52' can be mechanically actuated by the trigger 24' described above with respect to the first embodiment.

The battery 194' can be located in a battery housing 282 located on the upright body 12' or the base 14' of the cleaner 10'. The battery housing 282 protects the battery 194' and can be retained on the cleaner 10'. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery housing 282 is provided at the lower end of the frame 18' of the upright body 12'.

A vacuum cleaner 10' according to a third embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to FIG. Many of the components of the third embodiment are similar to the first embodiment, and similar features are indicated by the same reference signs with a double prime ("") symbol. Any one or combination of the above features including a transversely slidable collection cup, a hybrid brush roll, an interference edge, a squeegee, or a brush roll chamber with a variable brush roll gap is contemplated by the present invention. Can be incorporated into this embodiment of.

In the third embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 10 ″ comprises a battery in the form of a rechargeable battery pack 290 removable from the base 14 ″. The battery pack 290 has a USB charging port 292 that can be used to charge the battery. A USB charging cable (not shown) can be provided to plug the cleaner 10 ″ into a household outlet.

The battery pack 290 can be removable from a battery compartment 294 located on or within the base 14 ″. The battery compartment 294 protects the battery pack 290 and can be retained on the cleaner 10 ″. If desired, the battery compartment 294 can be formed as a top open pocket or cavity on the base housing 104″. The battery compartment 294 can be behind the cover 110 ″, which allows the battery pack 290 to be removed without having to remove the cover 110 ″.

As shown herein, the USB charging port 292 may be accessible by the user from outside the vacuum cleaner 10 ″ for attachment of the USB charging cable. The battery compartment 294 can have a hole 296 aligned with the USB charging port 292. In the illustrated embodiment, the holes 296 are provided in the base housing 104 ″, and more particularly in the rear side of the bottom housing 130 ″, although other positions are possible.

A vacuum cleaner 300 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. The vacuum cleaner 300 of the third embodiment is an autonomous or robotic vacuum cleaner, and includes various types of vacuum cleaner 300 including a fluid delivery system, a collection system, and an autonomous drive system in an autonomously movable unit or housing 302. The functional system components are installed. Fluid delivery system in first and second embodiments including a transversely slidable collection cup, a hybrid brush roll, an interference edge, a squeegee, or a brush roll chamber with variable brush roll clearance. And any of the above-described features of the retrieval system can be incorporated into this embodiment of the invention.

The cleaner 300 may include at least one user interface 304, through which a user may interact with the cleaner 300. The interface 304 may allow the user to operate and control the cleaner 300 and may also provide feedback information from the cleaner 300 to the user. The user interface 304 can be electrically coupled to electrical components including, but not limited to, circuits electrically connected to various components of the fluid delivery and collection systems of the vacuum cleaner 300. The user interface 304 includes, but is not limited to, one, such as a button, trigger, toggle, key, switch, etc., operatively connected to a system within the vacuum cleaner 300 to affect and control operation. It is possible to have more than one input control. In one example, power button 306 controls the power supply to one or more electrical components of vacuum cleaner 300. The user interface 304 provides visual and/or audible notifications. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface of cleaner 300 may be provided as an application running on a smartphone to control one or more functions of cleaner 300.

The vacuum cleaner 300 may further include a controller 308 operably coupled to various functional systems of the vacuum cleaner 300 for controlling its operation. The controller 308 can be a microcontroller unit (MCU) that includes at least one central processing unit (CPU). The controller 308 can be operatively coupled to a user interface 304 that receives input from the user and provides the user with one or more indications regarding the status of the vacuum cleaner 300, and at least one that receives input regarding the ambient environment. One sensor 310 can be further operably coupled and the sensor input can be used to control the operation of the cleaner 300. Some non-limiting examples of sensor 310 may provide a distance sensor to determine the distance of the cleaner to an obstacle, distance feedback to prevent the cleaner from falling too far, such as a stair hall or step. Cliff sensor, a collision sensor that determines a front or side collision of the vacuum cleaner, and distance feedback to allow the vacuum cleaner to track near the wall without touching the wall Sensors, accelerometers that detect linear acceleration, rotational acceleration, and magnetic field acceleration, lift-up sensors that detect when the cleaner is lifted from the surface to be cleaned, such as when the user picks up the cleaner, and surfaces to be cleaned. Floor surface condition sensors such as infrared dust sensors, dirt sensors, odor sensors, and/or wet mess sensors for detecting the condition of.

The autonomous vacuum cleaner 300 may include a power source built into the housing 302, which is a rechargeable battery 312 (eg, a battery pack or a plurality of battery cells) such as a lithium-ion battery or a battery pack. You can

The autonomous drive system is configured such that the cleaner 300 autonomously moves on the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum cleaner 300 is configured to randomly move around the surface during cleaning of the floor surface and use inputs from various sensors to turn or adjust course as needed to avoid obstacles. Or a navigation/mapping system for guiding the movement of the cleaner 300 on the surface to be cleaned can be provided. In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 300 includes a navigation and route planning system operably coupled with a drive system. The system builds and stores a map of the environment in which the vacuum cleaner 300 is used, and plans routes to systematically clean the available area. If desired, the vacuum cleaner 300 can be provided with an artificial barrier system (not shown) that keeps the vacuum cleaner 300 within the boundaries determined by the user.

The drive system can include a drive wheel 314 that drives the autonomous cleaner 300 across the surface to be cleaned. The drive wheel 314 can be operated by a common drive motor or a separate drive motor (not shown) coupled to the drive wheel 314 by a transmission. The transmission may include a gear train assembly or another suitable transmission. The drive system may receive input from the controller 308 and drive the cleaner 300 across the floor based on input from the navigation/mapping system. The drive wheels 314 can be driven in forward or reverse directions to move the housing 302 forward or backward, and can be operated simultaneously or individually to turn the housing 302 in the desired direction. .. The controller 308 can receive input from the navigation/mapping system and direct the drive system to move the cleaner 300 over the surface to be cleaned. The navigation/mapping system may include a memory that stores a map for navigation and inputs from various sensors used to guide movement of the cleaner 300.

The fluid delivery system can include a supply tank 318 that stores the supplied cleaning fluid, and at least one fluid spreader 320 that is in fluid communication with the supply tank 318 to deposit the cleaning fluid on the surface. .. The cleaning fluid can be a liquid such as water or a cleaning solution specially prepared for hard bed cleaning. The fluid sprinkler 320 can be one or more spray nozzles provided on the housing 302 of the cleaner 300. Alternatively, the fluid distributor 320 can be a manifold with multiple outlets. A fluid delivery pump 322 is provided in the flow path between the supply tank 318 and the fluid distributor 320 and controls the flow of fluid to the fluid distributor 320. Various combinations of optional components, such as a heater that heats the cleaning fluid prior to applying it to the surface, or one or more fluid control mixing valves, as generally known in the art, may be added to the fluid delivery system. Can be incorporated.

The fluid sprinkler 320 can be arranged to deliver a cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned, and by having the outlet of the fluid sprinkler 320 located directly on the surface to be cleaned, eg, facing the surface. The discharge is performed or indirectly, for example, by having the outlet of the fluid sprinkler 320 arranged so as to discharge to the agitator such as the brush roll 326 on the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the fluid dispenser 320 is arranged to deliver a cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned below the housing 302.

Alternatively, the fluid sparger 320 can discharge the cleaning fluid directly onto the surface to be cleaned and outwardly from the housing 302, thereby allowing the user to see exactly where the cleaning fluid is being discharged. You can see. For example, the fluid dispenser 320 can dispense cleaning fluid forward, backward, laterally, or anywhere outside the housing 302 of the cleaner 300. As shown herein, the fluid spreader 320 is located outside the housing 302 and sprays a cleaning fluid in front of the cleaner 300, which causes the fluid spreader 320 and the fluid spreader 320 to discharge. Both of the cleaning fluids that are applied are easily visible during operation of cleaner 300.

The autonomous vacuum cleaner 300 may include a brush chamber 324 on the front surface of the housing 302 in which a brush roll 326 is attached. As used herein with respect to cleaner 300, "front" or "front" and variations thereof are defined with respect to the direction of forward movement of autonomous cleaner 300, unless otherwise specified. Brush roll 326 is mounted for rotation about an axis that is substantially horizontal to the surface on which housing 302 moves. In one embodiment, the brush roll 326 can be a hybrid brush roll as described above with respect to FIG. 10, but the autonomous vacuum cleaner 300 can be any of the brush rolls described elsewhere herein. Embodiments can be included. A brush motor 328 may be provided within the housing 302 to drive the brush roll 326. A drive transmission (not shown), including, for example, a belt, operatively connects the motor shaft of the motor 328 to the brush roll 326 to transfer rotational movement of the motor shaft to the brush roll 326. Alternatively, the brush roll 326 can be mechanically driven by the autonomous movement of the cleaner 300.

The collection system can include an inlet opening 330, a collection cup 332 that collects liquid and dust from the surface for later disposal, and an agitator or brush roll 326. The inlet opening 330 may be provided in the lower surface 334 of the housing 302 that is adapted to abut the surface to be cleaned as the housing 302 moves autonomously across the surface. A brush roll 326 can be provided adjacent the inlet opening 330 for sweeping the surface to be cleaned so that the dust and liquid swept by the brush roll 326 is mechanically pumped into the collection cup 332.

In one embodiment, a squeegee 336 can be provided adjacent the trailing edge 338 of the inlet opening 330 behind the brush roll 326 to aid in the collection of dust and liquid, and the housing 302 to be cleaned. It is configured to contact the surface as it moves across the surface. The squeegee 336 can be an elongated blade at least entirely across the width of the inlet opening 330, or can span the width of the housing 302 and is similar to a squeegee as described above with reference to FIG. However, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 300 can include any of the squeegee or wiper blade embodiments described elsewhere herein.

If desired, the bottom housing or sole plate 340 can at least partially retain the brush roll 326 within the brush chamber 324 and can have a collection system inlet opening 330. Squeegee 336 can be supported by a bottom housing or sole plate 340.

The brush roll 326 can be mounted in front of the autonomous vacuum cleaner 300, but the brush roll in most autonomous surface cleaners is mounted near the center of the unit and hidden under an opaque plastic housing. When the housing 302 of the illustrated vacuum cleaner 300 is "D-shaped" when viewed from above, for example, the housing 302 has a straight front edge 342 and a rounded rear edge 344. In addition, the brush roll 326 can be configured to be housed in the front position. The housing 302 generally extends between a straight front edge 342 and a rounded trailing edge 344 with lateral sides 346, 348 that can be straight, rounded, or otherwise contoured. You can have more. In one embodiment, the retrieval cup 332 may be removable through one of the lateral sides 346, 348 of the housing 302, as described in more detail below.

A removable cover 350 may be provided on the housing 302 surrounding the collection cup 332 and/or the brush roll 326 or other agitator. The cover 350 may be releasably secured to the housing 302 by at least one cover latch 352, which may be substantially similar to the cover latch 168 described above with reference to FIG. Can include any of the embodiments of cover latches otherwise described herein. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, when the cover 350 is at least partially formed of a translucent or transparent material, it is defined by the interior space of the cleaner 300, eg, the brush roll 326 and the collection cup 332. One or both of the collection chambers 354 are visible to the user through the cover 350.

When secured on the housing 302, the cover 350 may define at least a portion of the brush chamber 324 that partially encloses the brush roll 326. Additionally or alternatively, the cover 350 can define at least a portion of the collection chamber 354 when the collection cup 332 is installed in the housing 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 350 covers the front of the brush roll 326 and over the collection chamber 354 to cover the curved front end 356 that can define the brush chamber 324 and the open top of the collection cup 332. And a rear end 358 that can extend to. The cover 350 can define at least a straight front edge 342 of the housing 302, and more particularly, the curved front end 356 of the cover 350 defines at least a straight front edge 342 of the housing 302. be able to.

If desired, the brush roll 326 can be configured to be removed from the housing 302 by the user, such as for cleaning and/or drying the brush roll 326. The brush roll 326 may be removably mounted within the brush chamber 324 by a brush roll latch (not shown), which may be substantially similar to the brush roll latch 180 described above with reference to FIG. Autonomous cleaner 300 may include any of the embodiments of brush roll latches described elsewhere herein. The cover 350 can be removed to expose the brush roll 326, and the brush roll 326 can be removed from above as described above with respect to FIG.

The collection cup 332 can be any type of collection bottle or tank suitable for the purposes described herein including collecting dust and liquid. The collection cup 332 defines an inlet opening 360 to the collection chamber 354 and has a generally open top that is in fluid communication with the brush chamber 324. The dust and liquid swept by the brush roll 326 can be pumped into the collection cup 332 through the inflow opening 360. In the illustrated embodiment, the collection cup 332 is substantially similar to the collection cup 106 described above with reference to FIG. 5, but the autonomous vacuum cleaner 300 includes a collection cup otherwise described herein. Any of the embodiments of can be included.

The collection cup 332 can be removed from the housing 302 for emptying the contents. The housing 302 can have a collection cup housing, such as a collection cup pocket 362 that houses the collection cup 332. The collection cup 332 can be slid into the pocket 362 to mount the collection cup 332 on the housing 302, and can be slid out of the pocket 362 to remove the collection cup 332 from the housing 302.

In one embodiment, the collection cup 332 can be removed through the lateral side 346 of the housing 302 for emptying. The collection cup 332 can be slid laterally out of the housing 302 to remove the collection cup 332 from the housing 302. In the embodiment with pockets 362 shown herein, pockets 362 can include pocket openings 364 on lateral sides 346 of housing 302 and retrieval cup 332 slides transversely through pocket openings 364. Can move. If desired, cleaner 300 may be substantially similar to recovery cup latch 152 described above with reference to FIGS. 7-9 to secure recovery cup 332 to housing 302. However, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 300 may include any of the embodiments of the retrieval cup latches described elsewhere herein.

In the embodiments shown herein, the collection cup 332 can be removed from the housing 302 for evacuation of the contents without removing the cover 350. Alternatively, the collection cup 332 can be coupled or otherwise combined with the cover 350 so that the collection cup 332 is removed at the same time that the cover 350 is removed and the brush chamber 324 and the collection cup 332. Both sides are easier to clean.

As mentioned above, the brush roll 326 is provided adjacent the inlet opening 330 to agitate the surface to be cleaned so that the dust and liquid swept by the brush roll 326 are mechanically pumped into the collection cup 332. be able to. A beveled portion 366 can be provided at the rear of the brush chamber 324 to guide dust and liquid into the collection chamber 354 towards the inlet opening 360. If desired, the beveled portion 366 itself can define a portion of the brush chamber 324, particularly the rear portion of the brush chamber 324. The beveled portion 366 can extend upward from the rear side of the inlet opening 330 to the inlet opening 360. The beveled surface portion 366 can form a part of a partition plate 368 for partitioning the brush chamber 324 from the collection cup pocket 362 in the housing 302, if necessary, and dust or liquid removed from the surface to be cleaned by the cleaner 300. Can be contained within the collection cup 332. In at least some embodiments, the ramp 366 can have an angle with the floor F that is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees.

The trailing edge 338 can be further defined by the lower end of the beveled portion 366. As the brush roll 326 rotates, the trailing edge 338 compresses a portion of the brush roll 326 and the brush roll 326 compresses a short distance before leaving the slope 366 against the lower end of the slope 366. Can be left as is. In the illustrated embodiment, the squeegee 336 interfaces with the trailing edge 338 and thus can be supported by the beveled portion 326 or, as described above, by the bottom housing or sole plate 340.

In at least some embodiments of the brush roll 326, the liquid swept by the rotating brush roll 326 is spun off from the brush roll 326 in a manner similar to the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. , Can be thrown backward into the collection cup 332. Similar to the first embodiment, some liquid may hit the upper inner surface 370 of the cover 350 and then drop or flow into the collection cup 332. In at least some embodiments, the upper inner surface 370 can have an angle with respect to the floor surface F greater than or equal to 0 degrees (ie, parallel to the floor surface F) and less than or equal to 45 degrees.

The cover 350 can have an interference edge 372 that faces the brush chamber 324 and that interacts with the brush roll 326. The interference edge 372 can be substantially similar to the interference edge 228 described above with reference to FIG. 11, but the autonomous vacuum cleaner 300 includes the interference edge described differently herein. Any of the embodiments of can be included. Briefly, the interference edge 372 is configured to engage the leading edge of the brush roll 326 such that the interference edge 372 scrapes excess liquid from the brush roll 326 as the brush roll 326 rotates. Can help to redistribute liquid evenly along the length of the brush roll 326. This can help reduce streaks on the surface to be cleaned.

The brush roll 326 has an uncompressed diameter 374 that defines a perimeter or outer surface 376 of the brush roll 326 in the uncompressed state. The brush chamber 324 can be configured with a brush roll gap that changes in the radial direction with respect to the brush roll rotation axis X. The brush roll gap can vary from a positive value to a negative value, as described above for the first embodiment. Briefly, in the illustrated embodiment in which the brush chamber 324 is at least partially defined by the cover 350 and the beveled portion 366, the brush roll gaps at various points include the compression of the brush roll 326 and the brush chamber 324 and the brush roll 326. It varies to increase or decrease the interference between 326 and floor surface F, which allows the cleaning performance or efficiency of autonomous cleaner 300 to be balanced with battery life. In one example, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the brush roll gaps at points A, B, C, and D can be defined as described above for the first embodiment in FIG. 11, It can have the same value if desired.

To the extent not previously described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments of the present invention can be used in combination with one another as desired or can be used separately. Although one surface cleaning device is shown herein to have all of these features, this does not mean that all of these features must be used in combination, but rather. , For the sake of brevity in the description. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments can be mixed as desired to match different washer configurations to form new embodiments whether or not explicitly described. ..

The above description relates to generic and specific embodiments of the present disclosure. However, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which are interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents. Accordingly, the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and is set forth or described as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the present disclosure or the scope of the claims appended hereto. It should not be construed as limited to any particular element. Use of the element in the singular, eg, the use of the articles “a”, “an”, “the” or “said” should not be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Similarly, the appended claims are not limited to the specific specific mixtures, compositions or methods described in the detailed description, and to the specific embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. It should also be understood that it can vary between. With respect to any Markush group relied upon herein to describe specific features or aspects of various embodiments, a distinct, special, from each component of each Markush group that is independent of all other Markush components. And/or unexpected results can be obtained. Each of the components of the Markush group may be relied upon individually or in combination, providing a full basis for the particular embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A vacuum cleaner for cleaning the floor,
A housing adapted to move along a surface to be cleaned, the housing comprising a brush chamber and an inlet configured to abut the surface to be cleaned as the housing moves across the surface. A housing having an opening;
A fluid delivery system comprising a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid and a fluid spreader configured to apply the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned,
A collection cup removably attached to the housing, the collection cup being behind the inlet opening and the brush chamber;
A brush roll in the brush chamber mounted in the housing for rotation about an axis, a portion of the brush roll protruding through the inlet opening to sweep the surface to be cleaned, The roll comprises a sweeping media comprising a microfiber material capable of absorbing liquid, the brush roll being configured to mechanically pump dust and liquid from the surface to be cleaned into the collection cup. A roll,
A brush roll motor drivingly connected to the brush roll for rotation of the brush roll about the axis;
Equipped with
The recovery cup has an inflow opening and a recovery chamber in fluid communication with the brush chamber through the inflow opening, thereby removing dust and liquid mechanically pumped through the inflow opening by the brush rolls, A vacuum cleaner for collecting into the collection chamber defined by the collection cup. 2. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the housing has opposite lateral sides and the collection cup is removable from the housing through one of the opposite lateral sides of the housing for evacuation of the contents. Vacuum cleaner as described. The vacuum cleaner comprises a pocket in which the collection cup is mounted, the housing has opposite lateral sides, the pocket being accessible through one of the opposite lateral sides, The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein a cup is slidable through the one of the opposing lateral sides to remove the collection cup from the pocket. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, comprising a battery attached to the housing and electrically connected to the brush roll motor. The vacuum cleaner of claim 4, wherein one of the housing and the battery has a USB charging port. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the recovery cup is located between the brush roll and the battery. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the brush chamber has a brush roll gap that changes in a radial direction with respect to the shaft so as to increase or decrease the pressure of the brush roll by the brush chamber. There is a sloped part provided at the rear part of the brush chamber so as to guide dust and liquid into the recovery chamber toward the inflow opening, and the sloped part is collected from the rear side part of the inlet opening. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, extending upward toward the inlet opening of the cup. The cleaner includes a cover on the housing that surrounds the recovery cup and the brush roll, the cover having an upper inner surface that overlaps the slope portion, and the upper inner surface of the cover is the recovery cup. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the vacuum cleaner is inclined rearward and downward. The vacuum cleaner has an interference edge facing the brush chamber and interacting with a leading edge of the brush roll,
A squeegee is provided in the housing behind the brush roll and is configured to contact the surface underneath the housing as the housing moves along the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum cleaner according to 1. The vacuum cleaner comprises a cover on the housing that encloses the collection cup and the brush roll, the cover being removable from the housing without the use of tools, the collection cup being separated from the housing by the housing. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner is configured to be removed from the housing for emptying the contents without removing the cover. The cover is at least partially formed of one of a translucent material and a transparent material so that the collection chamber defined by the brush roll and the collection cup can be the cover without removing the cover. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, which is at least partially visible to a user through the vacuum cleaner. The cleaner includes a brush roll latch that fixes the brush roll in the brush chamber, the brush roll is removably mounted in the brush chamber by the brush roll latch, and the brush roll latch is 12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein the housing is inaccessible if the cover is provided and accessible if the cover is removed from the housing. The vacuum cleaner includes an upright body pivotally mounted to the housing, the fluid spreader is located on the upright body, and the cleaning fluid is directed outward and forward in a front surface of the housing. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner is configured to spray directly onto the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the brush roll comprises a hybrid brush roll comprising a plurality of bristles with the microfiber material disposed therebetween. An upright body to which the supply tank is attached,
A swivel joint connecting the upright body to the housing, the swivel joint comprising: a first shaft configured to pivot the upright body back and forth with respect to the housing; and the upright body including the housing. A swivel joint defining a second axis configured to pivot left and right with respect to
The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising: An upright body pivotally attached to the housing,
A single rear wheel centrally located under the upright body, disposed behind the housing;
A pair of front wheels disposed in front of the single rear wheel in the housing;
The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising: The vacuum cleaner comprises an upright body pivotally mounted to the housing, the body including a handle and a frame,
The supply tank is attached to the frame,
The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the handle is pivotally coupled to the frame so as to pivot between a deployed position and a folded position. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner is an autonomous vacuum cleaner including an autonomous drive system configured to drive the housing autonomously on the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner is a multi-function vacuum cleaner configured to perform both dry sweep and wet wipe.