US20210378467A1 - Brushroll and floor cleaner - Google Patents
Brushroll and floor cleaner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210378467A1 US20210378467A1 US17/408,781 US202117408781A US2021378467A1 US 20210378467 A1 US20210378467 A1 US 20210378467A1 US 202117408781 A US202117408781 A US 202117408781A US 2021378467 A1 US2021378467 A1 US 2021378467A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- brushroll
- permanent magnet
- floor cleaner
- end cap
- brush bar
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0405—Driving means for the brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0411—Driving means for the brushes or agitators driven by electric motor
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
- A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
- A47L5/30—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0455—Bearing means therefor
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
- A47L9/0466—Rotating tools
- A47L9/0477—Rolls
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/12—Dry filters
- A47L9/122—Dry filters flat
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2805—Parameters or conditions being sensed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2805—Parameters or conditions being sensed
- A47L9/2831—Motor parameters, e.g. motor load or speed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2836—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means characterised by the parts which are controlled
- A47L9/2847—Surface treating elements
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2857—User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2889—Safety or protection devices or systems, e.g. for prevention of motor over-heating or for protection of the user
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/32—Handles
- A47L9/325—Handles for wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
Definitions
- the disclosure relates to a brushroll and a floor cleaner.
- Multi-surface floor cleaners are adapted for cleaning hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as carpet and upholstery.
- Some multi-surface floor cleaners comprise a fluid delivery system that delivers cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system that extracts spent cleaning fluid and debris (which may include dirt, dust, stains, soil, hair, and other debris) from the surface.
- the fluid delivery system typically includes one or more fluid supply tanks for storing a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid distributor for applying the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a fluid supply conduit for delivering the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank to the fluid distributor.
- An agitator can be provided for agitating the cleaning fluid on the surface.
- the fluid recovery system typically includes a recovery tank, a nozzle adjacent the surface to be cleaned and in fluid communication with the recovery tank through a working air conduit, and a source of suction in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the working air conduit to the recovery tank.
- Other floor cleaners include “dry” vacuum cleaners which can clean different surface types, but do not dispense or recover liquid.
- Yet another floor cleaners include “wet” cleaners such as steam and hard floor cleaners that dispense cleaning fluid but may or may not apply suction to remove liquid and debris from the surface.
- Certain components of floor cleaners such as brushrolls and filters, may become dirty or wear out over time. To that end, it is helpful to design certain components as removable accessories for cleaning and/or replacement. However, a user may forget to reinstall the components or may reinstall them incorrectly, either of which will negatively impacting cleaning performance and can damage the floor cleaner. A user may also replace these components with low quality replacement versions that do not meet the requirements of the floor cleaner, again leading to poor cleaning performance or damage to the floor cleaner.
- a floor cleaner is provided with a replaceable component, such as a brushroll or a filter.
- the floor cleaner has a detection mechanism comprising a magnet on the replaceable component and a Hall Effect sensor positioned to detect the permanent magnet when the replaceable component is correctly installed on the floor cleaner.
- operation of an electrically-powered component of the floor cleaner is prevented when the permanent magnet is not detected by the Hall Effect sensor.
- the floor cleaner is a multi-surface wet/dry vacuum cleaner that can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as carpet.
- the floor cleaner is provided with a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a recovery system for removing spent cleaning fluid and debris from a surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris onboard the apparatus.
- the floor cleaner includes an upright handle assembly or body and a cleaning head or base coupled with the body and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned.
- a brushroll for a floor cleaner includes a rotatable portion including at least one agitation element and a brush bar supporting the at least one agitation element, a brushroll axis about which the rotatable portion is rotatable, and a non-rotatable portion comprising an end cap disposed at one end of the brush bar, wherein the non-rotatable portion comprises a permanent magnet.
- the magnet is configured to be detected by a sensing component, such as a Hall Effect sensor, when the brushroll is correctly installed on a floor cleaner.
- the brushroll is a hybrid brushroll that includes multiple agitation materials to optimize cleaning performance on different types of surfaces to be cleaned, including hard and soft surfaces, and for different cleaning modes, including wet and dry vacuum cleaning.
- any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a floor cleaner according to one aspect of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a floor cleaner according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the floor cleaner taken through line III-III of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a lower portion of the floor cleaner, with a nozzle cover moved to an open position and a brushroll shown removed from a brush chamber of the floor cleaner;
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the brushroll
- FIG. 6 is a close-up exploded view of one end of the brushroll, showing a detectable component on the brushroll;
- FIG. 7 is a close-up, cross-sectional view of the floor cleaner taken through line VII-VII of FIG. 2 , showing details of a brushroll detection mechanism and the brushroll correctly installed on the floor cleaner;
- FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 , showing the brushroll incorrectly installed on the floor cleaner;
- FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 7 , showing an unauthorized brushroll installed on the floor cleaner
- FIG. 10 is an rear perspective view of the floor cleaner showing a recovery tank and filter assembly removed from an upright body of the floor cleaner;
- FIG. 11 is a close-up, perspective view showing the filter assembly and details of a filter detection mechanism
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the filter assembly
- FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the filter assembly
- FIG. 14 is a close-up, cross-sectional view of the floor cleaner taken through line XIV-XIV of FIG. 2 , showing details of the filter detection mechanism and the filter assembly correctly installed on the floor cleaner;
- FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 , showing the filter assembly incorrectly installed on the floor cleaner.
- FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 14 , showing an unauthorized filter assembly installed on the floor cleaner.
- the invention generally relates to a floor cleaner for cleaning floor surfaces such as carpets, area rugs, wood, tile, and the like, and systems for detecting whether accessory components of the floor cleaner are present and properly installed.
- the invention also relates to accessory components for a floor cleaner, including a brushroll and a filter.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a floor cleaner 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure.
- the floor cleaner 10 is provided with various features and improvements, including a replaceable brushroll 46 and a brushroll detection mechanism 48 , and a replaceable filter assembly 50 and a filter detection mechanism 52 .
- the brushroll detection mechanism 48 can include a detectable component, such as a permanent magnet 54 , disposed on and carried by the brushroll 46 and a sensing component, such as a Hall Effect sensor 56 or a reed switch, disposed on the floor cleaner 10 in a position to sense the detectable component when the brushroll 46 is correctly installed in a brush chamber on the floor cleaner 10 that receives the brushroll 46 .
- the detectable component can be provided on a stationary or non-rotatable portion of the brushroll 46 .
- the detectable component is configured to be detected by the sensing component within an effective sensing zone of the sensing component. Direct physical contact between the detectable component and sensing component is not required, as the effective sensing zone can detect the detectable component within a predetermined distance away from the sensing component.
- the predetermined distance can be distance within which the detectable component is spaced from the sensing component when the brushroll 46 is correctly mounted in the brush chamber.
- the brushroll detection mechanism 48 is configured to allow operation of an electrically-powered component of the floor cleaner 10 when the detectable component is detected by the sensing component and to prevent operation of the electrically-powered component when the detectable component is not detected by the sensing component. If the brushroll 46 is missing from the brush chamber, incorrectly mounted, or a brushroll that does not comprise a detectable component is mounted instead, the electrically-powered component is prevented from operating.
- the brushroll detection mechanism 48 can include or be operably coupled with a switch configured to close and supply power to the electrically-powered component of the floor cleaner 10 when an authorized brushroll 46 is correctly mounted in the brush chamber. If the brushroll 46 is missing from the brush chamber, incorrectly mounted, or a brushroll lacking a detectable component is mounted instead, the switch is configured to open, so that no power is supplied to the component of the floor cleaner 10 .
- the component controlled via the brushroll detection mechanism 48 may be a vacuum motor 58 , a brushroll motor 60 , or a pump 62 , or any combination thereof.
- Other components that may be powered depending upon whether the brushroll 46 is detected include a user interface 38 , a heater 40 , a controller 66 , a headlight 42 , and a speaker 44 .
- the Hall sensor may be arranged to act as the switch configured to close and supply power to a component of the floor cleaner 10 when the brushroll 46 is correctly installed in the brush chamber.
- the Hall Effect sensor can change state. The Hall Effect sensor will again change state if a magnetic field experienced by the Hall Effect sensor falls below the pre-determined value.
- the floor cleaner 10 can include a controller 66 operably coupled with the various functional systems of the apparatus, including, but not limited to, the fluid delivery and recovery systems, for controlling its operation.
- the controller 66 can comprise a microcontroller unit (MCU) that contains at least one central processing unit (CPU).
- MCU microcontroller unit
- CPU central processing unit
- a user of the floor cleaner 10 can interact with the controller 66 via the user interface 38 .
- the controller 66 detects the state of the switch, e.g. the state of the Hall Effect sensor 56 .
- the controller 66 is arranged selectively to allow or prevent the supply of power to the component depending upon the state of the switch. This in turn is dependent upon the distance between the Hall Effect sensor 56 and the permanent magnet 54 .
- the Hall Effect sensor 56 can send a signal to the controller 66 to cause the floor cleaner 10 to provide a status update to the user.
- the floor cleaner 10 can deliver a visual and/or audio warning message to the user.
- the warning message can indicate to the user that the brushroll 46 is missing from the brush chamber, incorrectly mounted, or a brushroll lacking a detectable component is mounted instead.
- the warning message may indicate to the user that the brushroll 46 must be correctly mounted before operating the floor cleaner 10 .
- the visual and/or audio warning can be issued for a predetermined period, such as for 2-10 seconds, and then cease. The warning may be repeated if the user again attempts to turn on the floor cleaner 10 when the permanent magnet 54 is still not detected by the Hall Effect sensor 56 .
- power may be supplied to limited components of the floor cleaner 10 , such as to only those components required to issue the warning message.
- the controller 66 , user interface 38 , speaker 44 , or a brushroll indicator light 64 may be powered temporarily to issue the warning message, and then automatically powered off.
- the brushroll indicator light 64 flashes or is otherwise illuminated, and an audio warning sound is issued from the speaker 44 .
- the indicator light 64 may be an LED positioned near the brush chamber for the brushroll 46 so that a user's attention is drawn to the brush chamber.
- the brushroll indicator light 64 can be located on the base 14 .
- the switch can be separate from but operably coupled with the sensing component. It is further noted that in embodiments where power to multiple components is controlled based on whether the brushroll 46 is correctly installed in the brush chamber, multiple switches and/or controllers may be provided.
- the filter detection mechanism 52 can include a detectable component, such as a permanent magnet 68 , disposed on and carried by the filter assembly 50 and a sensing component, such as a Hall Effect sensor 70 or a reed switch, disposed on the floor cleaner 10 in a position to sense the detectable component when the filter assembly 50 is correctly installed in the floor cleaner 10 , with a filter of the filter assembly 50 located in a recovery pathway of the floor cleaner 10 .
- a detectable component such as a permanent magnet 68
- a sensing component such as a Hall Effect sensor 70 or a reed switch
- the recovery pathway can include at least a dirty inlet and a clean air outlet.
- the pathway can be formed by, among other elements, a suction source that includes the vacuum motor 58 and that is in fluid communication with the dirty inlet and a recovery tank or other collection container.
- the filter assembly 50 can be mountable at various locations on the floor cleaner 10 such that the filter is located in the recovery pathway, including anywhere in between the dirty inlet and the clean air outlet.
- the filter assembly 50 can comprise a pre-motor filter installable in the recovery pathway upstream of the suction source that includes the vacuum motor 58 .
- the filter assembly 50 can be a post-motor filter installable in the recovery pathway downstream of the suction source that includes the vacuum motor 58 .
- the detectable component on the filter assembly 50 can be provided outside the recovery pathway. By providing the detectable component outside the recovery pathway, the detectable component is not exposed to debris in the working air, is less likely to become dirty or damaged. Further features for protecting the detectable component and sensing component are described in further detail below.
- the detectable component is configured to be detected by the sensing component within an effective sensing zone of the sensing component. Direct physical contact between the detectable component and sensing component is not required, as the effective sensing zone can detect the detectable component within a predetermined distance away from the sensing component.
- the predetermined distance can be distance within which the detectable component is spaced from the sensing component when the filter assembly 50 is correctly installed on the floor cleaner 10 .
- the filter detection mechanism 52 is configured to allow operation of an electrically-powered component of the floor cleaner 10 when the detectable component is detected by the sensing component and to prevent operation of the electrically-powered component when the detectable component is not detected by the sensing component. If the filter assembly 50 is missing, incorrectly mounted, or a filter assembly that does not comprise a detectable component is mounted instead, the electrically-powered component is prevented from operating.
- the filter detection mechanism 52 can include or be operably coupled with a switch configured to close and supply power to a component of the floor cleaner 10 when the filter assembly 50 is correctly mounted in the recovery pathway. If the filter assembly 50 is missing from the recovery pathway, incorrectly mounted, or a filter assembly lacking a detectable component is mounted instead, the switch is configured to open, so that no power is supplied to the component of the floor cleaner 10 .
- the component controlled via the filter detection mechanism 52 may be the vacuum motor 58 , the brushroll motor 60 , or the pump 62 , or any combination thereof.
- Other components that may be powered depending upon whether the filter assembly 50 is detected include the user interface 38 , heater 40 , controller 66 , headlight 42 , and speaker 44 .
- the Hall sensor may be arranged to act as the switch configured to close and supply power to a component of the floor cleaner 10 when the filter assembly 50 is correctly mounted in the recovery pathway.
- the Hall Effect sensor can change state. The Hall Effect sensor will again change state if a magnetic field experienced by the Hall Effect sensor falls below the pre-determined value.
- the controller 66 detects the state of the switch, e.g. the state of the Hall Effect sensor 70 .
- the controller 66 is arranged selectively to allow or prevent the supply of power to the component depending upon the state of the switch. This in turn is dependent upon the distance between the Hall Effect sensor 70 and the permanent magnet 68 .
- the Hall Effect sensor 70 can send a signal to the controller 66 to cause the floor cleaner 10 to provide a status update to the user.
- the floor cleaner 10 can deliver a visual and/or audio warning message to the user.
- the warning message can indicate to the user that the filter assembly 50 is missing from the recovery pathway, incorrectly mounted, or a filter assembly lacking a detectable component is mounted instead.
- the warning message may indicate to the user that the filter assembly 50 must be correctly installed before operating the floor cleaner 10 .
- the visual and/or audio warning can be issued for a predetermined period, such as for 2-10 seconds, and then cease. The warning may be repeated if the user again attempts to turn on the floor cleaner 10 when the permanent magnet 68 is still not detected by the Hall Effect sensor 70 .
- power may be supplied to limited components of the floor cleaner 10 , such as to only those components required to issue the warning message.
- the controller 66 , user interface 38 , speaker 44 , or a filter indicator light 72 may be powered temporarily to issue the warning message, and then automatically powered off.
- the filter indicator light 72 flashes or is otherwise illuminated, and an audio warning sound is issued from the speaker 44 .
- the indicator light 72 may be an LED positioned near the brush chamber for the filter assembly 50 so that a user's attention is drawn to the filter receiver.
- the filter indicator light 72 can be located on the carry handle 28 .
- the switch can be separate from but operably coupled with the sensing component. It is further noted that in embodiments where power to multiple components is controlled based on whether the filter assembly 50 is correctly mounted in the recovery pathway, multiple switches and/or controllers may be provided.
- the brushroll detection mechanism 48 and the filter detection mechanism 52 may be used together or separately, and may be combined in any order or combination.
- a floor cleaner could comprise the brushroll detection mechanism 48 and not the filter detection mechanism 52 , or vice versa. While the brushroll detection and the filter detection may be applied separately, the systems and methods discussed herein are not mutually exclusive. For example, by supplementing brushroll detection with filter detection, an authorized brushroll and an authorized filter must both be correctly mounted in their respective compartments or the floor cleaner 10 will not operate.
- the floor cleaner 10 of FIG. 1 is shown as including the vacuum motor 58 , the brushroll motor 60 , the pump 62 , the user interface 38 , the heater 40 , the headlight 42 , the speaker 44 , the brushroll indicator light 64 , and the filter indicator light 72 , it is understood that the different components may be used in combination with each other as desired, or may be used separately. That one floor cleaner is illustrated herein as having all of these components does not mean that all of these features must be used in combination, but rather done so here for brevity of description.
- the functional systems of the floor cleaner 10 can be arranged into any desired configuration, such as an upright device having a base and an upright body for directing the base across the surface to be cleaned, a canister device having a cleaning implement connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose, a portable device adapted to be hand carried by a user for cleaning relatively small areas, or a commercial device.
- Any of the aforementioned cleaners can be adapted to include a flexible vacuum hose, which can form a portion of the working air conduit between a nozzle and the suction source.
- FIGS. 2-3 show an embodiment of the floor cleaner 10 in the form of an upright multi-surface wet/dry vacuum cleaner having a housing that includes an upright handle assembly or body 12 and a cleaning foot or base 14 mounted to or coupled with the upright body 12 and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned.
- multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum cleaner that can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as carpets and area rugs.
- the replaceable brushroll 46 is disposed on and removable from the base 14 .
- the replaceable filter assembly 50 is disposed on and removable from the upright body 12 , but in other embodiments may be removable from other portions of the floor cleaner 10 .
- the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 2 from the perspective of a user behind the floor cleaner 10 , which defines the rear of the floor cleaner 10 .
- the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
- the upright body 12 can comprise a handle 16 and a frame 18 .
- the frame 18 can comprise a main support section at least partially supporting a supply tank 20 and a recovery tank 22 , and may further support additional components of the upright body 12 .
- the floor cleaner 10 can include a fluid delivery or supply pathway, including and at least partially defined by the supply tank 20 , for storing cleaning fluid, e.g. cleaning liquid, and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a recovery pathway, including and at least partially defined by the recovery tank 22 , for removing liquid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the liquid and debris until emptied by the user.
- the handle 16 can include a hand grip 24 and a trigger 26 mounted to the hand grip 24 , which controls fluid delivery from the supply tank 20 via an electronic or mechanical coupling with the supply tank 20 .
- Other actuators such as a thumb switch instead of the trigger 26 , can be provided for controlling fluid delivery.
- a carry handle 28 can be disposed on a front side of the frame 18 , below the stick handle 16 , and can facilitate manual lifting and carrying of the floor cleaner 10 .
- a moveable joint assembly 74 can be formed at a lower end of the frame 18 and moveably mounts the base 14 to the upright body 12 .
- the upright body 12 can pivot up and down about at least one axis relative to the base 14 .
- the joint assembly 74 can alternatively comprise a universal joint, such that the upright body 12 can pivot about at least two axes relative to the base 14 .
- Wiring and/or conduits can optionally supply electricity, air and/or liquid (or other fluids) between the base 14 and the upright body 12 , or vice versa, and can extend though the joint assembly 74 .
- the upright body 12 can pivot, via the joint assembly 74 , to an upright or storage position, an example of which is shown in FIG.
- a reclined or use position in which the upright body 12 is pivoted rearwardly relative to the base 14 to form an acute angle with the surface to be cleaned. In this position, a user can partially support the apparatus by holding the hand grip 24 .
- the floor cleaner 10 can include one or more user interfaces (UI) through which a user can interact with the floor cleaner 10 .
- UI user interfaces
- the UI can enable operation and control of the floor cleaner 10 from the user's end, and can provide feedback information from the floor cleaner 10 to the user.
- the UI can be electrically coupled with electrical components, including, but not limited to, circuitry electrically connected to various components of the fluid delivery and recovery systems of the floor cleaner 10 , as described in further detail below.
- the UI includes one or more input controls, such as but not limited to buttons, triggers, toggles, keys, switches, or the like, operably connected to systems in the floor cleaner 10 to affect and control its operation.
- the floor cleaner 10 includes a first input control on the carry handle 28 and a second input control 32 on the hand grip 24 .
- first input control is a power button 30 that controls the supply of power to one or more electrical components of the floor cleaner 10 , in conjunction with the brushroll detection mechanism and/or filter detection mechanism as described herein.
- the other input control 32 includes a cleaning mode button that cycles the floor cleaner 10 between different cleaning modes. Some examples of cleaning modes include a hard floor cleaning mode and an area rug or carpet cleaning mode. In one example, in each cleaning mode the vacuum motor 58 , the pump 62 , and the brushroll motor 60 are activated, with the vacuum motor 58 operating at a lower power level and the pump 62 operating at a lower flow rate in the hard floor mode. Those rates increase in the area rug cleaning mode. Other cleaning modes are possible.
- Electrically-powered components of the floor cleaner 10 can be powered by a power cord 36 plugged into a household power supply.
- the floor cleaner 10 can be powered by a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery, for cordless operation.
- the fluid delivery system is configured to deliver cleaning fluid from the supply tank 20 to a surface to be cleaned, and can include, as briefly discussed above, a fluid delivery or supply pathway.
- the supply tank 20 includes a supply chamber for holding cleaning fluid.
- the cleaning fluid can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning liquids, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof.
- the liquid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent.
- supply tank 20 can include multiple supply chambers, such as one chamber containing water and another chamber containing a cleaning agent.
- the floor cleaner 10 can comprise multiple supply tanks. It is noted that while the floor cleaner 10 described herein is configured to deliver a cleaning liquid, aspects of the disclosure may be applicable to floor cleaner that deliver steam. Thus, the term “cleaning fluid” may encompass both liquid and steam unless otherwise noted.
- the recovery system is configured to remove liquid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and store the liquid and debris on the floor cleaner 10 for later disposal, and can include, as briefly discussed above, a recovery pathway 76 .
- the recovery pathway 76 can include at least a dirty inlet and a clean air outlet.
- the pathway can be formed by, among other elements, a suction nozzle 78 defining the dirty inlet, a suction source 80 in fluid communication with the suction nozzle 78 for generating a working air stream, the recovery tank 22 , and at least one exhaust vent 82 defining the clean air outlet.
- the recovery tank 22 is a working air treatment assembly, and removes liquid and debris from the working airstream and collects the liquid and debris for later disposal. A portion of the recovery tank 22 can define a portion of the recovery pathway 76 . It is understood that other types of working air treatment assemblies for removing and collecting debris and/or liquid from the working airstream for later disposal can be used, such as a cyclonic separator, a centrifugal separator, a bulk separator, a filter bag, or a water-bath separator. The type of working air treatment assembly may depend on the type of floor cleaner, whether the apparatus performs dry cleaning, wet cleaning, or both, and so on.
- the suction source 80 and recovery tank 22 are provided on the upright body 12 , although other locations are possible. At least a portion of the recovery pathway 76 between the suction nozzle 78 and the recovery tank 22 can be formed by a conduit 84 extending through the joint assembly 74 , from the base 14 to the upright body 12 .
- the recovery pathway 76 is defined by portions of the suction nozzle 78 , conduit 84 , recovery tank 22 , and suction source 80 , with the brushroll 46 being disposed in the recovery pathway 76 at the suction nozzle 78 and a filter of the filter assembly 50 being disposed in the recovery pathway 76 downstream of the recovery tank 22 .
- Other arrangements for the recovery pathway 76 , the brushroll 46 , and the filter assembly 50 are possible, as described in further detail below.
- the suction nozzle 78 can be provided on the base 14 can be adapted to be adjacent the surface to be cleaned as the base 14 moves across a surface, and is in fluid communication with the recovery tank 22 , for example through conduit 84 .
- the replaceable brushroll 46 can be disposed in suction nozzle 78 , and therefore in the recovery pathway 76 , with the brushroll 46 agitating the surface to be cleaned so that the debris is more easily ingested into the suction nozzle 78 .
- the suction nozzle 78 positioned to recover liquid and debris indirectly from the floor surface via the brushroll 46 .
- the brushroll 46 can be outside the recovery pathway, for example to mop the floor surface, with the suction nozzle 78 positioned to recover liquid and debris directly from the floor surface.
- the suction source 80 which can be a motor/fan assembly including the vacuum motor 58 and a fan 86 , is provided in fluid communication with the recovery tank 22 .
- the suction source 80 can be positioned within the frame 18 , such as above the recovery tank 22 , and is fluidly downstream of the recovery tank 22 .
- At least a portion of the recovery pathway 76 between the recovery tank 22 and the suction source 80 can be formed by a chamber 88 in the upright body 12 .
- the filter assembly 50 in the illustrated embodiment, is a pre-motor filter assembly and is provided in the recovery pathway 76 downstream of the recovery tank 22 and upstream of the suction source 80 .
- the floor cleaner 10 can also be provided with one or more additional filters upstream or downstream of the recovery tank 22 and/or the suction source 80 .
- the base 14 can comprise a base housing 90 and the suction nozzle 78 can comprise a nozzle cover 92 coupled to the base housing 90 .
- the nozzle cover 92 can be removable from the base housing 90 to access the brushroll 46 , which is removable from a brush chamber 94 of the base 14 .
- the brush chamber 94 may be formed by the base housing 90 and/or another portion of the base 14 , with the nozzle cover 92 closing the brush chamber 94 to capture the brushroll 46 therein. Accordingly, the nozzle cover 92 is removed from the base housing 90 prior to removing the brushroll 46 .
- the brushroll 46 and brush chamber 94 can be configured so that prior removal of a nozzle cover is not required, such as by having the brushroll 46 removable through lateral side of the base 14 or from the underside of the base 14 .
- the fluid delivery system can comprise a flow control system for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid from the supply tank 20 to a distributor 96 configured to distribute or dispense the fluid.
- the flow control system can comprise the pump 62 , which pressurizes the system.
- the pump 62 can be positioned within the base 14 , and is in fluid communication with the supply tank 20 , for example via conduit (not shown) that may pass interiorly to joint assembly 74 .
- the pump 62 can be eliminated and the flow control system can comprise a gravity-feed system having a valve fluidly coupled with an outlet of the supply tank 20 , whereby when valve is open, cleaning fluid will flow under the force of gravity to the distributor 96 .
- the trigger 26 ( FIG. 2 ) can be operably coupled with the flow control system such that pressing the trigger 26 will deliver cleaning fluid to the distributor 96 .
- the delivery system can include a valve (not shown) in the fluid pathway extending between the pump 62 and the distributor 96 , and the trigger 26 can selectively open the valve to permit fluid to flow out of the distributor 96 .
- the distributor 96 can comprise spray tips on the base 14 positioned to deliver cleaning fluid to the brushroll 46 , thereby indirectly providing cleaning fluid to the floor surface, or can be positioned to deliver cleaning fluid directly to the floor surface.
- Other embodiments of the distributor 96 are possible, such as a spray manifold having multiple outlets or a spray nozzle configured to spray cleaning liquid outwardly from the base 14 in front of the floor cleaner 10 .
- the spray tips are provided on an interior or brush-facing side of the nozzle cover 92 .
- the spray tips can be fed through channels of the nozzle cover 92 that terminate at connector ports 98 that couple with spray connectors 100 on the base housing 90 when the nozzle cover 92 is installed on the base housing 90 .
- the spray connectors 100 are supplied with cleaning fluid via the pump 62 or other flow control system of the floor cleaner 10 .
- a heater (not shown) can be provided for heating the cleaning liquid prior to delivering the cleaning liquid to the surface to be cleaned.
- an in-line heater can be located downstream of the supply tank 20 , and upstream or downstream of the pump 62 .
- Other types of heaters can also be used.
- the cleaning liquid can be heated using exhaust air from a motor cooling air path for the suction source 80 of the recovery system.
- the heater can be controlled via the brushroll detection mechanism 48 and/or the filter detection mechanism 52 as described above with reference to FIG. 1 .
- the brushroll 46 can be operably coupled to and driven by a drive assembly including the brushroll motor 60 in the base 14 .
- the coupling between the brushroll 46 and the brushroll motor 60 can comprise one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys or combinations thereof.
- the vacuum motor 58 FIG. 3
- the vacuum motor 58 can be configured to provide both vacuum suction and brushroll rotation.
- the brushroll is positioned in brush chamber 94 and rotates in a direction R about brushroll axis 102 .
- the base 14 can comprise an interference wiper 104 and/or a squeegee 106 .
- the wiper 104 can be mounted at a forward portion of the brush chamber 94 and interfaces with a wetted portion of the rotating brushroll 46 to scrape excess liquid off before reaching the surface to be cleaned.
- the squeegee 106 can be disposed behind the brushroll 46 and contacts the surface as the base 14 to wipe residual liquid, thereby leaving a moisture and streak-free finish on the surface to be cleaned.
- the brushroll 46 including the detectable component, e.g. permanent magnet, is shown.
- the brushroll 46 can be a hybrid brushroll suitable for use on both hard and soft surfaces, and for wet or dry cleaning.
- the brushroll 46 comprises a brush bar 108 supporting at least one agitation element.
- the brushroll 46 includes a rotatable portion that is configured to rotate about the brushroll axis 102 and a stationary or non-rotatable portion that does not rotate about the brushroll axis 102 .
- the brushroll axis 102 can be defined by the brush bar 108 and can extend longitudinally through a center of the brush bar 108 .
- the rotatable portion includes at least the brush bar 108 and at least one agitation element.
- the permanent magnet 54 is disposed on the non-rotatable portion of the brushroll 46 , and can forms the detectable component of the brushroll sensing mechanism. In being disposed on a non-rotatable portion of the brushroll 46 , the permanent magnet 54 is located in a section of the brushroll 46 that does not rotate during operation of the brushroll motor 60 . Thus, the permanent magnet 54 does not move relative to the brushroll axis 102 , but rather remains at a fixed point relative to the brushroll axis 102 and to the rotating brush bar 108 .
- the brush bar 108 has a first and second lateral ends 114 , 116 , and a cylindrical outer surface 118 extending from the first lateral end 114 to the second lateral end 116 .
- the at least one agitation element generally projects outwardly form the outer surface 118 of the brush bar 108 .
- the agitation element can comprise a plurality of bristles 110 and microfiber material 112 provided on the brush bar 108 , with the microfiber material 112 arranged between the bristles 110 .
- Bristles 110 can be tufted or unitary bristle strips and constructed of nylon, or any other suitable synthetic or natural fiber.
- the brush bar 108 can have a plurality of radial bores 120 spaced along the length of the cylindrical outer surface 118 that receive tufts of bristles 110 .
- the bores 120 may be arranged in one or more lines or rows.
- the bristles 110 may be arranged in any desirable pattern, such as helical, with the rows of bores 120 accordingly wrapping at least partially about the circumference of the cylindrical outer surface 118 .
- the microfiber material 112 can be constructed of polyester, polyamides, or a conjugation of materials including polypropylene or any other suitable material known in the art from which to construct microfiber.
- the brush bar 108 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.
- ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
- the brush bar 108 can have a solid core or a hollow core.
- the non-rotatable portion of the brushroll 46 can comprise an end cap 122 disposed at one end of the brush bar 108 .
- the end cap 122 is configured to mount one end of the brushroll 46 in the base 14 , as described in further detail below.
- the brushroll 46 can include an end assembly at the first lateral end 114 of the brush bar 108 .
- the end assembly can, for example, include a stub shaft 124 extending from the first lateral end 114 of the brush bar 108 and a bearing 126 having an inner race press fitted on the stub shaft 124 and an outer race fixed in the end cap 122 .
- a cavity 128 may extend from the first lateral end 114 of the brush bar 108 laterally inwardly along the brushroll axis 102 .
- the first lateral end 114 of the brush bar 108 may accordingly have an increased diameter for accommodating the end cap 122 , with sufficient clearance for the brush bar 108 to rotate about the end cap 122 .
- the brushroll 46 can include a ferrule 130 on the first lateral end 114 of the brush bar 108 and the end cap 122 is inserted through the ferrule 130 into the cavity 128 .
- Other configurations for insertion of the end cap 122 into the brush bar 108 are possible, including inserting the end cap 122 into a hole drilled or otherwise formed in the end of the brush bar 108 .
- the ferrule 130 can be integrally molded with the brush bar 108 , or can be formed separately and attached to the first lateral end 114 of the brush bar 108 .
- the brushroll 46 can include a second or drive end cap 132 that couples with a drive assembly or transmission 134 , which can comprise one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys or combinations thereof.
- the drive end cap 132 of the illustrated embodiment is integrally formed with the brush bar 108 , although in other embodiments, the drive end cap 132 can be separate feature that is connected or joined to the brush bar 108 .
- the drive end cap 132 and the brush bar 108 are formed or joined together such that upon drive input to the drive end cap 132 , the brush bar 108 rotates.
- the drive end cap 132 and the brush bar 108 are be integrated into a single part both supporting the agitation element (e.g. bristles 110 and/or microfiber materials 112 ) and coupleable with the transmission 134 .
- the drive end cap 132 can have a splined drive connection 136 with a drive head 138 of the transmission 134 operably connecting the brushroll motor 60 to the brushroll 46 .
- the drive head 138 can be provided at an end of the brush chamber 94 opposite the end comprising the Hall Effect sensor 56 .
- Other drive connections between the brushroll 46 and transmission 134 are possible.
- the brushroll 46 can be secured in the brush chamber 94 by a brushroll latch.
- a brushroll latch Various configurations for the brushroll latch are possible.
- a portion of the latch is provided on the end cap 122 , with a mating portion provided in the brush chamber 94 .
- the end cap 122 can have a latch member 140 that is received by a latch receiver 142 in the brush chamber 94 .
- the base housing 90 can include spaced first and second walls 144 , 146 which at least partially define the brush chamber 94 .
- the first and second walls 144 , 146 can be lateral sidewalls that form a portion of the brush chamber 94 therebetween, such as by enclosing open lateral ends of the nozzle cover 92 .
- the latch receiver 142 can be provided on an inner surface of the first wall 144 .
- the latch member 140 can be complementary to or keyed with the latch receiver 142 to ensure proper installation of the brushroll 46 .
- the latch member 140 and the latch receiver 142 can have complementary U-shapes and can optionally taper in the insertion direction of the brushroll 46 , i.e. downwardly.
- the latch member 140 can include a protruding part 148 that is snap fit with the latch receiver 142 .
- the protruding part 148 includes at least one, and optionally two, cantilever part having a hook, stud, lug, bead, or other engagement element at an end thereof.
- the protruding part 148 is deflected briefly during the joining operation and catches in a depression or undercut 150 in the latch receiver 142 .
- the depression or undercut 150 is shaped to allow separation of the brushroll 46 from the base housing 90 upon application of sufficient force.
- the end cap 122 and base housing 90 can include one or more additional mating surfaces or joints which help distribute the weight of the brushroll 46 supported by the first wall 144 .
- the end cap 122 can comprise outwardly extending tabs 152 that rest on shoulders 154 adjacent to the latch receiver 142 .
- the brushroll detection mechanism of the floor cleaner 10 allows operation of at least one electrically-powered component of the floor cleaner 10 when the permanent magnet 54 is detected by the Hall Effect sensor 56 and prevents operation of the at least one electrically-powered component when the permanent magnet 54 is not detected by the Hall Effect sensor 56 .
- the Hall Effect sensor 56 is provided at one end of the brush chamber 94 in a position to detect the permanent magnet 54 when the brushroll 46 is correctly installed in the brush chamber 94 .
- the Hall Effect sensor 56 can be disposed on a side of the first wall 144 opposite the brush chamber 94 , with the first wall 144 protecting the Hall Effect sensor 56 from exposure to dirt or liquid in the brush chamber 94 . By providing the Hall Effect sensor 56 outside the brush chamber 94 , the Hall Effect sensor 56 is less likely to become damaged or dirty. Other configurations and locations for mounting the Hall Effect sensor 56 on the base 14 are possible.
- the permanent magnet 54 is coupled to the end cap 122 forming a portion of the non-rotatable portion of the brushroll 46 .
- a single permanent magnet 54 can be carried by the brushroll 46 .
- a single permanent magnet 54 may be preferred in order to provide precise and accurate sensing by the Hall Effect sensor 56 . In other embodiments, more than one permanent magnet 54 may be provided on the brushroll 46 .
- the permanent magnet 54 can be radially offset from the brushroll axis 102 . In one embodiment, the permanent magnet 54 may be disposed at least partially outside the cylindrical outer surface 118 of the brush bar 108 .
- the end cap 122 can comprise a magnet holder 156 for the permanent magnet 54 .
- the permanent magnet 54 can be press-fit or otherwise secured with the magnet holder 156 .
- an adhesive may be used to secure the permanent magnet 54 within the magnet holder 156 .
- the magnet holder 156 can comprise a recess 158 in the end cap 122 , with the permanent magnet 54 at least partially received within the recess 158 .
- the permanent magnet 54 is disc-shaped, and the magnet holder 156 can comprise a circular recess for the disc-shaped magnet.
- Other shapes and configurations for the permanent magnet 54 and magnet holder 156 are possible.
- a cover 160 can enclose the permanent magnet 54 within the recess 158 .
- the cover 160 can be manufactured from a non-magnetic material, such as plastic or another suitable material.
- the permanent magnet 54 may be uncovered.
- the cover 160 is preferred as this protects permanent magnet 54 from exposure to dirt or liquid in the brush chamber 94 , and from hair wrap.
- a handle 162 to aid in removing the brushroll 46 from the brush chamber 94 can extending from the end cap 122 .
- the brushroll removal handle 162 can project so that a user can grip the handle 162 to lift the brushroll 46 out of the brush chamber 94 .
- the handle 162 can be disposed on one side of the brushroll axis 102 and extends radially from an outer periphery 164 of the end cap 122 , the outer periphery 164 of the end cap 122 circumscribing the brushroll axis 102 .
- the permanent magnet 54 can be disposed on the handle 162 .
- the magnet holder 156 can be formed or otherwise joined with the handle 162 .
- the magnet holder 156 comprises the recess 158 integrally formed in an outboard surface 166 of the handle 162 .
- the magnet holder 156 may be secured directly to the outboard surface 166 of the handle 162 .
- the outboard surface 166 is a surface of the handle 162 outside or away from the center of the brushroll 46 , e.g. a surface that faces the end of the brush chamber 94 .
- the outboard surface 166 can confront the first wall 144 of the brush chamber 94 .
- An outboard surface 168 of the cover 160 may be flush with the outboard surface 166 of the handle 162 , or the cover 160 be slightly recessed with respect to the handle 162 . Such configurations may be preferred over a configuration where the cover 160 protrudes beyond the outboard surface 166 of the handle 162 because the handle 162 can be fit tightly against with the first wall 144 of the brush chamber 94 , reducing the chance for dirt or hair to migrate in-between the handle 162 and the first wall 144 .
- the handle 162 can optionally include indents 170 in the sides of the handle 162 to assist in gripping the handle 162 to lift the brushroll 46 .
- the indents 170 can, for example, by pinched between the thumb and forefinger of the user.
- the outboard surface 166 of the handle 162 in which the permanent magnet 54 is recessed can extend between the sides of the handle 162 comprising the indents 170 .
- the handle 162 when the brushroll 46 is correctly installed in the brush chamber 94 and the nozzle cover 92 is coupled with the base housing 90 , the handle 162 , and therefore the permanent magnet 54 and magnet cover 160 , are covered by the nozzle cover 92 .
- This can protect these components and prevent unintended release of the brushroll 46 during a cleaning operation, which would inadvertently trigger the brushroll detection mechanism to turn off one or more electrically-powered components of the floor cleaner 10 .
- the latching of the brushroll 46 further locks the positon of the permanent magnet 54 in place relative to the Hall Effect sensor 56 .
- the permanent magnet 54 With the end cap 122 blocked from shifting upwardly or downwardly, or forwardly or rearwardly, by receipt of the latch member 140 within the latch receiver 142 , the permanent magnet 54 likewise will not shift relative to the sensor Hall Effect sensor 56 , such that the permanent magnet 54 can be reliably detected as the brush bar 108 rotates and the floor cleaner 10 is moved about the surface to be cleaned.
- the permanent magnet 54 is configured to be detected by the Hall Effect sensor 56 within an effective sensing zone 172 of the sensor 56 . Direct physical contact between the permanent magnet 54 and sensor 56 is not required, as the effective sensing zone 172 can detect the permanent magnet 54 within a predetermined distance away from the Hall Effect sensor 56 .
- One non-limiting example of the effective sensing zone 172 is indicated in phantom line in FIGS. 7-9 , although it is understood that other ranges for the effective sensing zone 172 are possible.
- FIG. 7 shows one example of the brushroll 46 installed correctly on the floor cleaner 10 .
- the permanent magnet 54 is within the effective sensing zone 172 of the Hall Effect sensor 56 .
- the permanent magnet 54 moves toward and eventually interacts with the Hall Effect sensor 56 .
- Interaction of the permanent magnet 54 with the Hall Effect sensor 56 allows at least one component of the floor cleaner 10 (i.e., the vacuum motor 58 , brushroll motor 60 , pump 62 , etc., or any combination thereof) to operate.
- FIG. 8 shows one example of the brushroll 46 installed incorrectly on the floor cleaner 10 .
- the permanent magnet 54 is outside the effective sensing zone 172 of the Hall Effect sensor 56 . Lack of interaction of the permanent magnet 54 with the Hall Effect sensor 56 prevents at least one component of the floor cleaner 10 (i.e., the vacuum motor 58 , brushroll motor 60 , pump 62 , etc., or any combination thereof) from operating.
- FIG. 9 shows one example of a brushroll 46 U installed correctly on the floor cleaner 10 , where the brushroll 46 U lacks a permanent magnet 54 or other detectable component. In this condition, no magnet or other detectable component is within the effective sensing zone 172 of the Hall Effect sensor 56 . Lack of interaction of any magnet or other detectable component with the Hall Effect sensor 56 prevents at least one component of the floor cleaner 10 (i.e., the vacuum motor 58 , brushroll motor 60 , pump 62 , etc., or any combination thereof) from operating.
- the vacuum motor 58 the vacuum motor 58 , brushroll motor 60 , pump 62 , etc., or any combination thereof
- brushrolls 46 are possible, including a bristle-only brushroll suitable for use on soft surfaces, and having bristles 110 as the only agitation element, or a microfiber-only brushroll suitable for use on hard surfaces and having microfiber material 112 as the only agitation element.
- Each of these brushrolls can comprise a permanent magnet 54 as described herein.
- the floor cleaner 10 can be provided with multiple, interchangeable brushrolls, which allows for the selection of a brushroll depending on the cleaning task to be performed or depending on the floor type of be cleaned.
- Yet another advantage of having multiple, interchangeable brushrolls is that cleaning time can be extended by allowing a soiled brushroll to be swapped out for a clean brushroll during a cleaning task.
- the upright body 12 can include a tank socket or receiver 180 for receiving the recovery tank 22 .
- the tank receiver 180 can be defined by portions of the frame 18 .
- a recovery tank latch (not shown) can secure the recovery tank 22 to the upright body 12 within the tank receiver 180 .
- the recovery tank 22 can include a recovery tank container 182 , which forms a collection chamber 184 for the recovery system, with a hollow standpipe 186 therein.
- the standpipe 186 forms a flow path between a tank inlet 188 formed at a lower end of the recovery tank container 182 and a tank outlet 190 at the upper end of the standpipe 186 within the interior of the recovery tank container 182 .
- the tank inlet 188 is aligned with the conduit 84 to establish fluid communication between the base 14 and the recovery tank 22 .
- the recovery tank 22 further includes a lid 192 sized for receipt on the recovery tank container 182 .
- the lid 192 at least partially encloses an open top of the recovery tank container 182 , and can further define an air outlet 194 of the recovery tank 22 leading to the downstream suction source 80 ( FIG. 3 ).
- a gasket 196 can be positioned between mating surfaces of the lid 192 and the recovery tank container 182 , and creates a seal therebetween for prevention of leaks.
- the filter assembly 50 can be carried by the recovery tank 22 , and therefore is removable from the floor cleaner 10 upon removal of the recovery tank 22 and is installable on the floor cleaner upon mounting of the recovery tank 22 in the tank receiver 180 .
- the filter assembly 50 can be supported by the lid 192 , and the lid 192 can include a filter receiver 198 on an upwardly facing side thereof that is sized to receive the filter assembly 50 .
- the filter assembly 50 is removably mounted in the filter receiver 198 .
- the filter assembly 50 can be separate from the recovery tank 22 , and is removable and installable independently of the tank.
- the filter assembly 50 can include a filter 200 and a filter housing 202 including a frame 204 having an open area through which air may pass, the filter 200 supported within the frame 204 .
- a seal 206 on the filter housing 202 blocks the escape of air from the working air path or recovery pathway 76 .
- the filter 200 has an intake side 208 and an exhaust side 210 , and the seal 206 can extend around the exhaust side 210 of the filter 200 .
- the filter assembly 50 can have a handle 212 or other gripping feature that is made to be grasped or held by the hand for easy removal of the filter assembly 50 .
- the permanent magnet 68 can be disposed on the handle 212 or on another portion of the filter housing 202 .
- the intake side 208 of the filter 200 is an upstream side that faces the air outlet 194 of the recovery tank 22 .
- the exhaust side 210 of the filter 200 is a downstream side that generally opposes the upstream side relative to the direction of airflow through the recovery pathway 76 . Air therefore flows into the filter 200 through the intake side 208 and out of the filter 200 through the exhaust side 210 .
- the filter 200 can comprise any suitable type or combination of types of filter media suitable for filtering particles entrained within an airstream.
- filter media include paper, cellulosic material, non-woven material, spunbond material, pleated filter media, open cell foam, polyester type matrix (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), and combinations thereof.
- the filter media can also be a reusable or washable type of media such as a non-woven or foam type filter media, for example. It will be understood that the particle filtration size of the filter will vary depending on the floor cleaner 10 in which the filter assembly 50 is intended for use.
- the filter 200 is a pleated filter, and can be made of a material that remains porous when wet, e.g., air can still flow through the filter 200 when wet (unlike conventional paper filters).
- the filter 200 can be secured within the filter housing 202 using any suitable securement method.
- adhesive may be applied between the filter 200 and the frame 204 .
- the filter hosing 202 and frame 204 can be made from a more rigid material than the filter 200 to provide stiffness to the filter assembly 50 .
- the frame 204 of the filter housing 202 includes at least one peripheral side wall 214 defining the open area through which air may pass and in which the filter 200 is situated.
- the frame 204 is rectilinear and comprises four walls 214 . While the frame 204 is shown as rectilinear, the frame 204 may have different geometric shapes to suit the cross-sectional area in which the filter assembly 50 may be mounted. It will be understood that the dimensions of the filter assembly 50 will vary depending on the floor cleaner 10 in which the filter assembly 50 is intended for use.
- the seal 206 can include a perimeter seal portion 216 surrounding the exhaust side 210 of the filter 200 .
- the permanent magnet 68 can be disposed outward of the perimeter seal portion 216 , such that the permanent magnet 68 is disposed outside the recovery pathway 76 of the floor cleaner 10 .
- the seal 206 can extend at least partially over the handle 212 and can overlie the permanent magnet 68 .
- the seal 206 can include a handle seal portion 218 extending from the perimeter seal portion 216 at least partially over the handle 212 .
- the seal 206 can be overmolded or otherwise secured on the filter housing 202 .
- the seal 206 can be formed separately and attached to the filter housing 202 using an adhesive.
- the seal 206 may be made from any material that can be suitable bonded to the material of the filter housing 202 .
- the seal 206 can be made from a thermoplastic elastomer and the filter housing 202 can be polypropylene.
- a ceiling of the tank receiver 180 can be configured to fit tightly against the seal 206 , and optionally also with the lid 192 the recovery tank 22 , to provide a sealed pathway from the filter assembly 50 to the suction source 80 ( FIG. 4 ), and the tank receiver 180 can include a grille 220 through which air can pass to the chamber 88 .
- the seal 206 may be compressed when the recovery tank 22 is installed on the tank receiver 180 .
- the handle 212 can aid in removing the filter assembly 50 from the filter receiver 198 , and can extend from one of the walls 214 of the frame 204 .
- the handle 212 can project so that a user can grip the handle 212 to lift the filter assembly 50 out of the filter receiver 198 .
- a pull tab 222 can project from one of the walls 214 of the frame 204 , preferably from a different wall 214 than the handle 212 .
- the pull tab 222 can assist the user in lifting the filter assembly 50 out of the filter receiver 198 .
- the pull tab 222 may be eliminated, and the filter assembly 50 may be liftable out of the filter receiver 198 via the handle 212 alone.
- the filter assembly 50 may comprise at least one additional filter media upstream of the filter 200 .
- a mesh screen 224 is disposed on the intake side 208 of the filter 200 and is coupled with the filter housing 202 .
- the mesh screen 224 has a larger pore size than the filter 200 .
- the pore size is the size of the largest particles that can successfully pass through that element.
- the pore size may be an effective pore size or an average of pore sizes across the media. It is contemplated that by providing multiple filtration media, e.g. the mesh screen 224 and the filter 200 , of decreasing pore size to sequentially filter larger and then smaller particulate, the finer filter 200 is prevented from becoming obstructed with larger debris.
- the filter assembly 50 can include a door 226 pivotally coupled with the filter housing 202 , the door 226 having an open grid and the mesh screen 224 covering the open grid.
- the door 226 can swing open, e.g. away from the intake side 208 of the filter 200 , to clean the mesh screen 224 and filter 200 .
- the filter assembly 50 can have a poka-yoke installation to prevent a user from inadvertent error in installing the filter assembly 50 on the recovery tank 22 .
- the poka-yoke installation includes at least one projecting feature 228 on the filter assembly 50 and/or on the filter receiver 198 that prevents a user from installing the filter assembly 50 incorrectly by interfering with the insertion of the filter assembly 50 into the filter receiver 198 .
- the filter detection mechanism of the floor cleaner 10 allows operation of at least one electrically-powered component of the floor cleaner 10 when the permanent magnet 68 is detected by the Hall Effect sensor 70 and prevents operation of the at least one electrically-powered component when the permanent magnet 68 is not detected by the Hall Effect sensor 70 .
- the Hall Effect sensor 70 is provided at one side of the tank receiver 180 in a position to detect the permanent magnet 68 when the filter assembly 50 is correctly installed in the floor cleaner 10 , with the filter 200 located in the recovery pathway 76 .
- the Hall Effect sensor 70 can be disposed behind a wall 230 delimiting the tank receiver 180 , the recovery tank 22 removably mounted on an opposite side of the wall 230 .
- the wall 230 therefore protects the Hall Effect sensor 70 from exposure to the working air flow. By providing the Hall Effect sensor 70 outside the recovery pathway 76 , the Hall Effect sensor 70 is less likely to become damaged or dirty.
- the Hall Effect sensor 70 may be provided elsewhere on the floor cleaner 10 , for example, adjacent to a filter receiver for the filter assembly 50 in a position to detect the permanent magnet 68 when the filter assembly 50 is correctly installed in the floor cleaner 10 .
- the permanent magnet 68 is coupled to the handle 212 .
- a single permanent magnet 68 can be carried by the filter assembly 50 .
- a single permanent magnet 68 may be preferred in order to provide precise and accurate sensing by the Hall Effect sensor 70 . In other embodiments, more than one permanent magnet 68 may be provided on the filter assembly 50 .
- the handle 212 can be located outside the air flow pathway or recovery pathway 76 , with the seal 206 blocking off the handle 212 from exposure to the working air flow. As the permanent magnet 68 is disposed on the handle 212 , the permanent magnet 68 is thus located outside the recovery pathway 76 and is protected from exposure to the working air flow. By providing the permanent magnet 68 outside the recovery pathway 76 , the permanent magnet 68 is less likely to become damaged or dirty.
- the handle 212 can comprise a magnet holder 232 for the permanent magnet 68 .
- the permanent magnet 68 can be press-fit or otherwise secured with the magnet holder 232 .
- an adhesive may be used to secure the permanent magnet 68 within the magnet holder 232 .
- the magnet holder 232 can comprise a recess 234 having an opening in a side of the handle 212 , with the permanent magnet 68 at least partially received within the recess 234 .
- the opening of the recess 234 can be disposed toward the exhaust side 210 of the filter 200 .
- the permanent magnet 68 is rectangular, and the magnet holder 232 can comprise a rectangular recess 234 for the rectangular permanent magnet 68 .
- Other shapes and configurations for the permanent magnet 68 and magnet holder 232 are possible.
- a cover 236 can enclose the permanent magnet 68 within the recess 234 .
- the cover 236 can be manufactured from a non-magnetic material, such as plastic or another suitable material.
- the permanent magnet 68 may be uncovered.
- the cover 236 is preferred as this permits the seal 206 to be overmolded onto the cover 236 , and the cover 236 to be hidden by the handle seal portion 218 of the seal 206 .
- the permanent magnet 68 is configured to be detected by the Hall Effect sensor 70 within an effective sensing zone 238 of the Hall Effect sensor 70 .
- Direct physical contact between the permanent magnet 68 and Hall Effect sensor 70 is not required, as the effective sensing zone 238 can detect the permanent magnet 68 within a predetermined distance away from the Hall Effect sensor 70 .
- One non-limiting example of the effective sensing zone 238 is indicated in phantom line in FIGS. 14-16 , although it is understood that other ranges for the effective sensing zone 238 are possible.
- FIG. 14 shows one example of the filter assembly 50 installed correctly on the floor cleaner 10 .
- the permanent magnet 68 is within the effective sensing zone 238 of the Hall Effect sensor 70 .
- the permanent magnet 68 on the filter assembly 50 moves toward and eventually interacts with the Hall Effect sensor 70 .
- Interaction of the permanent magnet 68 with the Hall Effect sensor 70 allows at least one component of the floor cleaner 10 (i.e., the vacuum motor 58 , brushroll motor 60 , pump 62 , etc., or any combination thereof) to operate.
- FIG. 15 shows one example of the filter assembly 50 installed incorrectly on the floor cleaner 10 .
- the permanent magnet 68 is outside the effective sensing zone 238 of the Hall Effect sensor 70 .
- Lack of interaction of the permanent magnet 68 with the Hall Effect sensor 70 prevents at least one component of the floor cleaner 10 (i.e., the vacuum motor 58 , brushroll motor 60 , pump 62 , etc., or any combination thereof) from operating.
- FIG. 16 shows one example of a filter assembly 50 U installed correctly on the floor cleaner 10 , where the filter assembly 50 U lacks a permanent magnet 68 or other detectable component. In this condition, no magnet or other detectable component is within the effective sensing zone 238 of the Hall Effect sensor 70 . Lack of interaction of any magnet or other detectable component prevents at least one component of the floor cleaner 10 (i.e., the vacuum motor 58 , brushroll motor 60 , pump 62 , etc., or any combination thereof) from operating.
- the vacuum motor 58 i.e., brushroll motor 60 , pump 62 , etc., or any combination thereof
- the different features and structures of the various embodiments of the invention may be used in combination with each other as desired, or may be used separately. That one floor cleaner is illustrated herein as having all of these features does not mean that all of these features must be used in combination, but rather done so here for brevity of description.
- the floor cleaner 10 shown herein has an upright configuration, the floor cleaner can be configured as a canister or portable unit.
- foot components such as the suction nozzle and brushroll can be provided on a cleaning head coupled with a canister unit.
- the floor cleaner can additionally have steam delivery capability.
- the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched in various vacuum cleaner configurations as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described.
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Abstract
The present disclosure provides a floor cleaner that includes a replaceable component, such as a brushroll or a filter. The floor cleaner has a detection mechanism comprising a magnet on the replaceable component and a Hall Effect sensor positioned to detect the permanent magnet when the replaceable component is correctly installed on the floor cleaner. Operation of one or more electrically-powered components of the floor cleaner is prevented when the permanent magnet is not detected by the Hall Effect sensor.
Description
- The disclosure relates to a brushroll and a floor cleaner.
- Multi-surface floor cleaners are adapted for cleaning hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as carpet and upholstery. Some multi-surface floor cleaners comprise a fluid delivery system that delivers cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system that extracts spent cleaning fluid and debris (which may include dirt, dust, stains, soil, hair, and other debris) from the surface. The fluid delivery system typically includes one or more fluid supply tanks for storing a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid distributor for applying the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a fluid supply conduit for delivering the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank to the fluid distributor. An agitator can be provided for agitating the cleaning fluid on the surface. The fluid recovery system typically includes a recovery tank, a nozzle adjacent the surface to be cleaned and in fluid communication with the recovery tank through a working air conduit, and a source of suction in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the working air conduit to the recovery tank. Other floor cleaners include “dry” vacuum cleaners which can clean different surface types, but do not dispense or recover liquid. Yet another floor cleaners include “wet” cleaners such as steam and hard floor cleaners that dispense cleaning fluid but may or may not apply suction to remove liquid and debris from the surface.
- Certain components of floor cleaners, such as brushrolls and filters, may become dirty or wear out over time. To that end, it is helpful to design certain components as removable accessories for cleaning and/or replacement. However, a user may forget to reinstall the components or may reinstall them incorrectly, either of which will negatively impacting cleaning performance and can damage the floor cleaner. A user may also replace these components with low quality replacement versions that do not meet the requirements of the floor cleaner, again leading to poor cleaning performance or damage to the floor cleaner.
- According to one aspect of the invention, a floor cleaner is provided with a replaceable component, such as a brushroll or a filter. The floor cleaner has a detection mechanism comprising a magnet on the replaceable component and a Hall Effect sensor positioned to detect the permanent magnet when the replaceable component is correctly installed on the floor cleaner.
- In certain embodiments, operation of an electrically-powered component of the floor cleaner is prevented when the permanent magnet is not detected by the Hall Effect sensor.
- In certain embodiments, the floor cleaner is a multi-surface wet/dry vacuum cleaner that can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as carpet. The floor cleaner is provided with a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a recovery system for removing spent cleaning fluid and debris from a surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris onboard the apparatus.
- In certain embodiments, the floor cleaner includes an upright handle assembly or body and a cleaning head or base coupled with the body and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned.
- According to another aspect, a brushroll for a floor cleaner is provided and includes a rotatable portion including at least one agitation element and a brush bar supporting the at least one agitation element, a brushroll axis about which the rotatable portion is rotatable, and a non-rotatable portion comprising an end cap disposed at one end of the brush bar, wherein the non-rotatable portion comprises a permanent magnet. The magnet is configured to be detected by a sensing component, such as a Hall Effect sensor, when the brushroll is correctly installed on a floor cleaner.
- In certain embodiments, the brushroll is a hybrid brushroll that includes multiple agitation materials to optimize cleaning performance on different types of surfaces to be cleaned, including hard and soft surfaces, and for different cleaning modes, including wet and dry vacuum cleaning.
- These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.
- Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a floor cleaner according to one aspect of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a floor cleaner according to another aspect of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the floor cleaner taken through line III-III ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a lower portion of the floor cleaner, with a nozzle cover moved to an open position and a brushroll shown removed from a brush chamber of the floor cleaner; -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the brushroll; -
FIG. 6 is a close-up exploded view of one end of the brushroll, showing a detectable component on the brushroll; -
FIG. 7 is a close-up, cross-sectional view of the floor cleaner taken through line VII-VII ofFIG. 2 , showing details of a brushroll detection mechanism and the brushroll correctly installed on the floor cleaner; -
FIG. 8 is a view similar toFIG. 7 , showing the brushroll incorrectly installed on the floor cleaner; -
FIG. 9 is a view similar toFIG. 7 , showing an unauthorized brushroll installed on the floor cleaner; -
FIG. 10 is an rear perspective view of the floor cleaner showing a recovery tank and filter assembly removed from an upright body of the floor cleaner; -
FIG. 11 is a close-up, perspective view showing the filter assembly and details of a filter detection mechanism; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the filter assembly; -
FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the filter assembly; -
FIG. 14 is a close-up, cross-sectional view of the floor cleaner taken through line XIV-XIV ofFIG. 2 , showing details of the filter detection mechanism and the filter assembly correctly installed on the floor cleaner; -
FIG. 15 is a view similar toFIG. 14 , showing the filter assembly incorrectly installed on the floor cleaner; and -
FIG. 16 is a view similar toFIG. 14 , showing an unauthorized filter assembly installed on the floor cleaner. - The invention generally relates to a floor cleaner for cleaning floor surfaces such as carpets, area rugs, wood, tile, and the like, and systems for detecting whether accessory components of the floor cleaner are present and properly installed. The invention also relates to accessory components for a floor cleaner, including a brushroll and a filter.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic view of afloor cleaner 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. As discussed in further detail below, thefloor cleaner 10 is provided with various features and improvements, including areplaceable brushroll 46 and abrushroll detection mechanism 48, and areplaceable filter assembly 50 and afilter detection mechanism 52. - The
brushroll detection mechanism 48 can include a detectable component, such as apermanent magnet 54, disposed on and carried by thebrushroll 46 and a sensing component, such as aHall Effect sensor 56 or a reed switch, disposed on thefloor cleaner 10 in a position to sense the detectable component when thebrushroll 46 is correctly installed in a brush chamber on thefloor cleaner 10 that receives thebrushroll 46. The detectable component can be provided on a stationary or non-rotatable portion of thebrushroll 46. - The detectable component is configured to be detected by the sensing component within an effective sensing zone of the sensing component. Direct physical contact between the detectable component and sensing component is not required, as the effective sensing zone can detect the detectable component within a predetermined distance away from the sensing component. The predetermined distance can be distance within which the detectable component is spaced from the sensing component when the
brushroll 46 is correctly mounted in the brush chamber. - The
brushroll detection mechanism 48 is configured to allow operation of an electrically-powered component of thefloor cleaner 10 when the detectable component is detected by the sensing component and to prevent operation of the electrically-powered component when the detectable component is not detected by the sensing component. If thebrushroll 46 is missing from the brush chamber, incorrectly mounted, or a brushroll that does not comprise a detectable component is mounted instead, the electrically-powered component is prevented from operating. - The
brushroll detection mechanism 48 can include or be operably coupled with a switch configured to close and supply power to the electrically-powered component of thefloor cleaner 10 when an authorizedbrushroll 46 is correctly mounted in the brush chamber. If thebrushroll 46 is missing from the brush chamber, incorrectly mounted, or a brushroll lacking a detectable component is mounted instead, the switch is configured to open, so that no power is supplied to the component of thefloor cleaner 10. - The component controlled via the
brushroll detection mechanism 48 may be avacuum motor 58, abrushroll motor 60, or apump 62, or any combination thereof. Other components that may be powered depending upon whether thebrushroll 46 is detected include a user interface 38, aheater 40, acontroller 66, aheadlight 42, and aspeaker 44. - In embodiments in which the sensing component is a Hall Effect sensor, the Hall sensor may be arranged to act as the switch configured to close and supply power to a component of the
floor cleaner 10 when thebrushroll 46 is correctly installed in the brush chamber. When a magnetic field experienced by the Hall Effect sensor exceeds a pre-determined value, the Hall Effect sensor can change state. The Hall Effect sensor will again change state if a magnetic field experienced by the Hall Effect sensor falls below the pre-determined value. - The
floor cleaner 10 can include acontroller 66 operably coupled with the various functional systems of the apparatus, including, but not limited to, the fluid delivery and recovery systems, for controlling its operation. In one embodiment, thecontroller 66 can comprise a microcontroller unit (MCU) that contains at least one central processing unit (CPU). A user of thefloor cleaner 10 can interact with thecontroller 66 via the user interface 38. - The
controller 66 detects the state of the switch, e.g. the state of theHall Effect sensor 56. Thecontroller 66 is arranged selectively to allow or prevent the supply of power to the component depending upon the state of the switch. This in turn is dependent upon the distance between theHall Effect sensor 56 and thepermanent magnet 54. - In some embodiments, when a
power button 30 is pressed, or another input control actuated, in an attempt to turn thefloor cleaner 10 on, and thepermanent magnet 54 is not detected by theHall Effect sensor 56, theHall Effect sensor 56 can send a signal to thecontroller 66 to cause thefloor cleaner 10 to provide a status update to the user. For example, thefloor cleaner 10 can deliver a visual and/or audio warning message to the user. The warning message can indicate to the user that thebrushroll 46 is missing from the brush chamber, incorrectly mounted, or a brushroll lacking a detectable component is mounted instead. The warning message may indicate to the user that thebrushroll 46 must be correctly mounted before operating thefloor cleaner 10. The visual and/or audio warning can be issued for a predetermined period, such as for 2-10 seconds, and then cease. The warning may be repeated if the user again attempts to turn on thefloor cleaner 10 when thepermanent magnet 54 is still not detected by theHall Effect sensor 56. - To issue the warning message, power may be supplied to limited components of the
floor cleaner 10, such as to only those components required to issue the warning message. For example, thecontroller 66, user interface 38,speaker 44, or a brushroll indicator light 64 may be powered temporarily to issue the warning message, and then automatically powered off. - In one embodiment, when the
power button 30 is pressed and thepermanent magnet 54 is not detected by theHall Effect sensor 56, the brushroll indicator light 64 flashes or is otherwise illuminated, and an audio warning sound is issued from thespeaker 44. The indicator light 64 may be an LED positioned near the brush chamber for thebrushroll 46 so that a user's attention is drawn to the brush chamber. For example, for the embodiment shown inFIG. 2 , the brushroll indicator light 64 can be located on thebase 14. - In another embodiment, the switch can be separate from but operably coupled with the sensing component. It is further noted that in embodiments where power to multiple components is controlled based on whether the
brushroll 46 is correctly installed in the brush chamber, multiple switches and/or controllers may be provided. - The
filter detection mechanism 52 can include a detectable component, such as apermanent magnet 68, disposed on and carried by thefilter assembly 50 and a sensing component, such as aHall Effect sensor 70 or a reed switch, disposed on thefloor cleaner 10 in a position to sense the detectable component when thefilter assembly 50 is correctly installed in thefloor cleaner 10, with a filter of thefilter assembly 50 located in a recovery pathway of thefloor cleaner 10. - The recovery pathway can include at least a dirty inlet and a clean air outlet. The pathway can be formed by, among other elements, a suction source that includes the
vacuum motor 58 and that is in fluid communication with the dirty inlet and a recovery tank or other collection container. Thefilter assembly 50 can be mountable at various locations on thefloor cleaner 10 such that the filter is located in the recovery pathway, including anywhere in between the dirty inlet and the clean air outlet. For example, thefilter assembly 50 can comprise a pre-motor filter installable in the recovery pathway upstream of the suction source that includes thevacuum motor 58. In another embodiment, thefilter assembly 50 can be a post-motor filter installable in the recovery pathway downstream of the suction source that includes thevacuum motor 58. - With the filter of the
filter assembly 50 being located in the recovery pathway, working air passes through the filter. The detectable component on thefilter assembly 50 can be provided outside the recovery pathway. By providing the detectable component outside the recovery pathway, the detectable component is not exposed to debris in the working air, is less likely to become dirty or damaged. Further features for protecting the detectable component and sensing component are described in further detail below. - The detectable component is configured to be detected by the sensing component within an effective sensing zone of the sensing component. Direct physical contact between the detectable component and sensing component is not required, as the effective sensing zone can detect the detectable component within a predetermined distance away from the sensing component. The predetermined distance can be distance within which the detectable component is spaced from the sensing component when the
filter assembly 50 is correctly installed on thefloor cleaner 10. - The
filter detection mechanism 52 is configured to allow operation of an electrically-powered component of thefloor cleaner 10 when the detectable component is detected by the sensing component and to prevent operation of the electrically-powered component when the detectable component is not detected by the sensing component. If thefilter assembly 50 is missing, incorrectly mounted, or a filter assembly that does not comprise a detectable component is mounted instead, the electrically-powered component is prevented from operating. - The
filter detection mechanism 52 can include or be operably coupled with a switch configured to close and supply power to a component of thefloor cleaner 10 when thefilter assembly 50 is correctly mounted in the recovery pathway. If thefilter assembly 50 is missing from the recovery pathway, incorrectly mounted, or a filter assembly lacking a detectable component is mounted instead, the switch is configured to open, so that no power is supplied to the component of thefloor cleaner 10. - The component controlled via the
filter detection mechanism 52 may be thevacuum motor 58, thebrushroll motor 60, or thepump 62, or any combination thereof. Other components that may be powered depending upon whether thefilter assembly 50 is detected include the user interface 38,heater 40,controller 66,headlight 42, andspeaker 44. - In embodiments in which the sensing component is a Hall Effect sensor, the Hall sensor may be arranged to act as the switch configured to close and supply power to a component of the
floor cleaner 10 when thefilter assembly 50 is correctly mounted in the recovery pathway. When a magnetic field experienced by the Hall Effect sensor exceeds a pre-determined value, the Hall Effect sensor can change state. The Hall Effect sensor will again change state if a magnetic field experienced by the Hall Effect sensor falls below the pre-determined value. - The
controller 66 detects the state of the switch, e.g. the state of theHall Effect sensor 70. Thecontroller 66 is arranged selectively to allow or prevent the supply of power to the component depending upon the state of the switch. This in turn is dependent upon the distance between theHall Effect sensor 70 and thepermanent magnet 68. - In some embodiments, when a
power button 30 is pressed, or another input control actuated, in an attempt to turn thefloor cleaner 10 on, and thepermanent magnet 68 is not detected by theHall Effect sensor 70, theHall Effect sensor 70 can send a signal to thecontroller 66 to cause thefloor cleaner 10 to provide a status update to the user. For example, thefloor cleaner 10 can deliver a visual and/or audio warning message to the user. The warning message can indicate to the user that thefilter assembly 50 is missing from the recovery pathway, incorrectly mounted, or a filter assembly lacking a detectable component is mounted instead. The warning message may indicate to the user that thefilter assembly 50 must be correctly installed before operating thefloor cleaner 10. The visual and/or audio warning can be issued for a predetermined period, such as for 2-10 seconds, and then cease. The warning may be repeated if the user again attempts to turn on thefloor cleaner 10 when thepermanent magnet 68 is still not detected by theHall Effect sensor 70. - To issue the warning message, power may be supplied to limited components of the
floor cleaner 10, such as to only those components required to issue the warning message. For example, thecontroller 66, user interface 38,speaker 44, or a filter indicator light 72 may be powered temporarily to issue the warning message, and then automatically powered off. - In one embodiment, when the
power button 30 is pressed and thepermanent magnet 68 is not detected by theHall Effect sensor 70, the filter indicator light 72 flashes or is otherwise illuminated, and an audio warning sound is issued from thespeaker 44. Theindicator light 72 may be an LED positioned near the brush chamber for thefilter assembly 50 so that a user's attention is drawn to the filter receiver. For example, for the embodiment shown inFIG. 2 , the filter indicator light 72 can be located on thecarry handle 28. - In another embodiment, the switch can be separate from but operably coupled with the sensing component. It is further noted that in embodiments where power to multiple components is controlled based on whether the
filter assembly 50 is correctly mounted in the recovery pathway, multiple switches and/or controllers may be provided. - It is noted that the
brushroll detection mechanism 48 and thefilter detection mechanism 52 may be used together or separately, and may be combined in any order or combination. For example, a floor cleaner could comprise thebrushroll detection mechanism 48 and not thefilter detection mechanism 52, or vice versa. While the brushroll detection and the filter detection may be applied separately, the systems and methods discussed herein are not mutually exclusive. For example, by supplementing brushroll detection with filter detection, an authorized brushroll and an authorized filter must both be correctly mounted in their respective compartments or thefloor cleaner 10 will not operate. - While the
floor cleaner 10 ofFIG. 1 is shown as including thevacuum motor 58, thebrushroll motor 60, thepump 62, the user interface 38, theheater 40, theheadlight 42, thespeaker 44, the brushroll indicator light 64, and thefilter indicator light 72, it is understood that the different components may be used in combination with each other as desired, or may be used separately. That one floor cleaner is illustrated herein as having all of these components does not mean that all of these features must be used in combination, but rather done so here for brevity of description. - The functional systems of the
floor cleaner 10 can be arranged into any desired configuration, such as an upright device having a base and an upright body for directing the base across the surface to be cleaned, a canister device having a cleaning implement connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose, a portable device adapted to be hand carried by a user for cleaning relatively small areas, or a commercial device. Any of the aforementioned cleaners can be adapted to include a flexible vacuum hose, which can form a portion of the working air conduit between a nozzle and the suction source. -
FIGS. 2-3 show an embodiment of thefloor cleaner 10 in the form of an upright multi-surface wet/dry vacuum cleaner having a housing that includes an upright handle assembly orbody 12 and a cleaning foot orbase 14 mounted to or coupled with theupright body 12 and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. As used herein, the term “multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner” includes a vacuum cleaner that can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as carpets and area rugs. Thereplaceable brushroll 46 is disposed on and removable from thebase 14. Thereplaceable filter assembly 50 is disposed on and removable from theupright body 12, but in other embodiments may be removable from other portions of thefloor cleaner 10. - For purposes of description related to the figures showing the upright multi-surface wet/dry vacuum cleaner, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in
FIG. 2 from the perspective of a user behind thefloor cleaner 10, which defines the rear of thefloor cleaner 10. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. - The
upright body 12 can comprise ahandle 16 and aframe 18. Theframe 18 can comprise a main support section at least partially supporting asupply tank 20 and arecovery tank 22, and may further support additional components of theupright body 12. Thefloor cleaner 10 can include a fluid delivery or supply pathway, including and at least partially defined by thesupply tank 20, for storing cleaning fluid, e.g. cleaning liquid, and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a recovery pathway, including and at least partially defined by therecovery tank 22, for removing liquid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the liquid and debris until emptied by the user. - The
handle 16 can include ahand grip 24 and atrigger 26 mounted to thehand grip 24, which controls fluid delivery from thesupply tank 20 via an electronic or mechanical coupling with thesupply tank 20. Other actuators, such as a thumb switch instead of thetrigger 26, can be provided for controlling fluid delivery. Acarry handle 28 can be disposed on a front side of theframe 18, below thestick handle 16, and can facilitate manual lifting and carrying of thefloor cleaner 10. - A moveable
joint assembly 74 can be formed at a lower end of theframe 18 and moveably mounts the base 14 to theupright body 12. In the embodiment shown herein, theupright body 12 can pivot up and down about at least one axis relative to thebase 14. Thejoint assembly 74 can alternatively comprise a universal joint, such that theupright body 12 can pivot about at least two axes relative to thebase 14. Wiring and/or conduits can optionally supply electricity, air and/or liquid (or other fluids) between the base 14 and theupright body 12, or vice versa, and can extend though thejoint assembly 74. Theupright body 12 can pivot, via thejoint assembly 74, to an upright or storage position, an example of which is shown inFIG. 2 , and a reclined or use position (not shown), in which theupright body 12 is pivoted rearwardly relative to the base 14 to form an acute angle with the surface to be cleaned. In this position, a user can partially support the apparatus by holding thehand grip 24. - The
floor cleaner 10 can include one or more user interfaces (UI) through which a user can interact with thefloor cleaner 10. The UI can enable operation and control of the floor cleaner 10 from the user's end, and can provide feedback information from thefloor cleaner 10 to the user. The UI can be electrically coupled with electrical components, including, but not limited to, circuitry electrically connected to various components of the fluid delivery and recovery systems of thefloor cleaner 10, as described in further detail below. The UI includes one or more input controls, such as but not limited to buttons, triggers, toggles, keys, switches, or the like, operably connected to systems in thefloor cleaner 10 to affect and control its operation. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
floor cleaner 10 includes a first input control on thecarry handle 28 and asecond input control 32 on thehand grip 24. In one embodiment, first input control is apower button 30 that controls the supply of power to one or more electrical components of thefloor cleaner 10, in conjunction with the brushroll detection mechanism and/or filter detection mechanism as described herein. Theother input control 32 includes a cleaning mode button that cycles thefloor cleaner 10 between different cleaning modes. Some examples of cleaning modes include a hard floor cleaning mode and an area rug or carpet cleaning mode. In one example, in each cleaning mode thevacuum motor 58, thepump 62, and thebrushroll motor 60 are activated, with thevacuum motor 58 operating at a lower power level and thepump 62 operating at a lower flow rate in the hard floor mode. Those rates increase in the area rug cleaning mode. Other cleaning modes are possible. - Electrically-powered components of the
floor cleaner 10 can be powered by apower cord 36 plugged into a household power supply. In yet another embodiment, thefloor cleaner 10 can be powered by a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery, for cordless operation. - The fluid delivery system is configured to deliver cleaning fluid from the
supply tank 20 to a surface to be cleaned, and can include, as briefly discussed above, a fluid delivery or supply pathway. Thesupply tank 20 includes a supply chamber for holding cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning liquids, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example, the liquid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent. Alternatively,supply tank 20 can include multiple supply chambers, such as one chamber containing water and another chamber containing a cleaning agent. As yet another alternative, thefloor cleaner 10 can comprise multiple supply tanks. It is noted that while thefloor cleaner 10 described herein is configured to deliver a cleaning liquid, aspects of the disclosure may be applicable to floor cleaner that deliver steam. Thus, the term “cleaning fluid” may encompass both liquid and steam unless otherwise noted. - The recovery system is configured to remove liquid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and store the liquid and debris on the
floor cleaner 10 for later disposal, and can include, as briefly discussed above, arecovery pathway 76. Therecovery pathway 76 can include at least a dirty inlet and a clean air outlet. The pathway can be formed by, among other elements, asuction nozzle 78 defining the dirty inlet, asuction source 80 in fluid communication with thesuction nozzle 78 for generating a working air stream, therecovery tank 22, and at least oneexhaust vent 82 defining the clean air outlet. - The
recovery tank 22 is a working air treatment assembly, and removes liquid and debris from the working airstream and collects the liquid and debris for later disposal. A portion of therecovery tank 22 can define a portion of therecovery pathway 76. It is understood that other types of working air treatment assemblies for removing and collecting debris and/or liquid from the working airstream for later disposal can be used, such as a cyclonic separator, a centrifugal separator, a bulk separator, a filter bag, or a water-bath separator. The type of working air treatment assembly may depend on the type of floor cleaner, whether the apparatus performs dry cleaning, wet cleaning, or both, and so on. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
suction source 80 andrecovery tank 22 are provided on theupright body 12, although other locations are possible. At least a portion of therecovery pathway 76 between thesuction nozzle 78 and therecovery tank 22 can be formed by aconduit 84 extending through thejoint assembly 74, from the base 14 to theupright body 12. Thus it is noted that, for the illustrated embodiment, therecovery pathway 76 is defined by portions of thesuction nozzle 78,conduit 84,recovery tank 22, andsuction source 80, with thebrushroll 46 being disposed in therecovery pathway 76 at thesuction nozzle 78 and a filter of thefilter assembly 50 being disposed in therecovery pathway 76 downstream of therecovery tank 22. Other arrangements for therecovery pathway 76, thebrushroll 46, and thefilter assembly 50 are possible, as described in further detail below. - The
suction nozzle 78 can be provided on the base 14 can be adapted to be adjacent the surface to be cleaned as the base 14 moves across a surface, and is in fluid communication with therecovery tank 22, for example throughconduit 84. Thereplaceable brushroll 46 can be disposed insuction nozzle 78, and therefore in therecovery pathway 76, with thebrushroll 46 agitating the surface to be cleaned so that the debris is more easily ingested into thesuction nozzle 78. Thesuction nozzle 78 positioned to recover liquid and debris indirectly from the floor surface via thebrushroll 46. In other embodiments, thebrushroll 46 can be outside the recovery pathway, for example to mop the floor surface, with thesuction nozzle 78 positioned to recover liquid and debris directly from the floor surface. - While a single horizontally-rotating
brushroll 46 is shown herein, in some embodiments, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls, or a stationary brush can be provided on thefloor cleaner 10. - The
suction source 80, which can be a motor/fan assembly including thevacuum motor 58 and afan 86, is provided in fluid communication with therecovery tank 22. Thesuction source 80 can be positioned within theframe 18, such as above therecovery tank 22, and is fluidly downstream of therecovery tank 22. At least a portion of therecovery pathway 76 between therecovery tank 22 and thesuction source 80 can be formed by achamber 88 in theupright body 12. - The
filter assembly 50, in the illustrated embodiment, is a pre-motor filter assembly and is provided in therecovery pathway 76 downstream of therecovery tank 22 and upstream of thesuction source 80. Thefloor cleaner 10 can also be provided with one or more additional filters upstream or downstream of therecovery tank 22 and/or thesuction source 80. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , thebase 14 can comprise abase housing 90 and thesuction nozzle 78 can comprise anozzle cover 92 coupled to thebase housing 90. As shown inFIG. 4 , thenozzle cover 92 can be removable from thebase housing 90 to access thebrushroll 46, which is removable from abrush chamber 94 of thebase 14. Thebrush chamber 94 may be formed by thebase housing 90 and/or another portion of thebase 14, with thenozzle cover 92 closing thebrush chamber 94 to capture thebrushroll 46 therein. Accordingly, thenozzle cover 92 is removed from thebase housing 90 prior to removing thebrushroll 46. In other embodiments, thebrushroll 46 andbrush chamber 94 can be configured so that prior removal of a nozzle cover is not required, such as by having thebrushroll 46 removable through lateral side of the base 14 or from the underside of thebase 14. - The fluid delivery system can comprise a flow control system for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid from the
supply tank 20 to adistributor 96 configured to distribute or dispense the fluid. In one configuration, the flow control system can comprise thepump 62, which pressurizes the system. Thepump 62 can be positioned within thebase 14, and is in fluid communication with thesupply tank 20, for example via conduit (not shown) that may pass interiorly tojoint assembly 74. In another configuration, thepump 62 can be eliminated and the flow control system can comprise a gravity-feed system having a valve fluidly coupled with an outlet of thesupply tank 20, whereby when valve is open, cleaning fluid will flow under the force of gravity to thedistributor 96. - The trigger 26 (
FIG. 2 ) can be operably coupled with the flow control system such that pressing thetrigger 26 will deliver cleaning fluid to thedistributor 96. For example, the delivery system can include a valve (not shown) in the fluid pathway extending between thepump 62 and thedistributor 96, and thetrigger 26 can selectively open the valve to permit fluid to flow out of thedistributor 96. - In one embodiment, the
distributor 96 can comprise spray tips on the base 14 positioned to deliver cleaning fluid to thebrushroll 46, thereby indirectly providing cleaning fluid to the floor surface, or can be positioned to deliver cleaning fluid directly to the floor surface. Other embodiments of thedistributor 96 are possible, such as a spray manifold having multiple outlets or a spray nozzle configured to spray cleaning liquid outwardly from the base 14 in front of thefloor cleaner 10. - In the embodiment shown, the spray tips are provided on an interior or brush-facing side of the
nozzle cover 92. The spray tips can be fed through channels of thenozzle cover 92 that terminate atconnector ports 98 that couple withspray connectors 100 on thebase housing 90 when thenozzle cover 92 is installed on thebase housing 90. Thespray connectors 100, in turn, are supplied with cleaning fluid via thepump 62 or other flow control system of thefloor cleaner 10. - Optionally, a heater (not shown) can be provided for heating the cleaning liquid prior to delivering the cleaning liquid to the surface to be cleaned. In one example, an in-line heater can be located downstream of the
supply tank 20, and upstream or downstream of thepump 62. Other types of heaters can also be used. In yet another example, the cleaning liquid can be heated using exhaust air from a motor cooling air path for thesuction source 80 of the recovery system. In embodiments where the floor cleaner comprises a heater, the heater can be controlled via thebrushroll detection mechanism 48 and/or thefilter detection mechanism 52 as described above with reference toFIG. 1 . - The
brushroll 46 can be operably coupled to and driven by a drive assembly including thebrushroll motor 60 in thebase 14. The coupling between the brushroll 46 and thebrushroll motor 60 can comprise one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys or combinations thereof. Alternatively, in other embodiments the vacuum motor 58 (FIG. 3 ) can be configured to provide both vacuum suction and brushroll rotation. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , the brushroll is positioned inbrush chamber 94 and rotates in a direction R aboutbrushroll axis 102. The base 14 can comprise aninterference wiper 104 and/or asqueegee 106. Thewiper 104 can be mounted at a forward portion of thebrush chamber 94 and interfaces with a wetted portion of therotating brushroll 46 to scrape excess liquid off before reaching the surface to be cleaned. Thesqueegee 106 can be disposed behind thebrushroll 46 and contacts the surface as the base 14 to wipe residual liquid, thereby leaving a moisture and streak-free finish on the surface to be cleaned. - Referring to
FIGS. 5-6 , one embodiment of thebrushroll 46 including the detectable component, e.g. permanent magnet, is shown. Thebrushroll 46 can be a hybrid brushroll suitable for use on both hard and soft surfaces, and for wet or dry cleaning. In one embodiment, thebrushroll 46 comprises abrush bar 108 supporting at least one agitation element. - The
brushroll 46 includes a rotatable portion that is configured to rotate about thebrushroll axis 102 and a stationary or non-rotatable portion that does not rotate about thebrushroll axis 102. Thebrushroll axis 102 can be defined by thebrush bar 108 and can extend longitudinally through a center of thebrush bar 108. The rotatable portion includes at least thebrush bar 108 and at least one agitation element. - The
permanent magnet 54 is disposed on the non-rotatable portion of thebrushroll 46, and can forms the detectable component of the brushroll sensing mechanism. In being disposed on a non-rotatable portion of thebrushroll 46, thepermanent magnet 54 is located in a section of thebrushroll 46 that does not rotate during operation of thebrushroll motor 60. Thus, thepermanent magnet 54 does not move relative to thebrushroll axis 102, but rather remains at a fixed point relative to thebrushroll axis 102 and to therotating brush bar 108. - The
brush bar 108 has a first and second lateral ends 114, 116, and a cylindricalouter surface 118 extending from the firstlateral end 114 to the secondlateral end 116. The at least one agitation element generally projects outwardly form theouter surface 118 of thebrush bar 108. - In one embodiment, the agitation element can comprise a plurality of
bristles 110 andmicrofiber material 112 provided on thebrush bar 108, with themicrofiber material 112 arranged between thebristles 110. -
Bristles 110 can be tufted or unitary bristle strips and constructed of nylon, or any other suitable synthetic or natural fiber. Thebrush bar 108 can have a plurality ofradial bores 120 spaced along the length of the cylindricalouter surface 118 that receive tufts ofbristles 110. Thebores 120 may be arranged in one or more lines or rows. Thebristles 110 may be arranged in any desirable pattern, such as helical, with the rows ofbores 120 accordingly wrapping at least partially about the circumference of the cylindricalouter surface 118. - The
microfiber material 112 can be constructed of polyester, polyamides, or a conjugation of materials including polypropylene or any other suitable material known in the art from which to construct microfiber. - The
brush bar 108 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. Thebrush bar 108 can have a solid core or a hollow core. - The non-rotatable portion of the
brushroll 46 can comprise anend cap 122 disposed at one end of thebrush bar 108. Theend cap 122 is configured to mount one end of thebrushroll 46 in thebase 14, as described in further detail below. - To rotatably support the
brushroll 46 in thebase 14, thebrushroll 46 can include an end assembly at the firstlateral end 114 of thebrush bar 108. The end assembly can, for example, include astub shaft 124 extending from the firstlateral end 114 of thebrush bar 108 and abearing 126 having an inner race press fitted on thestub shaft 124 and an outer race fixed in theend cap 122. - To accommodate the
end cap 122 and thestub shaft 124, acavity 128 may extend from the firstlateral end 114 of thebrush bar 108 laterally inwardly along thebrushroll axis 102. The firstlateral end 114 of thebrush bar 108 may accordingly have an increased diameter for accommodating theend cap 122, with sufficient clearance for thebrush bar 108 to rotate about theend cap 122. - The
brushroll 46 can include aferrule 130 on the firstlateral end 114 of thebrush bar 108 and theend cap 122 is inserted through theferrule 130 into thecavity 128. Other configurations for insertion of theend cap 122 into thebrush bar 108 are possible, including inserting theend cap 122 into a hole drilled or otherwise formed in the end of thebrush bar 108. Theferrule 130 can be integrally molded with thebrush bar 108, or can be formed separately and attached to the firstlateral end 114 of thebrush bar 108. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , thebrushroll 46 can include a second or driveend cap 132 that couples with a drive assembly ortransmission 134, which can comprise one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys or combinations thereof. Thedrive end cap 132 of the illustrated embodiment is integrally formed with thebrush bar 108, although in other embodiments, thedrive end cap 132 can be separate feature that is connected or joined to thebrush bar 108. In any event, thedrive end cap 132 and thebrush bar 108 are formed or joined together such that upon drive input to thedrive end cap 132, thebrush bar 108 rotates. In being integrally formed, thedrive end cap 132 and thebrush bar 108 are be integrated into a single part both supporting the agitation element (e.g. bristles 110 and/or microfiber materials 112) and coupleable with thetransmission 134. - In one embodiment, the
drive end cap 132 can have asplined drive connection 136 with adrive head 138 of thetransmission 134 operably connecting thebrushroll motor 60 to thebrushroll 46. Thedrive head 138 can be provided at an end of thebrush chamber 94 opposite the end comprising theHall Effect sensor 56. Other drive connections between the brushroll 46 andtransmission 134 are possible. - Referring to
FIGS. 4, 6, and 7 , thebrushroll 46 can be secured in thebrush chamber 94 by a brushroll latch. Various configurations for the brushroll latch are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the latch is provided on theend cap 122, with a mating portion provided in thebrush chamber 94. Particularly, theend cap 122 can have alatch member 140 that is received by alatch receiver 142 in thebrush chamber 94. Thebase housing 90 can include spaced first andsecond walls brush chamber 94. The first andsecond walls brush chamber 94 therebetween, such as by enclosing open lateral ends of thenozzle cover 92. Thelatch receiver 142 can be provided on an inner surface of thefirst wall 144. - The
latch member 140 can be complementary to or keyed with thelatch receiver 142 to ensure proper installation of thebrushroll 46. In the illustrated embodiment, thelatch member 140 and thelatch receiver 142 can have complementary U-shapes and can optionally taper in the insertion direction of thebrushroll 46, i.e. downwardly. - The
latch member 140 can include aprotruding part 148 that is snap fit with thelatch receiver 142. In one embodiment, the protrudingpart 148 includes at least one, and optionally two, cantilever part having a hook, stud, lug, bead, or other engagement element at an end thereof. The protrudingpart 148 is deflected briefly during the joining operation and catches in a depression or undercut 150 in thelatch receiver 142. The depression or undercut 150 is shaped to allow separation of the brushroll 46 from thebase housing 90 upon application of sufficient force. - The
end cap 122 andbase housing 90 can include one or more additional mating surfaces or joints which help distribute the weight of thebrushroll 46 supported by thefirst wall 144. In the illustrated embodiment, theend cap 122 can comprise outwardly extendingtabs 152 that rest onshoulders 154 adjacent to thelatch receiver 142. - As described above with reference to
FIG. 1 , the brushroll detection mechanism of thefloor cleaner 10 allows operation of at least one electrically-powered component of thefloor cleaner 10 when thepermanent magnet 54 is detected by theHall Effect sensor 56 and prevents operation of the at least one electrically-powered component when thepermanent magnet 54 is not detected by theHall Effect sensor 56. - The
Hall Effect sensor 56 is provided at one end of thebrush chamber 94 in a position to detect thepermanent magnet 54 when thebrushroll 46 is correctly installed in thebrush chamber 94. TheHall Effect sensor 56 can be disposed on a side of thefirst wall 144 opposite thebrush chamber 94, with thefirst wall 144 protecting theHall Effect sensor 56 from exposure to dirt or liquid in thebrush chamber 94. By providing theHall Effect sensor 56 outside thebrush chamber 94, theHall Effect sensor 56 is less likely to become damaged or dirty. Other configurations and locations for mounting theHall Effect sensor 56 on thebase 14 are possible. - In the embodiment shown, the
permanent magnet 54 is coupled to theend cap 122 forming a portion of the non-rotatable portion of thebrushroll 46. A singlepermanent magnet 54 can be carried by thebrushroll 46. A singlepermanent magnet 54 may be preferred in order to provide precise and accurate sensing by theHall Effect sensor 56. In other embodiments, more than onepermanent magnet 54 may be provided on thebrushroll 46. - The
permanent magnet 54 can be radially offset from thebrushroll axis 102. In one embodiment, thepermanent magnet 54 may be disposed at least partially outside the cylindricalouter surface 118 of thebrush bar 108. - The
end cap 122 can comprise amagnet holder 156 for thepermanent magnet 54. Thepermanent magnet 54 can be press-fit or otherwise secured with themagnet holder 156. For example, an adhesive may be used to secure thepermanent magnet 54 within themagnet holder 156. - The
magnet holder 156 can comprise arecess 158 in theend cap 122, with thepermanent magnet 54 at least partially received within therecess 158. In the embodiment shown, thepermanent magnet 54 is disc-shaped, and themagnet holder 156 can comprise a circular recess for the disc-shaped magnet. Other shapes and configurations for thepermanent magnet 54 andmagnet holder 156 are possible. - A
cover 160 can enclose thepermanent magnet 54 within therecess 158. Thecover 160 can be manufactured from a non-magnetic material, such as plastic or another suitable material. In other embodiments, thepermanent magnet 54 may be uncovered. In this embodiment, thecover 160 is preferred as this protectspermanent magnet 54 from exposure to dirt or liquid in thebrush chamber 94, and from hair wrap. - A
handle 162 to aid in removing the brushroll 46 from thebrush chamber 94 can extending from theend cap 122. The brushroll removal handle 162 can project so that a user can grip thehandle 162 to lift thebrushroll 46 out of thebrush chamber 94. For example, thehandle 162 can be disposed on one side of thebrushroll axis 102 and extends radially from anouter periphery 164 of theend cap 122, theouter periphery 164 of theend cap 122 circumscribing thebrushroll axis 102. - In certain embodiments, the
permanent magnet 54 can be disposed on thehandle 162. For example, themagnet holder 156 can be formed or otherwise joined with thehandle 162. In the illustrated embodiment, themagnet holder 156 comprises therecess 158 integrally formed in anoutboard surface 166 of thehandle 162. In other embodiments, themagnet holder 156 may be secured directly to theoutboard surface 166 of thehandle 162. Theoutboard surface 166 is a surface of thehandle 162 outside or away from the center of thebrushroll 46, e.g. a surface that faces the end of thebrush chamber 94. Theoutboard surface 166 can confront thefirst wall 144 of thebrush chamber 94. - An
outboard surface 168 of thecover 160 may be flush with theoutboard surface 166 of thehandle 162, or thecover 160 be slightly recessed with respect to thehandle 162. Such configurations may be preferred over a configuration where thecover 160 protrudes beyond theoutboard surface 166 of thehandle 162 because thehandle 162 can be fit tightly against with thefirst wall 144 of thebrush chamber 94, reducing the chance for dirt or hair to migrate in-between thehandle 162 and thefirst wall 144. - The
handle 162 can optionally includeindents 170 in the sides of thehandle 162 to assist in gripping thehandle 162 to lift thebrushroll 46. Theindents 170 can, for example, by pinched between the thumb and forefinger of the user. Theoutboard surface 166 of thehandle 162 in which thepermanent magnet 54 is recessed can extend between the sides of thehandle 162 comprising theindents 170. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , when thebrushroll 46 is correctly installed in thebrush chamber 94 and thenozzle cover 92 is coupled with thebase housing 90, thehandle 162, and therefore thepermanent magnet 54 andmagnet cover 160, are covered by thenozzle cover 92. This can protect these components and prevent unintended release of thebrushroll 46 during a cleaning operation, which would inadvertently trigger the brushroll detection mechanism to turn off one or more electrically-powered components of thefloor cleaner 10. - The latching of the
brushroll 46 further locks the positon of thepermanent magnet 54 in place relative to theHall Effect sensor 56. With theend cap 122 blocked from shifting upwardly or downwardly, or forwardly or rearwardly, by receipt of thelatch member 140 within thelatch receiver 142, thepermanent magnet 54 likewise will not shift relative to the sensorHall Effect sensor 56, such that thepermanent magnet 54 can be reliably detected as thebrush bar 108 rotates and thefloor cleaner 10 is moved about the surface to be cleaned. - Referring to
FIGS. 7-9 , thepermanent magnet 54 is configured to be detected by theHall Effect sensor 56 within aneffective sensing zone 172 of thesensor 56. Direct physical contact between thepermanent magnet 54 andsensor 56 is not required, as theeffective sensing zone 172 can detect thepermanent magnet 54 within a predetermined distance away from theHall Effect sensor 56. One non-limiting example of theeffective sensing zone 172 is indicated in phantom line inFIGS. 7-9 , although it is understood that other ranges for theeffective sensing zone 172 are possible. -
FIG. 7 shows one example of thebrushroll 46 installed correctly on thefloor cleaner 10. In this condition, thepermanent magnet 54 is within theeffective sensing zone 172 of theHall Effect sensor 56. During installation of thebrushroll 46 on thefloor cleaner 10, as thebrushroll 46 brought into the mounted position within thebrush chamber 94, thepermanent magnet 54 moves toward and eventually interacts with theHall Effect sensor 56. Interaction of thepermanent magnet 54 with theHall Effect sensor 56 allows at least one component of the floor cleaner 10 (i.e., thevacuum motor 58,brushroll motor 60, pump 62, etc., or any combination thereof) to operate. -
FIG. 8 shows one example of thebrushroll 46 installed incorrectly on thefloor cleaner 10. In this condition, thepermanent magnet 54 is outside theeffective sensing zone 172 of theHall Effect sensor 56. Lack of interaction of thepermanent magnet 54 with theHall Effect sensor 56 prevents at least one component of the floor cleaner 10 (i.e., thevacuum motor 58,brushroll motor 60, pump 62, etc., or any combination thereof) from operating. -
FIG. 9 shows one example of a brushroll 46U installed correctly on thefloor cleaner 10, where thebrushroll 46U lacks apermanent magnet 54 or other detectable component. In this condition, no magnet or other detectable component is within theeffective sensing zone 172 of theHall Effect sensor 56. Lack of interaction of any magnet or other detectable component with theHall Effect sensor 56 prevents at least one component of the floor cleaner 10 (i.e., thevacuum motor 58,brushroll motor 60, pump 62, etc., or any combination thereof) from operating. - Other embodiments of
brushrolls 46 are possible, including a bristle-only brushroll suitable for use on soft surfaces, and havingbristles 110 as the only agitation element, or a microfiber-only brushroll suitable for use on hard surfaces and havingmicrofiber material 112 as the only agitation element. Each of these brushrolls can comprise apermanent magnet 54 as described herein. - Optionally, the
floor cleaner 10 can be provided with multiple, interchangeable brushrolls, which allows for the selection of a brushroll depending on the cleaning task to be performed or depending on the floor type of be cleaned. Yet another advantage of having multiple, interchangeable brushrolls is that cleaning time can be extended by allowing a soiled brushroll to be swapped out for a clean brushroll during a cleaning task. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , theupright body 12 can include a tank socket orreceiver 180 for receiving therecovery tank 22. As shown herein, in one embodiment thetank receiver 180 can be defined by portions of theframe 18. A recovery tank latch (not shown) can secure therecovery tank 22 to theupright body 12 within thetank receiver 180. - Referring to
FIGS. 3, 10, and 11 , therecovery tank 22 can include arecovery tank container 182, which forms acollection chamber 184 for the recovery system, with ahollow standpipe 186 therein. Thestandpipe 186 forms a flow path between atank inlet 188 formed at a lower end of therecovery tank container 182 and atank outlet 190 at the upper end of thestandpipe 186 within the interior of therecovery tank container 182. When therecovery tank 22 is mounted to theframe 18 as shown inFIG. 3 , thetank inlet 188 is aligned with theconduit 84 to establish fluid communication between the base 14 and therecovery tank 22. - The
recovery tank 22 further includes alid 192 sized for receipt on therecovery tank container 182. Thelid 192 at least partially encloses an open top of therecovery tank container 182, and can further define anair outlet 194 of therecovery tank 22 leading to the downstream suction source 80 (FIG. 3 ). A gasket 196 can be positioned between mating surfaces of thelid 192 and therecovery tank container 182, and creates a seal therebetween for prevention of leaks. - The
filter assembly 50 can be carried by therecovery tank 22, and therefore is removable from thefloor cleaner 10 upon removal of therecovery tank 22 and is installable on the floor cleaner upon mounting of therecovery tank 22 in thetank receiver 180. In the illustrated embodiment, thefilter assembly 50 can be supported by thelid 192, and thelid 192 can include afilter receiver 198 on an upwardly facing side thereof that is sized to receive thefilter assembly 50. Thefilter assembly 50 is removably mounted in thefilter receiver 198. In other embodiments, thefilter assembly 50 can be separate from therecovery tank 22, and is removable and installable independently of the tank. - Referring to
FIGS. 12-13 , one embodiment of thefilter assembly 50 including the detectable component, e.g. permanent magnet, is shown. Thefilter assembly 50 can include afilter 200 and afilter housing 202 including aframe 204 having an open area through which air may pass, thefilter 200 supported within theframe 204. Aseal 206 on thefilter housing 202 blocks the escape of air from the working air path orrecovery pathway 76. Thefilter 200 has anintake side 208 and anexhaust side 210, and theseal 206 can extend around theexhaust side 210 of thefilter 200. Thefilter assembly 50 can have ahandle 212 or other gripping feature that is made to be grasped or held by the hand for easy removal of thefilter assembly 50. Thepermanent magnet 68 can be disposed on thehandle 212 or on another portion of thefilter housing 202. - The
intake side 208 of thefilter 200 is an upstream side that faces theair outlet 194 of therecovery tank 22. Theexhaust side 210 of thefilter 200 is a downstream side that generally opposes the upstream side relative to the direction of airflow through therecovery pathway 76. Air therefore flows into thefilter 200 through theintake side 208 and out of thefilter 200 through theexhaust side 210. - The
filter 200 can comprise any suitable type or combination of types of filter media suitable for filtering particles entrained within an airstream. Non-limiting examples of filter media include paper, cellulosic material, non-woven material, spunbond material, pleated filter media, open cell foam, polyester type matrix (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), and combinations thereof. The filter media can also be a reusable or washable type of media such as a non-woven or foam type filter media, for example. It will be understood that the particle filtration size of the filter will vary depending on thefloor cleaner 10 in which thefilter assembly 50 is intended for use. For the embodiment of the multi-surface wet/dry floor cleaner 10 shown, thefilter 200 is a pleated filter, and can be made of a material that remains porous when wet, e.g., air can still flow through thefilter 200 when wet (unlike conventional paper filters). - The
filter 200 can be secured within thefilter housing 202 using any suitable securement method. For example, adhesive may be applied between thefilter 200 and theframe 204. The filter hosing 202 andframe 204 can be made from a more rigid material than thefilter 200 to provide stiffness to thefilter assembly 50. - The
frame 204 of thefilter housing 202 includes at least oneperipheral side wall 214 defining the open area through which air may pass and in which thefilter 200 is situated. In the embodiment shown, theframe 204 is rectilinear and comprises fourwalls 214. While theframe 204 is shown as rectilinear, theframe 204 may have different geometric shapes to suit the cross-sectional area in which thefilter assembly 50 may be mounted. It will be understood that the dimensions of thefilter assembly 50 will vary depending on thefloor cleaner 10 in which thefilter assembly 50 is intended for use. - The
seal 206 can include aperimeter seal portion 216 surrounding theexhaust side 210 of thefilter 200. Thepermanent magnet 68 can be disposed outward of theperimeter seal portion 216, such that thepermanent magnet 68 is disposed outside therecovery pathway 76 of thefloor cleaner 10. - In certain embodiments, the
seal 206 can extend at least partially over thehandle 212 and can overlie thepermanent magnet 68. In this case, theseal 206 can include ahandle seal portion 218 extending from theperimeter seal portion 216 at least partially over thehandle 212. - The
seal 206 can be overmolded or otherwise secured on thefilter housing 202. For example, theseal 206 can be formed separately and attached to thefilter housing 202 using an adhesive. For anovermolded seal 206, theseal 206 may be made from any material that can be suitable bonded to the material of thefilter housing 202. In one non-limiting example, theseal 206 can be made from a thermoplastic elastomer and thefilter housing 202 can be polypropylene. - Referring to
FIG. 11 , a ceiling of thetank receiver 180 can be configured to fit tightly against theseal 206, and optionally also with thelid 192 therecovery tank 22, to provide a sealed pathway from thefilter assembly 50 to the suction source 80 (FIG. 4 ), and thetank receiver 180 can include agrille 220 through which air can pass to thechamber 88. Theseal 206 may be compressed when therecovery tank 22 is installed on thetank receiver 180. - The
handle 212 can aid in removing thefilter assembly 50 from thefilter receiver 198, and can extend from one of thewalls 214 of theframe 204. Thehandle 212 can project so that a user can grip thehandle 212 to lift thefilter assembly 50 out of thefilter receiver 198. - Returning to
FIGS. 12-13 , apull tab 222 can project from one of thewalls 214 of theframe 204, preferably from adifferent wall 214 than thehandle 212. Thepull tab 222 can assist the user in lifting thefilter assembly 50 out of thefilter receiver 198. In other embodiments, thepull tab 222 may be eliminated, and thefilter assembly 50 may be liftable out of thefilter receiver 198 via thehandle 212 alone. - In certain embodiments, the
filter assembly 50 may comprise at least one additional filter media upstream of thefilter 200. In the depicted embodiment, amesh screen 224 is disposed on theintake side 208 of thefilter 200 and is coupled with thefilter housing 202. Themesh screen 224 has a larger pore size than thefilter 200. When referring to thefilter 200 ormesh screen 224, the pore size is the size of the largest particles that can successfully pass through that element. The pore size may be an effective pore size or an average of pore sizes across the media. It is contemplated that by providing multiple filtration media, e.g. themesh screen 224 and thefilter 200, of decreasing pore size to sequentially filter larger and then smaller particulate, thefiner filter 200 is prevented from becoming obstructed with larger debris. - The
filter assembly 50 can include adoor 226 pivotally coupled with thefilter housing 202, thedoor 226 having an open grid and themesh screen 224 covering the open grid. Thedoor 226 can swing open, e.g. away from theintake side 208 of thefilter 200, to clean themesh screen 224 andfilter 200. - The
filter assembly 50 can have a poka-yoke installation to prevent a user from inadvertent error in installing thefilter assembly 50 on therecovery tank 22. In one embodiment, the poka-yoke installation includes at least one projectingfeature 228 on thefilter assembly 50 and/or on thefilter receiver 198 that prevents a user from installing thefilter assembly 50 incorrectly by interfering with the insertion of thefilter assembly 50 into thefilter receiver 198. - As described above with reference to
FIG. 1 , the filter detection mechanism of thefloor cleaner 10 allows operation of at least one electrically-powered component of thefloor cleaner 10 when thepermanent magnet 68 is detected by theHall Effect sensor 70 and prevents operation of the at least one electrically-powered component when thepermanent magnet 68 is not detected by theHall Effect sensor 70. - The
Hall Effect sensor 70 is provided at one side of thetank receiver 180 in a position to detect thepermanent magnet 68 when thefilter assembly 50 is correctly installed in thefloor cleaner 10, with thefilter 200 located in therecovery pathway 76. TheHall Effect sensor 70 can be disposed behind awall 230 delimiting thetank receiver 180, therecovery tank 22 removably mounted on an opposite side of thewall 230. Thewall 230 therefore protects theHall Effect sensor 70 from exposure to the working air flow. By providing theHall Effect sensor 70 outside therecovery pathway 76, theHall Effect sensor 70 is less likely to become damaged or dirty. In other embodiments, theHall Effect sensor 70 may be provided elsewhere on thefloor cleaner 10, for example, adjacent to a filter receiver for thefilter assembly 50 in a position to detect thepermanent magnet 68 when thefilter assembly 50 is correctly installed in thefloor cleaner 10. - In the embodiment shown, the
permanent magnet 68 is coupled to thehandle 212. A singlepermanent magnet 68 can be carried by thefilter assembly 50. A singlepermanent magnet 68 may be preferred in order to provide precise and accurate sensing by theHall Effect sensor 70. In other embodiments, more than onepermanent magnet 68 may be provided on thefilter assembly 50. - The
handle 212 can be located outside the air flow pathway orrecovery pathway 76, with theseal 206 blocking off thehandle 212 from exposure to the working air flow. As thepermanent magnet 68 is disposed on thehandle 212, thepermanent magnet 68 is thus located outside therecovery pathway 76 and is protected from exposure to the working air flow. By providing thepermanent magnet 68 outside therecovery pathway 76, thepermanent magnet 68 is less likely to become damaged or dirty. - The
handle 212 can comprise amagnet holder 232 for thepermanent magnet 68. Thepermanent magnet 68 can be press-fit or otherwise secured with themagnet holder 232. For example, an adhesive may be used to secure thepermanent magnet 68 within themagnet holder 232. - The
magnet holder 232 can comprise arecess 234 having an opening in a side of thehandle 212, with thepermanent magnet 68 at least partially received within therecess 234. The opening of therecess 234 can be disposed toward theexhaust side 210 of thefilter 200. - In the embodiment shown, the
permanent magnet 68 is rectangular, and themagnet holder 232 can comprise arectangular recess 234 for the rectangularpermanent magnet 68. Other shapes and configurations for thepermanent magnet 68 andmagnet holder 232 are possible. - A
cover 236 can enclose thepermanent magnet 68 within therecess 234. Thecover 236 can be manufactured from a non-magnetic material, such as plastic or another suitable material. In other embodiments, thepermanent magnet 68 may be uncovered. In this embodiment, thecover 236 is preferred as this permits theseal 206 to be overmolded onto thecover 236, and thecover 236 to be hidden by thehandle seal portion 218 of theseal 206. - Referring to
FIGS. 14-16 , thepermanent magnet 68 is configured to be detected by theHall Effect sensor 70 within aneffective sensing zone 238 of theHall Effect sensor 70. Direct physical contact between thepermanent magnet 68 andHall Effect sensor 70 is not required, as theeffective sensing zone 238 can detect thepermanent magnet 68 within a predetermined distance away from theHall Effect sensor 70. One non-limiting example of theeffective sensing zone 238 is indicated in phantom line inFIGS. 14-16 , although it is understood that other ranges for theeffective sensing zone 238 are possible. -
FIG. 14 shows one example of thefilter assembly 50 installed correctly on thefloor cleaner 10. In this condition, thepermanent magnet 68 is within theeffective sensing zone 238 of theHall Effect sensor 70. During installation of therecovery tank 22 on thefloor cleaner 10, as therecovery tank 22 brought into the mounted position within thetank receiver 180, thepermanent magnet 68 on thefilter assembly 50 moves toward and eventually interacts with theHall Effect sensor 70. Interaction of thepermanent magnet 68 with theHall Effect sensor 70 allows at least one component of the floor cleaner 10 (i.e., thevacuum motor 58,brushroll motor 60, pump 62, etc., or any combination thereof) to operate. -
FIG. 15 shows one example of thefilter assembly 50 installed incorrectly on thefloor cleaner 10. In this condition, thepermanent magnet 68 is outside theeffective sensing zone 238 of theHall Effect sensor 70. Lack of interaction of thepermanent magnet 68 with theHall Effect sensor 70 prevents at least one component of the floor cleaner 10 (i.e., thevacuum motor 58,brushroll motor 60, pump 62, etc., or any combination thereof) from operating. -
FIG. 16 shows one example of a filter assembly 50U installed correctly on thefloor cleaner 10, where the filter assembly 50U lacks apermanent magnet 68 or other detectable component. In this condition, no magnet or other detectable component is within theeffective sensing zone 238 of theHall Effect sensor 70. Lack of interaction of any magnet or other detectable component prevents at least one component of the floor cleaner 10 (i.e., thevacuum motor 58,brushroll motor 60, pump 62, etc., or any combination thereof) from operating. - To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments of the invention, may be used in combination with each other as desired, or may be used separately. That one floor cleaner is illustrated herein as having all of these features does not mean that all of these features must be used in combination, but rather done so here for brevity of description. Furthermore, while the
floor cleaner 10 shown herein has an upright configuration, the floor cleaner can be configured as a canister or portable unit. For example, in a canister arrangement, foot components such as the suction nozzle and brushroll can be provided on a cleaning head coupled with a canister unit. Still further, the floor cleaner can additionally have steam delivery capability. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched in various vacuum cleaner configurations as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described. - The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of the disclosure. However, various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. As such, this disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the disclosure or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. Any reference to elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.
- Likewise, it is also to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to express and particular compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between particular embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of various embodiments, different, special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A brushroll for a floor cleaner for cleaning a floor surface, comprising:
a rotatable portion comprising at least one agitation element and a brush bar supporting the at least one agitation element;
a brushroll axis about which the rotatable portion is rotatable; and
a non-rotatable portion comprising an end cap disposed at one end of the brush bar;
wherein the non-rotatable portion comprises a permanent magnet.
2. The brushroll of claim 1 , wherein the at least one agitation element comprises:
a plurality of bristles extending from the brush bar; and
a microfiber material disposed on the brush bar and arranged between the bristles.
3. The brushroll of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of bristles comprise a plurality of nylon bristles and the microfiber material comprises polyester.
4. The brushroll of claim 1 , wherein the at least one agitation element comprises at least one of:
a plurality of bristles extending from the brush bar; and
a microfiber material disposed on the brush bar and arranged between the bristles.
5. The brushroll of claim 1 , wherein the at least one agitation element comprises a plurality of bristle tufts extending from the brush bar.
6. The brushroll of claim 1 , wherein the permanent magnet is coupled to the end cap.
7. The brushroll of claim 6 , comprising a stub shaft extending from one end of the brush bar and a bearing having an inner race press fitted on the stub shaft and an outer race fixed in the end cap.
8. The brushroll of claim 6 , wherein the end cap comprises a first end cap at a first end of the brush bar, and comprising a second end cap at a second end of the brush bar, opposite the first end of the brush bar, the second end cap configured to couple with a drive assembly of a floor cleaner.
9. The brushroll of claim 6 , comprising a brushroll removal handle extending from the end cap, wherein the permanent magnet is disposed on the brushroll removal handle.
10. The brushroll of claim 1 , comprising a brushroll removal handle extending from the end cap, wherein the permanent magnet is disposed on the brushroll removal handle.
11. The brushroll of claim 10 , wherein the brushroll removal handle is disposed on one side of the brushroll axis and extends radially from an outer periphery of the end cap, the outer periphery of the end cap circumscribing the brushroll axis.
12. The brushroll of claim 10 , wherein the brushroll removal handle comprises:
a recess having an opening in an outboard side of the brushroll removal handle, the permanent magnet disposed in the recess; and
a plastic cover closing the opening and enclosing the permanent magnet in the recess.
13. The brushroll of claim 12 , wherein the permanent magnet is press-fit within the recess.
14. The brushroll of claim 1 , wherein the permanent magnet is radially offset from the brushroll axis.
15. The brushroll of claim 1 , wherein the brush bar comprises first and second lateral ends, a cylindrical outer surface extending from the first lateral end to the second lateral end, and a cavity in the first lateral end, the cavity partially receiving the end cap.
16. A floor cleaner for cleaning a floor surface, comprising:
a housing adapted for movement over a surface to be cleaned and comprising a brush chamber;
at least one electrically-powered component;
a brushroll removably mounted in the brush chamber, the brushroll configured to agitate the surface to be cleaned, the brushroll comprising:
a rotatable portion comprising at least one agitation element and a brush bar supporting the at least one agitation element;
a brushroll axis about which the rotatable portion is rotatable; and
a non-rotatable portion comprising an end cap disposed at one end of the brush bar; and
a brushroll detection mechanism comprising:
a permanent magnet on the non-rotatable portion of the brushroll; and
a Hall Effect sensor positioned to detect the permanent magnet when the brushroll is correctly installed in the brush chamber;
the brushroll detection mechanism being configured to allow operation of the at least one electrically-powered component when the permanent magnet is detected by the Hall Effect sensor and to prevent operation of the at least one electrically-powered component when the permanent magnet is not detected by the Hall Effect sensor.
17. The floor cleaner of claim 16 , comprising:
a recovery system comprising a suction nozzle, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, a recovery tank, and a clean air outlet;
a fluid delivery system comprising a supply tank and a fluid distributor;
the at least one agitation element comprising:
a plurality of bristles extending from the brush bar; and
a microfiber material disposed on the brush bar and arranged between the bristles.
18. The floor cleaner of claim 16 , comprising a brushroll drive assembly, wherein the brushroll is operably coupled with the brushroll drive assembly for rotation about the brushroll axis, wherein:
the end cap comprises a first end cap at a first end of the brush bar, the first end cap comprising a brushroll removal grip and the permanent magnet; and
the brushroll comprises a second end cap at a second end of the brush bar, the second end cap coupled with the brushroll drive assembly, wherein the brush bar is rotatable with the second end cap.
19. The floor cleaner of claim 16 , wherein the housing comprises an upright body and a base coupled with the upright body and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned, the base including the brush chamber and the Hall Effect sensor.
20. The floor cleaner of claim 16 , wherein the at least one electrically-powered component is at least one of a vacuum motor, a brushroll motor, and a pump.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP22183990.5A EP4122368A3 (en) | 2021-07-23 | 2022-07-09 | Brushroll and floor cleaner |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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CN202110839629.5A CN115670318A (en) | 2021-07-23 | 2021-07-23 | Brush roll and floor cleaner |
CN2021-10839629.5 | 2021-07-23 | ||
CN202121696569.8U CN215584042U (en) | 2021-07-23 | 2021-07-23 | Brush roll and floor cleaner |
CN2021-21696569.8 | 2021-07-23 |
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US20210378467A1 true US20210378467A1 (en) | 2021-12-09 |
US11206962B1 US11206962B1 (en) | 2021-12-28 |
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US17/408,781 Active US11206962B1 (en) | 2021-07-23 | 2021-08-23 | Brushroll and floor cleaner |
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Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN114224254A (en) * | 2021-12-23 | 2022-03-25 | 尚科宁家(中国)科技有限公司 | Cleaning device reliable to use |
EP4098166A1 (en) * | 2021-05-26 | 2022-12-07 | Miele & Cie. KG | Floor nozzle for vacuum cleaner, vacuum cleaner, brush roller set, and method of operating a vacuum cleaner |
GB2623322A (en) * | 2022-10-11 | 2024-04-17 | Dyson Technology Ltd | Appliance to which one of a plurality of magnetic attachments is attachable |
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USD987926S1 (en) * | 2021-04-26 | 2023-05-30 | Bissell Inc. | Brushroll for a floor cleaner |
USD998271S1 (en) * | 2022-02-09 | 2023-09-05 | Beijing Roborock Technology Co., Ltd. | Dust collecting box for a robotic vacuum cleaner |
US12011129B1 (en) | 2023-01-20 | 2024-06-18 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Extraction cleaner |
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US6393657B1 (en) | 2000-05-31 | 2002-05-28 | The Scott Fetzer Company | Brush roll rotation indicator |
GB2440108A (en) | 2006-07-18 | 2008-01-23 | Dyson Technology Ltd | Suction cleaner with filter detection mechanism |
KR101911294B1 (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2018-10-24 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Cleaner |
EP3363341A1 (en) * | 2017-02-20 | 2018-08-22 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Rotatable brush |
CA3082300C (en) * | 2019-06-10 | 2022-04-19 | Bissell Inc. | Autonomous floor cleaner with carry handle |
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Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP4098166A1 (en) * | 2021-05-26 | 2022-12-07 | Miele & Cie. KG | Floor nozzle for vacuum cleaner, vacuum cleaner, brush roller set, and method of operating a vacuum cleaner |
CN114224254A (en) * | 2021-12-23 | 2022-03-25 | 尚科宁家(中国)科技有限公司 | Cleaning device reliable to use |
GB2623322A (en) * | 2022-10-11 | 2024-04-17 | Dyson Technology Ltd | Appliance to which one of a plurality of magnetic attachments is attachable |
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