WO2005023077A1 - Apparatus for floor treatment - Google Patents

Apparatus for floor treatment Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005023077A1
WO2005023077A1 PCT/GB2004/002852 GB2004002852W WO2005023077A1 WO 2005023077 A1 WO2005023077 A1 WO 2005023077A1 GB 2004002852 W GB2004002852 W GB 2004002852W WO 2005023077 A1 WO2005023077 A1 WO 2005023077A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
treating device
treating
floor
housing
location
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2004/002852
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
William Patrick Daniel Johnson
Glyn Andrew Edward Hauser
John Bryan Lawrence
Original Assignee
Morphy Richards Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Morphy Richards Limited filed Critical Morphy Richards Limited
Publication of WO2005023077A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005023077A1/en

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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
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/02—Floor surfacing or polishing machines
    • A47L11/20—Floor surfacing or polishing machines combined with vacuum cleaning devices
    • A47L11/202—Floor surfacing or polishing machines combined with vacuum cleaning devices having separate drive for the cleaning 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47L11/4052—Movement of the tools or the like perpendicular to the cleaning surface
    • A47L11/4055—Movement of the tools or the like perpendicular to the cleaning surface for lifting the tools to a non-working position
    • 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
    • A47L11/4063—Driving means; Transmission means therefor
    • A47L11/4069—Driving or transmission means for the cleaning 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
    • 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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to apparatus for treating floor surfaces, and in particular for apparatus for treating both hard floors and carpets.
  • Vacuum cleaners typically comprise a suction device for removal of dirt and dust, and a cylindrical beater bar with bristles that is rotated to beat a carpet to remove dirt and dust from carpet fibres.
  • the suction device removes the dirt and dust that has been dislodged by the beater bar from the carpet fibres, thereby cleaning the carpet.
  • the beater bar is typically rotated by a drive belt, and the drive belt is rotated by an electric motor.
  • the electric motor for rotating the beater bar is also used for generating the suction.
  • a first electric motor is used to rotate the beater bar and a second electric motor is used to power the suction device.
  • Floor polishers for polishing hard floor surfaces typically comprise a pair of rotating discs that rotate in opposition to each other. The discs typically have a polishing pad connected to their lower surface such that the polishing pad is in contact with the hard floor surface. Each polishing pad can be removed for replacement or cleaning.
  • GB 722,700 discloses a combined suction cleaner and floor polisher, which includes a pair of rotating discs for floor polishing and a beater bar for carpet cleaning. This apparatus is bulky, and the mechanisms by which the rotating floor polishing disc is raised and lowered, and the cleaner is switched from a carpet cleaning mode to a floor polishing mode are complex.
  • US 3,719,966 discloses a combined floor polisher and suction cleaner.
  • this device does not include a beater bar for cleaning carpets, and simply allows for carpet cleaning using suction only, and for hard floor polishing using buffing brushes.
  • This device is designed to combine the operation of brushing and removing litter from a hard floor surface with the operation of polishing the hard floor surface.
  • WO 02/082965 discloses a bare floor switch assembly for a power head or an upright vacuum cleaner. This allows power to be cut off to the beater bar in a standard vacuum cleaner when cleaning hard floor surfaces. However, no polishing means is provided for the hard floor surfaces, and the suction of the vacuum cleaner is used to remove dust and dirt from the hard floor surface.
  • DE 4436836 discloses a vacuum cleaner for maintaining the condition of carpets or hard floors.
  • a beater bar is provided for cleaning carpets, and a set of bristles are provided for dusting hard floor surfaces in conjunction with the suction.
  • no means for polishing floors are provided.
  • FR 2547191 discloses a vacuum cleaner end piece for cleaning floors with a textile covering or hard floors.
  • a beater bar is not provided for efficiently cleaning carpets, and whilst brushes are used for cleaning dust and debris from hard floors no polishing means is provided.
  • GB 635,922 discloses a combined floor polisher and vacuum cleaner. However, no beater bar is included for cleaning carpets and floor polishing is accomplished using a pair of rotating discs.
  • GB 722700 includes both a beater bar and a device for polishing floors.
  • the floor polishing device comprises a pair of rotatable discs that can be raised or lowered as required to engage with the floor surface, but are otherwise fixed in position in the body of the cleaner. This makes the device bulky.
  • This disclosure also includes a beater bar for cleaning carpets, that can be raised or lowered as required to engage with a carpet surface.
  • a floor cleaner that can operate in two modes, for example, in one mode to clean carpets and in another mode to polish floors; and that is no more bulky than an upright vacuum cleaner, and has easily removable cleaning devices for cleaning or replacement.
  • apparatus for cleaning floor surfaces comprising: a first cleaning device; and a second cleaning device; means to displace said first cleaning device and said second cleaning device relative to each other; wherein during a first mode of operation said first cleaning device is located in a floor engaging location and said second cleaning device is located in a storage location; and during a second mode of operation said second cleaning device is located in said floor engaging location and said first cleaning device is located in said storage location.
  • said first cleaning device comprises any one of the following: • a cylindrical beater bar comprising a series of bristles configured to clean a carpet surface;
  • said second cleaning device comprises any one of the following:
  • a cylindrical beater bar comprising a series of bristles configured to clean a carpet surface
  • said apparatus further comprises a housing, said housing comprising; a first compartment; and a second compartment; wherein said first cleaning device is located substantially in said first compartment and said second cleaning device is located substantially in said second compartment; and said first cleaning device is substantially separated from said second cleaning device by a wall between said first compartment and said second compartment.
  • said means to displace said first cleaning device and said second cleaning device relative to each other comprises; a pedal, said pedal being operatively connected to; at least one drive belt, said drive belt being operatively connected to; at least one drive wheel, said drive wheel being operatively connected to; a central pivot point located on said housing; whereby operation of said pedal transmit motive force via said drive belt to rotate said drive wheel, thereby effecting rotation of said housing about said central pivot point of said housing.
  • said apparatus comprises a housing slider configured to guide said housing along a predetermined path during said rotation of said housing.
  • said apparatus further comprises drive means, said drive means configured to rotate said first cleaning device during said first mode of operation and rotate said second cleaning device during a second mode of operation.
  • said drive means comprises; an electric motor; and at least one drive belt; and at least one drive gear; wherein motive force is transferred from said electric motor via said drive belt and said drive gear to said first cleaning device during said first mode of operation and motive force is transferred from said electric motor via said drive belt and said drive gear to said second cleaning device during a second mode of operation.
  • said apparatus further comprises releasable locking means configured to lock said first cleaning device and said second cleaning device during said first mode of operation and said second mode of operation.
  • said apparatus further comprises a hingeably mounted housing cover configured to substantially cover said first cleaning device and said second cleaning device.
  • said housing cover is configured to allow access to said storage location.
  • the apparatus further comprises releasable location means for locating said first cleaning device and said second cleaning device in a desired position; wherein said releasable location means can be operated by a user to release said first cleaning device from said storage position or to release said second cleaning device from said storage position.
  • said first cleaning device comprises; a first button on an end of said first cleaning device, said first button configured to releasably lock into a housing; and biasing means to maintain said first button in a locking position; wherein said first button can be pushed by a user to release said first cleaning device from said housing.
  • said second cleaning device comprises; a second button on an end of said second cleaning device, said second button configured to releasably lock into a housing; and biasing means to maintain said second button in a locking position; wherein said second button can be pushed by a user to release said second cleaning device from said housing.
  • said apparatus further comprises: suction means configured to substantially remove dirt and dust from said floor surface; and storage means configured to store said dirt and dust.
  • an upright vacuum cleaner comprising the apparatus.
  • Figure 1 illustrates schematically a perspective view of an upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning either carpets or hard floor surfaces.
  • Figure 2 illustrates schematically a side elevation view of the apparatus for cleaning hard floor surfaces or carpets.
  • Figure 3 illustrates schematically a side elevation view of the apparatus during switching of between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation.
  • Figure 4 illustrates schematically a side elevation view of the apparatus with a wheel and a housing cover and a clutch drive cover removed.
  • Figure 5 illustrates schematically a flow diagram showing the operation of rotating the housing to move between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation.
  • Figure 6 illustrates schematically a plan view of the drive mechanism for rotation of the cleaning device in the floor engaging location.
  • Figure 7 illustrates schematically a cross-section view of a floor polisher bar.
  • FIG. 1 there is illustrated schematically a perspective view of an upright vacuum cleaner 101 for cleaning either carpets or hard floor surfaces.
  • the vacuum cleaner 101 comprises a handle 102 for the user to manipulate the vacuum cleaner 101, a main housing 103, and an upright housing 104.
  • the upright housing 104 comprises suction means and means for storing dirt and dust collected by the cleaner.
  • the main housing 103 comprises two floor treating devices.
  • the main housing 103 further comprises a floor engaging location 105 and a storage location 106.
  • a treating device is located in the floor engaging location 105, and a further treating device is located in the storage location 106.
  • the apparatus comprises a single floor engaging location 105 and a single storage location 106.
  • the floor engaging location 105 is configured to house either one of the two floor cleaning devices, and the storage location 106 is configured which ever floor treating device is not housed in the floor engaging location 105,
  • the apparatus comprises a first treating device 201 , a second treating device 202, a housing 203 in which the first treating device 201 and the second treating device 202 are located, a pair of housing bars 204 each located at either side of the housing 203, a pair of lift bars 205, a releasable locking mechanism 206, a housing cover 207, housing cover hinges 208, and a pair of rear wheels 209 located towards the rear of the apparatus.
  • the term 'treating device' is used herein to denote a carpet cleaning device, a hard floor cleaning device, a floor scrubbing device or a floor sanding device or any other device used to clean or treat a floor surface.
  • the following description is based on apparatus comprising a hard floor cleaning device and a carpet cleaning device, although floor scrubbing or floor sanding devices could equally be used in place of either or both of the hard floor cleaning device or the carpet cleaning device.
  • the first treating device 201 comprises a hard floor cleaning device, comprising a cylindrical polishing bar.
  • the second treating device 202 comprises a carpet cleaning device, comprising a cylindrical beater bar with a series of bristles that beats the carpet when the carpet cleaning device is in the floor engaging location.
  • the hard floor cleaning device 201 and the carpet cleaning device 202 are located in a housing 203.
  • the housing comprises 2 compartments, the first compartment containing the carpet cleaning device and the second compartment containing the hard floor cleaning device 201.
  • the compartments are separated by a wall to avoid dust and dirt from the carpet cleaning device 202 from contaminating the hard floor cleaning device 201 , and to prevent polishing fluid from the hard floor cleaning device 201 from contaminating the carpet cleaning device 202.
  • Each compartment is configured to allow the carpet cleaning device 202 to be in contact with a carpet when in a first mode of operation, and the hard floor cleaning device to be in contact with a hard floor surface during a second mode of operation.
  • the separation of the compartments in the housing 203 also reduces loss of suction during operation.
  • the housing 203 should be as close to the floor as possible to increase the vacuum seal, and therefore increase the performance of the cleaning apparatus. It has been found that if the housing 203 is located at substantially 30° to the floor surface, this provides the best position for rotating the housing 203 and increasing the clearance under furniture.
  • a housing bar 204 is located at either end of the housing 203.
  • Each housing bar 204 has a pivot point 210 located in the centre of the housing bar, about which the housing 203 can rotate.
  • a support bar 205 is located at either side of the housing 203.
  • Each support bar 205 is operatively connected to the pivot point 210 of the corresponding housing bar 204.
  • the housing 203 rotates about the 5 pivot point 210 to move the hard floor cleaning device 201 to a storage location 106 and the carpet cleaning device 202 to the floor engaging location 105, or to move the carpet cleaning device 202 to the storage location 106 and the hard floor cleaning device to the floor engaging location 105.
  • the support bars 205 are free to move up and down when the mechanism for rotating the housing to 203 is activated, thereby preventing rotation of the housing 203 from raising the apparatus from the floor surface.
  • a housing slider 211 is also provided.
  • the angle of the housing slider 2115 is configured to allow each housing bar 204 to slide down an upper surface of the housing slider 211 during rotation of housing 203.
  • the supporting bars 205 prevent the housing 203 and the housing bars 204 from moving away from a predefined path with respect to the housing slider 211.
  • the supporting bars 205 also prevent the housing from moving laterally with respect to the housing slider0 211.
  • a releasable locking mechanism 206 is provided to prevent the roller housing 203 from moving during operation, and to ensure that the carpet cleaning device or the hard floor cleaning device is in sufficiently close proximity to the5 floor surface being cleaned.
  • the releasable locking mechanism comprises a pair of catches configured to releasably lock onto each corresponding housing bar 204.
  • the housing cover 207 is hingeably connected to the main body of the o vacuum cleaner by at least one hinge 208.
  • the housing cover 207 is provided to reduce noise during operation and to prevent exposure of dirt or fluid on a cleaning device to a user.
  • the housing cover 207 can be adapted to engage with the locking mechanism 206 to lock the housing cover 207 down during use.
  • FIG. 3 there is illustrated schematically a side elevation
  • a drive belt housing 302 is provided, in addition to a second drive housing 303 and a housing bar 301. 0
  • the drive belt housing 302 has the dual function of housing a drive belt and acting as a support bar 205.
  • the drive belt housing 302 is connected by a pivot 210 to the housing bar 302.
  • the drive belt housing houses the drive belt that acts to rotate the housing 203.
  • the second drive housing 303 houses a drive belt that provides rotational movement of the cleaning device that is located in the5 floor engaging location.
  • FIG. 4 there is illustrated schematically a side elevation view of the apparatus with a wheel and a housing cover and a drive cover removed.
  • a foot pedal 401 a pentagonal ratchet 402, biasing 0 means comprising a spring 403, a first drive belt 404, a first pulley (not shown), a second pulley 405, a third pulley 406, a second drive belt 407, and a fourth pulley 408.
  • the foot pedal 401 is provided for switching the apparatus between a first5 mode of operation and a second mode of operation, or a second mode of operation and a first mode of operation. Depression of the foot pedal 401 by a user causes rotation of the housing 203.
  • the foot pedal is connected to a pentagonal ratchet 402, ensuring that the foot pedal 401 can be depressed by no more than 72° at any one time.
  • Biasing means 403 comprising a spring is o provided to return the foot pedal 401 to its original position. Depression of the foot pedal causes rotation of the first pulley (not shown) by 72°.
  • the first pulley is connected to first drive belt 404, which turns the second pulley 405.
  • the second pulley 405 is connected to the third pulley 406.
  • Rotation of the third pulley 406 causes movement of the second drive belt 407, which in turn rotates the fourth pulley 408.
  • the gearing ratio of the first, second, third and fourth pulleys is configured such that a 72° rotation of the first pulley will cause a 180° rotation of the fourth pulley 408.
  • An axis of the fourth pulley 408 is operatively connected to a pivot point 210 of the housing bar, thereby ensuring that the housing 203 rotates by the same amount as the fourth pulley 408.
  • Support bars 205 are provided to ensure that when the housing 203 is rotated the housing 203 stays above a floor surface.
  • the housing is rotated such that the cleaning device in the floor engaging location 105 is raised and the cleaning device in the storage location 106 is lowered.
  • the housing bars 204 contact with the housing slider 211 to ensure that the housing 203 moves along a predefined path as it rotates.
  • the support bars 205 are configured to rotate about a pivot 212 located at one end of each support bar
  • Depression of the foot pedal 401 releases the releasable locking means 206 to allow the housing 203 to rotate. Depression of the foot pedal 401 accomplishes three events; activating a cut-off switch; release of the releasable locking means 206 and rotation of the housing 203. The timing of these events is critical, as rotation of the housing 203 before the locking means 206 is released could lead to stress and damage to components. Referring to Fig. 5 herein, there is illustrated schematically a flow diagram showing the operation of rotating the housing to move between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation.
  • a cut off switch is activated to cut off power to the cleaning device motor 502 and thereby prevent rotation of the cleaning device located in the floor engaging location.
  • the locking mechanism 5 206 is released 503 to release the roller housing 203.
  • the housing 203 begins to rotate 504. Once the housing 203 is clear of the locking mechanism 206, the locking mechanism 206 springs back 505 to its original position.
  • the housing 203 rotates 506 about a pivot 210 through 180°. As the rotation nears completion, the housing is lowered 507 with the housing bars 204 in contact with0 the housing slide 211 towards its operational position. Once the housing 203 reaches its operational position, the catch 206 locks 508 the housing 203 back in place.
  • the rotation of the housing 203 moves the first treating device from the floor engaging location 105 to the storage location 106, and the second treating device from the storage location 106 to the floor engaging location 105.
  • the cut-5 off switch is de-activated 509, thereby allowing power to the cleaning head motor, and thereby allowing rotation of the cleaning device in the floor engaging location 105.
  • FIG. 6 there is illustrated schematically a plan view of 0 the drive mechanism for rotation of the treating device in the floor engaging location 105.
  • a treating device motor 601 a worm gear 602, a clutch 603, a first treating device drive wheel 604, a treating device drive belt 409, a second treating device drive wheel 410, a first helical gear 605, a spacer gear 606 and a second helical gear 607 operatively connected to the treating device5 608 in a floor engaging location.
  • a treating device 609 in a storage location, a third helical gear 610 and a second spacer gear 611.
  • the treating device motor 601 rotates a shaft that connects to the worm gear 602.
  • the worm gear 602 transfers the rotational movement of the shaft o through 90° via a clutch 603 to the first drive wheel 604.
  • the first drive wheel 604 turns the drive belt 409 which turns the second drive wheel 410.
  • the second drive wheel 410 is connected to a first helical gear 605, which rotates.
  • the spacer gear 606 comprises a helical gear, which operatively connects to the first helical gear 605.
  • the spacer gear 606 is also operatively connected to the second helical gear 607, which rotates.
  • the second helical gear 607 is connected to the treating device 607 in the floor engaging position, which rotates.
  • the second drive housing 303 houses the first treating device drive wheel 604, the second treating device drive wheel 410 and the treating device drive belt 409 that provides rotational movement to the treating device that is located in the floor engaging location.
  • the treating device motor 601 is provided to transmit rotational force to the treating device that is located in a floor engaging location via the cleaning device drive belt 409
  • the treating device motor actuates the treating device drive belt 409, which in turn rotates the second drive wheel 410 that is operatively connected to the treating device 608 in the floor engaging location 105.
  • the first helical gear 605 operatively connects to the spacer gear 606 to provide rotational force to the treating device 608 in the floor engaging location 105. If the locking means 206 is not engaged, the gears will not operatively connect and no rotational force will be transmitted to the treating device in the floor engaging location 105.
  • the spacer gear 606 comprises a helical gear, and is provided between the second treating device drive wheel 410 and the second helical gear 607, to act as a spacer. It has been found that the ideal rotational speed for a hard floor polishing device is between 4000 and 5000 rpm. If this speed does not match the speed of the treating device motor, the speed of the hard floor treating device 201 can be modified using wheel gear transmission. The gear ratio between the first helical gear and the second helical gear can be altered using a different size of third helical gear. In this way, if the ideal rotational speed for one treating device is different to the ideal rotation speed of another treating device, different spacer gears can be associated with different treating devices. The first helical gear rotates at a speed dictated by the treating device motor, but different sizes of spacer gears are used to ensure that different treating devices rotate at different required speeds.
  • Each treating device has an associated helical gear and spacer gear.
  • the 5 treating device 609 in the storage location 106 has a third helical gear 610 and second spacer gear 611.
  • the treating device 609 is displaced from the storage location 106 to the floor engaging location 105.
  • the second spacer gear 611 then operatively connects to the first helical gear 605, o such that rotational movement can be translated from the treating device motor 601 to the treating device 609 that is now in the floor engaging location 105.
  • the treating device drive belt 409 is operatively connected to a clutch 603.
  • the clutch has a dual purpose. The first is for safety reasons in the event of o large objects or fingers getting lodged in the carpet cleaning device or the hard floor cleaning device, and the second reason is to remove the motive force from the treating device if, for example the hard floor cleaning device 201 is accidentally used on carpets.
  • the hard floor cleaning device has much greater friction when used on carpet than when used on hard floors, and so if the hard 5 floor cleaning device 201 is used on carpets the clutch makes a noise that alerts a user to the fact that a hard floor cleaning device is being used on a carpet.
  • an electronic clutch may be provided which cuts the power to the driver motor when the current load of the motor reaches certain levels.
  • an indicator such as a display panel
  • the apparatus is used with the treating device motor switched on to provide rotational movement to the treating device that is located in the floor engaging location.
  • the apparatus in a suction-only mode where the treating device motor is not switched on.
  • a second motor (not shown) is provided to create suction.
  • Any suitable motor may be used, although it has been found that a motor configured for operation in wet or dry conditions is ideal, as polishing fluid from a hard floor cleaning head 201 or a scrubbing head may to get sucked into the second motor.
  • the second motor may be used to generate suction either when the treating device motor is in operation or when the treating device motor is not in operation.
  • a vacuum seal (not shown) is provided to substantially seal the housing 203 with the floor surface, and increase the suction generated by the second motor.
  • the silicone seal makes contact with the housing 203 to ensure the suction is maximized in the compartment of the housing that is located in the floor engaging location 105.
  • a suction inlet pipe (not shown) is also provided. The suction inlet pipe connects to the motor providing the suction. Dirt and debris is removed from the floor engaging location via the suction inlet pipe. It has been found that silicone rubber provides the required seal and flexibility.
  • the vacuum cleaner comprises rear wheels 209 and forward wheels (not shown).
  • the height of the vacuum cleaner is important, as the correct clearance between the carpet cleaning head 202 and a carpet is required depending on different carpet types, and the correct clearance between the hard floor cleaning device 201 and a hard floor surface is required to ensure the most efficient cleaning.
  • Both the rear and forward wheels have non-scratch rubber rims to reduce noise and damage on hard floors, and are made from a non-marking material.
  • the pair of forward wheels are height adjustable to allow for a different desired clearance on different surfaces.
  • a further feature of the invention is the mechanism by which the carpet 5 cleaning device and the hard floor cleaning device can be removed for replacement or cleaning. Raising the housing cover 207 exposes whichever treating device is in the storage location 106. A mechanism is provided for removing whichever treating device is in the storage location 106. Any suitable mechanism may be used, for example releasable mechanical catches, or0 releasable bolts.
  • buttons on each treating device that are mechanically biased in a protruding position.
  • the hard floor cleaning device 201 and the carpet cleaning device 202 are each provided with a5 button at one end of the cylindrical bar.
  • the button includes biasing means such that the button returns to a protruding position when it is not depressed.
  • This button releaseably connects with a hole 213 in the housing bar 204 to lock the cleaning device in place. The user removes the housing cover 207, pushes the button in to provide clearance between the treating device and the housing bar o 204 and the treating device can then be lifted out for cleaning or replacement.
  • FIG. 7 there is illustrated schematically a cross-section view of a floor polisher bar 701.
  • the cylindrical polishing bar 701 comprises a fabric polishing roller 702, an inner bar 703, and lugs 704.
  • the fabric polishing5 roller 702 is removably fitted around the inner bar 703, and can be removed by a user by sliding it off the inner bar 703. This allows the user to wash the fabric polishing roller 702, or to use different fabric polisher rollers 702 with different polishing grades. For example, a coarse polishing grade would be used for abrading and scrubbing, whereas a fine polishing grade would be used for o buffing.
  • Lugs 704 are provided to ensure that the fabric polishing roller 702 does not slip around the inner bar 703 when the inner bar 703 is rotated during operation.
  • channels 705 are provided in the surface of the fabric polishing roller 702. These channels 705 are formed along a length of the floor polisher bar 701 , and are ideally formed in a chevron shape along the length of the bar. These channels 705 are configured to trap coarse particles and debris, and channel them towards the suction inlet pipe for removal from the floor engaging location 105.
  • all of the bulky parts such as the drive belt housing 302 and the second drive housing 303 are located on a first side of the apparatus. This ensures that the cleaning head in the floor- engaging position 105 can extend almost to an edge of an opposite side of the apparatus to the first side, thereby ensuring cleaning of a floor surface as close as possible to an edge such as a wall.
  • the apparatus does not comprise a foot pedal 401. Instead, rotation of the housing 203 is effected by use of an electric motor. In this way, when a user wishes to move a first cleaning device from the floor engaging location 105 to the storage location 106, and a second cleaning device from the storage location 106 to the floor engaging location, the user merely needs to activate the electric motor by pressing a button to effect rotation of the housing 203, and a foot pedal 401 is not required.
  • the apparatus is provided without a motor to provide suction.
  • the apparatus is therefore less bulky, because a motor for providing suction is not required, and a cyclone or bag to filter dirt and dust generated by the suction is not required.
  • rotation of the housing 203 is effected by depressing a foot pedal 401 , rather than a further electric motor.
  • the device is powered by a rechargeable battery rather than directly from a mains power source.
  • the rechargeable battery may be recharged from a mains power source when the apparatus is not in use.
  • a handle is provided to allow a user to easily manipulate the device.
  • the handle has a telescopically adjustable length, thereby allowing a user to select a handle length that is most comfortable for use. Furthermore, the handle can be removed from the device to enable the apparatus to be used in awkward locations such as stairs.
  • the device further comprises a collector configured to collect dust and dirt removed from a floor surface.
  • the collector is detachably fixed to the apparatus, such that the user can detach the collector for emptying and cleaning.
  • a typical application of the apparatus according to the third specific embodiment is a floor sweeper.
  • the first floor treating device comprises a brush with bristles
  • the second floor treating device comprises a floor polisher.
  • the first treating device is in the floor engaging location 105, the device is used to sweep carpets or hard floor surfaces.
  • the apparatus is used to polish hard floor surfaces.

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  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Abstract

There is provided apparatus (101) for treating floor surfaces comprising a first treating device (201), a second treating device (202), a floor engaging location (105), a storage location (106), and means (401, 204, 210) to displace the first treating device and the second treating device relative to each other. The means to displace the first treating device and the second treating device is configured to displace the first treating device between the floor engaging location and the storage location, and the second treating device between the storage location and the floor engaging location.

Description

APPARATUS FOR FLOORTREATMENT
Field of the Invention The invention relates to apparatus for treating floor surfaces, and in particular for apparatus for treating both hard floors and carpets.
Background to the Invention Vacuum cleaners typically comprise a suction device for removal of dirt and dust, and a cylindrical beater bar with bristles that is rotated to beat a carpet to remove dirt and dust from carpet fibres. The suction device removes the dirt and dust that has been dislodged by the beater bar from the carpet fibres, thereby cleaning the carpet.
The beater bar is typically rotated by a drive belt, and the drive belt is rotated by an electric motor. In some vacuum cleaners, the electric motor for rotating the beater bar is also used for generating the suction. In other vacuum cleaners, a first electric motor is used to rotate the beater bar and a second electric motor is used to power the suction device. Floor polishers for polishing hard floor surfaces typically comprise a pair of rotating discs that rotate in opposition to each other. The discs typically have a polishing pad connected to their lower surface such that the polishing pad is in contact with the hard floor surface. Each polishing pad can be removed for replacement or cleaning.
As more and more houses include both rooms that are carpeted and rooms that have hard floor surfaces, such as tiled floor surfaces or wooden floor surfaces, there is a need for a combined vacuum cleaner and floor polisher. GB 722,700 discloses a combined suction cleaner and floor polisher, which includes a pair of rotating discs for floor polishing and a beater bar for carpet cleaning. This apparatus is bulky, and the mechanisms by which the rotating floor polishing disc is raised and lowered, and the cleaner is switched from a carpet cleaning mode to a floor polishing mode are complex.
US 3,719,966 discloses a combined floor polisher and suction cleaner. However, this device does not include a beater bar for cleaning carpets, and simply allows for carpet cleaning using suction only, and for hard floor polishing using buffing brushes. This device is designed to combine the operation of brushing and removing litter from a hard floor surface with the operation of polishing the hard floor surface.
WO 02/082965 discloses a bare floor switch assembly for a power head or an upright vacuum cleaner. This allows power to be cut off to the beater bar in a standard vacuum cleaner when cleaning hard floor surfaces. However, no polishing means is provided for the hard floor surfaces, and the suction of the vacuum cleaner is used to remove dust and dirt from the hard floor surface.
DE 4436836 discloses a vacuum cleaner for maintaining the condition of carpets or hard floors. A beater bar is provided for cleaning carpets, and a set of bristles are provided for dusting hard floor surfaces in conjunction with the suction. However, no means for polishing floors are provided.
FR 2547191 discloses a vacuum cleaner end piece for cleaning floors with a textile covering or hard floors. However, a beater bar is not provided for efficiently cleaning carpets, and whilst brushes are used for cleaning dust and debris from hard floors no polishing means is provided.
GB 635,922 discloses a combined floor polisher and vacuum cleaner. However, no beater bar is included for cleaning carpets and floor polishing is accomplished using a pair of rotating discs.
Of the above disclosures, only GB 722700 includes both a beater bar and a device for polishing floors. However, the floor polishing device comprises a pair of rotatable discs that can be raised or lowered as required to engage with the floor surface, but are otherwise fixed in position in the body of the cleaner. This makes the device bulky. This disclosure also includes a beater bar for cleaning carpets, that can be raised or lowered as required to engage with a carpet surface.
Summary of the Invention The inventors have realised that there is a need for a floor cleaner that can operate in two modes, for example, in one mode to clean carpets and in another mode to polish floors; and that is no more bulky than an upright vacuum cleaner, and has easily removable cleaning devices for cleaning or replacement.
According to a first aspect there is provided apparatus for cleaning floor surfaces comprising: a first cleaning device; and a second cleaning device; means to displace said first cleaning device and said second cleaning device relative to each other; wherein during a first mode of operation said first cleaning device is located in a floor engaging location and said second cleaning device is located in a storage location; and during a second mode of operation said second cleaning device is located in said floor engaging location and said first cleaning device is located in said storage location.
Preferably, said first cleaning device comprises any one of the following: • a cylindrical beater bar comprising a series of bristles configured to clean a carpet surface;
• a cylindrical hard floor polisher bar configured to polish a hard floor surface;
• a cylindrical scrubbing bar configured to scrub a hard floor surface;
• a cylindrical sanding bar configured to sand a wooden floor surface. Preferably, said second cleaning device comprises any one of the following:
• a cylindrical beater bar comprising a series of bristles configured to clean a carpet surface;
• a cylindrical hard floor polisher bar configured to polish a hard floor surface;
• a cylindrical scrubbing bar configured to scrub a hard floor surface;
• a cylindrical sanding bar configured to sand a wooden floor surface.
Preferably, said apparatus further comprises a housing, said housing comprising; a first compartment; and a second compartment; wherein said first cleaning device is located substantially in said first compartment and said second cleaning device is located substantially in said second compartment; and said first cleaning device is substantially separated from said second cleaning device by a wall between said first compartment and said second compartment.
Preferably, said means to displace said first cleaning device and said second cleaning device relative to each other comprises; a pedal, said pedal being operatively connected to; at least one drive belt, said drive belt being operatively connected to; at least one drive wheel, said drive wheel being operatively connected to; a central pivot point located on said housing; whereby operation of said pedal transmit motive force via said drive belt to rotate said drive wheel, thereby effecting rotation of said housing about said central pivot point of said housing.
Preferably, said apparatus comprises a housing slider configured to guide said housing along a predetermined path during said rotation of said housing.
Preferably, said apparatus further comprises drive means, said drive means configured to rotate said first cleaning device during said first mode of operation and rotate said second cleaning device during a second mode of operation.
Preferably, said drive means comprises; an electric motor; and at least one drive belt; and at least one drive gear; wherein motive force is transferred from said electric motor via said drive belt and said drive gear to said first cleaning device during said first mode of operation and motive force is transferred from said electric motor via said drive belt and said drive gear to said second cleaning device during a second mode of operation. Preferably, said apparatus further comprises releasable locking means configured to lock said first cleaning device and said second cleaning device during said first mode of operation and said second mode of operation.
Preferably, said apparatus further comprises a hingeably mounted housing cover configured to substantially cover said first cleaning device and said second cleaning device.
Preferably, said housing cover is configured to allow access to said storage location.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises releasable location means for locating said first cleaning device and said second cleaning device in a desired position; wherein said releasable location means can be operated by a user to release said first cleaning device from said storage position or to release said second cleaning device from said storage position.
Preferably, said first cleaning device comprises; a first button on an end of said first cleaning device, said first button configured to releasably lock into a housing; and biasing means to maintain said first button in a locking position; wherein said first button can be pushed by a user to release said first cleaning device from said housing.
Preferably, said second cleaning device comprises; a second button on an end of said second cleaning device, said second button configured to releasably lock into a housing; and biasing means to maintain said second button in a locking position; wherein said second button can be pushed by a user to release said second cleaning device from said housing.
Preferably, said apparatus further comprises: suction means configured to substantially remove dirt and dust from said floor surface; and storage means configured to store said dirt and dust.
According to a second aspect there is provided an upright vacuum cleaner comprising the apparatus.
Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates schematically a perspective view of an upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning either carpets or hard floor surfaces.
Figure 2 illustrates schematically a side elevation view of the apparatus for cleaning hard floor surfaces or carpets.
Figure 3 illustrates schematically a side elevation view of the apparatus during switching of between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation.
Figure 4 illustrates schematically a side elevation view of the apparatus with a wheel and a housing cover and a clutch drive cover removed.
Figure 5 illustrates schematically a flow diagram showing the operation of rotating the housing to move between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation.
Figure 6 illustrates schematically a plan view of the drive mechanism for rotation of the cleaning device in the floor engaging location.
Figure 7 illustrates schematically a cross-section view of a floor polisher bar.
Detailed Description There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description. Referring to Fig. 1 herein, there is illustrated schematically a perspective view of an upright vacuum cleaner 101 for cleaning either carpets or hard floor surfaces. The vacuum cleaner 101 comprises a handle 102 for the user to manipulate the vacuum cleaner 101, a main housing 103, and an upright housing 104.
The upright housing 104 comprises suction means and means for storing dirt and dust collected by the cleaner. The main housing 103 comprises two floor treating devices. The main housing 103 further comprises a floor engaging location 105 and a storage location 106. A treating device is located in the floor engaging location 105, and a further treating device is located in the storage location 106. In this embodiment, the apparatus comprises a single floor engaging location 105 and a single storage location 106. The floor engaging location 105 is configured to house either one of the two floor cleaning devices, and the storage location 106 is configured which ever floor treating device is not housed in the floor engaging location 105,
Referring to Fig. 2 herein, there is illustrated schematically a side elevation view of the apparatus for treating hard floor surfaces. The apparatus comprises a first treating device 201 , a second treating device 202, a housing 203 in which the first treating device 201 and the second treating device 202 are located, a pair of housing bars 204 each located at either side of the housing 203, a pair of lift bars 205, a releasable locking mechanism 206, a housing cover 207, housing cover hinges 208, and a pair of rear wheels 209 located towards the rear of the apparatus.
The term 'treating device' is used herein to denote a carpet cleaning device, a hard floor cleaning device, a floor scrubbing device or a floor sanding device or any other device used to clean or treat a floor surface. The following description is based on apparatus comprising a hard floor cleaning device and a carpet cleaning device, although floor scrubbing or floor sanding devices could equally be used in place of either or both of the hard floor cleaning device or the carpet cleaning device.
The first treating device 201 comprises a hard floor cleaning device, comprising a cylindrical polishing bar. The second treating device 202 comprises a carpet cleaning device, comprising a cylindrical beater bar with a series of bristles that beats the carpet when the carpet cleaning device is in the floor engaging location. The hard floor cleaning device 201 and the carpet cleaning device 202 are located in a housing 203. The housing comprises 2 compartments, the first compartment containing the carpet cleaning device and the second compartment containing the hard floor cleaning device 201. The compartments are separated by a wall to avoid dust and dirt from the carpet cleaning device 202 from contaminating the hard floor cleaning device 201 , and to prevent polishing fluid from the hard floor cleaning device 201 from contaminating the carpet cleaning device 202. Each compartment is configured to allow the carpet cleaning device 202 to be in contact with a carpet when in a first mode of operation, and the hard floor cleaning device to be in contact with a hard floor surface during a second mode of operation.
The separation of the compartments in the housing 203 also reduces loss of suction during operation. The housing 203 should be as close to the floor as possible to increase the vacuum seal, and therefore increase the performance of the cleaning apparatus. It has been found that if the housing 203 is located at substantially 30° to the floor surface, this provides the best position for rotating the housing 203 and increasing the clearance under furniture.
A housing bar 204 is located at either end of the housing 203. Each housing bar 204 has a pivot point 210 located in the centre of the housing bar, about which the housing 203 can rotate. A support bar 205 is located at either side of the housing 203. Each support bar 205 is operatively connected to the pivot point 210 of the corresponding housing bar 204. When switching between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, the housing 203 rotates about the 5 pivot point 210 to move the hard floor cleaning device 201 to a storage location 106 and the carpet cleaning device 202 to the floor engaging location 105, or to move the carpet cleaning device 202 to the storage location 106 and the hard floor cleaning device to the floor engaging location 105. 0 The support bars 205 are free to move up and down when the mechanism for rotating the housing to 203 is activated, thereby preventing rotation of the housing 203 from raising the apparatus from the floor surface.
A housing slider 211 is also provided. The angle of the housing slider 2115 is configured to allow each housing bar 204 to slide down an upper surface of the housing slider 211 during rotation of housing 203. The supporting bars 205 prevent the housing 203 and the housing bars 204 from moving away from a predefined path with respect to the housing slider 211. The supporting bars 205 also prevent the housing from moving laterally with respect to the housing slider0 211.
A releasable locking mechanism 206 is provided to prevent the roller housing 203 from moving during operation, and to ensure that the carpet cleaning device or the hard floor cleaning device is in sufficiently close proximity to the5 floor surface being cleaned. The releasable locking mechanism comprises a pair of catches configured to releasably lock onto each corresponding housing bar 204.
The housing cover 207 is hingeably connected to the main body of the o vacuum cleaner by at least one hinge 208. The housing cover 207 is provided to reduce noise during operation and to prevent exposure of dirt or fluid on a cleaning device to a user. The housing cover 207 can be adapted to engage with the locking mechanism 206 to lock the housing cover 207 down during use.
Referring to Fig. 3 herein, there is illustrated schematically a side elevation
5 view of the apparatus during switching of between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The side elevation illustrates the apparatus from the opposite side to the side elevation shown in Fig. 2. A drive belt housing 302 is provided, in addition to a second drive housing 303 and a housing bar 301. 0 The drive belt housing 302 has the dual function of housing a drive belt and acting as a support bar 205. The drive belt housing 302 is connected by a pivot 210 to the housing bar 302. The drive belt housing houses the drive belt that acts to rotate the housing 203. The second drive housing 303 houses a drive belt that provides rotational movement of the cleaning device that is located in the5 floor engaging location.
Referring to Fig. 4 herein, there is illustrated schematically a side elevation view of the apparatus with a wheel and a housing cover and a drive cover removed. There is provided a foot pedal 401 , a pentagonal ratchet 402, biasing 0 means comprising a spring 403, a first drive belt 404, a first pulley (not shown), a second pulley 405, a third pulley 406, a second drive belt 407, and a fourth pulley 408.
The foot pedal 401 is provided for switching the apparatus between a first5 mode of operation and a second mode of operation, or a second mode of operation and a first mode of operation. Depression of the foot pedal 401 by a user causes rotation of the housing 203. The foot pedal is connected to a pentagonal ratchet 402, ensuring that the foot pedal 401 can be depressed by no more than 72° at any one time. Biasing means 403 comprising a spring is o provided to return the foot pedal 401 to its original position. Depression of the foot pedal causes rotation of the first pulley (not shown) by 72°. The first pulley is connected to first drive belt 404, which turns the second pulley 405. The second pulley 405 is connected to the third pulley 406. Rotation of the third pulley 406 causes movement of the second drive belt 407, which in turn rotates the fourth pulley 408. The gearing ratio of the first, second, third and fourth pulleys is configured such that a 72° rotation of the first pulley will cause a 180° rotation of the fourth pulley 408.
An axis of the fourth pulley 408 is operatively connected to a pivot point 210 of the housing bar, thereby ensuring that the housing 203 rotates by the same amount as the fourth pulley 408.
Support bars 205 are provided to ensure that when the housing 203 is rotated the housing 203 stays above a floor surface. When the foot pedal 401 is depressed, the housing is rotated such that the cleaning device in the floor engaging location 105 is raised and the cleaning device in the storage location 106 is lowered. As the housing 203 rotates, the housing bars 204 contact with the housing slider 211 to ensure that the housing 203 moves along a predefined path as it rotates. To accommodate this movement, the support bars 205 are configured to rotate about a pivot 212 located at one end of each support bar
205, thereby allowing for the rotational movement of the housing 203.
Depression of the foot pedal 401 releases the releasable locking means 206 to allow the housing 203 to rotate. Depression of the foot pedal 401 accomplishes three events; activating a cut-off switch; release of the releasable locking means 206 and rotation of the housing 203. The timing of these events is critical, as rotation of the housing 203 before the locking means 206 is released could lead to stress and damage to components. Referring to Fig. 5 herein, there is illustrated schematically a flow diagram showing the operation of rotating the housing to move between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. When the foot pedal 401 is depressed 501 , a cut off switch is activated to cut off power to the cleaning device motor 502 and thereby prevent rotation of the cleaning device located in the floor engaging location. The locking mechanism 5 206 is released 503 to release the roller housing 203. The housing 203 begins to rotate 504. Once the housing 203 is clear of the locking mechanism 206, the locking mechanism 206 springs back 505 to its original position. The housing 203 rotates 506 about a pivot 210 through 180°. As the rotation nears completion, the housing is lowered 507 with the housing bars 204 in contact with0 the housing slide 211 towards its operational position. Once the housing 203 reaches its operational position, the catch 206 locks 508 the housing 203 back in place. The rotation of the housing 203 moves the first treating device from the floor engaging location 105 to the storage location 106, and the second treating device from the storage location 106 to the floor engaging location 105. The cut-5 off switch is de-activated 509, thereby allowing power to the cleaning head motor, and thereby allowing rotation of the cleaning device in the floor engaging location 105.
Referring to Fig. 6 herein, there is illustrated schematically a plan view of 0 the drive mechanism for rotation of the treating device in the floor engaging location 105. There is provided a treating device motor 601 , a worm gear 602, a clutch 603, a first treating device drive wheel 604, a treating device drive belt 409, a second treating device drive wheel 410, a first helical gear 605, a spacer gear 606 and a second helical gear 607 operatively connected to the treating device5 608 in a floor engaging location. There is also shown a treating device 609 in a storage location, a third helical gear 610 and a second spacer gear 611.
The treating device motor 601 rotates a shaft that connects to the worm gear 602. The worm gear 602 transfers the rotational movement of the shaft o through 90° via a clutch 603 to the first drive wheel 604. The first drive wheel 604 turns the drive belt 409 which turns the second drive wheel 410. The second drive wheel 410 is connected to a first helical gear 605, which rotates. The spacer gear 606 comprises a helical gear, which operatively connects to the first helical gear 605. The spacer gear 606 is also operatively connected to the second helical gear 607, which rotates. The second helical gear 607 is connected to the treating device 607 in the floor engaging position, which rotates.
The second drive housing 303 houses the first treating device drive wheel 604, the second treating device drive wheel 410 and the treating device drive belt 409 that provides rotational movement to the treating device that is located in the floor engaging location. The treating device motor 601 is provided to transmit rotational force to the treating device that is located in a floor engaging location via the cleaning device drive belt 409
The treating device motor actuates the treating device drive belt 409, which in turn rotates the second drive wheel 410 that is operatively connected to the treating device 608 in the floor engaging location 105. When the locking means 206 locks the housing 203 in place, the first helical gear 605 operatively connects to the spacer gear 606 to provide rotational force to the treating device 608 in the floor engaging location 105. If the locking means 206 is not engaged, the gears will not operatively connect and no rotational force will be transmitted to the treating device in the floor engaging location 105.
The spacer gear 606 comprises a helical gear, and is provided between the second treating device drive wheel 410 and the second helical gear 607, to act as a spacer. It has been found that the ideal rotational speed for a hard floor polishing device is between 4000 and 5000 rpm. If this speed does not match the speed of the treating device motor, the speed of the hard floor treating device 201 can be modified using wheel gear transmission. The gear ratio between the first helical gear and the second helical gear can be altered using a different size of third helical gear. In this way, if the ideal rotational speed for one treating device is different to the ideal rotation speed of another treating device, different spacer gears can be associated with different treating devices. The first helical gear rotates at a speed dictated by the treating device motor, but different sizes of spacer gears are used to ensure that different treating devices rotate at different required speeds.
Each treating device has an associated helical gear and spacer gear. The 5 treating device 609 in the storage location 106 has a third helical gear 610 and second spacer gear 611. When the apparatus is switched 612 from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation, the treating device 609 is displaced from the storage location 106 to the floor engaging location 105. The second spacer gear 611 then operatively connects to the first helical gear 605, o such that rotational movement can be translated from the treating device motor 601 to the treating device 609 that is now in the floor engaging location 105.
There are no gears in the storage location 106 that are operatively connected to the treating device motor 601 , and so rotational force cannot be5 transmitted from the cleaning device motor 601 to the treating device in the storage location 106.
The treating device drive belt 409 is operatively connected to a clutch 603. The clutch has a dual purpose. The first is for safety reasons in the event of o large objects or fingers getting lodged in the carpet cleaning device or the hard floor cleaning device, and the second reason is to remove the motive force from the treating device if, for example the hard floor cleaning device 201 is accidentally used on carpets. The hard floor cleaning device has much greater friction when used on carpet than when used on hard floors, and so if the hard 5 floor cleaning device 201 is used on carpets the clutch makes a noise that alerts a user to the fact that a hard floor cleaning device is being used on a carpet. Alternatively, an electronic clutch may be provided which cuts the power to the driver motor when the current load of the motor reaches certain levels.
0 It is advantageous to provide an indicator, such as a display panel, to indicate which treating device is located in the floor engaging location 105, and which treating device is located in the storage location 106. In this way, a user is aware of which treating device is located in the floor engaging location 105 without having to lift the housing 207 and see which treating device is located in the floor engaging location 105. In this embodiment, the apparatus is used with the treating device motor switched on to provide rotational movement to the treating device that is located in the floor engaging location. However, it is possible to use the apparatus in a suction-only mode where the treating device motor is not switched on. A second motor (not shown) is provided to create suction. Any suitable motor may be used, although it has been found that a motor configured for operation in wet or dry conditions is ideal, as polishing fluid from a hard floor cleaning head 201 or a scrubbing head may to get sucked into the second motor. The second motor may be used to generate suction either when the treating device motor is in operation or when the treating device motor is not in operation.
A vacuum seal (not shown) is provided to substantially seal the housing 203 with the floor surface, and increase the suction generated by the second motor. The silicone seal makes contact with the housing 203 to ensure the suction is maximized in the compartment of the housing that is located in the floor engaging location 105. A suction inlet pipe (not shown) is also provided. The suction inlet pipe connects to the motor providing the suction. Dirt and debris is removed from the floor engaging location via the suction inlet pipe. It has been found that silicone rubber provides the required seal and flexibility.
The vacuum cleaner comprises rear wheels 209 and forward wheels (not shown). The height of the vacuum cleaner is important, as the correct clearance between the carpet cleaning head 202 and a carpet is required depending on different carpet types, and the correct clearance between the hard floor cleaning device 201 and a hard floor surface is required to ensure the most efficient cleaning. Both the rear and forward wheels have non-scratch rubber rims to reduce noise and damage on hard floors, and are made from a non-marking material. The pair of forward wheels are height adjustable to allow for a different desired clearance on different surfaces.
A further feature of the invention is the mechanism by which the carpet 5 cleaning device and the hard floor cleaning device can be removed for replacement or cleaning. Raising the housing cover 207 exposes whichever treating device is in the storage location 106. A mechanism is provided for removing whichever treating device is in the storage location 106. Any suitable mechanism may be used, for example releasable mechanical catches, or0 releasable bolts.
An example of such a mechanism is the use of buttons on each treating device that are mechanically biased in a protruding position. The hard floor cleaning device 201 and the carpet cleaning device 202 are each provided with a5 button at one end of the cylindrical bar. The button includes biasing means such that the button returns to a protruding position when it is not depressed. This button releaseably connects with a hole 213 in the housing bar 204 to lock the cleaning device in place. The user removes the housing cover 207, pushes the button in to provide clearance between the treating device and the housing bar o 204 and the treating device can then be lifted out for cleaning or replacement.
Referring to Fig. 7 herein there is illustrated schematically a cross-section view of a floor polisher bar 701. The cylindrical polishing bar 701 comprises a fabric polishing roller 702, an inner bar 703, and lugs 704. The fabric polishing5 roller 702 is removably fitted around the inner bar 703, and can be removed by a user by sliding it off the inner bar 703. This allows the user to wash the fabric polishing roller 702, or to use different fabric polisher rollers 702 with different polishing grades. For example, a coarse polishing grade would be used for abrading and scrubbing, whereas a fine polishing grade would be used for o buffing. Lugs 704 are provided to ensure that the fabric polishing roller 702 does not slip around the inner bar 703 when the inner bar 703 is rotated during operation. ln an alternative arrangement, channels 705 are provided in the surface of the fabric polishing roller 702. These channels 705 are formed along a length of the floor polisher bar 701 , and are ideally formed in a chevron shape along the length of the bar. These channels 705 are configured to trap coarse particles and debris, and channel them towards the suction inlet pipe for removal from the floor engaging location 105.
Similar arrangements are made for scrubbing bars and sanding bars, using scrubbing fabrics or sand paper in place of the fabric polishing roller 702.
To ensure cleaning as close to a wall as possible, all of the bulky parts such as the drive belt housing 302 and the second drive housing 303 are located on a first side of the apparatus. This ensures that the cleaning head in the floor- engaging position 105 can extend almost to an edge of an opposite side of the apparatus to the first side, thereby ensuring cleaning of a floor surface as close as possible to an edge such as a wall.
According to a second specific embodiment, the apparatus does not comprise a foot pedal 401. Instead, rotation of the housing 203 is effected by use of an electric motor. In this way, when a user wishes to move a first cleaning device from the floor engaging location 105 to the storage location 106, and a second cleaning device from the storage location 106 to the floor engaging location, the user merely needs to activate the electric motor by pressing a button to effect rotation of the housing 203, and a foot pedal 401 is not required.
According to a third specific embodiment, the apparatus is provided without a motor to provide suction. The apparatus is therefore less bulky, because a motor for providing suction is not required, and a cyclone or bag to filter dirt and dust generated by the suction is not required. Furthermore, in this specific embodiment, rotation of the housing 203 is effected by depressing a foot pedal 401 , rather than a further electric motor. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery rather than directly from a mains power source. However, the rechargeable battery may be recharged from a mains power source when the apparatus is not in use.
A handle is provided to allow a user to easily manipulate the device. The handle has a telescopically adjustable length, thereby allowing a user to select a handle length that is most comfortable for use. Furthermore, the handle can be removed from the device to enable the apparatus to be used in awkward locations such as stairs.
The device further comprises a collector configured to collect dust and dirt removed from a floor surface. The collector is detachably fixed to the apparatus, such that the user can detach the collector for emptying and cleaning.
A typical application of the apparatus according to the third specific embodiment is a floor sweeper. The first floor treating device comprises a brush with bristles, and the second floor treating device comprises a floor polisher. When the first treating device is in the floor engaging location 105, the device is used to sweep carpets or hard floor surfaces. When the floor polishing bar is in the floor engaging location 105, the apparatus is used to polish hard floor surfaces.

Claims

Claims: 1. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces comprising: a first treating device; and a second treating device; and a floor engaging location; and a storage location; and means to displace said first treating device and said second treating device relative to each other; wherein said means to displace said first treating device and said second treating device is configured to displace said first treating device between said floor engaging location and said storage location, and said second treating device between said storage location and said floor cleaning location.
2. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first treating device comprises any one of the following:
• a cylindrical beater bar comprising a series of bristles configured to clean a carpet surface; a cylindrical hard floor polisher bar configured to polish a hard floor surface; a cylindrical scrubbing bar configured to scrub a hard floor surface; a cylindrical sanding bar configured to sand a wooden floor surface.
3. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said second treating device comprises any one of the following:
• a cylindrical beater bar comprising a series of bristles configured to 5 clean a carpet surface;
• a cylindrical hard floor polisher bar configured to polish a hard floor surface; 0 • a cylindrical scrubbing bar configured to scrub a hard floor surface;
• a cylindrical sanding bar configured to sand a wooden floor surface.
4. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in any preceding5 claim further comprising a housing, said housing comprising; a first compartment; and a second compartment;0 wherein said first treating device is located substantially in said first compartment and said second treating device is located substantially in said second compartment; and 5 said first treating device is substantially separated from said second treating device by a wall between said first compartment and said second compartment.
5. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in claim 4 wherein said means to displace said first treating device and said second treating device o relative to each other comprises; a pedal, said pedal being operatively connected to; at least one drive belt, said drive belt being operatively connected to; at least one drive wheel, said drive wheel being operatively connected to;
5 a central pivot point located on said housing; whereby operation of said pedal transmits motive force via said drive belt to rotate said drive wheel, thereby effecting rotation of said housing about said0 central pivot point of said housing.
6. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in claim 4 wherein said means to displace said first treating device and said second treating device relative to each other comprises;5 an electric motor operatively connected to; at least one drive belt, said drive belt being operatively connected to; 0 at least one drive wheel, said drive wheel being operatively connected to; a central pivot point located on said housing; wherein operation of said electric motor transmits motor force via said drive5 belt to rotate said drive wheel, thereby effecting rotation of said housing about said central pivot point of said housing.
7. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in claim 5 or 6 comprising a housing slider configured to guide said housing along a o predetermined path during said rotation of said housing.
8. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in any preceding claim comprising drive means, said drive means configured to rotate said first cleaning device during said first mode of operation and rotate said second cleaning device during a second mode of operation.
9. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said drive means comprises; an electric motor; and at least one drive belt; and at least one drive gear; wherein motive force is transferred from said electric motor via said drive belt and said drive gear to said first cleaning device during said first mode of operation and motive force is transferred from said electric motor via said drive belt and said drive gear to said second cleaning device during a second mode of operation.
10. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in any preceding claim comprising releasable locking means configured to lock said first treating device substantially in said floor engaging location during a first mode of operation and to lock said second treating device substantially in said floor engaging location during a said second mode of operation.
11. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a hingeably mounted housing cover configured to substantially cover said first treating device and said second treating device.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein said housing cover is configured to allow access to said storage location.
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprising releasable location means for locating said first treating device and said second treating device in a desired position;
5 wherein said releasable location means can be operated by a user to release said first treating device from said storage position or to release said second treating device from said storage position. 0 14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein said first treating device comprises; a first button on an end of said first treating device, said first button configured to releasably lock into a housing; and5 biasing means to maintain said first button in a locking position; wherein said first button can be pushed by a user to release said first treating device from said housing.0
15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein said second treating device comprises; a second button on an end of said second treating device, said second5 button configured to releasably lock into a housing; and biasing means to maintain said second button in a locking position; wherein said second button can be pushed by a user to release said o second treating device from said housing.
16. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in any preceding claim comprising: storage means configured to store a quantity of dirt, said dirt being 5 generated by said floor treatment.
17. Apparatus for treating floor services as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising: 0 suction means configured to substantially remove dirt and dust from said floor surface.
18. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising:5 at least one battery, said battery configured to provide power to said apparatus.
19. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in claim 18 wherein o said battery is rechargeable.
20. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising: 5 a handle, said handle configured to have an adjustable length whereby a user can adjust a length of said handle to a desired length.
21. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces as claimed in claim 20 wherein said handle is detachably mounted on said apparatus.0 22. Apparatus for treating floor surfaces comprising: a first treating device; and a second treating device; means to displace said first treating device and said second treating device relative to each other; wherein during a first mode of operation said first treating device is located in a floor engaging location and said second treating device is located in a storage location; and during a second mode of operation said second treating device is located in said floor engaging location and said first treating device is located in said storage location.
PCT/GB2004/002852 2003-09-03 2004-07-01 Apparatus for floor treatment WO2005023077A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0320626A GB2405576A (en) 2003-09-03 2003-09-03 Apparatus for floor cleaning with alternative cleaning devices
GB0320626.5 2003-09-03

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WO2005023077A1 true WO2005023077A1 (en) 2005-03-17

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KR100645380B1 (en) * 2005-09-09 2006-11-14 삼성광주전자 주식회사 Vacuum cleaner having brush motor using rate of deseleration
CN111493742A (en) * 2019-01-30 2020-08-07 江苏美的清洁电器股份有限公司 Cleaning robot, control method, and storage medium

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US2693002A (en) * 1949-11-04 1954-11-02 Fillery Combined suction cleaning and floor polishing apparatus
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US5960514A (en) * 1997-11-10 1999-10-05 The Hoover Company Wheel driven suction nozzle
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GB2405576A (en) 2005-03-09

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