MXPA97003086A - Cleaning equipment with a formatriangular support for a device and disconnectionrap - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to cleaning apparatus having a housing, a motor located in the housing, and a transmission connecting an output shaft of the motor to a mounting for holding a cleaning device, wherein the improvement consists in that: the assembly has a front section in the form of a generally triangular block and a shaft section, the front section has three cantilevered tips of generally triangular shape, the cleaning device having a reception area with an opening in generally triangular shape through from which the front section of the assembly is passed, the axis section of the assembly is located in the opening of the cleaning device, the receiving area of the cleaning device includes three shelves resting on the rear sides of the triangular shaped tips; The reception area also has contiguous blocks near the shelves to stop the rotation of the front section of the in the reception area in a first direction

Description

CLEANING EQUIPMENT WITH A TRIANGULAR SUPPORT FOR A DEVICE AND QUICK DISCONNECT DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a motorized cleaning apparatus and more particularly, to an apparatus with a removable cleaning device. Several different types of devices have been used to attach removable devices to manual motorized tools in the past. Some of these old secure designs under pressure and two-blade bayonet mountings. U.S. Patent 4,662,024 discloses a floor maintenance machine with a hub having three lugs and a coupling apparatus with a coupling opening. The Patents of the United States 2,561,279 and 3,600,735 show similar designs with deflection springs. Various types of supports removable connection can be found in the following patents US: Patent US 3,251,086 Patent US 3,423,781 Patent US 2,337,402 Patent US 2,799,035 Patent US 1,119,392 Patent US 4,906,147 Patent US 4,943,182 Patent US 5,138,735 Patent US 1,373,206 Patent US 2,527,256 Patent US 2,733,465 Patent US 931.327 Patent US 1,138,926 US Patent US 4,917,525 Patent US 5,026,223 Patent US 5,397,196 Other Patents US that relate to cleaning devices include the following: Patent US 4,168,560 Patent US 2,849,736 Patent US Des. 199,115 Patent of the United States Des. 203,254 U.S. Patent Des. 226,043 United States Patent Des. 245,883 United States Patent Des. 250,228 U.S. Patent 4,168,560 U.S. Patent 3,289,231 U.S. Patent Des. 200,293 United States Patent Des. 219,790 United States Patent Des. 226,941 United States Patent Des. 245,948 United States Patent Des. 257,747 United States Patent Des. 259.076 United States Patent Des. 263,998 United States Patent Des. 286,706 U.S. Patent Des. 290,551 U.S. Patent Des. 301,398 United States Patent Des. 313,890 United States Patent Des. 352,828 United States Patent Des. 262,257 United States Patent Des. 281.035 United States Patent Des. 290,550 United States Patent Des. 300,185 Patent of the United States Des. 305,480 United States Patent Des. 321,596 According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning apparatus is provided comprising a housing, a motor located in the housing and a transmission connecting an output shaft of the motor to a support for attaching a cleaning device. The support has a front section with a general triangular block shape and an arrow section. The front section has three cantilevered tips in a generally triangular shape.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning agent for use with a motorized cleaning apparatus is provided. The cleaning device has a frame and a cleaning section. The frame has a reception area for locating a device support of the apparatus in it. The reception area has an opening in generally triangular shape, through which the device support must pass through it to enter the reception area. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning apparatus comprising a housing, a motor and a device is provided. of cleaning connected removibly to the motor by a removable mounting system. A first member of the removable mounting system includes a mounting post having a front section with a generally triangular block shape and an arrow section located behind the front section. A second member of the assembly system has a reception area with the mounting pole that is located on it. The receiving area has an aperture in a generally triangular shape in the receiving area through which the front section of the mounting post is passed. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a manual cleaning apparatus comprising a housing, a motor, a cleaning device and a means for disconnecting the cleaning device is provided. The engine is located in the housing. The cleaning device is removably attached to the motor. The means for disconnecting the cleaning attachment can disconnect the device from the engine and comprise a means for reversing the direction of rotation of the engine. The above aspects and other characteristics of the invention will be explained in the following description, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery that operates the cleaning apparatus, incorporating the characteristics of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of portions of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 2A is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 without the cover, the battery cover, the battery and the cleaning device; Figure 3A is an enlarged side view of the rear end of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3B is a side elevational view as in Figure 3A with the battery cover rotated axially to a disconnected position; Figure 4A is a perspective view of the lower part of the joint bracket shown in Figure 2; Figure 4B is a perspective view of the upper part of the device holder shown in Figure 4A; Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of the support shown in Figure 4B taken along the line 4C-4C; Figure 4D is a top plan view of the support opening in the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 4E is a perspective view with a separate cutting section, showing an area receiving the inner support within the housing of the device; Figure 5A is a schematic, perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 showing a user holding the apparatus in a first manual grip position; Figure 5B is a schematic, perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 with a user holding the apparatus in a second manual grip position; Figure 6 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a device for use with the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 7A shows a crosswire in transverse direction of the housing shown in Figure 6; Figure 7B is an enlarged vieta of section 7B shown in Figure 7A; Figure 8A is a perspective, schematic view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 with an alternate embodiment of a cleaning device attached thereto; Figure 8B is a partial, cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 8A taken along line 8B-8B; Figure 8C is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in Figure 8B taken along the line 8C-8C; Figure 8D is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a cleaning device for use with the apparatus shown in Figure 8A; Figure 9A is a schematic view of the housing sub-assembly shown in Figure 2A that is placed inside a mold; Figure 9B is a side elevational view of the housing sub-assembly shown in Figure 2A showing where the material is injected into the sub-assembly of the housing within the mold shown in Figure 9A; Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure HA is a schematic side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11B is a partial, schematic bottom view and sectional views of the apparatus shown in Figure HA; Figure 11C is a partial bottom view, schematic and sectional views similar to Figure 11B of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure HA; Figure 11D is a top plan view of a movement plate used in an alternate embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure HA; Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate mode at the rear end of the tool; and Figure 13 is a partial top view of a structure of a cleaning device of a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a support. With reference to Figure 1, a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus 10 operated by a battery incorporating the features of the present invention is shown. Although in the present invention it will be described with reference to the modalities shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the features of the present invention may be contemplated in various alternative forms of the embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials can be used. Referring also to Figure 2, the apparatus 10 generally comprises a housing 12, a battery cover 14, a battery 16, a motor 18 and a cleaning device 20. With reference also to Figure 2A, the housing 12 generally comprises a housing or box sub-assembly 22 and a cover 24. The box sub-assembly 22 comprises two half members 26; one of which is shown in Figure 2. The doe members 26 are basically mirror images of each other and held together by a single screw 29 in the holes 28 and the metal rings 31 in the front and back of the members 26 In an alternate embodiment, only one ring 31 is needed on the front of the box 22. In another alternate embodiment, metal rings may not be used there. The interiors of the members 26 have a honeycomb configuration provided by structural post sections 30. The members 26 also have four areas 32, 34, 36, 38 to receive the battery 16, the motor 18, a switch 40 and a mounting device 42, respectively.

The exterior of each member 26 has raised areas 44, 46, 48. When the doe members 26 are assembled, as shown in Figure 2, only three apertures are provided in the sub-assembly box 22; the opening in which the switch 40 is located, a subsequent battery entry opening 50 and a front opening in which the support 42 is located. The cover 24 is injection molded onto the sub-assembly box 22 as will be further described in the following. The cover 24 is preferably formed of SANTOPRENE. SANTOPRENE is a trademark of Advanced Elastomer Systems of Akron, Ohio. The cover 24 (see Figure 1) forms an outer film over a majority of the sub-mounting box 22. The cover 24 also forms a manual protection section 66. The manual protection section 66 extends along the lower part of the apparatus 10 between the rear end of the handle section 68 and the lower part of the front front section 70. This forms a circuit. The fingers of a bird can extend on this circuit. Referring mainly to Figure 2, the motor 18 is preferably a brushless DC motor with an output shaft 52 and electrical terminals 54. The motor 18 is located in a motor / gear support case 56 before being placed between the two members 26. Also located in box 56 are the gears 58 that form a 3] transmission between the driving shaft 52 and the support 42. In a preferred embodiment, the gears 58 form a planetary gear transmission to convert the output of the low torque to high speed of the motor at a higher torque to lower torque output speed for the tool. The advantages of this approach are the re-entition of a planetary gear system and, above all, less space requirements. The planetary gear focuses its resistance, because it apologizes in the sense that the unit does not require close manufacturing tolerances and the system has no lateral loads applied to the gears. The planetary gear approach is a physically smaller approach to this particular area of focus with respect to which a tremendous reduction gear ratio can be achieved without having a large space requirement with respect to the distance to the center line of the motor. However, in alternate modes, other gear approaches may be used, such as cylindrical gears with straight teeth, bevel gears or helical gears. The motor 18 and the casing 56 are received in the receiving opening 34, in such a way that it forms a structural support between the two members 26. This structural support cooperates with the structure of the members 26 for the purpose of supporting the compression during the overmolding the cover 24. The terminals 54 of the motor are connected by wires to the switch 40 and do re-terminal contacts 60, 61. The terminals 60, 61 are located at the inner end of the area receiving the battery 32. The area that receives the battery 32 has a tubular, general shape. The battery 16 has a general column shape with doe terminalee coaxialee 62, 63. The first terminal 60 is located to make contact with the central terminal 62 of the battery 16. The terminal second 61 is located to make contact with the outer terminal 63 of the battery 16. The two battery terminals are generally located coaxially in relation to each other in one end of the battery 16. The battery 16 is preferably a rechargeable battery such as a VERSAPAK battery sold by Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. VERSAPAK is a trademark of The Black & Decker Corporation of To son, Maryland. However, any suitable type of battery can be used. In alternate modes, the device can be modified to accept any suitable type of battery or battery. In the modality shownWhen the battery 16 is fully inserted into the receiving area 32 of the battery, the rear end 76 of the battery extends outwardly from the opening 50 that passes to the rear end of the housing. The two spring contact terminals 60, 61 form a frictional coupling with the two coaxial terminals 62, 63 of the battery 16. The terminal 61 does not extend into the annular groove 65 along the terminal of the outer battery. Therefore, the terminal 61 does not make a clamping hold of pressure fit with the annular groove 65. In a preferred embodiment, the frictional forces between the spring contact terminals 60, 61 and the coaxial terminals 62, 63 are sufficient to retain the battery 16 within the reception area 32 of the battery, even when the battery cover 14 is not connected to the housing 12, until it is intentionally removed by a user. However, in an alternate embodiment, this friction coupling may be insufficient to mechanically retain the weight of the battery, when the battery is located vertically below the spring contact terminals 60, 61. The first terminal 60 is connected by a wire directly to one of the terminals 54 of the motor 18. The second terminal 61 is connected by a wire to the switch 40, which is in turn connected by a wire to one of the terminals 54 of the motor 18. The switch 40 is of preference a ON / OFF push button switch. However, in alternate modes, any suitable type of switch can be used. The base of the switch 40 is electrically disposed in the receiving area 36. Covering the switch 40 is a button cover 64. The button cover 64 is formed of a flexible polymer material and can be flexed by the user's finger to operate the switch 40. Also with reference to Figure 3A, an enlarged view of the rear end of the apparatus 10 is shown. The battery cover 14 is preferably made of a polymeric material. The cover of the battery 14 has a front edge 72 with a wavy shape, having peaks and valleys. The battery cover 14 also has a receiving area 74 for receiving the trailing end 76 (see Fig. 2) of the battery 16. The trailing end of the housing 12 has a ridge 78 (see Fig. 2). The cover 24 does not extend over the flange 78. The flange 78 has a general ring shape at the entrance to the battery receiving area. The trailing edge 80 of the cover 24 has a wavy shape with peaks and valleys that is complementary to the front edge 72 of the battery cover 14. The trailing edge 80 is located near the edge 78 and outward relative to the rim. The battery cover 14 is frictionally mounted on the rim 78 of the sub-mounting housing 22. The rim 78 has a smooth outer surface, such that only the frictional eviction of the battery cover 14 on the rim retains the cover of the battery to the flange. To mount the battery cover 14 to the flange 78, a user only slides the cover over the flange by pushing the cover and the housing 12 together. As seen in Figure 3A, when the battery cover 14 is properly connected to the housing 12, the two edges 72, 80 engage with each other. In the moetered mode, the frictional connection of the battery cover 14 to the flange 78 is relatively strong and forms a watertight seal. To allow relatively easy removal of the battery 14, the user can use the edges 72, 80 to function as a cam. With reference also to Figure 3B, a user only axially rotates the cover of the battery 14 on the flange 78 as indicated by the arrow A. This causes the inclinations leading to the peaks to coact against the other to move the cover of battery 14 in the direction B. In this way, the axial rotation of the battery cover in relation to the housing causes the battery cover to be separated by the camming action of the housing by the cam surfaces. As best seen in Figure 3A, the battery cover 14 has an inner section 75, which extends downwardly away from the center line center of the battery cover assembly on the rim. This displacement of the center section 75 has been provided to give a user better influence in axially rotating the lid 14 on the rim 78. The cam action between the lid 14 and the cover 24 need not push the lid 14 completely out of the flange 78, if not] 6 Piefei gum moves the lid 14 a majority of the length of the edge i 78. In alternate modes, other types of aid for removing the lid of the battery can be provided. The battery cover 14 is provided to close the opening 50 and form a water-tight seal with the flange 78. In addition, the battery cover 14 functions as a holder to hold the battery 16 attached at the ends 60, 61 and within the reception area of the battery. As mentioned in the foregoing, the terminal 61 does not interact with the slot 65 of the battery 16 to retain the battery. This has been done on purpose to ensure that the user only uses the apparatus 10 with the battery cover 14 in place. As mentioned in the foregoing, in one embodiment, the frictional engagement between the terminals of the battery and the apparatus is sufficient to mechanically retain the weight of the battery, when the battery is oriented vertically below the terminals 60, 61; still partially To prevent the battery 16 from automatically sliding out of the housing, the user only needs to slide the battery cover 14 over the flange 78. If a user tries to use the appliance without the battery cover 14 and tilts the rear end of the housing down, the battery 16 will slide out of the housing under its own weight. This design allows easy connection and removal of the battery cover using an intuitive rotation movement and does not require a secondary seal for the battery cover. The dieneñoe alternatively, could include a bayonet design or a snap-fit cap with the nail flange of the thumb. Now with reference to Figures 2, 4A, 4B and 4C, the joint assembly 42 generally comprises a one-piece polymer member that is attached to an output shaft from the transmission 58. The support 42 includes a rod with an area 82 receiving the arrow and the loading section 84 having a triangular, general block shape. The support 42 also has a relatively narrow neck or arrow section 83 behind the front section 84. These shapes of grooves 85 behind the tips 81 in generally triangular, cantilevered shape of the front section 84. With reference also to the Figures 4D and 4E, portions of the cleaning device 20 are shown. The device 20 generally comprises a frame 86 and bristles 88 (see Figure 1). The bristles 88 are connected to the lower part of the frame 86 and extend from there. Figure 4D shows a partial upper plan view of the center of the frame 86. The frame 86 has an opening 90 of generally triangular, central shape. The opening 90 is approximately the same size and shape as the front section 84 of the support 42, such that the front section 84 can pass through it. Figure 4E is a partial, perspective, partial cutaway view of the frame 86 in the opening 90. Located behind the opening 90 there is a receiving area 92. The receiving area 92 has retaining tree mitadee 94 and tree blocks catch 96. To attach the frame 86 to the support 42, the support section 84 is only inserted through the opening 90 within the receiving area 92. The frame 86 and the support 42 are then rotated in relation to each other, such that the triangular tips 81 of the front section 84 move behind the halves 94. The halves 94 are received in the grooves 85 of the support 42. The retainer blocks 96 detract from the relative rotation of the support 42 by contacting the triangular tips 81. This intersubjection of the support 42 and the structure 86 keeps the connection 20 connected to the support 42. In the embodiment shown, the motor 18 and the transmission 58 are only able to rotate the support 42 in a diagonal manner. rection C shown in Figures 1 and 4E. To disconnect or remove the device 20, a user only rotates the device 20 manually in a reverse direction to the direction C until the front section 84 aligns with the opening 90. Then, the device 20 can be separated from the support 42. The contact areas between the halves 94 and the rear sides of the tips 81 are sufficiently large to provide sufficient frictional force to inhibit unintentional relative rotation, between the support 42 and the frame in a reverse direction to direction C without any additional deviation or clamping between the two. In this way, because only the friction is being used to prevent relative rotation in a reverse direction to the direction C, a user need only use minimal force to rotate the cleaning device 20 in a disconnection direction. Therefore, the user does not need to hold a large area of the cleaning device, which must in any other way be very dirty during use. This minimizes the user's hands getting dirty or coming in contact with the caustic cleaning material. In an alternate mode a spiral mounting system, short can be provided. Other alternatives could include one or two knife bayonet designs. However, the three blades or trilobular bayonet design of the support 42 is preferred, because it is a simple and removable device by exerting about 1/6 of a turn. A coupling system in the counterclockwise direction can also be used in place of a clockwise coupling system. Another alternate modality could include the cleaning device that has the support and the apparatus that has the reception area. Now with reference to Figures 5A and 5B, the apparatus 10 is shown with a user holding the apparatus 10 in two different locations. More specifically, housing 12 has been designed to provide two primary manual clamping positions. The "primary manual clamping position" is intended for a position medium in which the user's hand can comfortably and safely maintain the apparatus during use; that is: a specific location and intentionally designed for the user to maintain the device during use. The two primary manual clamping positions allow a user to properly maintain the apparatus 10 based on the type of device being used and / or the type of cleaning task. The shape of the housing also allows for easy articulation around items, such as bathroom fixtures. Figure 5A shows a user holding the apparatus 10 in the handle section 68 and cleaning tiles on a wall 98. The handle section 68 has a tubular, general shape with the battery 16 therein, for this purpose. The handle section 68 ee extends rigidly from an upper rear portion of the front or head section. This holding poem allows the user to carve areas at a distance, such as above the user's head. The button cover 64 and the switch 40 (see Figure 2) are suitably located to be depressed by the index finger of the user in this maintenance position. The manual protection section 66 protects the user's knuckles against the wall 98. Figure 5B, on the other hand, shows the user holding the apparatus 10 at the top of the front section 70 and cleaning the tiles on a floor 100. As seen in Figure 1, the upper part of the upper or head section 70 has been provided with an area for palm contact, curve 102 and a rim 104 with an inclined surface 106 inwards and downwards of he. The rim 104 is located on a perimeter of the upper surface of the head section 70. A lower portion 108 of the head section 70 has a bell-shaped outer perimeter, generally. The lower portion 108 has a central axis that is inclined in relation to the central axis of the handle section 68 at an angle D (see Figure 1) from about 95 ° to about 120 °. In a preferred embodiment, the angle D is approximately 100 °. However, any suitable angle can be provided. The surface 106 extends around a majority of the upper surface of the head section. The curve of the upper surface area 102 of the head section 70 has been configured to engage or comfortably receive in the palm of the user with the user's fingers around the rim 104 and along the inclined surface 106. This shape provides a clamping position as shown in Figure 5B, where the user can place his hand directly behind the cleaning device 20. This clamping position allows the user to exert additional force for cleaning device 20 against the pieo 100, with effort additional minimum, such as when using a rotary cleaning device of relatively large diameter or for heavy duty cleaning. Now with reference to Figure 6, a perspective, schematic, exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a cleaning device for use with the apparatus 10 is shown. The device 110 generally comprises a frame 112 and a cleaning section 114. With reference also to Figures 7A and 7B, the frame 112 is formed of a plastic or polymer member molded in one piece. The frame 112 has a mounting section 116 for the support 42 of the apparatus 10 and a surface of the cleaning pad device 118 at its bottom. The mounting section 116 is substantially the same as that shown in Figures 4D and 4E. The mounting section 116 has an opening 90 'of generally triangular shape in a receiving area 92' with three halves 94 'and three blocks 96'. In an alternate embodiment, the frame 112 may be formed of multiple members fixedly connected to each other. Other types of mounting sections can be provided, such that the device can be used with other types of cleaning apparatus. The surface 118 of the lower device, generally comprises a plurality of integrally formed hooks 120. The hooks 120 are elastically flexible, such that the distal curved section 122 can flex to a partially straight shape. Examples of similar hooks can be found in U.S. Patents 4,984,339 and 5,201,100. The cleaning section 114, in the embodiment shown, is a cleaning pad having a rubber disk or a general disk. The pad 114 is preferably formed of intertwined fibers; similar to a steel wool pad. Preferably, the pad 114 is formed of polymer fibers such as a SCOTCH-BRITE or BRUSHLON pad. SCOTCH-BRITE and BRUSHLON are trademarks of the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St. Paul Minnesota. To attach the pad 114 to the frame 112, a user only places the pad 114 against the surface of the device 118 and applies pressure. The hooks 120 extend into the pad 114 and make a hook connection with the fibers of the pad 114. This completes the assembly of the cleaning device 110. The pad 114 can be relatively easily removed from the frame 112 by repositioning only by pulling the pad 114 out of the hooks 120. The hooks 120 only elastically flex to allow the disengagement of the pad 114. However, during normal use of the device 110, the connection of the pad to the frame is sufficient to prevent the pad will come out of the frame or move significantly on the surface 118. In alternate modes, additional or alternative means may be provided to attach the pad to the frame and, different types of cleaning sections may be provided. Referring now to Figure 8A, another alternative embodiment of a cleaning device is shown connected to the apparatus 10. The cleaning device 130 generally comprises a housing 132, a rotating unit 134 and a cleaning section 136. With reference also to the Figures 8B and 8C, the rotating unit 134 is suitably sized and shaped to receive the support 42 of the apparatus 10. More specifically, the rotating unit 134, similar to that shown in Figures 4D and 4E, has an aperture of generally triangular shape, three halves, three blocks and a receiving area for the front section of the support 42. The rotating unit 134 is rotatably connected to the housing 132 and has a driving bolt 138- extending from its bottom. The cleaning section 136 generally comprises a frame 140 and the bristles 142 attached to the underside of the frame. The frame 140 is connected to the housing 132 to allow alternating linear sliding movement, as shown by the arrow E, relative to the housing 132. The frame 140 includes a laterally extending slot 144 (better seen in Figure 8C). ) on its upper side. The drive pin 138 extends into the slot 144. When the unit 134 is rotated by the support 42, the drive pin 138 is rotated as indicated by the arrow C in Figure 8C. The drive pin 138 is able to move laterally in the slot 144, but in any other way causes the frame 140 to alternate back and forth on the housing 132 as indicated by the arrow E. In this way, the rotational drive motion , axial of the support 42 is transformed into an alternating, linear movement. In alternate embodiments, other types of mechanical connections may be provided between the members of the cleaning device and any suitable type of cleaning section may be provided. Figure 8D shows another alternate modality. In this embodiment, the rotation unit 134 'is an elongated yoke with a center of rotation F. The frame 140' of the cleaning section has a driver opening 144 'with the unit 134' therein. As 1-a unit 134 'is rotated, the frame 140' moves in an orbital direction. In this way, the axial rotational movement of the unit 134 'is converted to an orbital movement of the cleaning device. Now with reference to Figure 9A, the erecting box 22 shown in Figure 2A is shown being placed inside a mold 150 for overmolding the cover 24 on the box. The mold 150 generally consists of two half mold members 152, 153 having reception areas 154, 155 in them. Preferably, the molding apparatus has a robotic arm that moves the box 22 in and out of the mold 150. The robotic arm preferably has a post in which the box 22 is mounted. Referring also to Figure 2A, the box 22 is mounted on the post within the post which is located through the rear opening 50 and within the receiving area of the battery 32. This stably supports the box 22 for movement in and out of the mold 150. Once the cover 24 is overmolded on box 22, members 26 of box 22 will be permanently connected to each other. Therefore, before the insertion of the box 22 into the mold 150, the two members 26 of the box 22 are joined together by the screw 29 and the rings 31 with the motor 18, the transmission 58, the switch 40, lae terminalee 60, 61 and button cover 64 in place (see Figure 2). Once the box 22 is moved within the mold 150, the two mold members 152, 153 are moved inwardly as indicated by the arrows G, to sandwich the box 22 within the reception areas 154, 155. The areas raised 44, 46, 48 of the box 22 are connected by the mold members 152, 153 within the receiving areas 154, 155. This contact provides two functions. First, it seals the upper surfaces of the raised areas 44, 46, 48. In this way, when the material for the cover 24 is injected into the mold 150, the material is not molded onto the upper surfaces of the raised areas 44, 46 , 48. Second, contact between the raised areas 44, 46, 48 and the mold 150 stationary holds the box within the reception areas 154, 155 during the injection molding process. In this way, a uniform, fixed space is established between the mold within the reception areas 154, 155 and the rest of the exterior of the box 22. There are a few exceptions for this uniform space; namely, in the proximal area as soon as protection 66 is formed for the hand and, at the trailing edge 78 and lower part of the head section 70, such that they are covered to prevent molding of the cover material on these areas. As shown in Figure 9B, the cover material is injection molded in only two areas H1 and H2 in the front of the head section of the box 22 at a relatively high pressure, such as approximately 210.92 kg / cm2. (3000 psi) to approximately 351.53 kg / cm2 (5000 psi). Maintaining the box within the mold in the raised areas 44, 46, 48 prevents the box 22 from being moved inside the mold 150 even at relatively high injection pressure. Since the uniform space between a majority of the outer surface of the box and the walls of the mold within the reception areas 154, 155 is maintained during molding, the cover 24 is molded onto the box 22 with a substantially uniform thickness over a majority of the box 22. The protection 66 for the hand is formed simultaneously. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the box 22 and the material of the cover 24 have melting points if ilaree. Therefore, a fusion bond occurs when the material of the cover 24 is injection molded into the box 22. This prevents the cover 24 from being detached from the box 22. However, due to the similar melting points, precautions must be taken to prevent the injection molding process from damaging the box 22. In particular, the lower injection point H- is directly in the front metal ring 31 (see Figure 2). The upper injection point H2 is parallel to the euperiorie euperficie of the box, not directly to the box 22. In this way, the box is not significantly damaged by the hot injection material. Due to the relatively high injection pressure that is used, to avoid damage to the switch 40 and to prevent the button cover 64 from being permanently deformed inwardly, or perhaps even separately, one of the mold members 152 has been provided with a protective device 156. The protective device 156 includes a sliding cover arm 158 and a promoter 160. The arm 158 is slidably mounted in a recess of the mold member 152 to project outward into the receiving area 154. The border The front of the arm 158 is dimensioned and shaped to cover and compress the button cover 64 against the case 22, to prevent the injection molded material from deforming into the button cover 64 and damaging the switch 40. However, the arm 158 allows cover 24 to be injected around the side perimeter of button cover 64 and form a water-tight eel therewith. The promoter 160 can be any suitable type of promoter, such as a motor, a hydraulic unit or a pneumatic unit, to move the arm 158 between the extended and retracted positions. As mentioned in the above, the box members 26 have structural post sections 30 that form a honeycomb configuration. This is provided to support the outer walls of the box 22 during the injection molding process. Also, as mentioned in the foregoing, the motor 18 and the gearbox 56 form structural supports for the case 22. This also supports the outer wall of the case 22, during the relatively high pressure of the injection molding process. In this way, the motor 18 and the box 56 also function as structural support members. In an alternate mode, the motor 18 and / or the box 56 may be attached to the box 22 after the cover 24 is molded onto the box 22. However, in such an alternate embodiment an insert must be used in place of the motor 18 and / or box 56 during the overmolding process. The purpose of the insert would be to structurally support the box during the overmolding process, to prevent the box from being compressed by the pressure during overmolding. The robotic arm post (not shown) located in the battery receiving area 32 performs the same function in the handle section 68 to prevent compression in the handle section during the overmolding process. Once the mold process is completed, the mold 150 is opened and the box with its new overmolded cover is removed by the robotic arm. There are many purposes for overmolding the cover 24 on the box 22.

The cover 24 provides a water proof function. The cover 24 seals most of the joints between the two halves of the box 26, seals the screw holes 28 and forms a seal with the button cover 64. With a seal on the holder 42 and the seal by the cover battery 14, the apparatus 10 can be used in wet locations without risk of being damaged by water, such as if the apparatus is accidentally dropped into a bucket of water during cleaning. The cover 24 also provides a relatively non-slip surface over a majority of its surface. In the humid environment use the use of this can be of great help to the user. The cover also provides a flexing surface, elastic on a majority of the apparatus 10 to elastically absorb physical shocks, such as if the apparatus accidentally falls on a hard surface, such as a tile floor. This avoids damage to the device and the surface with which it collides. However, the thickness of the cover 24 in the box 22 is not thick enough to separate it from the attributes of the structurally rigid box 22. Another advantage of the cover 24 is that the integral molding with the protection 66 for the hand for a clean and uniform surface that has no seams that in any other way could collect dust. The upper surfaces of the raised areas 44, 46, 48 are also substantially uniform with the outer surface of the cover 24 to provide a uniform and aesthetic appearance. The cover 24 also provides the cam surface 80 on the ptal 78. The alternate modes, the cover can be molded onto a box of any suitable type of motorized hand tool. Alternative forms of the box and the raised areas on the box could also be provided. The protection for the hand can also have any suitable type of shape or, it does not need to be provided. In alternate embodiments, an overmolded cover need not be provided such as by the use of joints between the members or by using rubber sleeves placed on the members. Now with reference to Figure 10, a schematic perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the cleaning apparatus is shown. In the cleaning apparatus 200 it is substantially the same as the apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1. However, in this embodiment, the apparatus 200 includes a second button 202 for automatic disconnection of the cleaning device. The button 202 has a switch that is connected to the motor 204. During normal use of the apparatus 200, the motor and the transmission 206 rotate the support 208 in the direction C. However, when a user operates the button 202, the motor 204 rotates in a reverse direction. Therefore, the support 208 is rotated in the direction I, which is inverse to the direction C. Due to the fact that only the friction forces maintain the frame of the relative rotation cleaning device with the support 208 in the direction I, when the support 208 is rotated in the direction I, the halves of the device slides on the support 208, in such a way that the support 208 aligns with the triangular opening 90 (see Figure 4E) of the frame of the Dispoeitive The cleaning device can then only be dropped from the holder 208. Therefore, a user does not need to touch the cleaning device to remove it from the apparatus 200. In an alternate embodiment, the button 202 could actuate a lever to control the direction of the cleaning. 206 transmission instead of changing the direction of motor rotation. Alternatively, any suitable type of disconnecting system of the automatic cleaning device could be used to allow the user to disconnect a cleaning device without having to touch the cleaning device. Variable speed control for the motor can also be provided. A liquid spout can also be added. In another embodiment an oscillating head may be provided or a head that is in line with the handle. Preferably, the apparatus is compact enough to be cleaned inside a bathroom reservoir, but it can also be used to extend the user's reach.

Now with reference to Figure HA, an alternating mode of a cleaning apparatus is shown. The cleaning apparatus 300 generally comprises a housing 302, a motor 304, battery 306, a transmission 308, a drive plate 310, a gasket 312, a cover 314 with a pole and five cleaning brushes 316 in a rotatable manner. In this mode, housing 302 is completely made of SANTOPRENE. The motor 304 rotates the driving gears of the traction 308. The transmission rotates the five brushes 316. Referring also to Figure HB, a bottom view of the apparatus 300 is shown in section J, a schematic sectional view is shown. in section K at the top of the brushes 316 and a schematic sectional view is shown in section L at the bottom of the drive plate 310. The upper parts of the brushes 316 are rotatably mounted on the posts 318 on the cover 314. The driving bolts 320 of the gears of the transmission 308 extend into the grooves 322 in the upper parts of the brushes 316. The driving plate 310 has slots 324. The driving bolts 320 extend through the slots 324 from the gears 326 of the transmission. As the gears 326 are rotated by the motor 302, the drive pins 320 are rotated to alternately linearly move the drive plate 310 from side to side as indicated by the arrow M. This moves the cover 314 backwards and forwards in the direction M. The drive pins 320 also rotate the brushes 316 in their respective posts 318. Slots 322 provide space for off center movement of cover 314 and brushes 316 relative to the rotational axes of gears 326. Figure HC shows another embodiment. In this embodiment, the drive plate 310 'has curved slots 324'. The curved slots 324 'provide orbital movement for the cover. Figure HD shows a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of another type of drive plate 310. The drive plate 310"has two guide slots 330, 332. Each guide slot 330, 332 is located on one side opposite of plate 310. Each guide groove 330, 332 is a linear groove and displaced from each other 90 °. When the driving bolt is located in the first guide groove 330, the rotational movement of the driving bolt becomes alternating, linear movement of the plate 310"in the M direction. The plate 310", similar to the plate 310 of the Figures HA and HB has a cover with the brushes connected to the plate 310. In this way, the brushes move in the direction M. However, a user can move the plate 310", turn it 180 ° and reconnect the plate 310"with the bolts now located in the slots 332. When the driving bolts are rotated, the plate 310" now moves alternately in the N direction. In this way, the user can select from alternate types of movement of the brush. . Other types of movement or combinations of movements could also be provided, such as side-by-side, opposite linear alternating sections and reverse direction rotation sections. Now with reference to Figure 12, a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the rear end of the rim 78 'of the box 22' has an annular ring section 400, an annular recess 402 and the cover 24 'has a reduced thickness in the recess 402. The battery cover 14' has a inner annular recess 404. When cap 14 'is mounted to flange 78', annular ring section 400 is received in annular recess 404 to removably mechanically intersubject the cap at the rear end of the housing. The inner surface 406 of the front section 405 of the battery cover 14 'makes a frictional and seal coupling with the cover 24' in the area 408. The front section 405 is deformed outwardly in the assembled position shown in Figure 12 . Thus, the front section 405 is compressed against the cover 24 'in the area 408. In alternate embodiments, other types of retainer assembly systems may be provided. Now with reference to Figure 13, a partial top view of a cleaning device frame 86 similar to Figure 4D is shown with a cross-sectional view of the arrow 83 'of an alternate embodiment in the opening 90. The arrow 83 It has a generally circular profile, but includes three sections 500 of detent. The detent sections 500 form an interference fit with the side walls of the frame 86 in the opening 90. This helps prevent unintentional rotation of the frame 86 relative to the arrow 83 '.

Claims (21)

1. In a cleaning apparatus having a housing, a motor located in the housing and a transmission connecting an output shaft of the motor to a support for joining a cleaning device, characterized in that: the support has a front section with a block of generally triangular shape and an arrow section, the front section having three cantilevered points of generally triangular shape.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning device has a reception area with an opening in a generally triangular shape through which the front section of the support is passed.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the arrow section of the support is located in the opening of the cleaning device.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the receiving area of the cleaning device has tree halves that are placed on the rear sides of the triangular shaped tips.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the receiving area has blocks next to the halves to stop the rotation of the front section of the support in the receiving area in a first direction.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the contact area between the halves and the rear sides of the tips is sufficiently large to provide sufficient frictional force between the support and the cleaning device to inhibit the rotation not intentionally of the front section of the support, in the receiving area in a second reverse direction to the first direction, without additional deviation means between the support and the device.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact area between the cleaning device and the cantilevered tips of generally triangular shape, is sufficiently large to provide sufficient frictional force between the support and the cleaning device, to inhibit the unintentional rotation of the support in relation to the device in a disconnection direction without additional deviation between the support and the device.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further characterized in that it comprises means for the motor to rotate the support in the disconnection direction to disconnect the device from the support.

9. A cleaning device for use with a motorized cleaning apparatus, the cleaning device has a frame and a cleaning section attached to the frame, the frame has a receiving area to locate a support for attaching the apparatus thereto, characterized in that: the reception areas have an opening of generally triangular shape, through which the connection support must pass to enter the reception area.

10. The cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that the device has three flat halves next to the opening that partially forms the opening.

11. The cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that the device has three blocks next to the half that partially form the opening.

12. The cleaning apparatus having a housing, a motor and a cleaning device removably connected to the motor by a removable mounting system, characterized in that: the removable mounting system having a first member, includes a mounting post having a section front with a generally triangular block shape and an arrow section located behind the front section and a second of the mounting system members, which has a reception area with the mounting post that is located on it, the area of The reception has an opening of generally triangular shape in the receiving area through which the front section of the mounting post is passed.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the arrow section of the post is located in the opening of the cleaning device.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the receiving area of the cleaning die has three halves which are placed on the rear sides of the triangular-shaped tips of the front section of the pole.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the receiving area has blocks near the halves to stop rotation of the forward section of the pole in the receiving area in a first direction.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the contact area between the halves and the rear sides of the tips is sufficiently large to provide sufficient frictional force between the post and the cleaning device to inhibit unintentional rotation of the front section of the post in the receiving area in a second reverse direction to the first direction.

17. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the contact area between the cleaning device and the cantilevered tips of generally triangular shape of the post, is sufficiently large to provide sufficient frictional force between the post and the cleaning device for inhibit the unintentional rotation of the pole in relation to the device in a direction of deeconnection.

18. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 18, further characterized in that it comprises means for the motor to rotate the post in the direction of connection to deepen the post device.

19. A manual cleaning apparatus characterized in that it comprises: a housing; an engine located in the housing; a cleaning device removably attached to the motor; and means for disconnecting the engine cleaning device, comprising means for reversing the direction of rotation of the engine.

20 The apparatus in accordance with the claim 19, further characterized in that it comprises a first switch operated by the user in the housing to turn on and stop the rotation of the motor in a first direction.

21. The apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the means for disconnection includes a second switch operated by the user on the housing.