KR20220071969A - surface cleaning blower - Google Patents

Abstract

The blower includes a body, a recovery tank coupled to the body, and a liquid tank coupled to the body. The liquid tank is configured to hold liquid. The blower includes a base pivotally coupled to the body and configured to support the body over a cleaning surface. The blower includes a fluid distribution portion coupled to the base. The fluid distribution portion is in fluid communication with the liquid tank and is configured to dispense liquid from the liquid tank onto the cleaning surface. The blower includes a brush roll removably coupled to the base and a nozzle in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A nozzle is coupled to the base to block access to the brush roll. The nozzle is movable with respect to the base and the fluid dispensing portion, thereby providing access to and removal of the brush roll from the base.

Description

surface cleaning blower

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/928,689, filed on October 31, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

The present invention relates to a surface cleaning blower, and more particularly to a surface cleaning blower comprising a removable brush roll.

In one embodiment, the blower includes a body, a recovery tank coupled to the body, and a liquid tank coupled to the body. The liquid tank is configured to hold liquid. The blower also includes a base pivotally coupled to the body and configured to support the body over a cleaning surface. The blower further includes a fluid distribution portion coupled to the base. The fluid distribution portion is in fluid communication with the liquid tank and is configured to dispense liquid from the liquid tank onto the cleaning surface. The blower further includes a brush roll removably coupled to the base and a nozzle in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A nozzle is coupled to the base to block access to the brush roll. The nozzle is movable relative to the base and the fluid dispensing portion, thereby providing access to and removal of the brush roll from the base.

In another embodiment, the blower is disposed in a liquid tank configured to hold liquid, a fluid distribution configured to dispense liquid from the liquid tank onto a cleaning surface, a base supporting the fluid distribution, a brush roll coupled to the base, and the brush roll. and a cover coupled to the base to block access to the base. The cover is movable relative to the base and the fluid dispensing portion, thereby providing access to the brush rolls.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning blower including a body pivotally coupled to a base;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1 with the brush roll removed from the base;
Fig. 3 is a top view of the base of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the brush roll of the surface cleaning blower of Fig. 1;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1 showing the cover removed from the base to provide access to the brush roll;
6 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1 showing one brush roll partially removed or partially inserted relative to the base and another brush roll coupled to the base;

Before describing any embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the detailed construction and arrangement of components described in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and is not intended to limit its scope. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that terms relating to degrees such as "substantially," "about," "approximately," and the like, mean reasonable ranges outside of the given values, such as general tolerances associated with the manufacture, assembly, and use of the described embodiments. you will understand

A surface cleaning blower 10 (eg, an upright carpet blower) is disposed on a cleaning surface 15 and is shown in FIG. 1 , and is operable or in an upright position or in an inclined position with a storage position ( FIG. 1 ). and a body 20 having a suction motor 25 pivotally coupled to a base 30 between positions (not shown). Base 30 includes a fluid dispenser 175 ( FIG. 2 ) configured to dispense liquid onto a surface 15 to be cleaned and at least one first brush roll 65a operatively disposed within base 30 . includes The first brush roll 65a may be removed from the base 30 through the upper end 75 of the base 30 adjacent the fluid distribution portion 175 . In another embodiment, the blower 10 is a portable handheld blower or accessory, an upright vacuum cleaner with a fluid distribution, a canister type vacuum with a fluid distribution, a power sweeper with a fluid distribution, a hard floor cleaner etc. For example, the base 30 may be a handheld auxiliary attachment to the insufflator 10 . The illustrated body 20 includes a handle 35 operable by a user to push the insufflator 10 in a forward direction 40 or to pull the insufflator 10 in a rearward direction 45 . . A liquid tank 50 is selectively coupled to the body 20 or base 30 in communication with the fluid distribution portion 175 and holds a cleaning liquid (eg, a mixture of water and cleaning solution). In addition, a recovery tank 55 is selectively coupled to the body 20 or base 30 and retains debris and dirty liquids collected from the cleaning surface 15 by the blower 10 during operation.

1 and 2 , the base 30 includes a head 60 supporting the first brush roll 65a and the second brush roll 65b. The head 60 includes a lower end facing the cleaning surface 15 and an upper end 75 opposite the lower end 70 . The head 60 also extends between a first sidewall 80 , a second sidewall 85 ( FIG. 3 ) opposite the first sidewall 80 , and between the first sidewall 80 and the second sidewall 86 . and a lateral wall 90 which is Also, walls 80 , 85 , 90 extend between the lower end 70 and the upper end 75 of the head 60 . Drive protrusions 95a , 95b are located on the first sidewall 80 and are driven by an electric motor (not shown) coupled to the base 30 . Referring to FIG. 3 , supports 100a , 100b are positioned on the second sidewall 85 , opposite the corresponding driving projections 95a , 95b respectively. As will be described in more detail below, drive projections 95a, 95b and supports 100a, 100b may be operable to support first and second brush rolls 65a, 65b against base 30 . . The first and second sidewalls 80 , 85 and the lateral wall 90 form the cavity 105 of the base 30 . The illustrated base 30 also includes a front opening 110 opposite the lateral wall 90 . In other embodiments, the front opening 110 may be replaced by a wall extending between the first and second side walls 80 , 85 opposite the lateral wall 90 . The base 30 also engages a cleaning surface 15 (eg, carpet, hardwood floor, etc.) and enables the blower 10 to move in a forward direction 40 or a rearward direction 45 . It includes wheels (only one wheel 115 is shown in FIG. 1 ).

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base 30 is also optional to the base 30 to cover the cavity 105 and the upper end 75 of the base 30 forming part of the front opening 110 . and a cover 120 (eg, a transparent cover) coupled thereto. The cover 120 provides at least in a passageway defined by an inlet 130 coupled to the upper end 75 of the head 60 and a flexible conduit 135 extending between the inlet 130 and the body 20 . and a nozzle 125 in fluid communication with the recovery tank 55 by the Referring to FIG. 5 , the nozzle 125 includes a nozzle passageway 136 formed between an upper wall 137 of the nozzle 125 and a lower wall 138 of the nozzle 125 . The nozzle passageway 136 extends from the nozzle inlet 139 to the nozzle outlet 141 . The latch 140 of the cover 120 is coupled to the inlet 130 to fix the cover 120 to the base 30 so that the nozzle outlet 141 communicates with the inlet 130 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 120 is completely separated from the base 30 by releasing the latch 140 from the inlet 130 ( FIG. 5 ). In other embodiments, the cover 120 may remain coupled to the base 30 and may be moved (eg, pivoted) between a closed or fixed position and an open position.

4 , each brush roll 65a, 65b includes a deformable brush member 145a, 145b (eg, bristles) coupled to a brush roll body 150a, 150b, each The brush roll body 150a, 150b includes depressions 155a, 155b located at one end operable to be drivably engaged with corresponding driving projections 95a, 95b, a base mounting portion 160a located at the other end; 160b), and longitudinal axes 165a, 165b extending between the depressions 155a, 155b and the base mounts 160a, 160b. Each base mount 160a, 160b is configured to be releasably coupled with a corresponding support 100a, 100b. Each brush roll body 150a, 150b includes a maximum dimension 170 measured perpendicular to its respective longitudinal axis 165a, 165b. A bearing is disposed between each of the base mounts 160a, 160b and the corresponding brush roll body 150a, 150b so that the brush roll body 150a, 150b is positioned about the corresponding base mount about its longitudinal axis 165a, 165b. (160a, 160b) and the support (100a, 100b) allows it to be rotated. In other embodiments, the drive projections 95a, 95b may be coupled to the first and second brush rolls 65a, 65b, and corresponding depressions 155a, 155b are provided on the first sidewall of the base 30 ( 80) can be formed. In additional embodiments, various base mounts 160a, 160b may be provided to couple to bearings and supports 100a, 100b to install brush rolls 65a, 65b.

2 and 3 , a fluid distribution portion 175 is disposed within the cavity 105 and extends between a first sidewall 80 and a second sidewall 85 of the head 60 . The fluid distribution portion 175 is spaced from the lateral wall 90 by a first dimension 180 measured parallel to the anterior direction 40 and the posterior direction 45 . In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid distribution portion 175 is fixedly coupled to the head 60 and is in fluid communication with the liquid tank 50 to dispense liquid in the liquid tank 50 onto the cleaning surface 15 . In other embodiments, the fluid distribution portion 175 may be removed from the base 30 . In one embodiment, a pressurized liquid delivery system is coupled to the liquid tank 50 and the fluid distribution 175 to dispense liquid at a determined pressure through at least one nozzle of the fluid distribution 175 . In another embodiment, a gravity-fed liquid delivery system is coupled to the liquid tank 50 and the fluid distribution 175 to dispense liquid through the fluid distribution 175 by gravity. In further embodiments, the fluid distribution portion 175 may be disposed within the front opening 110 (eg, in front of the second brush roll 65b ) or in the lateral wall 90 (eg, in the lateral wall 90 ). , behind the first brush roll 65a) may be coupled. In further embodiments, the base 30 may include more than one fluid distribution portion 175 .

5 and 6 , the brush rolls 65a and 65b may be independently removed from the base 30 to assist in cleaning the brush rolls 65a and 65b. In particular, by actuating the latch 140 from the inlet 130 , the cover 120 is separated from the base 30 ( FIG. 5 ). In other words, the cover 120 moves relative to the base 30 and the fluid distribution portion 175 to physically access the brush rolls 65a , 65b while the base 30 is supported on the cleaning surface 15 . make it possible For example, once the cover 120 is opened or removed, it also fluidly separates the nozzle outlet 141 from the conduit 135, and a user contacts the brush rolls 65a, 65b to contact the brush rolls 65a, 65b, 65b ) and/or brush rolls 65a , 65b can be removed from base 30 . Accordingly, the cover 120 can be moved relative to the base 30 to open the upper end 75 of the base 30 , thereby moving the brush rolls 65a and 65b to the base adjacent to the fluid dispensing portion 175 ( 30) through the upper end (75) to allow for removal from the base (30). 6 , the first brush roll 65a is disposed between the fluid distribution portion 175 and the lateral wall 90 , such that the first brush roll 65a is removed from the base 30 . When done, the first brush roll 65a moves past the fluid distribution portion 175 in an upward vertical direction 185 . The vertical direction 185 is perpendicular to the forward direction 40 and the backward direction 45 . In other embodiments, the vertical direction 185 may be oriented at an angle with respect to the directions 40 , 45 . In one embodiment, an intermediate cover that can be accessed and opened or removed when cover 120 is removed is provided between cover 120 and brush rolls 65a, 65b. Also, the fluid distribution portion 175 is disposed on the base 30 so as not to interfere with the removal of the brush rolls 65a and 65b. Accordingly, the cover 120 and fluid distribution portion 175 provide easy access to the brush rolls 65a, 65b while the blower 10 is in the upright position (FIG. 1), removing and make it possible to clean

Once the brush rolls 65a and 65b are removed and cleaned, the brush rolls 65a and 65b are independently coupled to the base 30 . In particular, when the cover 120 is removed from the base 30 , the first brush roll 65a sprays the fluid in a downward vertical direction 190 from the upper end 75 to the lower end 70 of the base 30 . Can be inserted into cavity 105 between belly 175 and lateral wall 90 . The downward vertical direction 190 is the opposite of the upward direction 185 . In other embodiments, the downward vertical direction 190 may be oriented at an angle with respect to the anterior and posterior directions 40 , 45 . The first dimension 180 of the base 30 is greater than the maximum dimension 170 of the first brush roll 65a , so that the first brush roll 65a aligns with the lateral wall 90 and the fluid distribution portion 175 . ) to be inserted between In some embodiments, the first deformable brush member 145a may have a dimension greater than the first dimension 180 of the base 30 , such that the first brush roll 65a is inserted into the cavity 105 . The first deformable brush member 145a contacts and deforms with the lateral wall 90 and/or the fluid distribution portion 175 during operation. In the embodiment shown, the first depression 155a receives the first drive projection 95a to provide a pivot point for the first brush roll 65a, which in turn pivots the first base mount 160a. to be coupled to the first support portion 100a. The engagement between the first base mount 160a and the first support 100a may be a snap fit engagement or the like to hold the first brush roll 65a against the base 30 . Accordingly, the first driving protrusion 95a moves the first brush roll 65a while the first supporting portion 100a and the first base mounting portion 160a support the rotational motion of the first brush roll 65a. operable to drive about a first axis of rotation concentric with longitudinal axis 165a.

The second brush roll 65b may be coupled to the base 30 in a similar manner to the first brush roll 65a. When the cover 120 is removed from the base 30 , the second brush roll 65b is inserted into the cavity 105 in a downward direction 190 between the fluid distribution portion 175 and the front opening 110 . The second brush roll 65b also extends the second brush roll 65b through the front opening ( By inserting through 110 , it can be coupled to the base 30 . In other embodiments, the second brush roll 65b may be inserted into the cavity 105 at any angle between the downward direction 190 and the horizontal direction 195 . In the embodiment shown, the second depression 155b receives the second drive protrusion 95b to provide a pivot point for the second brush roll 65b, which in turn pivots the second base mount 160b. to be coupled to the second support part (100b). The engagement between the second base mounting portion 160b and the second support portion 100b may be a snap fit engagement or the like to hold the second brush roll 65b relative to the base 30 . Accordingly, the second driving projection 95b is configured to hold the second brush roll 65b while the second support portion 100b and the second base mounting portion 160b support the rotational motion of the second brush roll 65b. operable to drive about a second axis of rotation concentric with longitudinal axis 165b. In one embodiment, coupling the first and second brush rolls 65a and 65b to the base 30 is reversed to remove the first and second brush rolls 65a and 65b from the base 30 . do.

Referring back to FIG. 1 , the cover 120 is coupled to the base 30 by actuating a latch 140 on the inlet 130 , such that when the base 30 is supported on the surface 15 . It blocks access to the brush rolls 65a and 65b. In embodiments where the fluid dispenser 175 is releasable from the base 30 , the fluid dispenser 175 is connected to the base 30 by a user before the cover 120 is coupled to the base 30 . is manually coupled to In another embodiment, the fluid distribution portion 175 is coupled to the base 30 in response to the cover 120 being coupled to the base 30 . Once the cover 120 is coupled to the base 30 , the blower 10 may be operated to collect the pieces from the cleaning surface 15 . In particular, the suction motor 25 provides an air flow from the nozzle inlet 139 through the nozzle passage 136 and conduit 135 to the recovery tank 55 to draw the pieces into the recovery tank 55 . Brush rolls 65a, 65b are driven about their rotational axes 165a, 165b to agitate the cleaning surface 15, thereby loosening the pieces attached to or within the cleaning surface 15 so that air flow is reduced. Makes it easier to collect pieces. The cleaning liquid in the liquid tank 50 is selectively applied to the cleaning surface 15 by the fluid distribution 175 to help loosen the pieces and clean the surface 15 . A fluid distribution portion 175 is disposed between the brush rolls 65a and 65b such that the cleaning liquid is distributed between the brush rolls 65a and 65b. Also, the fluid distribution portion 175 is disposed above the axis of rotation 165a , 165b of the brush rolls 65a , 65b in an upward direction 185 , and thus in some embodiments (eg, the brush rolls in operation) A portion of the cleaning liquid is dispensed directly onto the brush rolls 65a, 65b (to aid in cleaning 65a, 65b).

Although the invention has been specifically described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, changes and modifications may be made within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described. Various features of the invention are set forth in the claims that follow.

Claims (28)

As a blower,
main body;
a recovery tank coupled to the body;
a liquid tank coupled to the body and configured to hold a liquid;
a base pivotally coupled to the body and configured to support the body over a cleaning surface;
a fluid distribution portion coupled to the base, in fluid communication with the liquid tank, and configured to dispense the liquid from the liquid tank onto the cleaning surface;
a brush roll removably coupled to the base; and
in fluid communication with the recovery tank, coupled to the base to block access to the brush roll, and movable relative to the base and the fluid distribution portion to permit access to the brush roll and to dispose of the brush roll. a nozzle that enables removal from the base
Including, blower. According to claim 1,
and the fluid dispenser is secured to the base. According to claim 1,
and the fluid dispense portion is releasably coupled to the base. 4. The method of claim 3,
The insufflator can be disengaged from the base when the nozzle moves relative to the base. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the nozzle is detached from the base to provide access to the brush roll. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
wherein the nozzle can be moved relative to the base to open an upper end of the base, and the brush roll can be removed from the base through the upper end of the base. 7. The method of claim 6,
wherein the brush roll is disposed between the fluid distribution portion and a portion of the base such that the brush roll moves past the fluid distribution portion when the brush roll is removed from the base. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
the base comprises a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a lateral wall extending between the first and second sidewalls, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the lateral wall defining a cavity; wherein the brush roll is received within the cavity when the brush roll is coupled to the base, the brush roll being inserted between the fluid distribution portion and the lateral wall and coupled to the base. 9. The method of claim 8,
The base includes an upper end opposite the lower end, the lower end configured to face a cleaning surface, and wherein the brush roll is secured to the base by inserting the brush roll into the cavity in a direction from the upper end toward the lower end. coupled, the blower. 10. The method of claim 9,
The brush roll is driven about an axis of rotation and includes a plurality of deformable brush members coupled to the brush roll body, wherein a first dimension is perpendicular to the axis of rotation between the lateral wall and the fluid distribution portion. wherein the first dimension is greater than a maximum dimension of the brush roll body measured parallel to the first dimension. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
wherein the brush roll is driven about an axis of rotation and the brush roll is coupled to the base such that the axis of rotation is disposed behind the fluid distribution portion in a forward movement direction of the blower. 12. The method of claim 11,
wherein said brush roll is a first brush roll and said axis of rotation is a first axis of rotation, said blower comprising a second brush roll removably coupled to said base, said second brush roll about a second axis of rotation and wherein the second brush roll is coupled to the base such that the second axis of rotation is disposed in front of the fluid distribution portion in a forward movement direction of the blower. 13. The method of claim 12,
The base includes an upper end opposite the lower end, the lower end being configured to face a cleaning surface, and wherein the first brush roll is formed by inserting the first brush roll in a vertical direction from the upper end toward the lower end. coupled to the base, the base including a front opening, wherein the second brush roll is formed by inserting the second brush roll through the front opening in the vertical direction or in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. an insufflator coupled to the base. As a blower,
a liquid tank configured to hold a liquid;
a fluid dispensing portion configured to dispense the liquid from the liquid tank onto a cleaning surface;
a base supporting the fluid distribution unit;
a brush roll coupled to the base; and
a cover coupled to the base to block access to the brush roll, the cover being movable relative to the base and the fluid distribution portion to provide access to the brush roll
Including, insufflator. 15. The method of claim 14,
and the fluid dispenser is secured to the base. 15. The method of claim 14,
and the fluid dispense portion is releasably coupled to the base. 17. The method of claim 16,
The insufflator can be disengaged from the base when the cover moves relative to the base. 18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17,
wherein the cover is a nozzle configured to direct the liquid from the cleaning surface to a recovery tank of the blower. 19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18,
wherein the cover is detached from the base to provide access to the brush roll. 20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19,
wherein the cover can be moved relative to the base to open an upper end of the base, and the brush roll can be removed from the base through the upper end of the base. 21. The method of claim 20,
wherein the brush roll is disposed between the fluid distribution portion and a portion of the base such that the brush roll moves past the fluid distribution portion when the brush roll is removed from the base. 21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20,
wherein the brush roll is removably coupled to the base and the cover is movable relative to the base to provide access to the brush roll and to enable removal of the brush roll from the base. 23. The method of claim 22,
the base comprises a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a lateral wall extending between the first and second sidewalls, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the lateral wall defining a cavity; wherein the brush roll is received within the cavity when the brush roll is coupled to the base, the brush roll being inserted between the fluid distribution portion and the lateral wall and coupled to the base. 24. The method of claim 23,
The base includes an upper end opposite the lower end, the lower end configured to face a cleaning surface, and wherein the brush roll is secured to the base by inserting the brush roll into the cavity in a direction from the upper end toward the lower end. coupled, the blower. 25. The method of claim 24,
A first dimension is measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the brush roll between the lateral wall and the fluid distribution portion, the brush roll comprising a plurality of deformable brush members coupled to a brush roll body; , wherein the first dimension is greater than a maximum dimension of the brush roll body measured parallel to the first dimension. 26. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 25,
wherein the brush roll is coupled to the base such that a longitudinal axis of the brush roll is disposed behind the fluid distribution portion in a forward movement direction of the blower. 27. The method of claim 26,
wherein the brush roll is a first brush roll and the longitudinal axis is a first longitudinal axis, the blower comprising a second brush roll coupled to the base, the second longitudinal axis of the second brush roll being wherein the second brush roll is coupled to the base to be disposed in front of the fluid distribution portion in a forward movement direction of the blower. 28. The method of claim 27,
The base includes an upper end opposite the lower end, the lower end being configured to face a cleaning surface, and wherein the first brush roll is formed by inserting the first brush roll in a vertical direction from the upper end toward the lower end. selectively coupled to a base, said base including a front opening, said second brush by inserting said second brush roll through said front opening in said vertical direction or in a horizontal direction perpendicular to said vertical direction; a roll selectively coupled to the base.

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