CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present application claims priority to Hong Kong Application No. 22020002067.9, entitled “OUTDOOR SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS WITH SPRAY MECHANISM,” filed on Jan. 30, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure generally relates to an outdoor surface cleaning apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a patio cleaner having a spray mechanism for discharging cleaning solution.
BACKGROUND Outdoor surface cleaning apparatuses are a specific class of outdoor products designed to treat outdoor surfaces, such as patio or paver surfaces and joints, which are more rugged and less delicate than indoor surfaces. These outdoor surfaces and joints can become soiled with stubborn dirt, weeds, and/or grease that are harder to remove than dirt on indoor surfaces.
Manually operated paver push brooms and electric pressure washers are examples of conventional outdoor surface cleaning apparatuses. A paver push broom generally includes a fixed brush with stiff bristles arranged at an end of a broom stick. Dirt on a surface can be removed by scrubbing the surface with the bristles, optionally with cleaning solution or powder applied to the outdoor surface to be cleaned. A pressure washer, on the other hand, generally includes a nozzle that directs pressurized liquid to the surface to dislodge dirt and grease from the surface. These conventional outdoor surface cleaning apparatuses are usually dedicated outdoor apparatuses adapted for only a single outdoor cleaning operation. These apparatuses are not readily convertible for different surface cleaning applications.
Some recently developed outdoor surface cleaning apparatuses include one or more brushings element and water outlets. However, the water discharging mechanism typically discharges water unidirectionally to the front of the apparatus only. The water discharged is not isolated from the power head and the driving elements. As the motor and gearbox may not be waterproof, overtime water may cause damage to the motor and gearbox. Further, while conventional outdoor surface cleaning apparatuses can clean floors effectively, they may not be able to effectively clean the surface of walls, or the risers of stairs.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved outdoor surface cleaning apparatus that seeks to address at least some of the above mentioned problems. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Provided herein is a surface cleaning apparatus with spray mechanism, which is capable of spraying cleaning solution.
According to certain aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a handle; a power head with a prime mover; an attachment head having a cleaning attachment; and a spray mechanism having a first fluid input, a second fluid input, and a cleaning fluid output. The spray mechanism further comprises a mixing assembly in fluid communication with the first fluid input, the second fluid input, and the cleaning solution output.
According to certain aspects, the cleaning solution output comprises at least a brush nozzle and a side nozzle; the brush nozzle is configured to spray cleaning solution onto a surface in front of the cleaning attachment or directly onto the cleaning attachment; and the side nozzle is configured to spray cleaning solution onto the surface in front of the cleaning attachment or an adjacent surface.
According to certain aspects, the cleaning solution output comprises at least a discharging bar having holes arranged horizontally along a longitudinal length of the discharging bar, thereby cleaning solution is discharged to the cleaning attachment.
According to certain aspects, the first fluid input is a water inlet assembly comprising a hose dock and a control panel. The control panel further comprises a lever that is rotatable along a circumference of the control panel for selecting between a waterless mode, a water only mode, or a diluted detergent mode.
According to certain aspects, the mixing assembly is positioned at the handle.
According to certain aspects, the second fluid input further comprises a detergent dock configured for attaching a detergent bottle.
According to certain aspects, the mixing assembly is positioned along a tube assembly, wherein the tube assembly is arranged between the handle and the power head. The mixing assembly further comprises an integrated tank arranged in-line with the tube assembly; a transparent window is provided on a wall of the integrated tank with volume indicators; and a hinged cap and a stopper are provided at top of the integrated tank or at front side of the integrated tank.
According to certain aspects, the mixing assembly further comprises a venturi tube having a contraction section, a diffusion section, and a throat section; the contraction section is coupled to a first hose connecting to the first fluid input; the diffusion section is coupled to a second hose connecting to the cleaning fluid output; and the throat section is configured to draw detergent from the second fluid input using venturi effect, thereby water flowing through the venturi tube is mixed with the detergent to obtain diluted detergent.
According to certain aspects, the second hose has an inner diameter in a range between 7 mm and 12 mm, and an outer diameter in a range between 10.5 mm and 16 mm.
According to certain aspects, the control panel further comprises valves, and two outlet ports; the first outlet port is coupled to a first inlet port of a Y-shape connector for transporting water; and the second outlet port is coupled to a second inlet port of the Y-shape connector via the venturi tube and a check valve.
According to certain aspects, the cleaning attachment is at least partially covered by a guard arranged between a left lateral end portion and a right lateral end portion of the power head. The guard is attached to a rubber squeegee that is extended from a back side of the guard with an adjustable height for controlling a flow of cleaning solution on a surface.
According to certain aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a rotary knob for adjusting a flow of cleaning solution.
According to certain aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a side brush attachable to a side of the cleaning attachment that is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the cleaning attachment, thereby the side brush allows brushing of a surface in a lateral direction.
According to certain aspects, the cleaning attachment comprises a brush head and a circular side brush attachable to the brush head, which is coupled to the power head for transferring a torque such that the circular side brush allows brushing of a surface in a lateral direction.
According to certain aspects, the cleaning attachment comprises a brush head and a dome-shaped brush attachable to the brush head, which is coupled to the power head for transferring a torque such that the dome-shaped brush allows brushing of a surface in a lateral direction.
According to certain aspects, the dome-shaped brush further comprises an inner dome, a plurality of bristles arranged circumferentially around the inner dome, and a roller ball supported by a socket which is mounted on top of the inner dome.
According to certain aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a rotatable joint, wherein the power head and the attachment head at a horizontal state are rotatable clockwisely by 90 degrees to a vertical state using the rotatable joint.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention are disclosed as illustrated by the embodiments hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The appended drawings contain figures to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages, and features of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only certain embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit its scope. It will also be appreciated that these drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been depicted to scale. The present disclosure will now be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outdoor surface cleaning apparatus in a first configuration in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the handle of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the auxiliary handle and the telescopic adjustment mechanism of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a front view of the front end of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a front view of an internal construction of the front end (front of the housing removed) of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 with the roller brush disassembled;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an internal construction of the front end (roller brush and housing removed) of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing the internal construction of the base part and the brushing part (with the belt from the transmission assembly included) of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional front view of the front end of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a side view of the front end of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the internal construction of the transmission assembly;
FIG. 10 is an end cap that can be assembled to cover the transmission assembly of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an internal construction of the front end (end cap and front of the housing removed) of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the rear end of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the mixing assembly and the water inlet assembly;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the water inlet assembly;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an outdoor surface cleaning apparatus in a second configuration with the mixing assembly positioned at the tube assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view of the handle of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 14 showing the water inlet assembly;
FIG. 16 is a side view of an alternative configuration of the rear end of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the mixing assembly positioned at the tube assembly of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 14;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the front end of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus having a first configuration of the integrated bottle;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the front end of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus having a second configuration of the integrated bottle;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the front end (guard removed) of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus with a first configuration of the spray nozzles;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an internal construction of the front end of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus with a second configuration of the spray nozzles;
FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of water and detergent;
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the front end showing a side brush attachable to the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 14;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an outdoor surface cleaning apparatus in a third configuration with the mixing assembly positioned at the tube assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 25 is a front view of the front end of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 24;
FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the disc brush assembly of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 24;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the front end showing a circular side brush attachable to an outdoor surface cleaning apparatus in a fourth configuration in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 28 is a front view of the front end of an outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 27 with a dome-shaped brush attached;
FIG. 29 is a side view of the front end of an outdoor surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 28 in a twisting head mode; and
FIG. 30 is a side view of an alternative configuration of the dome-shaped brush.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or its application and/or uses. It should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. The detailed description will enable those of ordinary skilled in the art to implement an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure without undue experimentation, and it is understood that various changes or modifications may be made in the function and structure described in the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is shown an outdoor surface cleaning apparatus 100 in a first configuration in accordance with certain embodiments. The apparatus 100 includes a handle 102 at the rear end 100A, and a power head 104 and an attachment head at the front end 100B. A tube assembly 106 is arranged between the handle 102 and the power head 104. The tube assembly 106 defines a longitudinal axis A along which the apparatus 100 generally extends. In certain embodiments, the tube assembly 106 is an elongated tube assembly formed by an inner tube 106A and an outer tube 106B in slidable arrangement, with a clamp 106C therebetween for locking the inner and outer tubes 106A, 106B with respect to each other. In other words, the tube assembly 106 is a telescopic tube assembly, the length of which can be adjusted to suit the height of different users. In the first configuration, a first fluid input and a second fluid input are positioned at the handle 102 for receiving water and detergent respectively. The apparatus 100 comprises an attachment head having a brush head 105 as a cleaning attachment. In a second configuration as shown in FIG. 14, the apparatus 10 may comprise a first fluid input positioned at the handle 102 for receiving water and a second fluid input positioned along the tube assembly 106 for receiving detergent. The third configuration as shown in FIG. 24 is similar to the second configuration, but the apparatus 10 comprises an attachment head having a disc brush assembly 400 as a cleaning attachment. In a fourth configuration as shown in FIG. 27, a circular side brush 522 or a dome-shaped brush 523 is attachable to the apparatus 10.
In certain embodiments, the power head 104 includes a long axis B that extends generally horizontally and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the tube assembly 106. The power head 104 includes a motor and a gear transmission. The motor is arranged with a shaft oriented generally horizontally along the long axis B. In certain embodiments, the attachment head has a brush head 105, comprising roller brush 502, as a cleaning attachment. The brush head 105 may be arranged below the power head 104 and the roller brush 502 is driven to rotate by the power head 104. In some examples, the roller brush 502 may advantageously include bristles arranged in different patterns, with different lengths, diameters, materials, and/or hardness, for example, alternatively along one or both of the circumferential surface or the long axis of the roller brush 502, to provide an improved cleaning effect.
As shown in FIG. 2, the handle 102 includes a hand grip portion 102G that extends generally rearwardly with respect to the tube assembly 106 and the head 104. The hand grip portion 102G includes a trigger 108 and a speed control switch 102A. In certain embodiments, the handle 102 further comprises a forward-reverse button to switch the rotation direction of the roller brush 502. The base part of the hand grip portion 102G, i.e., the rear-most end of the handle 102, may include a base 103B with a battery receptacle for receiving a battery pack 103. The battery pack 103 is installed above the hose socket 322 of the water inlet assembly 320, which can minimize the risk of water logging of battery by cleaning solution. The term “cleaning solution”, as used herein, may include water, detergent, diluted detergent, alcohol, and other cleaning solvents. Electrical connections are arranged inside the handle 102, the tube assembly 106, and the power head 104, for electrically connecting the battery pack 103 with the motor in the power head 104. The apparatus 100 is preferably a cordless DC electric apparatus but it may alternatively be a corded AC electric apparatus or a hybrid AC-DC electric apparatus. The apparatus 100 can be operated with any number of battery packs 103. In one example, the apparatus 100 is operated with an 18V lithium-based battery pack. The base part 102B defines a plane that is generally angled with respect to a vertical plane. Actuating the trigger 108 in the handle 102 activates the motor in the power head 104 and hence the brush head 105 is driven to rotate. The speed control switch 102A can adjust the rotational speed of the roller brush 502, and may reverse the direction of rotation of the roller brush 502 using the same switch or alternatively with a separate control switch.
As shown in FIG. 3, an auxiliary handle 110 is mounted to the tube assembly 106 at a position between the clamp 106C and the handle 102. In certain embodiments, the position of the auxiliary handle 110 may be adjustable along the tube assembly 106 or otherwise fixed thereon. The auxiliary handle 110 is mounted to the tube assembly 106 using a U-shaped coupler 112 that surrounds the tube 106A and defines a mouth for receiving a coupling part of the auxiliary handle 110. The U-shaped coupler 112 and the coupling part of the auxiliary handle 110 include correspondingly aligned through-openings through which a knob 114 extends. A nut 116 is used to tighten the mouth of the U-shaped coupler 112 to clamp onto and secure the auxiliary handle 110. The auxiliary handle 110 is rotatable with respect to the tube assembly 106 about a rotation axis C (defined by the knob 114) substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis A of the tube assembly 106.
FIG. 4 shows the front end 100B of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The power head 104 includes two lateral end portions 104A, 104B each may be arranged to be coupled with an attachment head having a cleaning attachment directly or indirectly. In the first configuration, the attachment head may comprise a brush head 105 connected to the power head 104 indirectly through a transmission assembly 500. The transmission assembly 500 is arranged to transfer the torque from the power head 104 to the attachment head, wherein the attachment head is the brush head 105 as the cleaning attachment. One of the lateral end portions 104A, 104B allows for mechanical coupling between the drive assembly in the power head 104 and the transmission assembly 500, while the other lateral end portion 104A, 104B may be covered by a side cover 430. Each of the end portions 104A, 104B includes an engagement arrangement for releasably engaging with the corresponding engagement arrangement of the transmission assembly 500 or the side cover 430, which may be attached or detached thereto with or without using a tool. If the transmission assembly 500 is engaged to the right side of the power head 104, the shaft from the drive assembly is arranged to extend horizontally out from the left lateral end 104A, and the side cover 430 is engaged to the left side of the power head 104. In other words, the left lateral end portion 104A includes a coupling member arranged to couple with the corresponding coupling member of the transmission assembly 500. The drive assembly in the power head 104 is arranged to couple with the transmission assembly 500, and the lower part of the transmission assembly 500 is coupled to a first end of the brush head 105 for driving the roller brush 502 in the brush head 105.
As viewed from the front of the apparatus 100, the power head 104 may be covered by a housing 431 having a plurality of ventilation openings 434. The plurality of ventilation openings 434 are characterized in that water ingress is prevented and the air ventilation is guaranteed to avoid overheat of the power head 104. In particular, each of the plurality of ventilation openings 434 is a gap suitably arranged on the housing 431 for air inlet that runs horizontally towards the center line of symmetry of the power head 104. In certain embodiments, the ventilation openings 434 are at least partially covered by covers or water shields.
FIG. 5 shows the internal construction of the front end 100B of the apparatus 100. The drive assembly of the power head 104 may include any types of prime movers, preferably a motor 201, with gear transmission unit. The power head 104 includes coupling member for coupling with the corresponding coupling member on the transmission assembly 500. The drive assembly of the power head 104 can be oriented differently, e.g., with the motor shaft 201A extending at an angle to horizontal or even vertically. In certain embodiments, electrical connection between the drive assembly of the power head 104 and the transmission assembly 500 may also be established as the mechanical connection is established.
As viewed from the front of the apparatus 100 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a first end cap 432 of the transmission assembly 500 is coupled to the left lateral end 104A of the power head 104 and a second end cap 433 of the side cover 430 is coupled to the right lateral end 104B of the power head 104. To connect the first end cap 432 of the transmission assembly 500 to the power head 104, the user simply aligns the corresponding engagement features 506A, 506B on the power head 104 and the first end cap 432 of the transmission assembly 500, and then moves the first end cap 432 or the power head 104 relatively towards each other along the movement axis D such that the engagement features 506A, 506B engage. In this embodiment, the movement axis D is generally horizontal. To disconnect the first end cap 432 of the transmission assembly 500 from the power head 104, the user simply disengages the engagement feature 506A on the power head 104 from the engagement feature 506B on the first end cap 432 of the transmission assembly 500, then moves the first end cap 432 of the transmission assembly 500 or the power head 104 relatively away from each other along the movement axis D. The same engagement features 506A, 506B are also provided in the second end cap 433 for connecting to the power head 104. The shape and form of engagement features 506A, 506B may vary, and the number of engagement features 506A, 506B can be any number, preferably less than four on each side.
As shown in FIG. 6, the left lateral end 104A and the right lateral end 104B may be extended down to the brush head 105 from the power head 104. A guard 512 is screwed between the left lateral end 104A and the right lateral end 104B at least partially covering the brush head 105. The shape and form of the guard 512 may vary but the guard 512 can generally be any type of cover that at least partly surrounds the brush head 105 to shield the power head 104 from materials that are dislodged from the surface by agitation of the brush head 105. Some embodiments also allow the guard 512 to be adjusted without having to use a tool. This arrangement further improves ease of use of the apparatus 100. The engagement and rotation mechanism for the guard 512 may provide a click sound (by material contact) to indicate movement of the guard 512. The guard 512 may include two roller shafts 540A, 540B, both extending generally parallel to the axis D and generally tapered towards the roller brush 502, to engage corresponding recesses 502R (shown in FIG. 7) in the roller brush 502. The roller brush 502 in this embodiment includes radially extending bristles. A rubber squeegee 513 is attached to and extended from the back side of the guard 512, which has an adjustable height for controlling the flow of cleaning solution on the floor surface. The roller shafts 540A, 540B are respectively mounted on a left drive shaft 501A and the right drive shaft 501B, which can rotate along an axis generally parallel to the axis D and extended along a through-opening on the left lateral end 104A and the right lateral end 104B. Nuts 552, 553 are used to respectively tighten the left drive shaft 501A and the right drive shaft 501B in position with respect to the left lateral end 104A and the right lateral end 104B using O-rings 503A, 503B.
Certain embodiments of the internal structure of the power head 104 are shown in FIGS. 6-8. The motor 201 is fixed by a motor mount 202 and a motor housing 203 to secure the position of the motor 201 with respect to the housing 431 of the power head 104. The motor 201 may be an electric powered brushed motor and the motor shaft 201A is driven to rotate when the motor 201 is activated. The motor housing 203 has one side engaged with the motor 201, and another side engaged with a first planetary carrier 210. The gear transmission unit, comprising a plurality of gears provided within a gearbox housing 204, is driven by the motor shaft 201A of the motor 201. The plurality of gears is arranged to form a first layer of planetary gear 211 and a second layer of planetary gear 221. The first layer of planetary gear 211 is fixedly connected to the first planetary carrier 210, and engaged with the first ring gear 212 to form a first gear arrangement 231. The first gear arrangement 231 is driven by the motor 201, and drives the second gear arrangement 232. The second gear arrangement 232 comprises a second ring gear 222, the second layer of planetary gear 221, and a boss gear 223 being concentric with a washer 205 which is engaged with the first layer of planetary gear 211 of the first gear arrangement 231. The boss gear 223 drives the second layer of planetary gear 221, which is engaged with the second ring gear 222. A first bearing 206 is provided within the gearbox housing 204 and in contact with the second layer of planetary gear 221. A drive shaft 514 is fit into an O-ring 207 and is driven by the second gear arrangement 232 for driving the transmission assembly 500.
As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the drive shaft 514 has one end comprising a spindle 514A arranged to couple with a corresponding gear in the second gear arrangement 232. The other end of the drive shaft 514 has one or more dents, which is fixedly coupled to an upper pulley 550 on an upper part of the transmission assembly 500. A nut 551 is used to secure the upper pulley 550 in position. A belt drive mechanism is arranged in the transmission assembly 500. The belt drive mechanism is formed by the upper pulley 550 connected at one end of the drive shaft 514, a corresponding lower pulley 504 at a lower part of the transmission assembly 500, and a belt 554 connecting the two pulleys 550, 504. The lower part of the transmission assembly 500 is mechanically coupled to a first end of the brush head 105. The lower pulley 504, being concentric with the roller brush 502, is arranged to rotationally drive the roller brush 502 at a speed determined by the speed of the motor 201 through the first gear arrangement 231 and the second gear arrangement 232. In certain embodiments, the belt 554 is a flat belt. The pulleys 550, 504 may each include axial ribs. The spindle 514A is arranged to allow transfer of torque from the second gear arrangement 232 to the drive shaft 514, and the drive shaft 514 is coupled to the upper pulley 550, hence the torque is transferred to the lower pulley 504 via the belt 554 to drive the roller brush 502 into rotation. FIG. 10 shows an end cap 432 that can be assembled to cover the transmission assembly 500. In this embodiment, the roller brush 502 is arranged to interact with the outdoor surface to be or being cleaned. The drive assembly in the power head 104 and the transmission assembly 500 are provided to rotate the roller brush 502 at a desired speed.
In certain embodiments, the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus 100 can be used as a patio cleaner having a spray mechanism with a cleaning solution output at the front end 100B, which are capable of spraying cleaning solution for cleaning purposes. The cleaning solution output can be in fluid communication with a first fluid input for receiving water from an external water hose, such as a garden hose, and there is no built-in water tank. The cleaning solution output may also be in fluid communication with a second fluid input for receiving detergent. FIG. 11 shows a first configuration of the apparatus 100 illustrating how the cleaning solution is discharged. The hose 312 is an external tube for transporting cleaning solution, which is distributed to a side nozzle 301 and a brush nozzle 302. The hose 312 can have an inner diameter in a range between 5 mm and 15 mm, or in a range between 7 mm and 12 mm. The outer diameter of the hose 312 can be in a range between 9 mm and 18 mm, or in a range between 10.5 mm and 16 mm. In certain embodiments, the hose has an inner diameter of 7 mm and an outer diameter of 10.5 mm, the flow rate of water is 0.35 L/s, and the flow rate of diluted detergent (water and detergent mixed) is 0.14 L/s. The brush nozzle 302 is a sprayer, which may be positioned outside the shield 512 or alternatively within the shield 512 and above the cleaning attachment, such as the brush head 105. The brush nozzle 302 is configured to spray cleaning solution onto a surface in front of the cleaning attachment or directly to the cleaning attachment. The side nozzle 301 may not be firmly fixed on the front end 100B, and the angle of water jet from the side nozzle 301 may be adjustable. The side nozzle 301 is configured to spray cleaning solution onto a contact surface in front of the cleaning attachment, such as the brush head 105, or the adjacent surface such that cleaning solution can be discharged on the surface before the surface comes in contact with the cleaning attachment.
The spray mechanism can further comprise a mixing assembly 330 and a water inlet assembly 320. As shown in FIG. 12, the rear end 100A of the apparatus 100 includes the battery 103, the handle 102, the mixing assembly 330, and the water inlet assembly 320. The handle 102 is connected to the mixing assembly 300 and the water inlet assembly 320 at the bottom. Both the mixing assembly 330 and the water inlet assembly 320 are enclosed within a housing 323. At one end of the housing 323, the water inlet assembly 320 as a first fluid input is provided, comprising a hose dock 322 and a control panel 324. The hose dock 322 is a quick release dock configured for coupling with and receiving an external water hose, and is coupled to a control panel 324 having valves for controlling the water input and the mixing of detergent. The mixing assembly 300 and a second fluid input comprising a detergent dock 321 are provided at a bottom side of the housing 323, which are in fluid communication with the first fluid input for mixing the water from the external water hose with the detergent from the second fluid input. The output of the mixing assembly 300 is in fluid communication with a cleaning solution output. The detergent dock 321 is configured for attaching a detergent bottle 350 thereto. A straw 333 extends out from the detergent dock 321 and into the detergent bottle 350, with the tip of the straw 333 at the bottom of the detergent bottle 350 for receiving the detergent. As shown in FIG. 13, an exemplary implementation of the water inlet assembly 320 is depicted. The hose dock 322 is directly connected to the control panel 324 such that the amount of water entering the mixing assembly 300 from the external water hose can be controlled. The control panel 324 comprises a lever 324D that is rotatable along the circumference of the control panel 324 for selecting a mode of operation. When the lever 324D is set to the center position 324B, the valve for the hose dock 322 is closed and a waterless mode is selected. When the lever 324D is rotated up to “W” position 324C for selecting a water only mode, the valve for the hose dock 322 is opened and only water is flown into the mixing assembly 300 for discharge at the side nozzle 301 and the brush nozzle 302. When the lever 324D is rotated down to “W+D” position 324A for selecting a diluted detergent mode, the valves for the hose dock 322 and the detergent dock 321 are opened, thereby allowing water and detergent to be mixed in the mixing assembly 300. Diluted detergent is distributed through the side nozzle 301 and the brush nozzle 302. In certain embodiments, the control panel 324 may be electrically powered and the lever 324D is replaced by one or more electric switches.
FIG. 14 shows the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus 100 in a second configuration with a detergent dock 321 and a respective mixing assembly 330 positioned along the tube assembly 106, and a water inlet assembly 320 positioned at the front part of the handle 102. The first fluid input is positioned at the handle 102 for receiving water from an external water hose, whereas the second fluid input comprising a detergent dock 321 is positioned along the tube assembly 106 for receiving detergent. On the first fluid input, the hose dock 322 of the water inlet assembly 320 is in fluid communication with the control panel 324, and both are enclosed within a housing 323, as shown in more details in FIG. 15.
In certain embodiments, the physical position of the battery 103 and the water inlet assembly 320 may be swapped, as shown in the alternative configuration of the apparatus 100 in FIG. 16. The base part of the hand grip portion 102G, i.e., the rear-most end of the handle 102, is connected to the water inlet assembly 320. The front part of the handle 102, i.e. opposite to the hand grip portion 102G, includes a base 103B with a battery receptacle for receiving a battery pack 103. The battery pack 103 may be enclosed in a waterproof battery cover, such as IPX5 or IPX6, as the hose 321 for transferring water from the water inlet assembly 320 may travel within the handle 102 proximate to the battery pack 103.
FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of the mixing assembly 330 and a second fluid input positioned along the tube assembly 106 of the apparatus 100. A detergent mount 106D is detachably mounted to the tube assembly 106. In certain embodiments, the detergent mount 106D is fastened on the tube assembly 106 at the same position as the clamp 106C. The mixing assembly 330 is mounted on the detergent mount 106D, comprising a venturi tube 340 with a contraction section 340A, a diffusion section 340B, and a throat section 340C. The contraction section 340A is connected to a first hose, which is in fluid communication with the water inlet assembly 320, and may be hidden within the inner tube 106A. The diffusion section 340B is connected to a second hose, which is in fluid communication with the cleaning solution output at the front end 100B for discharging the cleaning solution. The second hose may be hidden within the outer tube 106B. The diffusion section 340B may be connected to, or otherwise comprise, a check valve 341 (not shown in the FIG. 17). The venturi tube 340 makes use of venturi effect to draw detergent out from the detergent bottle 350 and, via the throat section 340C, mix the detergent with the water flowing through the venturi tube 340. The throat section 340C is connected to a coupler 327 and a straw holder 325. A spring 326 is also provided within the detergent dock 321, such that the straw 333 can be released from the straw holder 325 by pressing the detergent dock 321 towards the detergent mount 106D.
FIGS. 18 and 19 show two configurations of the mixing assembly 330 using an integrated tank 331 arranged in-line with the outer tube 106B of the tube assembly 106. A transparent window is provided on the wall of the integrated tank 331 with volume indicators. The first configuration of the mixing assembly 330 is depicted in FIG. 18 with a hinged cap and stopper 332A at the top of the integrated tank 331. Detergent is refilled into the integrated tank 331 through the opening 334A, and detergent is drawn out from the integrated tank 331 via a straw 333 by venturi effect. In the second configuration of the mixing assembly 330 shown in FIG. 19, the hinged cap and stopper 332B are provided at the front side. The opening 334B is provided on the front side. With both configurations, the detergent is poured into the integrated tank 331 and there is no limitation on the compatibility of the detergent bottle 350 for attaching to the detergent dock 321.
In certain embodiments, the mixing of the detergent and water can also be achieved using gravitational force or a pump without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, a connection tube may be arranged at the bottom-most end of the detergent bottle 350 or the integrated tank 331, such that the detergent flows downwardly by gravitational force to mix with the water using a Y-shape connector. In another example, the pumping mechanism is provided to draw the detergent out of the detergent bottle 350 or the integrated tank 331 through the straw 333. The pumping power is adjustable for controlling the amount of detergent needed. The detergent pumped out is then mixed with the water using a Y-shape connector.
FIG. 20 shows the first configuration of the spray mechanism at the front end 100B of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The hose 312 is an external tube for transporting cleaning solution, which is distributed to a side nozzle 301 and a brush nozzle 302. The brush nozzle 302 is configured to spray cleaning solution onto a surface in front of the roller brush 502 or directly to the roller brush 502. The side nozzle 301 is configured to spray cleaning solution onto a contact surface of the roller brush 502, or the adjacent surface to the roller brush 502 such that cleaning solution can be discharged the surface before contacting the surface with the roller brush 502.
FIG. 21 shows the second configuration of the spray mechanism at the front end 100B of the apparatus 100. A water hose 313 and a diluted detergent hose 314 are respectively used for transporting water and diluted detergent, which is distributed to a discharging bar 303. Both the water hose 313 and the diluted detergent hose 314 are hidden within the tube assembly 106. The discharging bar 303 has holes arranged horizontally along the longitudinal length of the discharging bar 303, such that the cleaning solution may be discharged to the roller brush 502.
FIG. 22 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the flow of water and detergent in the apparatus 100. The hose dock 322 is a quick release dock configured for coupling with and receiving an external water hose. The hose dock 322 is directly coupled to a control panel 324 having valves for controlling the water input and the mixing of detergent. The control panel 324 provides two outlet ports 324E, 324F. The first outlet port 324E is coupled to a first inlet port of a Y-shape connector 342 for transporting water. The second outlet port 324F is coupled to the contraction section 340A of the venturi tube 340. The venturi tube 340 makes use of venturi effect to draw detergent into the venturi tube 340 via the throat section 340C, such that the detergent and the water are mixed to obtain diluted detergent. The diffusion section 340B is coupled to a check valve 341 and a second inlet port of the Y-shape connector 342 for transporting the diluted detergent to the front end 100B. When the control panel 324 is switched to “W”, the water from the hose dock 322 is directed to the first outlet port 324E. Therefore, the Y-shape connector 342 receives water for discharge. When the control panel 324 is switched to “W+D”, the water from the hose dock 322 is directed to the second outlet port 324F. Therefore, the water is mixed with the detergent at the venturi tube 340, and the Y-shape connector 342 receives the diluted detergent for discharge.
FIG. 23 shows a side brush 521 attachable to a side of the front end 100B that is generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the roller brush 502. In another word, as viewed from the front of the apparatus 100, the side brush 521 is coupled to the left lateral end of the transmission assembly 500, or to the right lateral end of the side cover 430. To attach the side brush 521, the user simply aligns the side brush 521 and the transmission assembly 500 or the side cover 430, and moves the side brush 521 or the apparatus 100 relatively towards each other. Velcro may be used to secure the side brush 521. To detach the side brush 521, the user simply pulls the side brush 521 out from any side to separate the side brush 521 from the apparatus 100. The side brush 521 provides a brush in the lateral direction for scrubbing the surface of a wall, or the riser of a stair.
FIG. 24 shows an outdoor surface cleaning apparatus 100 in a third configuration, comprising a power head 104, a disc brush assembly 400, and a wheel assembly 450. The power head 104 includes two lateral end portions 104A, 104B each may be arranged to be coupled with an attachment head having a cleaning attachment directly. The attachment head may comprise a disc brush assembly 400 as the cleaning attachment. The disc brush assembly 400 is driven by the drive assembly in the power head 104. On the front of the power head 104, a cleaning solution output (front nozzle 304) may be provided for discharging the cleaning solution. The wheel assembly 450 is attached to right lateral end portion 104B of the power head 104, and the disc brush assembly 400 is attached to left lateral end portion 104A. As viewed from the front of the apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 25, the disc brush assembly 400 is coupled to the left end of the power head 104, and the wheel assembly 450 is coupled to the right end of the power head 104. To connect the disc brush assembly 400, the user simply aligns the corresponding engagement features on the power head 104 and the disc brush assembly 400, and then moves the disc brush assembly 400 or the power head 104 relatively towards each other. To disconnect the disc brush assembly 400, the user simply disengages the engagement features on the power head 104 and the disc brush assembly 400, then move the disc brush assembly 400 or the power head 104 relatively away from each other. In certain embodiments, the power head 104 is arranged to couple with the disc brush 402 in the disc brush assembly 400 to drive the disc brush 402. The wheel assembly 450 can be mounted similarly, but from the other side of the power head 104, and with or without driving connection between the wheel 451 and the power head 104.
FIG. 26 illustrates, in more detail, the construction of the disc brush assembly 400. The disc brush assembly 400 includes a housing formed by two housing parts 404A, 404B. The first housing part 404A is for mounting the actuator 406 and the second housing part 404B is for mounting the disc brush 402. A guard or cover 412 for the disc brush 402 is attached to the second housing part 404B to which the disc brush 402 mounts. The two housing parts 404A, 404B define aligned through-holes through which the spindle 414 extends. Bearings 420, 421 are provided in the housing for supporting rotation of the spindle 414 about the axis E. The spindle 414 includes at both ends, keyed surfaces 414C, 414C'. One end 414C of the spindle 414 away from the disc brush 402 is for coupling with a drive shaft 514 in the power head 104. The other end 414C' of the spindle 414 is for coupling with a disc brush support sleeve 422 (an inner flange). This end 414C' of the spindle 414 also defines an opening for removably (e.g., threadedly) receiving a hex key head 426. The spindle 414 is generally long and cylindrical, but has a portion 4140 with opposed flat surfaces defining an obround cross section. The disc-like disc brush 402 is arranged to be mounted on an axially extending cylindrical part of the support sleeve 422. An outer disc member 424 (outer flange) is arranged on the opposite side of the disc brush 402. The hex key head 426 rotatably supports the disc brush 402 between the inner and outer flanges 422, 424. A spindle locking mechanism is arranged in the housing. The spindle locking mechanism is formed by a spindle lock button 416 protruding from the housing, a spindle lock plate 428 biased by a compression spring 429A supported by a supporting flange 429B in the second housing part 404B. The spindle lock plate 428 defines an opening 428O with an upper portion and a lower portion of different sizes. The upper portion is sized to correspond to (e.g., slightly larger than) the short axis of the obround portion 4140 and is smaller than the long axis of the obround portion 4140, while the lower portion is sized to correspond to the long axis of the obround portion 4140 (also the diameter of the remaining cylindrical portion). The spindle lock assembly is used for facilitating replacement or removal of the disc brush 402. To remove the disc brush 402, the user has to actuate the spindle lock actuator 416, depress it such that the upper portion of the opening on the spindle lock plate surrounds the obround portion 4140. In this way, the spindle 414 cannot rotate as the upper portion of the opening 428O is sized smaller than a long axis of the obround portion 4140. When the actuator 416 is actuated, the user can use a hex key to engage with and rotate the hex key head 426, to release the hex key head 426 from the spindle 414, thereby removing or replacing the disc brush 402, or the inner and outer flanges 422, 424, if needed.
FIGS. 27 and 28 show the front end 100B of an outdoor surface cleaning apparatus 100 in a fourth configuration, comprising a power head 104, a transmission assembly 500, a brush head 105, and a circular side brush 522 or a dome-shaped brush 523. The front end 100B of the apparatus 100 is in a cantilever configuration, therefore the power head 104 includes only one lateral end portion 104A arranged to be coupled with an attachment head having a cleaning attachment (brush head 105 and the attached circular side brush 522 or dome-shaped brush 523) indirectly through the transmission assembly 500. The transmission assembly 500 is mechanically coupled to the left lateral end portion 104A of the power head 104 and the brush head 105. The drive assembly in the power head 104 is arranged to couple with the transmission assembly 500, and the lower part of the transmission assembly 500 is coupled to a first end of the brush head 105 for driving the roller brush 502 in the brush head 105. The apparatus is in a cantilever configuration having the transmission assembly 500 for connecting the power head 104 and the brush head 105. In certain embodiments, the power head 104 may include a rotary knob 436, which is provided on an opposite side to the transmission assembly 500 for adjusting the flow of the cleaning solution. The rotary knob 436 may control a valve on the hose 312, which is configured to control the flow rate from fully open to fully closed. The cleaning solution output may include one or more front nozzles 304 and a side nozzle 305. In certain embodiments, a nozzle selector 435 may also be provided. The nozzle selector 435 is a slider for selecting between the front nozzles 304 (or the brush nozzle 302) and the side nozzle 305.
Referring to FIG. 27, a circular side brush 522 is attached to an engagement end 501C on a second end of the brush head 105, which is coupled to the right drive shaft 501B for transferring the torque from the transmission assembly 500. Therefore, when the roller brush 502 is driven to rotate by the power head 104, the circular side brush 522 is also rotated with the same speed. Unlike the prior configurations having symmetric design of the left and right lateral end portions 104A, 104B, the fourth configuration has asymmetric design of the left and right lateral end portions 104C, 104D. The right lateral end portion 104D has an opening to receive the shaft of the roller brush 502 and allows the shaft to pass through for receiving the circular side brush 522. Bearing is also provided to allow the shaft to rotate relative to the right lateral end portion 104D. The right lateral end portion 104D can increase the bending strength of the roller brush so that the right lateral end portion 104D would not bend towards the power head 104 during use. To connect the circular side brush 522 to the engagement end 501C, the user simply aligns the circular side brush 522 and the engagement end 501C, and then moves the circular side brush 522 or the apparatus 100 relatively towards each other. The engagement of the engagement end 501C and the circular side brush 522 may provide a click sound (by material contact) to indicate that the engagement is successful. Referring to FIG. 28, a dome-shaped brush 523 is attached to the second end of the brush head 105, such that the dome-shaped brush 523 is also driven to rotate by the power head 104 when the roller brush 502 rotates. By using the circular side brush 522 or the dome-shaped brush 523, a user can easily brush a surface in a lateral direction, which is particularly useful for cleaning the surface of a wall, or the riser 11 of a stair 10. The circular side brush 522 may be a wire brush. The circular side brush 522 may also be a disc-like blade.
FIGS. 28 and 29 show a twisting head mechanism of the front end 100B of the apparatus 100. A rotatable joint 440 may be provided between the front end 100B and the tube assembly 106. As view from the front of the apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 28, the front end 100B at a horizontal state is rotatable clockwisely by 90 degrees to a vertical state using the rotatable joint 440, which is demonstrated in FIG. 29. When the front end 100B is twisted, the side nozzle 305 can effectively discharge cleaning solution to the circular side brush 522 or the dome-shaped brush 523. In certain embodiments, the dome-shaped brush 523 further comprises an inner dome, a plurality of bristles 523C arranged circumferentially around the inner dome 523B, and a roller ball 523A supported by a socket which is mounted on the top of the inner dome 523B. In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 30, the socket and the roller ball 523A are extended out by an arm 523D having a length longer than the length of a bristle 523C, thereby the arm 523D can project the roller ball 523A out from the center of the inner dome 523B. The dome-shaped brush 523 allows brushing of a lateral surface when the apparatus 100 is at a horizontal state, or a horizontal surface when the apparatus 100 is at a vertical state.
The outdoor surface cleaning apparatus 100 may take different shapes and forms. For example, the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include any number of handles 102. The battery receptacle may be arranged away from the handle 102, e.g., on the power head 104. The tube assembly 106 connecting between the handle 102 and the power head 104 may not be adjustable. The clamp 106C may be omitted. The handle 102 need not be arranged at the top-most end of the apparatus 100, and need not extend rearwardly. The auxiliary handle 110 may be fixedly connected to the tube assembly 106, or may even be omitted. The auxiliary handle 110 may not be adjustable with respect to the tube assembly 106. The power head 104 may include more than one motor 201. The roller brush 502, the circular side brush 522, or the dome-shaped brush 523 may have different shape and form. For example, the roller brush 502 may include any brittles arrangement.
This illustrates the fundamental structure and mechanism of the outdoor surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. It is apparent that the present disclosure may be embodied in other types of outdoor surface cleaning apparatus without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the preceding description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
