US20220313044A1 - Floor cleaner - Google Patents
Floor cleaner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220313044A1 US20220313044A1 US17/709,027 US202217709027A US2022313044A1 US 20220313044 A1 US20220313044 A1 US 20220313044A1 US 202217709027 A US202217709027 A US 202217709027A US 2022313044 A1 US2022313044 A1 US 2022313044A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- hose
- suction nozzle
- connector
- floor cleaner
- nozzle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 104
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 55
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- 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
- A47L7/0009—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners with means mounted on the nozzle; nozzles specially adapted for the recovery of liquid
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/29—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid
- A47L11/30—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction
- A47L11/302—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction having rotary tools
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/29—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid
- A47L11/30—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/32—Carpet-sweepers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/34—Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/4013—Contaminants collecting devices, i.e. hoppers, tanks or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/4013—Contaminants collecting devices, i.e. hoppers, tanks or the like
- A47L11/4016—Contaminants collecting devices, i.e. hoppers, tanks or the like specially adapted for collecting fluids
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
- A47L11/4041—Roll shaped surface treating tools
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/408—Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
- A47L11/4083—Liquid supply reservoirs; Preparation of the agents, e.g. mixing devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/408—Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
- A47L11/4088—Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits
Definitions
- the present invention relates to floor cleaners.
- a floor cleaner in one embodiment, includes a base configured to engage a surface to be cleaned and a suction nozzle on the base.
- the suction nozzle includes an inlet, an outlet, an upper wall, and a lower wall spaced from the upper wall to form a fluid passageway that extends from the inlet to the outlet.
- a recovery tank is fluidly connected to the inlet by the fluid passageway, the recovery tank is disposed on the base.
- a suction source is disposed in the base, the suction source is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and the recovery tank. The suction source is configured to draw fluid and debris through the fluid passageway of the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank.
- a hose port in the upper wall of the nozzle, the hose port is located at an elevation between the outlet of the suction nozzle and the inlet of the suction nozzle.
- a cover for the hose port is movable relative to the suction nozzle between an open position and a closed position.
- the floor cleaner further includes a hose including a connector, the connector insertable into the hose port when the cover is in the open position to removably couple the hose to the hose port and provide fluid communication between the hose and the recovery tank through the outlet of the suction nozzle.
- the suction nozzle includes a side wall between the upper wall and the lower wall, wherein the side wall supportingly engages the connector of the hose.
- a floor cleaner in another embodiment, includes a base configured to engage a surface to be cleaned and a suction nozzle on the base.
- the suction nozzle includes an inlet, an outlet, an upper wall, and a lower wall spaced from the upper wall to form a fluid passageway that extends from the inlet to the outlet.
- a recovery tank is fluidly connected to the inlet by the fluid passageway, the recovery tank is disposed on the base.
- a suction source is disposed in the base, the suction source is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and the recovery tank. The suction source is configured to draw fluid and debris through the fluid passageway of the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank.
- a hose port is in the upper wall of the nozzle.
- a cover for the hose port is movable relative to the suction nozzle between an open position and a closed position.
- the floor cleaner further includes a hose that includes a connector.
- the connector is insertable into the hose port when the cover is in the open position to removably couple the hose to the hose port and provide fluid communication between the hose and the recovery tank through the outlet of the suction nozzle.
- the hose port includes a guide channel that extends in a direction from the upper wall of the nozzle toward the lower wall of the nozzle.
- the connector of the hose includes a rail that slides into the guide channel when the connector is inserted into the hose port to removably couple the hose to the hose port.
- a floor cleaner in another embodiment, includes a base configured to engage a surface to be cleaned, the base including a distribution nozzle.
- a supply tank is in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle and a handle pivotally coupled to the base.
- a suction nozzle is on the base, the suction nozzle includes an inlet, an outlet, an upper wall, and a lower wall spaced from the upper wall to form a fluid passageway that extends from the inlet to the outlet.
- a hose port is in the upper wall of the nozzle.
- a recovery tank is fluidly connected to the inlet by the fluid passageway and a suction source disposed in the base below the outlet of the suction nozzle.
- the suction source is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and the recovery tank.
- the suction source is configured to draw fluid and debris through the fluid passageway of the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor cleaner according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the floor cleaner of FIG. 1 with a hose of the floor cleaner exploded.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portion of the floor cleaner of FIG. 1 with the hose attached.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the hose of the floor cleaner of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the floor cleaner of FIG. 1 with a recovery tank of the floor cleaner and a nozzle of the floor cleaner removed.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the floor cleaner of FIG. 1 with a cover in an open position.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the floor cleaner of FIG. 1 with the hose attached.
- FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the floor cleaner of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates a floor cleaner 10 .
- the floor cleaner 10 includes a hose assembly 12 that can be attached ( FIG. 3 ) and detached ( FIG. 2 ) from the floor cleaner 10 .
- the hose 12 When the hose 12 is attached to the floor cleaner 10 as shown in FIG. 2 , the hose 12 and the floor cleaner 10 may be used to clean furniture, stairs, or spot clean floor surfaces, including carpeting, rugs, and the like.
- the illustrated floor cleaner 10 includes a handle 14 and a base 16 .
- the handle 14 is pivotally coupled to the base 16 such that the handle 14 pivots from an upright position ( FIG. 1 ) to an inclined position.
- the illustrated base 16 includes wheels 18 and the base 16 engages and moves along a surface 20 to be cleaned, which is facilitated by the wheels 18 .
- the base 16 further include a distribution nozzle 22 that sprays a cleaning fluid onto the surface 20 .
- the illustrated embodiments include an agitator 24 ( FIG. 7 ), 24 ′ ( FIG. 8 ).
- the agitators 24 , 24 ′ engage the surface 20 and scrub the cleaning fluid on the surface 20 or otherwise dislodge debris from the surface 20 .
- the agitator 24 ( FIG. 7 ), 24 ′ ( FIG. 8 ).
- the base 16 further includes a fluid supply port 28 .
- the fluid supply port 28 provides the cleaning fluid to the hose 12 .
- the floor cleaner 10 further includes a supply tank 30 and a recovery tank 32 .
- the supply tank 30 is in fluid communication with both the distribution nozzle 22 ( FIG. 7 ) and the fluid supply portion 28 ( FIG. 6 ).
- the supply tank 30 stores the cleaning fluid that is sprayed onto the surface 20 .
- the supply tank 30 is coupled to the handle 14 for pivotal movement with the handle 14 relative to the base 16 .
- the supply tank 30 is located directly above the recovery tank 32 when the handle 14 is in the upright position as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the illustrated recovery tank 32 is disposed on the base 16 such that the recovery tank 32 is supported on the base 16 and the user sets the recovery tank 32 onto the base 16 .
- the recovery tank 32 is removably coupled to the base 16 , which facilitates emptying the recovery tank 32 .
- the recover tank 32 includes a bottom surface 34 and a top surface 36 opposite the bottom surface 34 .
- the bottom surface 34 is directly coupled to and engages the base 16 .
- the recover tank 32 includes an inlet 38 that extends through the bottom surface 34 of the recovery tank 32 .
- the floor cleaner 10 further includes a suction nozzle 40 .
- the suction nozzle 40 includes an inlet 42 and an outlet 44 .
- An outlet axis 46 extends centrally through the outlet 44 and perpendicular to the outlet 44 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6 .
- the outlet 44 engages the inlet 38 of the recovery tank 32 to provide fluid communication between the suction nozzle 40 and the recovery tank 32 .
- the suction nozzle 40 further includes an upper wall 48 and a lower wall 50 spaced from and opposite the upper wall 48 . Sidewalls 52 extend from the lower wall 50 to the upper wall 48 .
- a fluid passageway 54 extends from the inlet 42 through the outlet 44 and the fluid passageway 54 is defined by and bounded by the walls 48 , 50 , 52 .
- the suction nozzle 40 is removably coupled to the base 16 in the illustrated embodiment as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the upper wall 48 is removably coupled to the base 16 such that a user has access to the fluid passageway 54 for cleaning.
- the floor cleaner 10 further includes a suction source 56 .
- the suction source 56 is disposed in the base 16 .
- the suction source 56 includes a motor 58 and a fan 60 .
- the suction source 56 is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway 54 and the recovery tank 32 .
- the suction source 56 draws fluid and debris through the fluid passageway 54 and into the recovery tank 32 where the fluid and debris are separated from the suction airflow generated by the suction source 56 .
- the motor 58 rotates the fan 60 about a vertical axis 62 .
- the axis 62 extends through the recovery tank 32 and is located behind the suction nozzle 40 , between the suction nozzle 40 and the wheels 18 .
- the motor 58 rotates the fan 60 about a horizontal axis 62 ′.
- the horizontal axis 62 ′ extends generally parallel to the surface 20 .
- the suction source 56 is disposed in the base 16 below the outlet 44 of the suction nozzle 40 between the surface 20 and the outlet 44 when the base 16 and wheels 18 are positioned on the surface 20 as shown in FIG. 8 . Also, the suction source 56 is disposed in the base 16 below the outlet 44 such that the outlet axis 46 extends through the suction source 56 as shown in FIG. 8 . Also, the agitator 24 ′ is disposed below the suction nozzle 40 .
- the configuration of the suction source 56 in FIG. 8 provides a more compact floor cleaner design and also permits use of the suction source 56 to drive the agitator 24 ′, which eliminates the need for a separate agitator drive motor or power source (e.g., air turbine).
- the floor cleaner 10 further includes a hose port 64 that receives the hose 12 .
- the hose port 64 extends through the upper wall 48 of the suction nozzle 40 .
- the hose port 64 is located at an elevation between the outlet 44 of the suction nozzle 40 and the inlet 42 of the suction nozzle 40 .
- the hose port 64 is located at an elevation between the outlet 44 of the suction nozzle 40 and the surface 20 when the base 16 and the wheels 18 are positioned on the surface 20 as shown in FIG. 7 .
- Guide channels 66 extend in a direction from the upper wall 48 toward the lower wall 50 of the suction nozzle 40 .
- the guide channels 66 are formed as recesses in opposing sidewalls 68 of the suction nozzle 40 .
- the guide channels 66 include a first end 70 and a second end 72 opposite the first end 70 .
- a seal 74 is located adjacent the hose port 64 in the illustrated embodiment. The seal 74 provides a fluid tight connection between the hose 12 and the suction nozzle 40 when the hose is received in the hose port 64 .
- the suction nozzle 40 includes a cover 76 for the hose port 64 .
- the cover 76 is movable relative to the upper wall 48 of the suction nozzle 40 between a closed position ( FIG. 5 ) and an open position ( FIG. 6 ).
- the cover 76 pivots between the open and closed positions.
- the cover 76 includes a projection 78 that is received in the hose port 64 when the cover 76 is in the closed position.
- the cover 76 contacts the seal 74 to inhibit fluid communication through the hose port 64 .
- the cover 76 also includes a front wall 79 and the base includes a hook 82 .
- the front wall 79 covers the hook 82 when the cover 76 in the closed position.
- the cover 76 is spring biased down toward the closed position shown in FIG. 1 .
- the floor cleaner 10 includes an air turbine 84 ( FIG. 7 ) that uses suction airflow from the suction source 56 to drive the agitator 24 .
- the floor cleaner 10 includes a second turbine 85 ( FIG. 9 ) to drive a pump 88 .
- the pump 88 is used to move cleaning fluid from the supply tank 30 to the hose 12 via the fluid supply port 28 .
- the base 16 includes an air turbine inlet 86 . In the closed position, the cover 76 closes the inlet 86 such that suction airflow does not travel through the inlet 86 to drive the air turbine 85 to drive the pump 88 .
- the hose 12 includes a hose body 90 having a first end 92 and a second end 94 .
- the illustrated hose body 90 is a flexible vacuum hose forming a suction passageway.
- a connector 96 is attached to the first end 92 of the hose body 90 .
- the connector 96 is insertable into the hose port 64 when the cover 76 is open to removably couple the hose 12 to the hose port 64 and provide fluid communication between the hose body 90 and the recovery tank 32 via the outlet 44 of the suction nozzle 40 .
- the connector 96 of the hose 12 extends transverse to the upper wall 48 of the suction nozzle 40 when the connector 96 is received in the hose port 65 .
- the connector 96 of the hose 12 is perpendicular to the upper wall 48 of the suction nozzle 40 when the connector 96 is received in the hose port 64 .
- the connector 96 includes rails 98 that slide into the guide channels 66 when the connector 96 is inserted into the hose port 64 .
- the first end 70 of the guide channels 66 each include an opening 100 in the upper wall 48 of the suction nozzle 40 that receives the rail 98 of the connector 96 .
- the guide channel 66 and the mating rail 98 provide increased strength in the connection between connector 96 and the suction nozzle 40 and the hose port 64 and reduce forces on the upper wall 48 over prior hose connections.
- the guide channel 66 supportingly engages the mating rail 98 to inhibit forward and rearward tilting of connector 96 relative to the suction nozzle 40 , which provides for a better seal and less fluid leaks between the connector 96 and the hose port 64 .
- the channels 66 and rails 98 provide a locating feature that helps the user align the connector 96 and the hose port 64 when attaching the hose 12 to the hose port 64 .
- the connector 96 of the hose 12 further includes a latch 80 that engages the hook 82 to retain 96 the connector 96 within the hose port 64 .
- the user presses the latch 80 to unlatch the latch 80 from the hook 82 to remove the connector 96 from the hose port 64 and disconnect the hose 12 from the suction nozzle 40 .
- the hook 82 is covered by the cover 76 to hide the hook 82 when the cover 76 is in the closed position.
- the cover 76 may include a latch that engages the hook 82 when the cover 76 is in the closed position to retain the cover 76 in the closed position.
- the connector 96 further includes a fluid supply connector 102 insertable into the fluid supply port 28 when the cover 76 is in the open position to removably couple the fluid supply connector 102 to the fluid supply port 28 .
- This connection provides fluid communication between the supply tank 30 and the fluid supply connector 102 .
- the hose 12 further include a tool 106 at the second end 94 of the hose body 90 .
- the illustrated tool 106 includes a suction opening 108 , a spray nozzle 110 , and an actuator 112 .
- the suction opening 108 is in fluid communication with the suction source 56 through the hose body 90 when the hose 12 is attached to the floor cleaner 10 as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the spray nozzle 110 is in fluid communication with the fluid supply connector 102 and the fluid supply port 28 when the hose 12 is attached to the floor cleaner 10 .
- a tube is located inside the hose body 90 that provides fluid communication between the fluid supply connector 102 and the spray nozzle 110 .
- the actuator 112 is a trigger that is pressed by the user to dispense the cleaning fluid through the spray nozzle 110 .
- the user can use the floor cleaner 10 in a first or upright mode of operation.
- the distribution nozzle 22 is used to spray cleaning fluid on to the surface 20 .
- gravity is used to spray the cleaning fluid on to the surface 20 and in other embodiments a pump may be used to spray the fluid on to the surface 20 .
- the user moves the base 16 along the surface 20 using the handle 14 and the handle 14 pivots relative to the base 16 as the user moves the base 16 along the surface 20 .
- the suction source 56 draws the dispensed fluid and debris through the inlet 42 of the suction nozzle 40 .
- the fluid, debris, and suction airflow travel through the suction nozzle 40 and into the recovery tank 32 .
- the recovery tank 32 the fluid and debris are separated from the suction airflow and retained in the recovery tank 32 .
- the suction airflow travels to the suction source 56 before being exhausted from the floor cleaner 10 .
- the user may also use the floor cleaner 10 in a second or accessory hose mode of operation.
- the user inserts the connector 96 into the hose port 64 as discussed above.
- the connector 96 includes a portion 114 that blocks a portion of the fluid passageway 54 that is between the inlet 42 of the suction nozzle 40 and the portion 114 . Therefore, the suction airflow from the suction source 56 is directed through the suction opening 108 of the hose 12 and inhibiting air entry through the inlet 42 .
- the user may use the actuator 112 to dispense cleaning fluid through the spray nozzle 110 onto a surface being cleaned.
- the suction source 56 draws the dispensed fluid and debris through the suction opening 108 of the tool 106 .
- the fluid, debris, and suction airflow travel through hose body 90 , through the hose port 64 , into the suction nozzle 40 and then into the recovery tank 32 .
- the fluid and debris are separated from the suction airflow and retained in the recovery tank 32 .
- the suction airflow travels to the suction source 56 before being exhausted from the floor cleaner 10 .
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/168,846, filed Mar. 31, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- The present invention relates to floor cleaners.
- In one embodiment, a floor cleaner includes a base configured to engage a surface to be cleaned and a suction nozzle on the base. The suction nozzle includes an inlet, an outlet, an upper wall, and a lower wall spaced from the upper wall to form a fluid passageway that extends from the inlet to the outlet. A recovery tank is fluidly connected to the inlet by the fluid passageway, the recovery tank is disposed on the base. A suction source is disposed in the base, the suction source is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and the recovery tank. The suction source is configured to draw fluid and debris through the fluid passageway of the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A hose port in the upper wall of the nozzle, the hose port is located at an elevation between the outlet of the suction nozzle and the inlet of the suction nozzle. A cover for the hose port is movable relative to the suction nozzle between an open position and a closed position. The floor cleaner further includes a hose including a connector, the connector insertable into the hose port when the cover is in the open position to removably couple the hose to the hose port and provide fluid communication between the hose and the recovery tank through the outlet of the suction nozzle. The suction nozzle includes a side wall between the upper wall and the lower wall, wherein the side wall supportingly engages the connector of the hose.
- In another embodiment, a floor cleaner includes a base configured to engage a surface to be cleaned and a suction nozzle on the base. The suction nozzle includes an inlet, an outlet, an upper wall, and a lower wall spaced from the upper wall to form a fluid passageway that extends from the inlet to the outlet. A recovery tank is fluidly connected to the inlet by the fluid passageway, the recovery tank is disposed on the base. A suction source is disposed in the base, the suction source is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and the recovery tank. The suction source is configured to draw fluid and debris through the fluid passageway of the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A hose port is in the upper wall of the nozzle. A cover for the hose port is movable relative to the suction nozzle between an open position and a closed position. The floor cleaner further includes a hose that includes a connector. The connector is insertable into the hose port when the cover is in the open position to removably couple the hose to the hose port and provide fluid communication between the hose and the recovery tank through the outlet of the suction nozzle. The hose port includes a guide channel that extends in a direction from the upper wall of the nozzle toward the lower wall of the nozzle. The connector of the hose includes a rail that slides into the guide channel when the connector is inserted into the hose port to removably couple the hose to the hose port.
- In another embodiment, a floor cleaner includes a base configured to engage a surface to be cleaned, the base including a distribution nozzle. A supply tank is in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle and a handle pivotally coupled to the base. A suction nozzle is on the base, the suction nozzle includes an inlet, an outlet, an upper wall, and a lower wall spaced from the upper wall to form a fluid passageway that extends from the inlet to the outlet. A hose port is in the upper wall of the nozzle. A recovery tank is fluidly connected to the inlet by the fluid passageway and a suction source disposed in the base below the outlet of the suction nozzle. The suction source is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and the recovery tank. The suction source is configured to draw fluid and debris through the fluid passageway of the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank.
- Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor cleaner according to one embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the floor cleaner ofFIG. 1 with a hose of the floor cleaner exploded. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portion of the floor cleaner ofFIG. 1 with the hose attached. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the hose of the floor cleaner ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the floor cleaner ofFIG. 1 with a recovery tank of the floor cleaner and a nozzle of the floor cleaner removed. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the floor cleaner ofFIG. 1 with a cover in an open position. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the floor cleaner ofFIG. 1 with the hose attached. -
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the floor cleaner ofFIG. 1 . - Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates afloor cleaner 10. Thefloor cleaner 10 includes ahose assembly 12 that can be attached (FIG. 3 ) and detached (FIG. 2 ) from thefloor cleaner 10. When thehose 12 is attached to thefloor cleaner 10 as shown inFIG. 2 , thehose 12 and thefloor cleaner 10 may be used to clean furniture, stairs, or spot clean floor surfaces, including carpeting, rugs, and the like. - The illustrated
floor cleaner 10 includes ahandle 14 and abase 16. Thehandle 14 is pivotally coupled to thebase 16 such that the handle 14 pivots from an upright position (FIG. 1 ) to an inclined position. The illustratedbase 16 includeswheels 18 and thebase 16 engages and moves along asurface 20 to be cleaned, which is facilitated by thewheels 18. Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8 , thebase 16 further include adistribution nozzle 22 that sprays a cleaning fluid onto thesurface 20. The illustrated embodiments include an agitator 24 (FIG. 7 ), 24′ (FIG. 8 ). Theagitators surface 20 and scrub the cleaning fluid on thesurface 20 or otherwise dislodge debris from thesurface 20. The agitator 24 (FIG. 7 ) rotates about a generallyvertical axis 26. Theagitator 24′ (FIG. 8 ) rotates about a generallyhorizontal axis 26′. Referring toFIG. 6 , thebase 16 further includes afluid supply port 28. As will be discussed in more detail below, thefluid supply port 28 provides the cleaning fluid to thehose 12. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thefloor cleaner 10 further includes asupply tank 30 and arecovery tank 32. Thesupply tank 30 is in fluid communication with both the distribution nozzle 22 (FIG. 7 ) and the fluid supply portion 28 (FIG. 6 ). Thesupply tank 30 stores the cleaning fluid that is sprayed onto thesurface 20. In the illustrated embodiment, thesupply tank 30 is coupled to thehandle 14 for pivotal movement with thehandle 14 relative to thebase 16. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, thesupply tank 30 is located directly above therecovery tank 32 when thehandle 14 is in the upright position as shown inFIG. 2 . - Referring to
FIG. 7 , the illustratedrecovery tank 32 is disposed on thebase 16 such that therecovery tank 32 is supported on thebase 16 and the user sets therecovery tank 32 onto thebase 16. Therecovery tank 32 is removably coupled to thebase 16, which facilitates emptying therecovery tank 32. The recovertank 32 includes abottom surface 34 and atop surface 36 opposite thebottom surface 34. Thebottom surface 34 is directly coupled to and engages thebase 16. The recovertank 32 includes aninlet 38 that extends through thebottom surface 34 of therecovery tank 32. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 7 , thefloor cleaner 10 further includes asuction nozzle 40. Thesuction nozzle 40 includes aninlet 42 and anoutlet 44. Anoutlet axis 46 extends centrally through theoutlet 44 and perpendicular to theoutlet 44 as illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 6 . Theoutlet 44 engages theinlet 38 of therecovery tank 32 to provide fluid communication between thesuction nozzle 40 and therecovery tank 32. Thesuction nozzle 40 further includes anupper wall 48 and alower wall 50 spaced from and opposite theupper wall 48.Sidewalls 52 extend from thelower wall 50 to theupper wall 48. Afluid passageway 54 extends from theinlet 42 through theoutlet 44 and thefluid passageway 54 is defined by and bounded by thewalls suction nozzle 40 is removably coupled to the base 16 in the illustrated embodiment as shown inFIG. 5 . In one embodiment, not shown, theupper wall 48 is removably coupled to the base 16 such that a user has access to thefluid passageway 54 for cleaning. - The
floor cleaner 10 further includes asuction source 56. Thesuction source 56 is disposed in thebase 16. Thesuction source 56 includes amotor 58 and afan 60. Thesuction source 56 is in fluid communication with thefluid passageway 54 and therecovery tank 32. Thesuction source 56 draws fluid and debris through thefluid passageway 54 and into therecovery tank 32 where the fluid and debris are separated from the suction airflow generated by thesuction source 56. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7 , themotor 58 rotates thefan 60 about avertical axis 62. Theaxis 62 extends through therecovery tank 32 and is located behind thesuction nozzle 40, between thesuction nozzle 40 and thewheels 18. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8 , themotor 58 rotates thefan 60 about ahorizontal axis 62′. Thehorizontal axis 62′ extends generally parallel to thesurface 20. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 8 , thesuction source 56 is disposed in thebase 16 below theoutlet 44 of thesuction nozzle 40 between thesurface 20 and theoutlet 44 when thebase 16 andwheels 18 are positioned on thesurface 20 as shown inFIG. 8 . Also, thesuction source 56 is disposed in thebase 16 below theoutlet 44 such that theoutlet axis 46 extends through thesuction source 56 as shown inFIG. 8 . Also, theagitator 24′ is disposed below thesuction nozzle 40. The configuration of thesuction source 56 inFIG. 8 provides a more compact floor cleaner design and also permits use of thesuction source 56 to drive theagitator 24′, which eliminates the need for a separate agitator drive motor or power source (e.g., air turbine). - Referring to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , thefloor cleaner 10 further includes ahose port 64 that receives thehose 12. Thehose port 64 extends through theupper wall 48 of thesuction nozzle 40. Thehose port 64 is located at an elevation between theoutlet 44 of thesuction nozzle 40 and theinlet 42 of thesuction nozzle 40. Alternatively stated, thehose port 64 is located at an elevation between theoutlet 44 of thesuction nozzle 40 and thesurface 20 when thebase 16 and thewheels 18 are positioned on thesurface 20 as shown inFIG. 7 .Guide channels 66 extend in a direction from theupper wall 48 toward thelower wall 50 of thesuction nozzle 40. Theguide channels 66 are formed as recesses in opposing sidewalls 68 of thesuction nozzle 40. Theguide channels 66 include afirst end 70 and asecond end 72 opposite thefirst end 70. Also, aseal 74 is located adjacent thehose port 64 in the illustrated embodiment. Theseal 74 provides a fluid tight connection between thehose 12 and thesuction nozzle 40 when the hose is received in thehose port 64. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thesuction nozzle 40 includes acover 76 for thehose port 64. Thecover 76 is movable relative to theupper wall 48 of thesuction nozzle 40 between a closed position (FIG. 5 ) and an open position (FIG. 6 ). In the illustrated embodiment, thecover 76 pivots between the open and closed positions. Thecover 76 includes aprojection 78 that is received in thehose port 64 when thecover 76 is in the closed position. Also, in the closed position, thecover 76 contacts theseal 74 to inhibit fluid communication through thehose port 64. Thecover 76 also includes afront wall 79 and the base includes ahook 82. Thefront wall 79 covers thehook 82 when thecover 76 in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, thecover 76 is spring biased down toward the closed position shown inFIG. 1 . - In the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 1-7 and 9 , thefloor cleaner 10 includes an air turbine 84 (FIG. 7 ) that uses suction airflow from thesuction source 56 to drive theagitator 24. Thefloor cleaner 10 includes a second turbine 85 (FIG. 9 ) to drive apump 88. Thepump 88 is used to move cleaning fluid from thesupply tank 30 to thehose 12 via thefluid supply port 28. Thebase 16 includes anair turbine inlet 86. In the closed position, thecover 76 closes theinlet 86 such that suction airflow does not travel through theinlet 86 to drive theair turbine 85 to drive thepump 88. In the open position of the cover 76 (e.g., when thehose 12 is being used), airflow generated by thesuction source 56 is permitted through theinlet 86 to drive theair turbine 85 to drive thepump 88 to supply pressurized cleaning fluid from thesupply tank 30 to thefluid supply port 28. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thehose 12 includes ahose body 90 having afirst end 92 and asecond end 94. The illustratedhose body 90 is a flexible vacuum hose forming a suction passageway. Aconnector 96 is attached to thefirst end 92 of thehose body 90. Theconnector 96 is insertable into thehose port 64 when thecover 76 is open to removably couple thehose 12 to thehose port 64 and provide fluid communication between thehose body 90 and therecovery tank 32 via theoutlet 44 of thesuction nozzle 40. Theconnector 96 of thehose 12 extends transverse to theupper wall 48 of thesuction nozzle 40 when theconnector 96 is received in the hose port 65. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown inFIG. 7 , theconnector 96 of thehose 12 is perpendicular to theupper wall 48 of thesuction nozzle 40 when theconnector 96 is received in thehose port 64. - The
connector 96 includesrails 98 that slide into theguide channels 66 when theconnector 96 is inserted into thehose port 64. Thefirst end 70 of theguide channels 66 each include anopening 100 in theupper wall 48 of thesuction nozzle 40 that receives therail 98 of theconnector 96. Theguide channel 66 and themating rail 98 provide increased strength in the connection betweenconnector 96 and thesuction nozzle 40 and thehose port 64 and reduce forces on theupper wall 48 over prior hose connections. Theguide channel 66 supportingly engages themating rail 98 to inhibit forward and rearward tilting ofconnector 96 relative to thesuction nozzle 40, which provides for a better seal and less fluid leaks between theconnector 96 and thehose port 64. Also, thechannels 66 and rails 98 provide a locating feature that helps the user align theconnector 96 and thehose port 64 when attaching thehose 12 to thehose port 64. - The
connector 96 of thehose 12 further includes alatch 80 that engages thehook 82 to retain 96 theconnector 96 within thehose port 64. The user presses thelatch 80 to unlatch thelatch 80 from thehook 82 to remove theconnector 96 from thehose port 64 and disconnect thehose 12 from thesuction nozzle 40. Thehook 82 is covered by thecover 76 to hide thehook 82 when thecover 76 is in the closed position. In other embodiments, thecover 76 may include a latch that engages thehook 82 when thecover 76 is in the closed position to retain thecover 76 in the closed position. - The
connector 96 further includes afluid supply connector 102 insertable into thefluid supply port 28 when thecover 76 is in the open position to removably couple thefluid supply connector 102 to thefluid supply port 28. This connection provides fluid communication between thesupply tank 30 and thefluid supply connector 102. - The
hose 12 further include atool 106 at thesecond end 94 of thehose body 90. The illustratedtool 106 includes asuction opening 108, aspray nozzle 110, and anactuator 112. Thesuction opening 108 is in fluid communication with thesuction source 56 through thehose body 90 when thehose 12 is attached to thefloor cleaner 10 as shown inFIG. 3 . Also, thespray nozzle 110 is in fluid communication with thefluid supply connector 102 and thefluid supply port 28 when thehose 12 is attached to thefloor cleaner 10. In the illustrated embodiment, a tube is located inside thehose body 90 that provides fluid communication between thefluid supply connector 102 and thespray nozzle 110. In the illustrated embodiment, theactuator 112 is a trigger that is pressed by the user to dispense the cleaning fluid through thespray nozzle 110. - In operation, the user can use the
floor cleaner 10 in a first or upright mode of operation. In the upright mode of operation, thedistribution nozzle 22 is used to spray cleaning fluid on to thesurface 20. In one embodiment, gravity is used to spray the cleaning fluid on to thesurface 20 and in other embodiments a pump may be used to spray the fluid on to thesurface 20. The user moves thebase 16 along thesurface 20 using thehandle 14 and thehandle 14 pivots relative to the base 16 as the user moves thebase 16 along thesurface 20. Meanwhile, thesuction source 56 draws the dispensed fluid and debris through theinlet 42 of thesuction nozzle 40. The fluid, debris, and suction airflow, travel through thesuction nozzle 40 and into therecovery tank 32. In therecovery tank 32, the fluid and debris are separated from the suction airflow and retained in therecovery tank 32. The suction airflow travels to thesuction source 56 before being exhausted from thefloor cleaner 10. - The user may also use the
floor cleaner 10 in a second or accessory hose mode of operation. In the accessory hose mode of operation, the user inserts theconnector 96 into thehose port 64 as discussed above. Theconnector 96 includes aportion 114 that blocks a portion of thefluid passageway 54 that is between theinlet 42 of thesuction nozzle 40 and theportion 114. Therefore, the suction airflow from thesuction source 56 is directed through thesuction opening 108 of thehose 12 and inhibiting air entry through theinlet 42. The user may use theactuator 112 to dispense cleaning fluid through thespray nozzle 110 onto a surface being cleaned. Thesuction source 56 draws the dispensed fluid and debris through thesuction opening 108 of thetool 106. The fluid, debris, and suction airflow, travel throughhose body 90, through thehose port 64, into thesuction nozzle 40 and then into therecovery tank 32. In therecovery tank 32, the fluid and debris are separated from the suction airflow and retained in therecovery tank 32. The suction airflow travels to thesuction source 56 before being exhausted from thefloor cleaner 10. - Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.
Claims (23)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/709,027 US20220313044A1 (en) | 2021-03-31 | 2022-03-30 | Floor cleaner |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US202163168846P | 2021-03-31 | 2021-03-31 | |
US17/709,027 US20220313044A1 (en) | 2021-03-31 | 2022-03-30 | Floor cleaner |
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US20220313044A1 true US20220313044A1 (en) | 2022-10-06 |
Family
ID=81346305
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/709,027 Pending US20220313044A1 (en) | 2021-03-31 | 2022-03-30 | Floor cleaner |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20220313044A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4312691A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN117202829A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2022249323A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022212542A1 (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4634197A (en) * | 1985-12-27 | 1987-01-06 | Horlacher Jr Albert F | Vacuum cleaner hose adapter |
US20020092116A1 (en) * | 2001-01-12 | 2002-07-18 | Zahuranec Terry L. | Tank mounting of carpet extractor |
US20050120507A1 (en) * | 2003-12-06 | 2005-06-09 | Kegg Steven W. | Cleaning machine for cleaning a surface |
US20070094838A1 (en) * | 2005-11-02 | 2007-05-03 | The Scott Fetzer Company | Vacuum cleaner with removable cleaning attachment |
US20170071434A1 (en) * | 2015-09-14 | 2017-03-16 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6041472A (en) * | 1995-11-06 | 2000-03-28 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Upright water extraction cleaning machine |
EP2611346B1 (en) * | 2010-09-01 | 2021-07-14 | Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited | Flow control of an extractor cleaning machine |
US11529037B2 (en) * | 2019-01-07 | 2022-12-20 | Bissell, Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus having a fluid distributor |
-
2022
- 2022-03-30 WO PCT/US2022/022598 patent/WO2022212542A1/en active Application Filing
- 2022-03-30 CN CN202280031137.6A patent/CN117202829A/en active Pending
- 2022-03-30 US US17/709,027 patent/US20220313044A1/en active Pending
- 2022-03-30 EP EP22718001.5A patent/EP4312691A1/en active Pending
- 2022-03-30 AU AU2022249323A patent/AU2022249323A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4634197A (en) * | 1985-12-27 | 1987-01-06 | Horlacher Jr Albert F | Vacuum cleaner hose adapter |
US20020092116A1 (en) * | 2001-01-12 | 2002-07-18 | Zahuranec Terry L. | Tank mounting of carpet extractor |
US20050120507A1 (en) * | 2003-12-06 | 2005-06-09 | Kegg Steven W. | Cleaning machine for cleaning a surface |
US20070094838A1 (en) * | 2005-11-02 | 2007-05-03 | The Scott Fetzer Company | Vacuum cleaner with removable cleaning attachment |
US20170071434A1 (en) * | 2015-09-14 | 2017-03-16 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2022212542A1 (en) | 2022-10-06 |
EP4312691A1 (en) | 2024-02-07 |
CN117202829A (en) | 2023-12-08 |
AU2022249323A1 (en) | 2023-11-09 |
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