WO2024006871A1 - Floor cleaner and charging station - Google Patents

Floor cleaner and charging station Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024006871A1
WO2024006871A1 PCT/US2023/069318 US2023069318W WO2024006871A1 WO 2024006871 A1 WO2024006871 A1 WO 2024006871A1 US 2023069318 W US2023069318 W US 2023069318W WO 2024006871 A1 WO2024006871 A1 WO 2024006871A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
charging station
floor cleaner
protruding member
recessed
coupled
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/069318
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Steven Davis
Patrick Diana
Omar OSUNA
Original Assignee
Techtronic Cordless Gp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Techtronic Cordless Gp filed Critical Techtronic Cordless Gp
Publication of WO2024006871A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024006871A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2868—Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
    • A47L9/2873—Docking units or charging stations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
    • A47L5/30—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/0009—Storing devices ; Supports, stands or holders
    • A47L9/0063—External storing devices; Stands, casings or the like for the storage of suction cleaners
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2868—Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
    • A47L9/2884—Details of arrangements of batteries or their installation

Definitions

  • the disclosure includes a charging station for a floor cleaner having a battery with an electrical contact.
  • the charging station includes a front outer surface, and a rear outer surface laterally offset from the front outer surface.
  • a right outer surface extends between the front outer surface and the rear outer surface, and a left outer surface extends between the front outer surface and the rear outer surface.
  • the left outer surface is laterally offset from the right outer surface.
  • a protruding member defines a front surface, a rear surface, and an upper surface.
  • the front surface defines a portion of the front outer surface, and the upper surface extends from the front surface toward the rear surface.
  • the rear surface extends downwardly from the upper surface and is offset from the front surface toward the rear outer surface.
  • a charging port protrudes from the upper surface to form an electrical connection with the electrical contact of the battery while the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station.
  • a recessed surface includes a rear portion extending rearwardly from a lower portion of the rear surface away from the protruding member.
  • the charging station further includes a rear recessed surface lower than the upper surface of the body and the rear recessed surface extends from the rear outer surface toward the front outer surface.
  • An upwardly extending surface extends upwardly from the rear recessed surface.
  • a second charging port is coupled to the rear recessed surface between the upwardly extending surface and the rear outer surface, the second charging port configured to form an electrical connection with an electrical contact of a second battery while the second battery is coupled to the second charging port.
  • the disclosure includes a floor cleaner assembly including a charging station and a floor cleaner connected to the charging station.
  • the charging station includes a front outer surface, a rear outer surface laterally offset from the front outer surface, and a protruding member that defines a front surface, a rear surface, and an upper surface.
  • the upper surface extends between the front surface and the rear surface.
  • the front surface defines a portion of the front outer surface.
  • the rear surface is offset from the front surface toward the rear outer surface.
  • a charging port protrudes from the upper surface, and a recessed surface includes a rear portion extending rearwardly from a lower portion of the rear surface away from the protruding member.
  • the floor cleaner including a suction source, a dirt collection container, a protrusion extending laterally and having a top surface and a bottom surface.
  • the protrusion defines a recess extending upwardly from the bottom surface.
  • An electrical contact is positioned within the protrusion proximate the recess.
  • a first battery provides power to the floor cleaner. The first battery is electrically connected to the electrical contact within the protrusion. While the floor cleaner is connected to the charging station, the protruding member of the charging station extends into the recess of the floor cleaner protrusion to retain the floor cleaner on the charging station.
  • the charging port forms an electrical connection with the electrical contact while the floor cleaner is connected to the charging station.
  • the charging station further comprises a rear recessed surface that is lower than the upper surface, the rear recessed surface extending from the rear outer surface toward the front outer surface, an upwardly extending surface extending upwardly from the rear recessed surface, and a second charging port coupled to the rear recessed surface between the upwardly extending surface and the rear outer surface.
  • the assembly further includes a second battery having an electrical contact, the second charging port forming an electrical connection with the electrical contact of the second battery while the second battery is coupled to the second charging port.
  • FIG. l is a perspective view of a floor cleaner assembly including a charging station and a floor cleaner.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the floor cleaner assembly of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the assembly.
  • FIG. 4 is a right side perspective view of a portion of the charging station.
  • FIG. 5 is a left side perspective view of the portion of the charging station.
  • FIG. 6 is a front view of the portion of the portion of the charging station.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the portion of the charging head taken along line 7-
  • FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the portion of the charging station
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the portion of the charging station and the floor cleaner.
  • FIG. 10 is a close up perspective view of a portion of the charging station and the floor cleaner.
  • FIG. 11 is a close up perspective view of a portion of the charging station and the floor cleaner.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 13 is cross-sectional view showing the floor cleaner coupled to the charging station.
  • FIG. 14 is a close up perspective view of the charging station, the floor cleaner and a backup battery.
  • FIG. 15 is a partially exploded view of the charging station and the backup battery.
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the backup battery connected to the charging station.
  • FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a floor cleaner assembly 10 including a base 14, an upright component 18, a charging station 22, a floor cleaner 26, and a backup battery 30.
  • the base 14 includes a front portion 34 and a rear portion 38.
  • the front portion 34 of the base 14 includes a recess and has a smaller height than the rear portion of the base.
  • the upright component 18 includes a first portion 42 coupled to the charging station 22 and a second portion 46 coupled to the base 14.
  • the upright component 18 is coupled to the base 14 closer to the rear portion 38 than to the front portion 34.
  • the base 14 can be positioned on a support surface to thereby support the upright component 18 and the charging station 22 above the support surface.
  • the charging station 22 is coupled to a wall surface or other suitable surface and the base 14 and upright component 18 are omitted.
  • a support brace 48 is coupled to the first portion 42 of the upright component 18 and extends forwardly of the upright component 18 (i.e., toward the front portion 34 of the base 14.
  • the support brace 18 is configured to abut against a portion of the floor cleaner 26 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
  • a plurality of tool holders are coupled to the upright component 18.
  • the tool holders are configured to support various cleaning tools, such as nozzles and brushes.
  • the tool holders grip or clamp to the upright component using friction for ease of attaching and detaching from the upright component.
  • the location of the tool holders on the upright component 18 is adjustable. Other quantities and configurations of tool holders are possible in other embodiments.
  • the charging station 22 includes a front portion 50 and a rear portion 54 opposite the front portion 50.
  • the front portion 50 extends forwardly from the upright component 18 toward a location above the front portion 34 of the base 14.
  • the rear portion 54 extends rearwardly from the upright component 18 above the rear portion 38 of the base 14.
  • the illustrated floor cleaner 10 is coupled to the front portion 50 of the charging station 22.
  • the illustrated backup battery 30 is coupled to the rear portion 54 of the charging station 22.
  • the floor cleaner 26 includes a suction source 58, a dirt collection container 62, a user-graspable handle 66, a battery 70, a wand 74, and a floor head 78.
  • the floor cleaner 26 is configured to be moved over a surface by a user grasping the handle 66.
  • the suction source 58 draws debris into the floor head 78, through the wand 74 and into the dirt collection container 62.
  • the battery 70 provides power to the suction source 58.
  • the floor head 78 can be disconnected from the wand 74 and one or more of the cleaning tools supported on the upright component 18 can be coupled to the wand 74.
  • the wand 74 can be removable and one or more of the cleaning tools can be coupled to the floor cleaner 26 in place of the wand 74.
  • FIGS. 4-8 illustrate the charging station in greater detail.
  • the charging station 22 includes a body or housing having a front outer surface 82, a rear outer surface 86, a right outer surface 90, a left outer surface 94, a protruding member 98, and a recessed surface 102.
  • the front outer surface 82 is laterally offset from in a rear-to-front direction and generally parallel to the rear outer surface 86.
  • the rear outer surface 86 has a greater height than the front outer surface 82.
  • the right outer surface 90 extends between the front outer surface 82 and the rear outer surface 86.
  • the right outer surface 90 tapers from a smaller height proximate the front outer surface 82 to a greater height proximate the rear outer surface 86.
  • the left outer surface 94 extends between the front outer surface 82 and the rear outer surface 86 and is laterally offset from in a right-to-left direction and generally parallel to the right outer surface 90.
  • the left outer surface 94 tapers from a smaller height proximate the front outer surface 82 to a greater height proximate the rear outer surface 86.
  • the right outer surface 90 is substantially a mirror image of the left outer surface 94.
  • the protruding member 98 includes a front surface 106, a rear surface 110, an upper surface 114, a right side surface 118, and a left side surface 122.
  • the front surface 106 is adjacent the front outer surface 82.
  • the illustrated front surface 106 forms a portion of the front outer surface 82.
  • the rear surface 110 extends from the recessed surface 102 up to the upper surface 1 14.
  • the rear surface 1 10 extends at an acute angle with respect to the front surface 106.
  • the front and rear surfaces 106, 110 are generally parallel.
  • the upper surface 114 extends from the front surface 106 toward the rear surface 110.
  • the upper surface 114 of the illustrated protruding member 98 has a perimeter that is generally rectangular.
  • the upper surface 114 can have a perimeter shaped as a rhomboid, parallelogram, square, oval, circle, pentagon, hexagon or any other regular or nonregular shapes.
  • the right side surface 118 of the protruding member 98 extends downwardly from the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 toward the recessed surface 102.
  • the left side surface 122 extends downwardly from the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 toward the recessed surface 102.
  • the protruding member 98 extends upwardly from the recessed surface 102 such that the recessed surface 102 is recessed from the upper surface 114.
  • the right side surface 118 is substantially a mirror image of the left side surface 122.
  • a first charging port 126 is positioned within the protruding member 98.
  • the first charging port 126 includes a plurality of electrically conducting elements.
  • the charging port 126 is accessible through the upper surface 114.
  • a plurality of openings formed in the upper surface 114 are sized to receive mating elements from the battery 70 to form an electrical connection with the battery 70 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
  • the illustrated first charging port 126 is shown by way of example only. Other configurations of charging ports are possible in other embodiments configured to electrically connect to the cleaner when the cleaner is coupled to the charging station.
  • the recessed surface 102 includes a left side portion 130, a right side portion 134 and a rear portion 138.
  • the left side portion 130 extends outwardly from a lower portion of the left side surface 122 away from the protruding member 98.
  • the right side portion 134 extends outwardly from a lower portion of the right side surface 118 away from the protruding member 98.
  • the rear portion 138 extends rearwardly from a lower portion of the rear surface 110 of the protruding member 98. Tn the illustrated embodiment, the right side portion 134 is substantially a mirror image of the left side portion 130.
  • the illustrated recessed surface 102 is generally C-shaped and extends around the right side surface 118, the rear surface 110 and the left side surface 122 of the protruding member 98.
  • the recessed surface 102 is slightly angled upward from the front outer surface 82 toward the rear outer surface 86.
  • the recessed surface 102 bears at least a portion of the weight of the floor cleaner 26 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
  • the charging station 22 also includes a left side upright surface 142, a right side upright surface 146, a first rear upright surface 150, a rearwardly extending surface 154 and a second rear upright surface 158.
  • the left side upright surface 142 has a lower end coupled to the left side portion 130 of the recessed surface 102 and an upper distal end that extends upwardly from the recessed surface 102.
  • the left side upright surface 142 is positioned between the left outer surface 94 and the left side portion 130 of the recessed surface 102.
  • the left side upright surface 154, the right side upright surface 146, the first rear upright surface 150 and the protruding member 98 form a recess or cavity configured to receive a portion of the cleaner 26 when the cleaner is coupled to the charging station as further described below.
  • the recessed surface 102 extends forming the top of the charging station 22 with the protruding member 98 extending upwardly from the recessed surface 102.
  • Other shapes for the charging stand body above the recessed surface 102 are contemplated.
  • the right side upright surface 146 has a lower end coupled to the right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102 and an upper distal end that extends upwardly from the right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102.
  • the right side upright surface 146 is positioned between the right outer surface 90 and the right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102.
  • the right side upright surface 146 is substantially a mirror image of the left side upright surface 142.
  • the left side upright surface 142 is spaced from the left side surface 122 of the protruding member 98 to define a first gap.
  • the left side portion 130 of the recessed surface 102 extends across the first gap.
  • the right side upright surface 146 is spaced from the right side surface 1 18 of the protruding member 98 to define a second gap.
  • the right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102 extends across the second gap.
  • the left side upright surface 142 is spaced a first distance from the right side upright surface 146.
  • the right side surface 118 of the protruding member 98 is spaced a second distance from the left side surface 122 of the protruding member 98.
  • the first distance is greater than the second distance.
  • the first rear upright surface 150 includes a lower end coupled to the rear portion of the recessed surfacel02 and an upper distal end that extends upwardly from the rear portion of the recessed surface 102.
  • the first rear upright surface 150 is positioned between the rear surface 110 of the protruding member 98 and the rear outer surface 86.
  • the rearwardly extending surface 154 includes a first end coupled to the upper end of the first rear upright surface 150 and a second end that extends rearwardly from the first rear upright surface 150.
  • the rearwardly extending surface 154 is angled upward slightly between the first end and the second end.
  • the rearwardly extending surface 154 bears at least a portion of the weight of the battery 70 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
  • the second rear upright surface 158 includes a lower end coupled to second end of the rearwardly extending surface 154 and an upper end that extends upward from the rearwardly extending surface 154.
  • the illustrated second rear upright surface 158 is generally parallel to the front outer surface 82, but other orientations are possible in other embodiments.
  • the second rear upright surface 158 is positioned between the first rear upright surface 150 and the rear outer surface 86.
  • the second rear upright surface 158 is spaced from the protruding member 98 to permit a variety of battery sizes to be utilized with the floor cleaner 26.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the rear portion 54 of the charging station 22 in greater detail.
  • the rear portion of the charging station 22 includes the rear outer surface 86, a support surface 162, a rear recessed surface 166, an upwardly extending surface 170, a right inner surface 174, a left inner surface 178, a second charging port 182 and a power cord recess 184.
  • the illustrated rear outer surface 86 is generally parallel to the front outer surface 82.
  • the support surface 162 extends rearwardly from the rear outer surface 86.
  • the rear recessed surface 166 extends forwardly from the rear outer surface 86.
  • the support surface 162 and the rear recessed surface 166 support a majority of the weight of the spare battery 30 while the spare battery 30 is connected to the charging station 22.
  • the rear recessed surface 162 is lower than the upper surface 114.
  • the upwardly extending surface 170 extends upward from the rear recessed surface 166 to a top of the charging station 22.
  • the upwardly extending surface 170 is approximately parallel to the second rear upright surface 158 and is separated from the second rear upright surface 158 by a wall.
  • the right inner surface 174 extends upwardly from the rear recessed surface 166 to a top of the charging station 22 on a side of the upwardly extending surface 170 positioned proximate the right outer surface 90 of the charging station 22.
  • the left inner surface 178 extends upwardly from the rear recessed surface 166 to a top of the charging station 22 on a side of the upwardly extending surface 170 positioned proximate to the left outer surface 94 of the charging station 22.
  • the right inner surface 174 is a mirror image of the left inner surface 178.
  • the upwardly extending surface 170 is configured to abut the spare battery 30 when the spare battery 30 is coupled to the rear portion 38 of the charging station 22.
  • the second charging port 182 extends upwardly from the rear recessed surface 166 between the right and left inner surfaces 174, 178.
  • the second charging port 182 forms an electrical connection with the spare battery 30 while the spare battery 30 is coupled to the rear portion 38 of the charging station 22.
  • the illustrated second charging port 182 is shown by way of example only. Other configurations of charging ports are possible in other embodiments.
  • the power cord recess 184 is positioned below the support surface 162 and is sized to receive a power cord.
  • the power cord recess 184 includes an upper portion sized to receive the plug end of the power cord and a lower portion sized to receive the cordage of the power cord.
  • the upright component 18 includes a power cord recess 185 that substantially aligns with the power cord recess 184 of the charging station 22 to receive the power cord.
  • the power cord recess 184 defines a charging port configured to form an electrical connection with the power cord while the power cord is coupled to the charging port of the power cord recess 184.
  • FIGS. 9-13 illustrate the floor cleaner 26 connected to the charging station 22.
  • the floor cleaner 26 includes a protrusion 186 extending laterally outward away from the suction source 58 above the wand 74.
  • the protrusion 186 includes a top surface 190, a left outer protrusion surface 194, a right outer protrusion surface 198, an end face 202, a bottom surface 206, a recess 210, and an electrical contact 214.
  • the top surface 190 of the protrusion 186 is configured to support the battery 70 and to support at least a portion of the weight of the battery 70 while the battery 70 is connected to the floor cleaner 26.
  • the top surface 190 may be angled upwardly slightly extending away from the suction source 58.
  • the top surface 190 is configured to be substantially aligned with or higher than the rearwardly extending surface 154 while the floor cleaner 26 is connected to the charging station 22.
  • the battery 70 is disposed on the cleaner in a different location and does not abut the top surface 190.
  • the top surface 190 is reduced or omitted as desired for the ornamental shape of the cleaner.
  • the left outer protrusion surface 194 of the protrusion 186 forms a left edge of the protrusion 186.
  • the left outer protrusion surface 194 tapers inwardly somewhat extending away from the suction source 58.
  • the left outer protrusion surface 194 is proximate the left side upright surface 142 of the charging station 22 while the floor cleaner 26 is connected to the charging station 22.
  • the left outer protrusion surface 194 contacts the left side upright surface 142, whereas in other embodiments, there is a small space between the left outer protrusion surface 194 and the left side upright surface 142 while the floor cleaner 26 is connected to the charging station 22.
  • the right outer protrusion surface 198 of the protrusion 186 forms a right edge of the protrusion 186.
  • the right outer protrusion surface 198 tapers inwardly somewhat extending away from the suction source 58.
  • the right outer protrusion surface 198 is proximate the right side upright surface 146 of the charging station 22 while the floor cleaner 26 is connected to the charging station 22.
  • the right outer protrusion surface 198 contacts the right side upright surface 146, whereas in other embodiments, there is a small space between the right outer protrusion surface 198 and the right side upright surface 146 while the floor cleaner 26 is connected to the charging station 22.
  • the end face 202 of the protrusion 186 extends between the left outer protrusion surface 194 and the right outer protrusion surface 198.
  • the end face 202 is positioned proximate the first rear upright surface 150 of the charging station 22 while the floor cleaner 26 is connected to the charging station 22.
  • the bottom surface 206 of the protrusion 186 is positioned opposite the top surface 190.
  • the bottom surface 206 extends between the left outer protrusion surface 194 and the right outer protrusion surface 198.
  • the bottom surface 206 may be slightly inclined extending away from the floor cleaner 26.
  • a portion of the bottom surface 206 is configured to abut the recessed surface 102 while the floor cleaner 20 is connected to the charging station 22.
  • the bottom surface 206 contacts the recessed surface 102, whereas in other embodiments, the bottom surface 206 is spaced a small distance above the recessed surface 102.
  • the term “abut” as used herein is intended to cover both direct contact between elements as well as the elements being spaced apart a small distance with no intervening members between the elements.
  • the bottom surface 206 includes a left side 218, a right side 222, an outward section 226, and an inward section 230. While the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22, the left side 218 is configured to extend into the first gap and abut the left side portion 130 of the recessed surface 102, and the right side 222 is configured to extend into the second gap and abut the right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102. While the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22, the outward section 226 is configured to abut the rear portion 138 of the recessed surface 102 to support the floor cleaner 26 on the charging station 22.
  • the bottom surface 206 is configured to transfer at least a portion of the weight of the floor cleaner 26 to the recessed surface 102 via the interaction of the left side 218 with the left side portion 130, the right side 222 with the right side portion 134 and the outward section 226 with the rear portion 138.
  • the inward section 230 may be spaced from the charging station 22 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22 to permit the wand 74 to be spaced apart from the upright component 18. In some embodiments, the inward section 230 is omitted.
  • the recess 210 extends upwardly from the bottom surface 206 of the protrusion 186.
  • a perimeter of the recess 210 is formed by the left side 218, the right side 222, the outward section 226 and the inward section 230.
  • the illustrated recess 210 has a rectangular perimeter.
  • the recess 210 can have a perimeter shaped as a rhomboid, parallelogram, square, oval, circle, pentagon, hexagon or any other regular or non-regular shapes.
  • the perimeter of the recess 210 corresponds to the perimeter of the protruding member 98, such that the recess 210 receives the protruding member 98 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
  • the recess 210 is defined by an outward inner surface 234, an inward inner surface 238 and a bottom inner surface 242.
  • the outward inner surface 234 extends upward from the bottom surface 206 adjacent the outward section 226 of the bottom surface 206 of the protrusion 186.
  • the outward inner surface 234 is configured to abut the rear surface 110 of the protruding member 98 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22 to retain the floor cleaner 26 on the charging station 22.
  • the inward inner surface 238 extends upward from the bottom surface 206 adjacent the inward section 230 of the bottom surface 206 of the protrusion 186.
  • the inward inner surface 238 is configured to abut the front surface 106 of the protruding member 98 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
  • the inward inner surface 238 has a greater height than the outward inner surface 234 in the illustrated embodiment.
  • the bottom inner surface 242 extends between the outward inner surface 234 and the inward inner surface 238.
  • the bottom inner surface 242 is configured to abut the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
  • the bottom inner surface 242 is configured to transfer at least a portion of the weight of the floor cleaner 26 to the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
  • the bottom inner surface 242 is offset from the upper surface 1 14 of the protruding member 98 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
  • the recessed surface 102 and/or the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 are configured to bear a majority of the weight of the floor cleaner 26 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
  • the electrical contact 214 is positioned within the recess 210 of the protrusion 186.
  • the electrical contact 214 is electrically coupled to the battery 70.
  • the electrical contact 214 is configured to form an electrical connection with the first charging port 126, such that the battery 70 can be charged while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
  • the illustrated electrical contact 214 is shown by way of example only. Other configurations of electrical contacts are possible in other embodiments.
  • the illustrated battery 70 includes left and right moveable portions 246, 250 that are graspable by a user to detach the battery 70 from the floor cleaner 26. Specifically, the user squeezes the left and right moveable portions 246, 250 to release the battery 70 and then lifts upward to detach the battery 70 from the floor cleaner 26. To re-attach the battery 70 to the floor cleaner 26, the battery 70 is lowered downward and then the left and right moveable portions 246, 250 are moved by either a user squeezing or by one or more cam surfaces on the floor cleaner 26 and then released to retain the battery 70 on the floor cleaner 26.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates the charging station 22 supporting the floor cleaner 26 on the front portion 50 and the spare battery 30 on the second rear portion 54.
  • a large battery 70' is coupled to the floor cleaner 26.
  • the large battery 70' is one of many battery sizes and configurations that can be utilized to provide power to the floor cleaner 26.
  • the large battery 70' includes a lower surface that abuts both the top surface 190 of the protrusion 186 and the rearwardly extending surface 154 of the charging station 22.
  • the large battery 70' also includes an outer surface that abuts the second rear upright surface 158 of the charging station 22.
  • the large battery 70' includes left and right moveable portions 246', 250' that function like the moveable portions 246, 250.
  • FIGS. 14-16 illustrate the spare battery 30 in greater detail.
  • the spare battery 30 includes left and right moveable portions 254, 258, an inner protrusion 262, an inner face 266, and a bottom face 270.
  • the left and right moveable portions 254, 258 function like the moveable portions 246, 250 of the battery 70.
  • the spare battery 30 is moved upward to detach from and downward to re-attach to the second charging port 182 of the charging station.
  • the inner protrusion 262 extends into the recess formed by the rear recessed surface 166, the upwardly extending surface 170, the right inner surface 174 and the left inner surface 178 of the rear portion 54 of the charging station 22.
  • the inner protrusion 262 includes an electrical contact configured to form an electrical connection with the second charging port 182 while the spare battery 30 is coupled to the second charging port 182 of the charging station 22.
  • the inner face 266 is configured to abut the rear outer surface 86, and the bottom face 270 is configured to abut the support surface 162 of the charging station 22 while the spare battery 30 is coupled to the second charging port 182.
  • the charging station and the cleaner 26 are configured such that the spare battery 30 can be coupled to the floor cleaner 26 in place of the battery 70 or the large battery 70' in the event that the battery 70 and/or the large battery 70' needs to be recharged.
  • the battery 70, the large battery 70 ' and the spare battery 30 are interchangeable, such that any of the spare battery 30, the large battery 70 ' or the battery 70 can be coupled to the floor cleaner 26 to provide power to the floor cleaner 26.
  • the charging station may be configured such the backup battery 30 is configured for a product other than the cleaner 26.
  • the large battery 70 ' or the battery 70 can be coupled to the second charging port 182 to charge. Two batteries, such as the battery 70 and the spare battery 30 shown in FIG. 1, or the large battery 70 ' and the spare battery 30 shown in FIG. 14, can be coupled to the charging station 22 to be charged at the same time.

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  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Robotics (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A floor cleaner assembly includes a charging station body and a floor cleaner. The charging station body has front and rear outer surfaces, and an upwardly extending protruding member that includes a charging port. The floor cleaner includes a suction source, a dirt collection container, a lateral protrusion that defines a recess extending upwardly from a bottom surface and includes an electrical contact. A battery provides power to the floor cleaner and electrically connects to the electrical contact within the protrusion. While the floor cleaner is connected to the charging station, the protruding member of the charging station extends into the recess of the floor cleaner protrusion to retain the floor cleaner on the charging station, and the charging port forms an electrical connection with the electrical contact while the floor cleaner is connected to the charging station.

Description

FLOOR CLEANER AND CHARGING STATION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/357,286, filed June 30, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
[0002] The embodiments described herein related to a charging configuration for a cleaning tool.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] In some embodiments, the disclosure includes a charging station for a floor cleaner having a battery with an electrical contact. The charging station includes a front outer surface, and a rear outer surface laterally offset from the front outer surface. A right outer surface extends between the front outer surface and the rear outer surface, and a left outer surface extends between the front outer surface and the rear outer surface. The left outer surface is laterally offset from the right outer surface. A protruding member defines a front surface, a rear surface, and an upper surface. The front surface defines a portion of the front outer surface, and the upper surface extends from the front surface toward the rear surface. The rear surface extends downwardly from the upper surface and is offset from the front surface toward the rear outer surface. A charging port protrudes from the upper surface to form an electrical connection with the electrical contact of the battery while the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station. A recessed surface includes a rear portion extending rearwardly from a lower portion of the rear surface away from the protruding member. The charging station further includes a rear recessed surface lower than the upper surface of the body and the rear recessed surface extends from the rear outer surface toward the front outer surface. An upwardly extending surface extends upwardly from the rear recessed surface. A second charging port is coupled to the rear recessed surface between the upwardly extending surface and the rear outer surface, the second charging port configured to form an electrical connection with an electrical contact of a second battery while the second battery is coupled to the second charging port. [0004] In some embodiments, the disclosure includes a floor cleaner assembly including a charging station and a floor cleaner connected to the charging station. The charging station includes a front outer surface, a rear outer surface laterally offset from the front outer surface, and a protruding member that defines a front surface, a rear surface, and an upper surface. The upper surface extends between the front surface and the rear surface. The front surface defines a portion of the front outer surface. The rear surface is offset from the front surface toward the rear outer surface. A charging port protrudes from the upper surface, and a recessed surface includes a rear portion extending rearwardly from a lower portion of the rear surface away from the protruding member. The floor cleaner including a suction source, a dirt collection container, a protrusion extending laterally and having a top surface and a bottom surface. The protrusion defines a recess extending upwardly from the bottom surface. An electrical contact is positioned within the protrusion proximate the recess. A first battery provides power to the floor cleaner. The first battery is electrically connected to the electrical contact within the protrusion. While the floor cleaner is connected to the charging station, the protruding member of the charging station extends into the recess of the floor cleaner protrusion to retain the floor cleaner on the charging station. The charging port forms an electrical connection with the electrical contact while the floor cleaner is connected to the charging station. The charging station further comprises a rear recessed surface that is lower than the upper surface, the rear recessed surface extending from the rear outer surface toward the front outer surface, an upwardly extending surface extending upwardly from the rear recessed surface, and a second charging port coupled to the rear recessed surface between the upwardly extending surface and the rear outer surface. The assembly further includes a second battery having an electrical contact, the second charging port forming an electrical connection with the electrical contact of the second battery while the second battery is coupled to the second charging port.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. l is a perspective view of a floor cleaner assembly including a charging station and a floor cleaner.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a side view of the floor cleaner assembly of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the assembly. [0008] FIG. 4 is a right side perspective view of a portion of the charging station.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a left side perspective view of the portion of the charging station.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a front view of the portion of the portion of the charging station.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the portion of the charging head taken along line 7-
7 of FIG. 6.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the portion of the charging station
[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the portion of the charging station and the floor cleaner.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a close up perspective view of a portion of the charging station and the floor cleaner.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a close up perspective view of a portion of the charging station and the floor cleaner.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10.
[0017] FIG. 13 is cross-sectional view showing the floor cleaner coupled to the charging station.
[0018] FIG. 14 is a close up perspective view of the charging station, the floor cleaner and a backup battery.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a partially exploded view of the charging station and the backup battery.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the backup battery connected to the charging station.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Before any embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. Example implementations of the present disclosure are capable of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0022] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a floor cleaner assembly 10 including a base 14, an upright component 18, a charging station 22, a floor cleaner 26, and a backup battery 30. The base 14 includes a front portion 34 and a rear portion 38. The front portion 34 of the base 14 includes a recess and has a smaller height than the rear portion of the base.
[0023] The upright component 18 includes a first portion 42 coupled to the charging station 22 and a second portion 46 coupled to the base 14. The upright component 18 is coupled to the base 14 closer to the rear portion 38 than to the front portion 34. The base 14 can be positioned on a support surface to thereby support the upright component 18 and the charging station 22 above the support surface. In other embodiments, the charging station 22 is coupled to a wall surface or other suitable surface and the base 14 and upright component 18 are omitted.
[0024] A support brace 48 is coupled to the first portion 42 of the upright component 18 and extends forwardly of the upright component 18 (i.e., toward the front portion 34 of the base 14. The support brace 18 is configured to abut against a portion of the floor cleaner 26 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
[0025] A plurality of tool holders are coupled to the upright component 18. The tool holders are configured to support various cleaning tools, such as nozzles and brushes. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool holders grip or clamp to the upright component using friction for ease of attaching and detaching from the upright component. Additionally, the location of the tool holders on the upright component 18 is adjustable. Other quantities and configurations of tool holders are possible in other embodiments.
[0026] The charging station 22 includes a front portion 50 and a rear portion 54 opposite the front portion 50. The front portion 50 extends forwardly from the upright component 18 toward a location above the front portion 34 of the base 14. The rear portion 54 extends rearwardly from the upright component 18 above the rear portion 38 of the base 14. The illustrated floor cleaner 10 is coupled to the front portion 50 of the charging station 22. The illustrated backup battery 30 is coupled to the rear portion 54 of the charging station 22.
[0027] The floor cleaner 26 includes a suction source 58, a dirt collection container 62, a user-graspable handle 66, a battery 70, a wand 74, and a floor head 78. The floor cleaner 26 is configured to be moved over a surface by a user grasping the handle 66. The suction source 58 draws debris into the floor head 78, through the wand 74 and into the dirt collection container 62. The battery 70 provides power to the suction source 58.
[0028] In some embodiments, the floor head 78 can be disconnected from the wand 74 and one or more of the cleaning tools supported on the upright component 18 can be coupled to the wand 74. In still other embodiments, the wand 74 can be removable and one or more of the cleaning tools can be coupled to the floor cleaner 26 in place of the wand 74.
[0029] FIGS. 4-8 illustrate the charging station in greater detail. The charging station 22 includes a body or housing having a front outer surface 82, a rear outer surface 86, a right outer surface 90, a left outer surface 94, a protruding member 98, and a recessed surface 102. The front outer surface 82 is laterally offset from in a rear-to-front direction and generally parallel to the rear outer surface 86. The rear outer surface 86 has a greater height than the front outer surface 82. The right outer surface 90 extends between the front outer surface 82 and the rear outer surface 86. The right outer surface 90 tapers from a smaller height proximate the front outer surface 82 to a greater height proximate the rear outer surface 86. The left outer surface 94 extends between the front outer surface 82 and the rear outer surface 86 and is laterally offset from in a right-to-left direction and generally parallel to the right outer surface 90. The left outer surface 94 tapers from a smaller height proximate the front outer surface 82 to a greater height proximate the rear outer surface 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the right outer surface 90 is substantially a mirror image of the left outer surface 94.
[0030] The protruding member 98 includes a front surface 106, a rear surface 110, an upper surface 114, a right side surface 118, and a left side surface 122. In one embodiment, the front surface 106 is adjacent the front outer surface 82. The illustrated front surface 106 forms a portion of the front outer surface 82. The rear surface 110 extends from the recessed surface 102 up to the upper surface 1 14. The rear surface 1 10 extends at an acute angle with respect to the front surface 106. In other embodiments, the front and rear surfaces 106, 110 are generally parallel.
[0031] The upper surface 114 extends from the front surface 106 toward the rear surface 110. The upper surface 114 of the illustrated protruding member 98 has a perimeter that is generally rectangular. In other embodiments, the upper surface 114 can have a perimeter shaped as a rhomboid, parallelogram, square, oval, circle, pentagon, hexagon or any other regular or nonregular shapes.
[0032] The right side surface 118 of the protruding member 98 extends downwardly from the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 toward the recessed surface 102. The left side surface 122 extends downwardly from the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 toward the recessed surface 102. Stated another way, the protruding member 98 extends upwardly from the recessed surface 102 such that the recessed surface 102 is recessed from the upper surface 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the right side surface 118 is substantially a mirror image of the left side surface 122.
[0033] A first charging port 126 is positioned within the protruding member 98. The first charging port 126 includes a plurality of electrically conducting elements. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging port 126 is accessible through the upper surface 114. A plurality of openings formed in the upper surface 114 are sized to receive mating elements from the battery 70 to form an electrical connection with the battery 70 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22. The illustrated first charging port 126 is shown by way of example only. Other configurations of charging ports are possible in other embodiments configured to electrically connect to the cleaner when the cleaner is coupled to the charging station.
[0034] The recessed surface 102 includes a left side portion 130, a right side portion 134 and a rear portion 138. The left side portion 130 extends outwardly from a lower portion of the left side surface 122 away from the protruding member 98. The right side portion 134 extends outwardly from a lower portion of the right side surface 118 away from the protruding member 98. The rear portion 138 extends rearwardly from a lower portion of the rear surface 110 of the protruding member 98. Tn the illustrated embodiment, the right side portion 134 is substantially a mirror image of the left side portion 130.
[0035] The illustrated recessed surface 102 is generally C-shaped and extends around the right side surface 118, the rear surface 110 and the left side surface 122 of the protruding member 98. The recessed surface 102 is slightly angled upward from the front outer surface 82 toward the rear outer surface 86. The recessed surface 102 bears at least a portion of the weight of the floor cleaner 26 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the charging station 22 also includes a left side upright surface 142, a right side upright surface 146, a first rear upright surface 150, a rearwardly extending surface 154 and a second rear upright surface 158. The left side upright surface 142 has a lower end coupled to the left side portion 130 of the recessed surface 102 and an upper distal end that extends upwardly from the recessed surface 102. The left side upright surface 142 is positioned between the left outer surface 94 and the left side portion 130 of the recessed surface 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the left side upright surface 154, the right side upright surface 146, the first rear upright surface 150 and the protruding member 98 form a recess or cavity configured to receive a portion of the cleaner 26 when the cleaner is coupled to the charging station as further described below. In another embodiment, the recessed surface 102 extends forming the top of the charging station 22 with the protruding member 98 extending upwardly from the recessed surface 102. Other shapes for the charging stand body above the recessed surface 102 are contemplated.
[0037] The right side upright surface 146 has a lower end coupled to the right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102 and an upper distal end that extends upwardly from the right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102. The right side upright surface 146 is positioned between the right outer surface 90 and the right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the right side upright surface 146 is substantially a mirror image of the left side upright surface 142.
[0038] The left side upright surface 142 is spaced from the left side surface 122 of the protruding member 98 to define a first gap. The left side portion 130 of the recessed surface 102 extends across the first gap. The right side upright surface 146 is spaced from the right side surface 1 18 of the protruding member 98 to define a second gap. The right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102 extends across the second gap.
[0039] The left side upright surface 142 is spaced a first distance from the right side upright surface 146. The right side surface 118 of the protruding member 98 is spaced a second distance from the left side surface 122 of the protruding member 98. The first distance is greater than the second distance.
[0040] The first rear upright surface 150 includes a lower end coupled to the rear portion of the recessed surfacel02 and an upper distal end that extends upwardly from the rear portion of the recessed surface 102. The first rear upright surface 150 is positioned between the rear surface 110 of the protruding member 98 and the rear outer surface 86.
[0041] The rearwardly extending surface 154 includes a first end coupled to the upper end of the first rear upright surface 150 and a second end that extends rearwardly from the first rear upright surface 150. The rearwardly extending surface 154 is angled upward slightly between the first end and the second end. In some embodiments, the rearwardly extending surface 154 bears at least a portion of the weight of the battery 70 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
[0042] The second rear upright surface 158 includes a lower end coupled to second end of the rearwardly extending surface 154 and an upper end that extends upward from the rearwardly extending surface 154. The illustrated second rear upright surface 158 is generally parallel to the front outer surface 82, but other orientations are possible in other embodiments. The second rear upright surface 158 is positioned between the first rear upright surface 150 and the rear outer surface 86. The second rear upright surface 158 is spaced from the protruding member 98 to permit a variety of battery sizes to be utilized with the floor cleaner 26.
[0043] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the rear portion 54 of the charging station 22 in greater detail. The rear portion of the charging station 22 includes the rear outer surface 86, a support surface 162, a rear recessed surface 166, an upwardly extending surface 170, a right inner surface 174, a left inner surface 178, a second charging port 182 and a power cord recess 184. [0044] The illustrated rear outer surface 86 is generally parallel to the front outer surface 82. The support surface 162 extends rearwardly from the rear outer surface 86. The rear recessed surface 166 extends forwardly from the rear outer surface 86. The support surface 162 and the rear recessed surface 166 support a majority of the weight of the spare battery 30 while the spare battery 30 is connected to the charging station 22. In one embodiment, the rear recessed surface 162 is lower than the upper surface 114.
[0045] The upwardly extending surface 170 extends upward from the rear recessed surface 166 to a top of the charging station 22. The upwardly extending surface 170 is approximately parallel to the second rear upright surface 158 and is separated from the second rear upright surface 158 by a wall. The right inner surface 174 extends upwardly from the rear recessed surface 166 to a top of the charging station 22 on a side of the upwardly extending surface 170 positioned proximate the right outer surface 90 of the charging station 22. The left inner surface 178 extends upwardly from the rear recessed surface 166 to a top of the charging station 22 on a side of the upwardly extending surface 170 positioned proximate to the left outer surface 94 of the charging station 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the right inner surface 174 is a mirror image of the left inner surface 178. The upwardly extending surface 170 is configured to abut the spare battery 30 when the spare battery 30 is coupled to the rear portion 38 of the charging station 22.
[0046] The second charging port 182 extends upwardly from the rear recessed surface 166 between the right and left inner surfaces 174, 178. The second charging port 182 forms an electrical connection with the spare battery 30 while the spare battery 30 is coupled to the rear portion 38 of the charging station 22. The illustrated second charging port 182 is shown by way of example only. Other configurations of charging ports are possible in other embodiments.
[0047] The power cord recess 184 is positioned below the support surface 162 and is sized to receive a power cord. The power cord recess 184 includes an upper portion sized to receive the plug end of the power cord and a lower portion sized to receive the cordage of the power cord. In the illustrated embodiment, the upright component 18 includes a power cord recess 185 that substantially aligns with the power cord recess 184 of the charging station 22 to receive the power cord. The power cord recess 184 defines a charging port configured to form an electrical connection with the power cord while the power cord is coupled to the charging port of the power cord recess 184.
[0048] FIGS. 9-13 illustrate the floor cleaner 26 connected to the charging station 22. The floor cleaner 26 includes a protrusion 186 extending laterally outward away from the suction source 58 above the wand 74. The protrusion 186 includes a top surface 190, a left outer protrusion surface 194, a right outer protrusion surface 198, an end face 202, a bottom surface 206, a recess 210, and an electrical contact 214.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 190 of the protrusion 186 is configured to support the battery 70 and to support at least a portion of the weight of the battery 70 while the battery 70 is connected to the floor cleaner 26. The top surface 190 may be angled upwardly slightly extending away from the suction source 58. The top surface 190 is configured to be substantially aligned with or higher than the rearwardly extending surface 154 while the floor cleaner 26 is connected to the charging station 22. In another embodiment, the battery 70 is disposed on the cleaner in a different location and does not abut the top surface 190. In some embodiments, the top surface 190 is reduced or omitted as desired for the ornamental shape of the cleaner.
[0050] The left outer protrusion surface 194 of the protrusion 186 forms a left edge of the protrusion 186. The left outer protrusion surface 194 tapers inwardly somewhat extending away from the suction source 58. The left outer protrusion surface 194 is proximate the left side upright surface 142 of the charging station 22 while the floor cleaner 26 is connected to the charging station 22. In some embodiments, the left outer protrusion surface 194 contacts the left side upright surface 142, whereas in other embodiments, there is a small space between the left outer protrusion surface 194 and the left side upright surface 142 while the floor cleaner 26 is connected to the charging station 22.
[0051] The right outer protrusion surface 198 of the protrusion 186 forms a right edge of the protrusion 186. The right outer protrusion surface 198 tapers inwardly somewhat extending away from the suction source 58. The right outer protrusion surface 198 is proximate the right side upright surface 146 of the charging station 22 while the floor cleaner 26 is connected to the charging station 22. In some embodiments, the right outer protrusion surface 198 contacts the right side upright surface 146, whereas in other embodiments, there is a small space between the right outer protrusion surface 198 and the right side upright surface 146 while the floor cleaner 26 is connected to the charging station 22.
[0052] The end face 202 of the protrusion 186 extends between the left outer protrusion surface 194 and the right outer protrusion surface 198. The end face 202 is positioned proximate the first rear upright surface 150 of the charging station 22 while the floor cleaner 26 is connected to the charging station 22.
[0053] The bottom surface 206 of the protrusion 186 is positioned opposite the top surface 190. The bottom surface 206 extends between the left outer protrusion surface 194 and the right outer protrusion surface 198. The bottom surface 206 may be slightly inclined extending away from the floor cleaner 26. A portion of the bottom surface 206 is configured to abut the recessed surface 102 while the floor cleaner 20 is connected to the charging station 22. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 206 contacts the recessed surface 102, whereas in other embodiments, the bottom surface 206 is spaced a small distance above the recessed surface 102. The term “abut” as used herein is intended to cover both direct contact between elements as well as the elements being spaced apart a small distance with no intervening members between the elements.
[0054] The bottom surface 206 includes a left side 218, a right side 222, an outward section 226, and an inward section 230. While the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22, the left side 218 is configured to extend into the first gap and abut the left side portion 130 of the recessed surface 102, and the right side 222 is configured to extend into the second gap and abut the right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102. While the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22, the outward section 226 is configured to abut the rear portion 138 of the recessed surface 102 to support the floor cleaner 26 on the charging station 22. The bottom surface 206 is configured to transfer at least a portion of the weight of the floor cleaner 26 to the recessed surface 102 via the interaction of the left side 218 with the left side portion 130, the right side 222 with the right side portion 134 and the outward section 226 with the rear portion 138. [0055] The inward section 230 may be spaced from the charging station 22 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22 to permit the wand 74 to be spaced apart from the upright component 18. In some embodiments, the inward section 230 is omitted.
[0056] The recess 210 extends upwardly from the bottom surface 206 of the protrusion 186. A perimeter of the recess 210 is formed by the left side 218, the right side 222, the outward section 226 and the inward section 230. The illustrated recess 210 has a rectangular perimeter. In other embodiments, the recess 210 can have a perimeter shaped as a rhomboid, parallelogram, square, oval, circle, pentagon, hexagon or any other regular or non-regular shapes. The perimeter of the recess 210 corresponds to the perimeter of the protruding member 98, such that the recess 210 receives the protruding member 98 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
[0057] The recess 210 is defined by an outward inner surface 234, an inward inner surface 238 and a bottom inner surface 242. The outward inner surface 234 extends upward from the bottom surface 206 adjacent the outward section 226 of the bottom surface 206 of the protrusion 186. The outward inner surface 234 is configured to abut the rear surface 110 of the protruding member 98 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22 to retain the floor cleaner 26 on the charging station 22.
[0058] The inward inner surface 238 extends upward from the bottom surface 206 adjacent the inward section 230 of the bottom surface 206 of the protrusion 186. The inward inner surface 238 is configured to abut the front surface 106 of the protruding member 98 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22. The inward inner surface 238 has a greater height than the outward inner surface 234 in the illustrated embodiment.
[0059] The bottom inner surface 242 extends between the outward inner surface 234 and the inward inner surface 238. The bottom inner surface 242 is configured to abut the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22. In one embodiment, the bottom inner surface 242 is configured to transfer at least a portion of the weight of the floor cleaner 26 to the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22. In another embodiment, the bottom inner surface 242 is offset from the upper surface 1 14 of the protruding member 98 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
[0060] In various embodiments, the recessed surface 102 and/or the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 are configured to bear a majority of the weight of the floor cleaner 26 while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.
[0061] The electrical contact 214 is positioned within the recess 210 of the protrusion 186. The electrical contact 214 is electrically coupled to the battery 70. The electrical contact 214 is configured to form an electrical connection with the first charging port 126, such that the battery 70 can be charged while the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22. The illustrated electrical contact 214 is shown by way of example only. Other configurations of electrical contacts are possible in other embodiments.
[0062] With reference to FIG. 9, the illustrated battery 70 includes left and right moveable portions 246, 250 that are graspable by a user to detach the battery 70 from the floor cleaner 26. Specifically, the user squeezes the left and right moveable portions 246, 250 to release the battery 70 and then lifts upward to detach the battery 70 from the floor cleaner 26. To re-attach the battery 70 to the floor cleaner 26, the battery 70 is lowered downward and then the left and right moveable portions 246, 250 are moved by either a user squeezing or by one or more cam surfaces on the floor cleaner 26 and then released to retain the battery 70 on the floor cleaner 26.
[0063] FIG. 14 illustrates the charging station 22 supporting the floor cleaner 26 on the front portion 50 and the spare battery 30 on the second rear portion 54. A large battery 70' is coupled to the floor cleaner 26. The large battery 70' is one of many battery sizes and configurations that can be utilized to provide power to the floor cleaner 26. The large battery 70' includes a lower surface that abuts both the top surface 190 of the protrusion 186 and the rearwardly extending surface 154 of the charging station 22. The large battery 70' also includes an outer surface that abuts the second rear upright surface 158 of the charging station 22. The large battery 70' includes left and right moveable portions 246', 250' that function like the moveable portions 246, 250. The large battery 70' is moved upward to detach from and downward to re-attach to the floor cleaner 26. [0064] FIGS. 14-16 illustrate the spare battery 30 in greater detail. The spare battery 30 includes left and right moveable portions 254, 258, an inner protrusion 262, an inner face 266, and a bottom face 270. The left and right moveable portions 254, 258 function like the moveable portions 246, 250 of the battery 70. The spare battery 30 is moved upward to detach from and downward to re-attach to the second charging port 182 of the charging station. The inner protrusion 262 extends into the recess formed by the rear recessed surface 166, the upwardly extending surface 170, the right inner surface 174 and the left inner surface 178 of the rear portion 54 of the charging station 22. The inner protrusion 262 includes an electrical contact configured to form an electrical connection with the second charging port 182 while the spare battery 30 is coupled to the second charging port 182 of the charging station 22.
[0065] The inner face 266 is configured to abut the rear outer surface 86, and the bottom face 270 is configured to abut the support surface 162 of the charging station 22 while the spare battery 30 is coupled to the second charging port 182.
[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the charging station and the cleaner 26 are configured such that the spare battery 30 can be coupled to the floor cleaner 26 in place of the battery 70 or the large battery 70' in the event that the battery 70 and/or the large battery 70' needs to be recharged. The battery 70, the large battery 70 ' and the spare battery 30 are interchangeable, such that any of the spare battery 30, the large battery 70 ' or the battery 70 can be coupled to the floor cleaner 26 to provide power to the floor cleaner 26. In another embodiment, the charging station may be configured such the backup battery 30 is configured for a product other than the cleaner 26. Additionally, the large battery 70 ' or the battery 70 can be coupled to the second charging port 182 to charge. Two batteries, such as the battery 70 and the spare battery 30 shown in FIG. 1, or the large battery 70 ' and the spare battery 30 shown in FIG. 14, can be coupled to the charging station 22 to be charged at the same time.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. A charging station for a floor cleaner having a battery with an electrical contact, the charging station comprising: a body having a front outer surface; a rear outer surface laterally offset from the front outer surface; a right outer surface extending between the front outer surface and the rear outer surface; a left outer surface extending between the front outer surface and the rear outer surface, the left outer surface being laterally offset from the right outer surface; the body forming an upwardly extending protruding member defining a front surface, a rear surface, and an upper surface, the upper surface extending from the front surface toward the rear surface, the rear surface extending downwardly from the upper surface and being offset from the front surface toward the rear outer surface; the protruding member including a charging port proximate the upper surface, the charging port configured to form an electrical connection with the electrical contact of the battery while the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station; a recessed surface including a portion extending rearwardly from a lower portion of the rear surface away from the protruding member; a rear recessed surface lower than the upper surface of the body, the rear recessed surface extending from the rear outer surface toward the front outer surface; an upwardly extending surface extending upwardly from the rear recessed surface; and a second charging port coupled to the rear recessed surface between the upwardly extending surface and the rear outer surface, the second charging port configured to form an electrical connection with an electrical contact of a second battery while the second battery is coupled to the second charging port.
2. The charging station of claim 1, wherein the protruding member further defines a right side surface extending downwardly from the upper surface of the protruding member toward the recessed surface, and a left side surface extending downwardly from the upper surface of the protruding member toward the recessed surface.
3. The charging station according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the recessed surface further defines a left side portion extending outwardly from a lower portion of the left side surface away from the protruding member, and a right side portion extending outwardly from a lower portion of the right side surface away from the protruding member, and wherein the left side portion and the right side portion are configured to abut the floor cleaner while the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station.
4. The charging station of claim 3, further comprising a left side upright surface including a lower end coupled to the left side portion of the recessed surface and an upper distal end, the left side upright surface extending upwardly from the left side portion of the recessed surface, the left side upright surface positioned between the left outer surface and the left side portion of the recessed surface, and a right side upright surface including a lower end coupled to the right side portion of the recessed surface and an upper distal end, the right side upright surface extending upwardly from the right side portion of the recessed surface, the right side upright surface positioned between the right outer surface and the right side portion of the recessed surface.
5. The charging station of claim 4, wherein the left side upright surface is spaced a first distance from the right side upright surface, wherein the right side of the protruding member is spaced a second distance from the left side of the protruding member, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
6. The charging station according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the left side upright surface is spaced from the left side of the protruding member to define a first gap, and wherein the right side upright surface is spaced from the right side of the protruding member to define a second gap, the first gap configured to receive a first portion of the floor cleaner and the second gap configured to receive a second portion of the floor cleaner while the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station.
7. The charging station according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a rear upright surface including a lower end coupled to the rear portion of the recessed surface and an upper distal end, the rear upright surface extending upwardly from the rear portion of the recessed surface, the rear upright surface positioned between the rear surface of the protruding member and the rear outer surface, wherein a portion of the floor cleaner is configured to abut the recessed surface between the rear upright surface and the rear surface of the protruding member while the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station.
8. The charging station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recessed surface and the upper surface of the protruding member are configured to bear a majority of the weight of the floor cleaner while the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station.
9. The charging station according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a base and an upright component having a first portion coupled to the charging station and a second portion coupled to the base, the base configured to be positioned on a support surface to thereby support the upright component and the charging station above the support surface.
10. A floor cleaner assembly comprising: a charging station including a body having a front outer surface; a rear outer surface laterally offset from the front outer surface; the body forming an upwardly extending protruding member defining a front surface, a rear surface, and an upper surface, the upper surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface, the rear surface being offset from the front surface toward the rear outer surface; the protruding member including a charging port proximate the upper surface; and a recessed surface including a portion extending rearwardly from a lower portion of the rear surface away from the protruding member; and a floor cleaner couplable to the charging station, the floor cleaner including a suction source; a dirt collection container; a protrusion extending laterally and having a top surface and a bottom surface, the protrusion defining a recess extending upwardly from the bottom surface; an electrical contact positioned within the protrusion proximate the recess; and a first battery configured to provide power to the floor cleaner, the first battery being electrically coupled to the electrical contact within the protrusion, wherein while the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station, the protruding member of the charging station extends into the recess of the floor cleaner protrusion to retain the floor cleaner on the charging station, wherein the charging port forms an electrical connection with the electrical contact while the floor cleaner is connected to the charging station, wherein the charging station further comprises a rear recessed surface that is lower than the upper surface, the rear recessed surface extending from the rear outer surface toward the front outer surface, an upwardly extending surface extending upwardly from the rear recessed surface, and a second charging port coupled to the rear recessed surface between the upwardly extending surface and the rear outer surface, and further comprising a second battery having an electrical contact, the second charging port forming an electrical connection with the electrical contact of the second battery while the second battery is coupled to the second charging port.
11. The floor cleaner assembly of claim 10, wherein the protruding member further defines a right side surface extending downwardly from the upper surface of the protruding member toward the recessed surface, and a left side surface extending downwardly from the upper surface of the protruding member toward the recessed surface, wherein the upper surface of the protruding member defines a first perimeter, wherein the recess of the protrusion defines a second perimeter adj cent the bottom surface of the protrusion, the second perimeter sized to receive the first perimeter therein.
12. The floor cleaner assembly according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the recessed surface further defines a left side portion extending outwardly from a lower portion of the left side surface away from the protruding member, and a right side portion extending outwardly from a lower portion of the right side surface away from the protruding member, wherein the bottom surface of the protrusion defines a first side portion on a left side of the recess and a second side portion on a right side of the recess, and the first side portion of the bottom surface abutting the left side portion of the recessed surface and the second side portion of the bottom surface abutting the right side portion of the recessed surface while the floor cleaner is positioned on the charging station.
13. The floor cleaner assembly of claim 12, further comprising a left side upright surface extending upwardly from the left side portion of the recessed surface, the left side upright surface positioned between the left outer surface and the left side portion of the recessed surface, a right side upright surface extending upwardly from the right side portion of the recessed surface, the right side upright surface positioned between the right outer surface and the right side portion of the recessed surface, a left outer protrusion surface defining a left edge of the protrusion, a right outer protrusion surface defining a right edge of the protrusion, wherein the left outer protrusion surface is positioned proximate the left side upright surface and the right outer protrusion surface is positioned proximate the right side upright surface while the floor cleaner is positioned on the charging station.
14. The floor cleaner assembly of claim 13, wherein the left side upright surface is spaced a first distance away from the right side upright surface, and the left outer protrusion surface is spaced a second distance away from the right outer protrusion surface, the second distance being greater than the first distance.
15. The floor cleaner assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the recessed surface and the upper surface of the protruding member are configured to bear a majority of the weight of the floor cleaner while the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station.
16. The floor cleaner assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 15, further comprising a base and an upright component having a first portion coupled to the charging station and a second portion coupled to the base, the base configured to be positioned on a support surface to thereby support the upright component and the charging station above the support surface.
17. The floor cleaner assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the charging station is configured to receive the floor cleaner on the charging port to charge the first battery and to receive the second battery on the second charging port, such that the battery is configured to be charged via the charging port while the second battery is configured to be charged via the second charging port.
18. The floor cleaner assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the floor cleaner is configured to move downwardly to electrically connect the charging port and the electrical contact, and wherein the second battery is configured to move downwardly to electrically connect the second battery to the second charging port.
PCT/US2023/069318 2022-06-30 2023-06-29 Floor cleaner and charging station WO2024006871A1 (en)

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US202263357286P 2022-06-30 2022-06-30
US63/357,286 2022-06-30

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202015103964U1 (en) * 2014-08-21 2015-10-14 Lg Electronics Inc. vacuum cleaner
EP3456233A1 (en) * 2016-05-09 2019-03-20 LG Electronics Inc. -1- Vacuum stand
US20210204781A1 (en) * 2020-01-06 2021-07-08 Zenith Technologies, Llc Power sharing vacuum cleaner assembly
JP2022029646A (en) * 2020-08-05 2022-02-18 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 Charger and electric cleaner

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202015103964U1 (en) * 2014-08-21 2015-10-14 Lg Electronics Inc. vacuum cleaner
EP3456233A1 (en) * 2016-05-09 2019-03-20 LG Electronics Inc. -1- Vacuum stand
US20210204781A1 (en) * 2020-01-06 2021-07-08 Zenith Technologies, Llc Power sharing vacuum cleaner assembly
JP2022029646A (en) * 2020-08-05 2022-02-18 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 Charger and electric cleaner

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