Patent Application
20150102121
The present invention relates generally to the field of pressure washers. More specifically, the invention relates to a pressure washer system including a multiple chemical tanks and a control mechanism for switching the output of the spray system between the multiple chemical tanks
The use of spray guns for cleaning and other tasks is well known. Spray guns can be used for a broad range of tasks, including for example cleaning cars, watering plants, washing home windows and siding, rinsing out a warehouse floor or garage, and the like. These spray guns typically attach to a water supply to provide a water spray of differing pressures, dependent upon the desired task. Pressure washers have been designed to accommodate liquid chemical bottles or containers at the base of the pressure washer, which typically includes a prime mover and a pump. The chemical container allows a liquid chemical to be introduced into a pressurized water stream provide by the pump to a spray gun. This liquid chemical may be a detergent for cleaning various surfaces, a fertilizer for lawn care, a pesticide, an herbicide, etc. In order to utilize a different chemical, the user must either dispose of any unused chemical within the container and refill the container with their chemical of choice, physically change out the container in use with a different container, or physically adjust an input (e.g. a valve) on the base of the pressure washer to switch between multiple chemical containers. That is, the user cannot easily switch chemicals for use with the spray gun.
One embodiment of the invention relates to a pressure washer including a prime mover, a pump driven by the prime mover, and a spray gun fluidly coupled to the pump. The spray gun includes a flow-control valve movable between an open position and a closed position to control a fluid flow from the spray gun, a user interface for controlling the flow-control valve, a sensor configured to detect the state of the user interface, and a first wireless system electrically coupled to the sensor. In a first state of the user interface, the flow-control valve is in the closed position. In a second state of the user interface, the flow-control valve is in the open position. The pressure washer further includes a second wireless system electrically coupled to the prime mover. The second wireless system signals the prime mover to start to drive the pump to provide fluid to the spray gun upon receiving a start signal from the first wireless system indicating that the sensor detects the user interface in the second state.
Another embodiment relates to a pressure washer including a prime mover, a pump driven by the prime mover, and a spray gun fluidly coupled to the pump. The spray gun includes a first wireless system and a chemical user interface electrically coupled to the first wireless system. The chemical user interface is configured to select between a first chemical mode, a second chemical mode, and a no chemical mode. The pressure washer further includes a second wireless system, a first chemical container fluidly coupled to the spray gun and configured to contain a first chemical, a second chemical container fluidly coupled to the spray gun and configured to contain a second chemical, a first chemical control valve, and a second chemical control valve. The first chemical control valve is fluidly coupled between the first chemical container and the spray gun to control the flow of the first chemical to the spray gun. The first chemical control valve is electrically coupled to the second wireless system. The second chemical control valve is fluidly coupled between the second chemical container and the spray gun to control the flow of the second chemical to the spray gun. The second chemical control valve is electrically coupled to the second wireless system. In the first chemical mode, the second wireless system signals the first chemical control valve to open upon receiving a first chemical mode signal from the first wireless system in response to selecting the first chemical mode with the chemical user interface. In the second chemical mode, the second wireless system signals the second chemical control valve to open upon receiving a second chemical mode signal from the first wireless system in response to selecting the second chemical mode with the chemical user interface. In the no chemical mode, the first chemical control valve is closed and the second chemical control valve is closed.
Another embodiment relates to a method for remotely starting a pressure washer. The method includes operating a user interface of a spray gun to indicate a desire for providing pressurized fluid from the spray gun; and automatically starting a prime mover of the pressure washer in response to the operation of the user interface. Starting the prime mover causes the prime mover to drive a pump to provide pressurized fluid to the spray gun. The method further includes subsequently operating the user interface to indicate a desire to stop providing pressurized fluid from the spray gun, and automatically stopping the prime mover in response to the subsequent operation of the user interface. Stopping the prime mover causes the pump to stop providing pressurized fluid to the spray gun.
Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.
The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:
Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
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A first chemical flows out of the first container 34 through a first conduit 38. A second chemical flows out of the second container 36 through a second conduit 40. The first conduit 38 and the second conduit 40 and coupled to a third conduit 42 via a tee junction 44. The third conduit 42 is in fluid communication with the pump outlet 30, allowing the first chemical or the second chemical to be introduced into the water stream to the spray gun 20. The flow of the first chemical is controlled with a first valve 46 and the flow of the second chemical is controlled with a second valve 48. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first valve 46 and the second valve 48 are normally closed electronic solenoid valves controlled by a wireless system 50 (shown in
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In some embodiments, the controllers 75 and 80 may each include a processor and a memory device. The processor can be implemented as a general purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The memory device (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) is one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present application. The memory device may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory device may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory device is communicably connected to the processor via the processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by processing circuit and/or processor) one or more processes described herein.
In another exemplary embodiment, the controllers 75 or 80 may be implemented as non-programmable circuitry, one or more circuit boards, or one or more linear circuits. “Non-programmable circuitry” consists of analog or digital hard circuitry that does not utilize a microcontroller or software. It is believed that embodiments in which the controllers 75 or 80 are implemented as non-programmable circuitry including discrete components may be less expensive than embodiments implemented with microcontrollers or using software. Such non-programmable circuitry embodiments do not include a microcontroller. Non-programmable circuitry may include multiple discrete components that implement the various operations described herein.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the wireless system 70 of the spray gun 20 communicates with the wireless system 50 of the base unit 12 with low power, short range wireless RF communication. RF technology is relatively inexpensive compared to other wireless communication options (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.). Unlike infrared technology, RF transceivers do not require line-of-sight and are omni-directional so that the spray gun 20 need not be pointed at the base unit 12 to establish communication.
The trigger sensor 72 may be a simple device, such as a switch that completes a circuit when the trigger 58 is pulled and/or when the locking switch 66 is moved from the locked position. When the trigger sensor 72 detects that the trigger 58 has been pulled, a signal is sent by the transceiver 76 to the transceiver 84 of the base unit wireless system 50. The signal instructs the controller 80 of the wireless system 50 to activate the starter system 15 to start the prime mover 16, powering the pump 18 to provide a pressurized water stream to the spray gun 20. The wireless system 70 therefore allows the user to easily start the pressure washer 10 from the spray gun 20 without having to be near the base unit 12.
In another embodiment, flow may be initiated by a signal from a valve position sensor monitoring the position of the flow control valve 62. When the valve position sensor detects that the flow control valve 62 has been opened by the trigger being pulled, a signal is sent by the transceiver 76 to the transceiver 84 of the base unit wireless system 50. The signal instructs the controller 80 of the wireless system 50 to activate the starter system 15 to start the prime mover 16, powering the pump 18 to provide a pressurized water stream to the spray gun 20.
The controller 80 monitors the starter system 15 and disengages the starter system 15 once it is determined that the prime mover 16 has been started. According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 80 monitors the rotational speed of the prime mover, such as by monitoring the spark signal. Once the rotational speed reaches a predetermined threshold indicating the prime mover 16 has started, the controller 80 stops the starter system 15.
In one embodiment, the wireless system 70 may include a start delay. The start delay postpones the sending of a start signal to the prime mover 16 until the trigger 58 has been pulled for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 sec.). A user may therefore pull the trigger 58 either intentionally or unintentionally without causing the prime mover to stop and start repeatedly.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the wireless system 70 sends a continuous signal to the base unit 12 to keep the prime mover 16 running Once the trigger 58 is released, the signal to the base unit 12 ceases and the prime mover 16 stops running In one embodiment, the wireless system 70 may include a stop delay. The delay allows the trigger 58 to be released for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5 seconds) before the prime mover 16 is turned off. A user may therefore release the trigger 58 either intentionally (e.g., to switch the spray gun between hands, to readjust the hand on the trigger 58, etc.) or unintentionally without causing the prime mover to stop and start repeatedly. In some embodiments, the duration of the stop delay may be adjustable by a user of the pressure washer 10 with a user input device (e.g., a dial, a switch, a button, a touchscreen, etc.).
As described above, a liquid chemical may be added to the water stream. According to an exemplary embodiment, the spray gun 20 includes a switch 78 coupled to the controller 75 allowing the user to wirelessly control the chemical supply system 32. As shown in
When the switch 78 is moved to the first position, a signal is sent from the transceiver 76 to the transceiver 84. The controller 80 receives the signal and powers the first solenoid valve 46, opening the valve 46 and allowing the first chemical to flow out of the first chemical container 34 to join the stream of water pumped from the base unit 12 to the spray gun 20 through the conduit 21. The controller 80 monitors the first solenoid valve 46 (e.g., monitors the voltage across the first solenoid valve) to confirm that the first solenoid valve 46 is activated and open. If the valve 46 is open, the controller 80 sends a signal to the controller 75 of the wireless system 70 directing the controller 75 to activate a visual indicator. According to an exemplary embodiment, the visual indicator is an LED 86 mounted proximate the switch 78 (e.g., proximate a label or indicia for the switch corresponding to the first chemical). The LED 86 lights up to provide a visual confirmation for the user that the first chemical is being added to the stream of water.
When the switch 78 is moved to the second position, a signal is sent from the transceiver 76 to the transceiver 84. The controller 80 receives the signal and powers the second solenoid valve 48, opening the valve 48 and allowing the second chemical to flow out of the second chemical container 36 to join the stream of water pumped from the base unit 12 to the spray gun 20 through the conduit 21. The controller 80 monitors the second solenoid valve 48 (e.g., monitors the voltage across the second solenoid valve) to confirm that the second solenoid valve 48 is activated and open. If the valve 48 is open, the controller 80 sends a signal to the controller 75 of the wireless system 70 directing the controller 75 to activate a visual indicator. According to an exemplary embodiment, the visual indicator is an LED 88 mounted proximate the switch 78 (e.g., proximate a label or indicia for the switch corresponding to the first chemical). The LED 86 lights up to provide a visual confirmation for the user that the second chemical is being added to the stream of water.
In another embodiment, the states of the first solenoid valve 46 and the second solenoid valve 48 may be determined by monitoring the physical positions of the first solenoid valve 46 and the second solenoid valve 48. The positions of the first solenoid valve 46 and the second solenoid valve 48 may be monitored, for example, with a device such as a limit switch, an optical switch, a magnetic switch, an encoder, etc.
In some embodiments, the chemical supply system 32 may include a delay when switching between chemicals. For example, the user may switch from the first chemical to the second chemical by providing a control signal from the spray gun, such as by moving the switch 78 from the first position to the second position. With the switch in the second position, the chemical supply system 32 may keep both the first solenoid valve 46 and the second solenoid valve 48 in the closed positions for a period of time to allow water to flush the first chemical from the various conduits before opening the second solenoid valve 48 to add the second chemical to the water stream.
According to another embodiment, the spray gun 20 may include additional controls to allow a user to further control the pressure washer 10 from the spray gun 20. For example, in another embodiment, the valves controlling the flow of chemicals into the stream of water may not be on/off valves but may be configured to variably adjust the flow of the chemicals, thereby adjusting the relative concentration of the chemical in the stream of water. The spray gun 20 may therefore include an input device such as a slider or a dial allowing the user to adjust the valves from a fully open position (e.g., a maximum concentration of a chemical in the stream of water) to a fully closed position (e.g., no chemical in the stream of water).
The power source 74 is a replaceable or rechargeable power source that provides electrical power to operate the transceiver 76, as well as electronic components on the spray gun 20, such as the indicator lights 86 and 88. According to an exemplary embodiment, the power source 74 is a pair of AA size batteries housed within the handle 26. In one embodiment, the batteries may be replaceable alkaline batteries and the spray gun 20 may include a removable door, allowing a user to access and replace the batteries. In another embodiment, the batteries may be rechargeable batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, etc), and the spray gun 18 may include an external port coupled to the batteries. A user may recharge the batteries by plugging the port into another power source (e.g., an external charger).
The power source 82 provides power to the wireless system 50, such as the controller 80 and to related electronic components such as the solenoid valves 46 and 48. According to an exemplary embodiment, the power source 82 is an on-board battery, such as a common 12V lead-acid battery mounted on the frame 14. The power source may be configured to provide power to other components of the pressure washer 10, such as the starter system 15.
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As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “proximate,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. These terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
The term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments.
The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the accompanying drawings. The orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
The construction and arrangement of the pressure washer as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.
