Surface cleaning apparatus

• US 10,638,907 B2
• Filed: 12/22/2017
• Issued: 05/05/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
• Original Assignee: Omachrom Intellectual Property Incorporated
• Inventors: Conrad, Wayne Ernest
• Primary Examiner(s): Redding, David
• Application Number:
  US15/852,550
• Publication Number:
  US 20190082908A1
• Time in Patent Office: 865 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 59/20 Copper
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/201 with supply of cleaning agents
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/202 having separate drive for the cleaning brushes
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/30 by suction
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/302 having rotary tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/34 Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4005 Arrangements of batteries or cells; Electric power supply arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4013 Contaminants collecting devices, i.e. hoppers, tanks or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4016 specially adapted for collecting fluids
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4027 Filtering or separating contaminants or debris
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4036 Parts or details of the surface treating tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4041 Roll shaped surface treating tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4044 Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4083 Liquid supply reservoirs; Preparation of the agents, e.g. mixing devices
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4088 Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4091 Storing or parking devices, arrangements therefor; Means allowing transport of the machine when it is not being used
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4094 Accessories to be used in combination with conventional vacuum-cleaning devices
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/225 Convertible suction cleaners, i.e. convertible between different types thereof, e.g. from upright suction cleaners to sledge-type suction cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/24 Hand-supported suction cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/30 with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/32 : with means for connecting a hose hose couplings for suction cleaners A47L9/24
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/36 : Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/38 : Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0004 : Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners floor-scrubbing machines taking-up dirty liquid by suction A47L11/30
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0009 : with means mounted on the nozzle; nozzles specially adapted for the recovery of liquid
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0014 : with additional means or devices between nozzle and casing
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0023 : Recovery tanks for cleaning machines A47L11/4013
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0028 : Security means, e.g. float valves or level switches for preventing overflow
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0038 : with means for emptying the tanks
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/009 : Details of suction cleaner tools for additional purposes
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/02 : with driven tools for special purposes with floor-polishing tools A47L11/20
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0633 : with retractable brushes, combs, lips or pads
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/122 : flat
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/127 : tube- or sleeve-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/1608 : Cyclonic chamber constructions
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/1625 : for series flow
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/1641 : for parallel flow
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/165 : Construction of inlets
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/1666 : with filtering means
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/1683 : Dust collecting chambers; Dust collecting receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/18 : Liquid filters
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/242 : Hose or pipe couplings
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/248 : Parts, details or accessories of hoses or pipes nozzles A47L9/02
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2826 : the condition of the floor
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2847 : Surface treating elements
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2857 : User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2279/55 : for cleaning appliances, e.g. suction cleaners suction cleaners comprising filters A47L9/10
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 29/35 : arranged for outward flow filtration
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 36/003 : Filters in combination with devices for the removal of liquids B01D35/185 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 45/08 : by impingement against baffle separators
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 45/12 : by centrifugal forces centrifuges B04B; cyclones B04C
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 45/16 : generated by the winding course of the gas stream , the centrifugal forces being generated solely or partly by mechanical means, e.g. fixed swirl vanes
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 50/20 : Combinations of devices covered by groups B01D45/00 and B01D46/00
• CPC Class Codes: B04C 2003/006 : Construction of elements by which the vortex flow is generated or degenerated
• CPC Class Codes: B04C 2009/002 : with external filters
• CPC Class Codes: B04C 2009/008 : with injection or suction of gas or liquid into the cyclone
• CPC Class Codes: B04C 3/06 : Construction of inlets or outlets to the vortex chamber
• CPC Class Codes: B04C 9/00 : Combinations with other devices, e.g. fans, expansion chambers, diffusors, water lockswith filters B01D50/00
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 65/38 : Packaging materials of special type or form
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/24 : Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with thermal insulation B65D81/38

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus, such as an extractor, has a separation stage comprising a separator and a separated liquid container in communication with a separated element outlet of the separator. When the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the separated liquid container has a first portion underlying the separator, a second portion laterally spaced from the first portion and positioned below the separator and a third portion positioned above the second portion, and the third portion has a volume that is at least 80% of a volume of the first portion.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) a liquid delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one liquid;

b) a separation stage comprising a separator and a separated liquid container in communication with a separated element outlet of the separator; and

,

c) a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet, the fluid flow path including the separator and a suction motor,

wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the separated liquid container has a first portion underlying the separator, a second portion laterally spaced from the first portion and positioned below the separator and a third portion positioned above the second portion, and the third portion has a volume that is at least 80% of a volume of the first portion,

wherein the separation stage further comprises a solid collection chamber and the first portion underlies the solid collection chamber, the second portion is laterally spaced from the first portion and is positioned below the solid collection chamber and the third portion is positioned above the second portion, and the third portion has a volume that is at least 80% of a volume of the first portion.

2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third portion is positioned adjacent the solid collection chamber.

3. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the third portion extends along a side of the solid collection chamber.

4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the third portion is in flow communication with the solid collection chamber and the second portion is in flow communication with the third portion.

5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first and second portions comprise a contiguous volume.

6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the separator comprises an inverted cyclone comprising, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, a lower end and an upper end, the lower end having a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone fluid outlet and the upper end has the separated element outlet, wherein the third portion has a volume whereby, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the first and second portions are full with separated liquid and the third portion is empty and when the surface cleaning apparatus is then moved to a horizontal orientation, an upper surface of the separated liquid is positioned below the separated element outlet.

7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising

a) a surface cleaning head having the dirty fluid inlet;

b) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position; and

,

c) a recline limiter system adapted to inhibit the upright section reclining beyond a particular angle of inclination,

wherein the third portion has a volume whereby, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the first and second portions are full with separated liquid and the third portion is empty and when the surface cleaning apparatus is then moved to the particular angle of inclination, an upper surface of the separated liquid is positioned below the separated element outlet.

8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a valve in a flow connection between the third portion and the solid collection chamber.

9. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) a liquid delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one liquid;

b) a separation stage comprising a separator and a separated liquid container in communication with a separated element outlet of the separator; and

,

c) a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet, the fluid flow path including the separator and a suction motor,

wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the separated liquid container has a first portion underlying the separator, a second portion laterally spaced from the first portion and positioned below the separator and a third portion positioned above the second portion, and the third portion has a volume whereby, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the first and second portions are full with separated liquid and the third portion is empty and when the surface cleaning apparatus is then moved to a horizontal orientation, an upper surface of the separated liquid is positioned below the separated element outlet.

10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9, wherein the separation stage further comprises a solid collection chamber and the first portion underlies the solid collection chamber, the second portion is laterally spaced from the first portion and is positioned below the solid collection chamber and the third portion is positioned above the second portion, and the third portion has a volume that is at least 80% of a volume of the first portion.

11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the third portion is positioned adjacent the solid collection chamber.

12. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the third portion extends along a side of the solid collection chamber.

13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 12, wherein the third portion is in flow communication with the solid collection chamber and the second portion is in flow communication with the third portion.

14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first and second portions comprise a contiguous volume.

15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13, wherein the separator comprises an inverted cyclone comprising, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, a lower end and an upper end, the lower end having a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone fluid outlet and the upper end has the separated element outlet.

16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising

a) a surface cleaning head having the dirty fluid inlet;

b) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position; and

,

c) a recline limiter system adapted to inhibit the upright section reclining beyond a particular angle of inclination,

wherein the third portion has a volume whereby, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the first and second portions are full with separated liquid and the third portion is empty and when the surface cleaning apparatus is then moved to the particular angle of inclination, an upper surface of the separated liquid is positioned below the separated element outlet.

17. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a valve in a flow connection between the third portion and the solid collection chamber.