FLOOR CLEANER

Abstract

A floor cleaner includes a hose port in an upper wall of a nozzle, the hose port is located at an elevation between an outlet of the suction nozzle and an 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 a recovery tank through the outlet of the suction nozzle.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to floor cleaners.

SUMMARY

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 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 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.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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. 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. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, 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) rotates about a generally vertical axis 26. The agitator 24′ (FIG. 8) rotates about a generally horizontal axis 26′. Referring to FIG. 6, the base 16 further includes a fluid supply port 28. As will be discussed in more detail below, the fluid supply port 28 provides the cleaning fluid to the hose 12.

Referring to FIG. 2, 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. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply tank 30 is coupled to the handle 14 for pivotal movement with the handle 14 relative to the base 16. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, 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.

Referring to FIG. 7, 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.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, 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. In one embodiment, not shown, 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. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, 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. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the motor 58 rotates the fan 60 about a horizontal axis 62′. The horizontal axis 62′ extends generally parallel to the surface 20.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, 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).

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, 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. Alternatively stated, 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. Also, 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.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, 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). In the illustrated embodiment, 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. Also, 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. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 76 is spring biased down toward the closed position shown in FIG. 1.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 and 9, 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. In the open position of the cover 76 (e.g., when the hose 12 is being used), airflow generated by the suction source 56 is permitted through the inlet 86 to drive the air turbine 85 to drive the pump 88 to supply pressurized cleaning fluid from the supply tank 30 to the fluid supply port 28.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, 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. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, 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. Also, 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. In other embodiments, 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. Also, 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. In the illustrated embodiment, a tube is located inside the hose body 90 that provides fluid communication between the fluid supply connector 102 and the spray nozzle 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 112 is a trigger that is pressed by the user to dispense the cleaning fluid through the spray 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, the distribution nozzle 22 is used to spray cleaning fluid on to the surface 20. In one embodiment, 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. Meanwhile, 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. In 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. In the 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. In 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.

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

1. A floor cleaner comprising: a base configured to engage a surface to be cleaned;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 fluidly connected to the inlet by the fluid passageway, the recovery tank disposed on the base;a suction source disposed in the base, the suction source in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and the recovery tank, the suction source 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 located at an elevation between the outlet of the suction nozzle and the inlet of the suction nozzle, anda cover for the hose port that is movable relative to the suction nozzle between an open position and a closed position; anda 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;wherein the suction nozzle includes a side wall between the upper wall and the lower wall, wherein the side wall supportingly engages the hose connector.

2. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the suction nozzle is removably coupled to the base.

3. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the hose port is at an elevation between the outlet of the suction nozzle and the surface to be cleaned when the base is positioned on the surface to be cleaned.

4. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the recovery tank includes an inlet and the outlet of the suction nozzle engages the inlet of the recovery tank to provide fluid communication between the suction nozzle, the hose, and the recovery tank.

5. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the connector of the hose is perpendicular to the upper wall of the suction nozzle when the connector is received in the hose port.

6. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein 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, wherein 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.

7. The floor cleaner of claim 6, wherein the guide channel is formed in the side wall.

8. The floor cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a supply tank, wherein the base includes a fluid supply port in fluid communication with the supply tank, wherein the connector includes a fluid supply connector insertable into the fluid supply port when the cover is in the open position to removably couple the fluid supply connector to the fluid supply port and provide fluid communication between the supply tank and the fluid supply connector.

9. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the base includes a hook, and wherein the connector of the hose includes a latch that engages the hook of the base to retain the connector within the hose port, and wherein the cover hides the hook when the cover is in the closed position.

10. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the suction source is disposed in the base below the outlet of the suction nozzle.

11. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a portion that blocks the fluid passageway between the nozzle inlet and the hose connector.

12. A floor cleaner comprising: a base configured to engage a surface to be cleaned;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 fluidly connected to the inlet by the fluid passageway, the recovery tank disposed on the base;a suction source disposed in the base, the suction source in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and the recovery tank, the suction source 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;a cover for the hose port that is movable relative to the suction nozzle between an open position and a closed position; anda 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,wherein 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, wherein 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.

13. The floor cleaner of claim 12, wherein the suction nozzle includes a side wall between the upper wall and the lower wall, wherein the guide channel is formed in a side wall.

14. The floor cleaner of claim 12, wherein the guide channel includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end of the guide channel includes an opening in the upper wall of the nozzle that receives the rail of the connector.

15. The floor cleaner of claim 12, further comprising a second guide channel that extends in a direction from the upper wall of the nozzle toward the lower wall of the nozzle, wherein the connector of the hose includes a second rail that slides into the second guide channel when the connector is inserted into the hose port to removably couple the hose to the hose port.

16. The floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein the suction nozzle includes a second side wall between the upper wall and the lower wall, wherein the second guide channel is formed in a second side wall.

17. The floor cleaner of claim 12, wherein the connector includes a portion that blocks the fluid passageway between the nozzle inlet and the hose connector.

18. A floor cleaner comprising: a base configured to engage a surface to be cleaned, the base including a distribution nozzle;a supply tank in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle;a handle pivotally coupled to the base;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 hose port in the upper wall of the nozzle;a recovery tank fluidly connected to the inlet by the fluid passageway; anda suction source disposed in the base below the outlet of the suction nozzle, the suction source in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and the recovery tank, the suction source configured to draw fluid and debris through the fluid passageway of the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank.

19. The floor cleaner of claim 18, wherein the outlet of the suction nozzle includes an outlet axis that extends centrally through the outlet and perpendicular to the outlet, wherein the outlet axis extends through the suction source.

20. The floor cleaner of claim 18, wherein the suction source includes a motor and a fan.

21. The floor cleaner of claim 18, wherein the base includes an agitator configured to engage the surface to be cleaned, wherein the agitator is below the suction nozzle.

22. The floor cleaner of claim 18, wherein the suction source is between the surface to be cleaned and the outlet of the suction nozzle when the base is positioned on the surface to be cleaned.

23. The floor cleaner of claim 18, wherein the recovery tank is disposed on the base, and wherein the recovery tank includes an inlet and the outlet of the suction nozzle engages the inlet of the recovery tank to provide fluid communication between the suction nozzle, the hose, and the recovery tank.