BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a cut-away perspective view of a floor cleaner of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the floor cleaner, showing a head portion of the cleaner and a plurality of discrete intake chambers;
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the floor cleaner, showing the intake chambers and a chamber control mechanism;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the floor cleaner, showing a first alternate version of the chamber control mechanism;
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the floor cleaner, showing a second alternate version of the chamber control mechanism; and,
FIGS. 6 A-F are schematic views of the floor cleaner, reflecting the operation of the chamber control mechanism and the sequential application of suction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
Structure
A floor cleaner apparatus 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-6. The cleaner apparatus 10 may be a vacuum cleaner configured to clean carpet or a variety of hard flooring, such as wood, tile and marble. The floor cleaner can also be a carpet cleaner, such as a vacuum cleaner for carpet, or such as a shampoo carpet cleaner or carpet extractor. Although shown in the Figures as an “upright” vacuum cleaner, the cleaner 10 may be of the “canister” type. In broad terms, the cleaner apparatus 10 includes a housing 20 and a head 40 operably connected to the housing 20. The housing 20 includes an internal particle retaining element 22 that receives dirt and/or debris drawn into the apparatus 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the particle retaining element 22 is a disposable bag 24 with an integrated exhaust vent 26. In another embodiment of the cleaner apparatus 10 (not shown) that creates an internal vortex of air, the retaining element 22 is a removable vessel or cup that can be reused after being emptied of dirt and debris, or dirty water, as appropriate for the applicable embodiment. The housing 20 further includes a handle 28 and a switch 30 that an operator actuates to control operation of the cleaner 10.
The head 40 includes a motor and fan assembly 42 with a fan 44 and an electric motor 46 that creates a pressure gradient resulting in a partial vacuum during operation of the cleaner 10. The head 40 includes a plurality of wheels 47 and a wall arrangement 48 that defines a compartment 50 of the head 40. The head 40 further includes a rotatable beater element 52 and an intake port 54 positioned in a lower portion of the head 40 below the beater element 52. The beater element 52 is operably connected to the motor 46 and when rotated, agitates carpet to dislodge dirt and debris for suction into the cleaner 10. When the cleaner 10 is configured as a dedicated floor vacuum, the beater element 52 may be omitted from the head 40. The intake port 54 is the lower opening in the compartment 50 through which dirt and debris are draw into the head 40. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show the head 40 as having two adjacent intake ports 54, the head 40 can have a single intake port 54 that extends substantially the width of the head 40. An intake assembly 56 is positioned within the head 40 and extends between the intake port 54 and the particle retaining element 22. As such, the intake assembly 56 comprises the intake port 54, the motor and fan assembly 42 and a neck 58 extending to the particle retaining element 22. Preferably, the neck 58 couples with an interface element 23 of particle retaining element 22 to ensure an air-tight connection with the particle retaining element 22.
A divider assembly 60 partitions the intake assembly 60 into a plurality of discrete intake chambers 62, wherein each chamber 62 is in fluid communication with the intake port 54a. In the configuration where the intake assembly 56 includes only two intake chambers 62, a single divider wall 64 internally partitions the intake passageway into a first intake chamber 62 and an adjoining second intake chamber 62. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the intake assembly 60 includes six intake chambers 62 resulting from a plurality of internal dividers 64a and a pair of external dividers 64b. Each intake chamber 62 defines a particle transmission passageway 66 extending from the intake port 54 through the intake assembly 56 and to the particle retaining element 22. In one embodiment, the plurality of intake chambers 64a can extend to the inside wall of the wall arrangement 48, and can surround or substantially surround the beater element 54 for better separation of intake chambers 62 in relation to the intake ports 54a. Accordingly, the multiple intake chambers 62 provide multiple particle transmission passageways 66, wherein suction flows through one or more passageways 66 to draw dirt and debris into the head 40. To focus the suction, each intake chamber 62 has a proximal or leading edge portion that is preferably positioned adjacent the beater element 54 and/or the intake ports 54a. Similarly, each divider wall 64 has a proximal or leading edge portion that is preferably positioned adjacent the beater element 54 and/or the intake ports 54a. Each intake chamber 62 and each divider wall 64 has a distal or trailing edge portion that extends substantially into the intake assembly 60 towards a rear portion of the head 40 near the fan and motor assembly 42.
To control the application of suction through the various intake chambers 62, the head 40 includes a chamber control mechanism 70. In general terms, the chamber control mechanism 70 sequences the suction applied to the intake chambers 62 in order to focus the suction through the intake port 54. The operation of the chamber control mechanism 70, including the sequencing is discussed in greater detail below. The switch 30 is operably connected to the chamber control mechanism 70, such that the operator can selectively operate the cleaner 10 in a standard or default mode, where suction is applied through all intake chambers 62, or an activated mode where the chamber control mechanism 70 is sequencing suction through the intake chambers 62.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the chamber control mechanism 70 includes a gate valve assembly 72 that includes a plurality of gate members 74, wherein each gate 74 is operably associated with an intake chamber 62. The gate 74 is moveable between an open position Po (see FIG. 3) wherein the intake chamber 64 is open to allow for suction to pass through that intake chamber 62 and the intake port 54, and a closed position Pc (see FIG. 3) wherein the intake chamber 62 is closed to prevent suction from passing through that intake chamber 62 and the intake port 54. The chamber control mechanism 70 also includes a cam assembly 76 comprising a plurality of cams 78 and a flexible belt 80 that drives the cams 78. Each cam 78 is associated with a gate 74 at a distal end of the intake chamber 62. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the belt 80 is operably connected to a microelectronic controller 82 that is linked to the switch 30 in the handle 28. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the belt 80 is operably connected to a separate motor 84 that is also linked to the switch 30. Referring to FIG. 3, a first end 74a of the gate 74 is pivotally connected to a divider wall 64, while a second gate end 74b is positioned proximate the cam 78 such that the gate 74 can be engaged and actuated by the cam 78 between the open and closed positions Po, Pc. The second end 74b may include an extension tip 74c to facilitate engagement with the cam 78. The extension tip 74c is fabricated from a resilient polymer to increase the durability and operational life of the gate 74. A spring 86 biases the gate towards the closed position Pc once the cam 78 has disengaged the second gate end 74b. In the closed position Pc, the gate 74 makes contact with the other divider wall 64 that defines the intake chamber 62 whereby said contact effectively seals the intake chamber 62 to prevent suction S through that intake chamber 62. In the open position Po, the gate 74 is positioned an appreciate distance from the other divider wall 64 that defines the intake chamber 62 whereby said contact allows for suction S through that intake chamber 62. In FIG. 3, two intake chambers 62 are in the open position Po and four intake chambers 62 are in the closed position Pc.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the chamber control mechanism 70 is a rotating turret assembly 90 having a plate 92 with at least one opening 94 cooperatively dimensioned with the intake channels 62 and a blank 96. In an open position Po, the opening 94 is aligned with one of the intake chambers 62 to allow for suction S through that intake chamber 62. While one of the intake chambers 62 is in the open position Po, the other intake chambers 62 are aligned with the plate 92 to provide a closed position Pc for those intake chambers 62. The turret assembly 90 is connected to the fan and motor assembly 42 by a shaft 93. Referring to FIG. 5, in another version of the chamber control mechanism 70 the turret assembly 90 includes a plate 92 with a larger primary opening 98 and a plurality of secondary openings 99, wherein the primary opening 98 is aligned with one of the intake channels 62 and the secondary openings 99 are each aligned with other intake chambers 62. The alignment provided by the primary opening 98 provides for a greater amount of suction S through the intake chamber 62 compared to the suction S resulting from alignment of the secondary openings 99 with the other intake chambers 62.
Operation
As mentioned above, during operation the fan 44 turns and forces air towards the exhaust port 26, whereby the density of particles and therefore the air pressure increases in front of the fan 44 and decreases behind the fan 44. Because the pressure level in the area behind the fan 44 drops below the pressure level outside the cleaner 10 (the ambient air pressure), suction or a partial vacuum, is created within the cleaner 10. The ambient air is drawn into the cleaner 10 through the intake port(s) 54 due to the fact that the air pressure inside the cleaner 10 is lower than the pressure outside. As long as the fan 44 is operating and the passageway through the intake chambers 62 remain open, there is a constant stream of air moving through the intake assembly 60 and to the particle retaining element 22 (and out the exhaust vent 26). The application of suction through the intake chambers 62 is controlled by the chamber control mechanism 70 to sequentially focus suction through each intake chamber 62 for a discrete time period, which may range from a millisecond to a second. Thus, the complete suction cycle, which corresponds to the amount of time necessary to sequentially apply suction to all intake chambers 62, is a function of many factors, including the number of intake chambers 62, the time duration of suction applied to each chamber 62, and the operational speed of the control mechanism 70. Preferably, the complete suction time cycle occurs so rapidly that the operator cannot perceive the sequential application of suction.
In the standard or default mode, the operator utilizes the switch 30 to operate the cleaner 10 in a conventional manner wherein the chamber control mechanism 70 is inactive and suction is applied through all intake chambers 62 to draw dirt and debris into the intake port 54 and the intake assembly 56. In the default mode, all gate members 74 are in the open position. When the operator actuates the switch 30 from the default mode to the activated mode, the chamber control mechanism 70 is activated to sequentially apply suction through the various intake chambers 62. Schematic FIGS. 6A-D utilize the gate valve assembly 72 to provide an example of the suction progression through an intake assembly 56 having six discrete intake chambers 62. In a first position P1 shown in FIG. 6A, the gate member 72 associated with the third intake chamber 62 (from the left side of the head 40) is in the open position whereby suction S (represented by the arrows) extends through that intake chamber 62 for a first time interval. The gate member 72 associated with the other intake chambers 62 remains closed in the first position P1. Once the first time interval is completed, a second position P2 (see FIG. 6B) occurs where the gate member 72 associated with the second intake chamber 62 is in the open position whereby suction S extends through that intake chamber 62 for a second time interval. Again, the gate member 72 associated with the other intake chambers 62 remains closed in the second position P2. After the second time interval is completed, a third position P3 (see FIG. 6C) occurs where the gate member 72 associated with the fifth intake chamber 62 is in the open position whereby suction S extends through that intake chamber 62 for a third time interval. Once the third time interval is completed, a fourth position P4 (see FIG. 6D) occurs where the gate member 72 associated with the sixth intake chamber 62 is in the open position whereby suction S extends through that intake chamber 62 for a fourth time interval. Of course, the gate members 72 associated with the other intake chambers 62 remain closed in the third and fourth positions P3, P4. The sequential application of suction S through the remaining intake chambers 62—the first and fourth chambers 62—occurs in a similar manner to define a fifth position P5 and a sixth position P6. After the sixth time interval associated with the sixth position P6 is completed, the sequence repeats with the first position P1. Alternatively, the sequence can include a purge position (not shown), similar to the default mode, where all gate members 72 are open and suction S is applied to all of the intake chambers 64 prior to the first position P1 of the next suction cycle.
Schematic FIGS. 6E and 6F provide another example of the suction progression through an intake assembly 56 having six discrete intake chambers 62 where suction is applied through multiple chambers 62 at the same time. In a first position P1 shown in FIG. 6E, the gate member 72 associated with each of the first, third and sixth intake chambers 62 is in the open position whereby suction S (represented by the arrows) extends through each of those intake chambers 62 for a first time interval. While the gate member 72 associated with the first, third and sixth intake chambers 62 are open, the gate member 72 associated with the other intake chambers 62 remain closed in the first position P1. Once the first time interval is completed, a second position P2 (see FIG. 6F) occurs where the gate member 72 associated with each of the second, fourth and fifth intake chambers 62 are in the open position whereby suction S extends through each of intake chamber 62 for a second time interval. After the second time interval is completed, the sequence repeats with the first position P1. Alternatively, the sequence can include a purge position (not shown), similar to the default mode, where all gate members 72 are open and suction S is applied to all of the intake chambers 64 prior to the first position P1 of the next suction cycle. Compared to the first example provided in the foregoing paragraph where suction S is sequentially applied to each and every intake chamber 62, the second example of this paragraph illustrates the application of suction to a group of intake chambers 62, which thereby provides suction to a larger extent of the intake port 54.
In one embodiment, once the operator releases the switch 30, the cleaner 10 returns automatically from the activated mode to the default mode. In another embodiment, the operator must actuate the switch 30 from the activated mode to the default mode to cease the sequential application of suction provided during the activated mode. In yet another embodiment, the switch 30 includes a chamber selection feature for the activated mode, wherein the operator actuates the switch 30 to select a single intake chamber 62 or small group of chambers 62 to apply suction there through. For example, the operator may actuate the switch 30 to focus suction through the third intake chamber 62 or the third and fourth intake chambers 62 to remove a significant amount of floor debris residing external to those chambers 62. The head 40 may have indicia proximate the various intake chambers 62 such that the operator can determine the location of the floor debris relative to the intake chambers 62.
While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.
Patent Application
20080028570
