CN112351716A

CN112351716A - Floor cleaner

Info

Publication number: CN112351716A
Application number: CN201980044200.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 拉斐尔·达维拉; 迈克尔·保罗·道森; 唐·里迪克; 罗伯特·麦克罗里; 本杰明·施雷德
Original assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2018-08-27
Filing date: 2019-08-26
Publication date: 2021-02-09
Also published as: AU2019327393A8; AU2022252692A1; US20200060495A1; WO2020046832A1; EP3787451A1; AU2019327393B2; AU2019327393A1

Abstract

A floor cleaner includes a base movable over a surface to be cleaned. The base includes a front side, a rear side opposite the front side, a lower end configured to be adjacent to a surface to be cleaned, a suction inlet adjacent the front side adjacent the lower end of the base and in fluid communication with a vacuum source, a brushroll rotatable about a brushroll axis, and a squeegee in contact with the brushroll, the squeegee being positioned intermediate the front side of the base and the brushroll axis. The base also includes a suction conduit intermediate the brushroll and the rear side of the base, a flow channel adjacent the suction conduit formed by a groove extending along the brushroll shaft. The flow path defines an edge that contacts the brush roll.

Description

Floor cleaner

Cross reference to related applications

Priority is claimed for U.S. provisional application No. 62/723345 filed on 27.8.2018, U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/62/808527 filed on 21.2.2019, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/824043 filed on 26.3.2019, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Background

The present invention relates to floor cleaners.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a floor cleaner includes a supply tank configured to store a cleaning liquid and a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank, the dispensing nozzle configured to dispense the cleaning liquid toward a surface to be cleaned. The floor cleaner also includes a vacuum source and a base movable over the surface to be cleaned. The base includes a front side, a rear side opposite the front side, a lower end configured to be adjacent to a surface to be cleaned, a suction inlet adjacent the front side adjacent the lower end of the base and in fluid communication with a vacuum source, a brushroll rotatable about a brushroll axis, and a squeegee in contact with the brushroll, the squeegee being positioned intermediate the front side of the base and the brushroll axis. The base also includes a suction conduit intermediate the brushroll and the rear side of the base, a flow channel adjacent the suction conduit formed by a groove extending along the brushroll shaft. The flow path defines an edge that contacts the brush roll.

In one embodiment, a floor cleaner includes a supply tank configured to store a cleaning liquid and a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank. The dispensing nozzle is configured to dispense a cleaning liquid to a surface to be cleaned. The floor cleaner also includes a vacuum source and a base movable over the surface to be cleaned. The base includes a front side, a rear side opposite the front side, and a lower end configured to be adjacent a surface to be cleaned. The base also includes a brushroll rotatable about a brushroll axis. The base also includes a suction inlet adjacent the brush roll, adjacent the lower end of the base, and in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The base also includes a first squeegee brush extending outwardly from the lower end intermediate the suction inlet and the rear side of the base, the first squeegee brush being configured to contact a surface to be cleaned. The base also includes a second squeegee brush contacting the brush roll and a third squeegee brush extending outwardly from a lower end of the base behind the first squeegee brush, the third squeegee brush being configured to contact a surface to be cleaned.

In one embodiment, a floor cleaner includes a supply tank configured to store a cleaning liquid and a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank, the dispensing nozzle configured to dispense the cleaning liquid toward a surface to be cleaned. The floor cleaner also includes a vacuum source and a base movable over the surface to be cleaned. The base includes a front side, a rear side opposite the front side, a lower end configured to be adjacent to a surface to be cleaned, a suction inlet adjacent the front side adjacent the lower end of the base and in fluid communication with a vacuum source, a brushroll rotatable about a brushroll axis, and a first squeegee extending outwardly from the lower end intermediate the suction inlet and the rear side of the base, the first squeegee being configured to contact the surface to be cleaned. The base also includes a second squeegee brush that contacts the brush roll. The brush roll shaft is positioned between the lower end of the base and the second squeegee brush.

In one embodiment, a floor cleaner includes a vacuum source and a base movable over a surface to be cleaned. The base includes a brushroll rotatable about a brushroll axis. The brushroll includes a first set of fibers, each fiber having a diameter in the range of about 0.04 millimeters to about 0.08 millimeters, and a second set of fibers wrapped in a spiral around the brushroll shaft. Each fiber in the second set of fibers has a diameter of at least 0.06 millimeters. The diameter of the fibers in the first set of fibers is smaller than the diameter of the fibers in the second set of fibers.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor cleaner according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the floor cleaner of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the floor cleaner of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the floor cleaner of fig. 1.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of the floor cleaner of FIG. 1, showing the recovery tank removed from the floor cleaner.

FIG. 6 is another partial view of the floor cleaner of FIG. 1, showing the recovery tank removed.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the recovery tank of the floor cleaner of fig. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the recovery tank of FIG. 7 with the filter removed.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the recovery tank of fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a partially exploded view of the recovery tank of fig. 7.

Fig. 10A is another cross-sectional view of the recovery tank of fig. 7.

Fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the recovery tank of fig. 7.

Fig. 12 is a partial perspective view of the floor cleaner of fig. 1 with a portion of the bottom shell removed.

Fig. 13 is another perspective view of fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a partial perspective view of the floor cleaner of fig. 1.

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the floor cleaner of FIG. 1 with the brush roll housing removed.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the underside of the base of the floor cleaner of fig. 1.

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the base of the floor cleaner of fig. 1.

Fig. 17A is a cross-sectional view of a base of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a partial perspective view of the floor cleaner of fig. 1 with the brush roller housing attached to the base.

FIG. 19 is another partial perspective view of the floor cleaner of FIG. 18 with the brush roller housing removed from the base.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the base of the floor cleaner of fig. 1.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the base of the floor cleaner of fig. 1 with the brush roller housing attached to the base.

FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment of a brushroll for use with the floor cleaner of FIG. 1.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a base of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.

Figure 24 is another cross-sectional view of the base of figure 23.

FIG. 25 is another cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 23, with the brush roll removed.

FIG. 26 is another cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 23, with the brush roll removed.

Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a base of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the base of fig. 27 with the shell removed.

Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the base of fig. 27 taken along line 29-29 in fig. 27.

Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of the base taken along line 30-30 in fig. 28.

Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of fig. 29 with the cover removed.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention 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. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

Detailed Description

Layout

Fig. 1 illustrates a floor cleaner 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the floor cleaner 10 includes a base 12 and a body 14 pivotally connected to the base 12. The main body 14 pivots relative to the base 12 about a first axis 160 (fig. 3) between an upright storage position (fig. 1) and an inclined operating position. The floor cleaner 10 also includes a supply tank 16, a recovery tank 18, and a vacuum source 20. The supply tank 16 is configured to store cleaning solution, and the floor cleaner 10 is operable to dispense the cleaning solution to the surface 22 to be cleaned. Referring to FIG. 4, the vacuum source 20 includes a motor 24 and a fan 26. Engine 24 and fan 26 may be operated to draw cleaning liquid from surface 22 into recovery tank 18.

The base 12 is movable over the surface 22 to be cleaned. In the illustrated embodiment, base 12 includes wheels 28 to assist in moving base 12 across surface 22. Base 12 includes a suction inlet 30 in fluid communication with vacuum source 20 and recovery tank 18. Cleaning solution is drawn from surface 22 into recovery tank 18 through suction intake 30. Base 12 includes a dispensing nozzle 32 in fluid communication with supply tank 16. The dispensing nozzle 32 dispenses the cleaning liquid to the surface 22.

The floor cleaner 10 also includes a handle 34. The handle 34 includes a handle 36 and an actuator 38 adjacent the handle 36. The user grasps the handle 36 to move the floor cleaner 10 along the surface 22 and pivots the body 14 relative to the base 12. An actuator 38 controls the flow of cleaning liquid from supply tank 16 through dispensing nozzle 32. The handle 34 also includes an extension 40 extending from the body 14. The extension 40 includes a first end 42, a second end 44, and a handle shaft 46. As shown in fig. 4, the handle shaft 46 extends through the center of the first and second ends 42, 44. The first end 42 is connected to the body 14 and is adjacent to the body 14. The second end 44 is adjacent the handle 36.

The floor cleaner 10 also includes a battery 48 (fig. 4) that provides power to the vacuum source 20. In one embodiment, the battery 48 is a rechargeable lithium ion battery.

Referring to fig. 1-4, the floor cleaner 10 also includes an upper end 50 and a lower end 52 opposite the upper end 50. Handle 34 is adjacent upper end 50 and base 12 is adjacent lower end 52. The floor cleaner 10 also includes a front side 54 and a rear side 56 opposite the front side 54. The suction inlet 30 is adjacent the front side 54.

The relative positions of the components of the floor cleaner 10 will be discussed below. It has been found that the relative positioning of the disclosed components provides a floor cleaner 10 that is well balanced and comfortable when moving along a surface 22, facilitating operator control. Referring to FIG. 4, the floor cleaner 10 has a center of gravity 58 when the supply tank 16 is full of cleaning solution and the recovery tank 18 is empty. When the supply tank 16 is partially full and the recovery tank 18 is partially full, the floor cleaner 10 has a center of gravity 60. When the supply tank 16 is empty and the recovery tank 18 is full, the floor cleaner 10 has a center of gravity 62. Regardless of the liquid level in the

tanks

16, 18, the centers of

gravity

58, 60, 62 are located rearward of the handle axis 46, generally along a center of gravity axis 64 located rearward of the handle axis 46 and extending through the body 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 14 is coupled to the base 12 along a steering axis 72 to form a second axis 166. A user holding the handle about a steering axis extending from the handle 36 to the steering shaft 72 can rotate the body 14 about the second axis. In one embodiment, the weighted axle 64 is on or behind the steering axle, as described below.

In one possible embodiment, the above-described configuration of the center of gravity is achieved by arranging the components as follows. Vacuum source 20 has a center of gravity 66. The motor 24 of the vacuum source 20 is located intermediate the recovery tank 18 and the battery 48 in a direction from the lower end 52 to the upper end 50. The handle 34 and extension 40 are adjacent the front side 54.

The battery 48 has a center of gravity 68, with the battery 48 adjacent the rear side 56. The battery 48 is located intermediate the rear side 56 and the handle shaft 46 in a direction from the front side 54 to the rear side 56. The battery 48 is located intermediate the supply tank 16 and the front side 54 in a direction from the front side 54 to the rear side 56. The battery 48 is also located intermediate the supply tank 16 and the engine 24 in a direction from the front side 54 to the rear side 56. The battery 48 is located intermediate the engine 24 and the upper end 50 in a direction from the lower end 52 to the upper end 50. The battery 48 is closer to the upper end 50 than the recovery tank 18 and the supply tank 16 in a direction from the upper end 50 to the lower end 52. The battery 48 is located intermediate the upper end 50 and the supply tank 16 in a direction from the upper end 50 to the lower end 52.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the battery 48 is stored in the battery compartment 47, and the battery compartment 47 has an opening through which the battery 48 can be removed from the battery compartment 47 or the battery 48 in the battery compartment 47 can be replaced. The battery door 49 is connected to the edge of the opening of the battery chamber 47. The battery door 49 is configured to cover the interior of the battery compartment 47 and provide access to the interior of the battery compartment 47. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery door 49 is pivotally connected to the edge of the opening by a hinge 51. The battery door 49 is configured to pivot between a closed position and an open position, providing access to the interior of the battery compartment 47. In one embodiment, the battery door 49 pivots open in a direction toward the rear side 56 of the floor cleaner 10 when opened by a user. The battery door 49 may be spring loaded such that when the user releases the battery door 49 from the open position, the battery door 49 automatically pivots to the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, when the battery door 49 is opened, the battery 48 moves in and out of the battery compartment 47 in the direction of the handle shaft 46. When the floor cleaner 10 is in the upright storage position (fig. 2), the handle axle 46 is generally upright. By placing the battery 48 upright within the battery compartment 47 when the floor cleaner 10 is in the upright storage position, the battery 48 can be replaced into the battery compartment 47 with the assistance of gravity.

In one embodiment (not shown), the location of the battery 48 and supply tank 16 shown in FIG. 4 are interchanged such that the supply tank 16 is located intermediate the battery 48 and the front side 54 in the direction from the front side 54 to the back side 56, and the supply tank 16 is also located intermediate the battery 48 and the engine 24 in the direction from the front side 54 to the back side 56.

Supply tank 16 has a center of gravity 70 when full. The supply tank 16 is adjacent the rear side 56, and the supply tank 16 defines a portion of the rear side 56. The supply tank 16 is located intermediate the rear side 56 and the battery 48 in a direction from the front side 54 to the rear side 56.

The recovery tank 18 is adjacent the front side 54, and the recovery tank 18 forms part of the front side 54. The handle shaft 46 extends through the recovery tank 18. The recovery tank 18 is located intermediate the lower end 52 and the supply tank 16 in a direction from the upper end 50 to the lower end 52.

It will be appreciated that the location of the above-described components may be modified while still achieving the desired result of a location of the center of gravity, providing a floor cleaner 10 that has good balance and comfort when moving along the surface 22, facilitating operator control.

Recovery tank float and screen

Referring to fig. 9-11, recovery tank 18 includes a tank body 74 and a lid 76 connected to tank body 74. Box body 74 has a lower end wall 78 and a side wall 80, with side wall 80 extending upwardly from lower end wall 78 to an open upper end 82 of box body 74. The lower end wall 78 includes an inlet aperture 84 and an inlet duct 86 extending upwardly from the lower end wall 78. The inlet duct 86 includes an outlet aperture 88 at an end of the duct 86 opposite the inlet aperture 84. Air and liquid enter recovery tank 18 through inlet conduit 86 and outlet aperture 88 of inlet conduit 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet conduit 86 is tapered in diameter in a direction extending upwardly from the lower end wall, with the inlet aperture 84 having a diameter greater than the outlet aperture 88.

The lid 76 is removably attached to the open upper end 82 of the box main body 74 to close the open upper end 82 of the box main body 74. The lid 76 is removable to allow the box body 74 to be emptied when the box body 74 is full. The lid 76 includes a lid seal 79 located intermediate the sidewall 80 and the lid 76 about the outer periphery of the lid. The position of the lid gasket 79 is offset a desired distance from the upper end 82 toward the lower end wall 78 to provide sealing engagement for the travel distance 81 of the lid 76 as the lid 76 is lifted from the open upper end 82 of the box body 74. The cover 76 includes a baffle 90 surrounding the outlet aperture 88 of the inlet conduit 86. The baffle 90 includes one or more arcuate redirecting surfaces 93, the arcuate redirecting surfaces 93 configured to divert air and liquid from the outlet apertures 88 of the inlet duct 86 toward the lower end wall 78. More specifically, the flow of air flowing upwardly along the inlet duct 86 is redirected to flow downwardly toward the lower end wall 78 and/or the side wall 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle includes two arcuate redirecting surfaces 93 that divide the air flow from the outlet apertures 88 and redirect the divided air flow downwardly toward the lower end wall 78 and/or the side wall 80. The arcuate redirecting surface 93 has an arcuate angle 95 that is greater than 120 °. In the illustrated embodiment, the arcuate redirecting surface 93 has an arcuate angle 95 that is greater than 150 °. The baffle 90 facilitates separation of the liquid from the suction airstream, directing the liquid downwardly toward the lower end wall 78 of the tank body. In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle 90 extends toward the lower end wall 78, through or overlaps the outlet aperture 88, and surrounds a portion of the inlet duct 86. The lid 76 also includes a suction air outlet 92 in fluid communication with the vacuum source 20. Air exits recovery tank 18 through air outlet 92. Baffle 90 prevents cleaning liquid from directly entering suction air outlet 92. The cover 76 also includes a retainer 94 surrounding the suction air outlet 92. The cage 94 includes a side bore 96 and a bottom bore 98. A rim 100 surrounds the bottom aperture 98. The side hole 96 may include screen(s) 101 (fig. 10) that filter the suction airflow before it passes through the suction air outlet 92. The screen 101 comprises screen openings providing between 35% and 60% open area. In one embodiment, the screen openings provide between 40% and 45% open area. In one embodiment, the holder 94 is removably connected to the cover 76 by, for example, a right angle twist lock, hinge, or other latching arrangement, which allows a user to open and remove the holder 94 for cleaning or maintenance.

The lid 76 also includes a filter aperture 102 in fluid communication with the vacuum source 20 and located downstream of the suction air outlet 92. A filter 104 is received by the filter aperture 102 for filtering the suction airstream before it passes through the vacuum source 20. The filter includes a frame 106 and a filter media 108. The frame 106 includes a pull tab 110, and pulling the pull tab 110 upward removes the filter 104 from the filter aperture 102 to replace or empty the recovery tank 18. The frame 106 includes a sidewall 112 that is received by the filter aperture 102. The side walls 112 of the filter 104 are inclined away from the side walls 114 of the filter holes 102, i.e. the side walls 112 are chamfered such that the length of the filter is shorter on the upstream side than on the downstream side. The relative angle between the

walls

112, 114 inhibits binding of the filter 104 within the filter aperture 102 and allows the filter 104 to pivot within the filter aperture 102 when the filter 104 is removed by a user pulling on a single pull tab 110 with only one hand. In addition, the sidewall 112 of the filter 104 is not perpendicular to the plane of the filter, but rather the sidewall 112 of the filter 104 is angled inwardly toward the filter media 108. The filter media 108 may include any suitable filter media (e.g., paper or other cellulosic media). In one embodiment, the filter media 108 is pleated and includes a water-resistant coating.

Recovery tank 18 also includes a valve float 116. The valve float member 116 includes a float member body 118, a closure member 120 and an extension 122, the extension 122 extending between the closure member 120 and the float member body 118, separating the closure member 120 from the float member body 118. Thus, the closure member 120 is positioned away from the surface of the liquid in the recovery tank 18, and the liquid is less likely to be drawn in through the suction air outlet 92. When the liquid surface is above the desired level, a closure 120 is received in the suction air outlet 92 to close the suction air outlet 92, before the float body 118 floats on the surface of the liquid in the recovery tank 18 and the closure 120 is raised. The float body 118 includes a bore 124 extending through the float body 118. The inlet conduit 86 extends through the bore 124 of the float body 118 such that the float body 118 surrounds at least a portion of the inlet conduit 86, the inlet conduit 86 guiding movement of the valve float 116 as the closure member 120 travels along the inlet conduit towards and away from the suction air outlet 92. The float body 118 also includes a beveled lower surface 126, the beveled lower surface 126 configured to float on the surface of the liquid in the recovery tank 18. The angle of the chamfered lower surface 126 is approximately equal to the angle of the opposing surface 22 of the body 14 when the body 14 is in the tilted operating position. Thus, when the handle is in the selected inclined operating position, the chamfered lower surface 126 is approximately parallel to and approximately in contact with the surface of the liquid in the recovery tank 18. In operation, the valve float member 116 moves between a lowermost position, in which the closure member 120 is spaced from the suction airstream outlet 92, and an uppermost position, in which the closure member 120 closes the suction airstream outlet 92. Edge 100 of cage 94 contacts closure member 120 and retains closure member 120 to limit downward movement of valve float member 116 to the lowermost position.

Recovery tank 18 also includes a screen 128. A screen 128 is located inside the box body 74. The screen 128 is moved from the lowermost position (fig. 11) relative to the tank main body 74 through the open upper end 82 of the tank main body 74 to a detached position outside the tank main body 74. The screen 128 serves to filter debris from the liquid in the tank body 74. The screen 128 includes a perforated body 130 and a handle 132 extending from the perforated body 130. The handle 132 includes a gripping portion 133 adjacent the open upper end 82 for gripping when the lid 76 is removed from the recovery tank. In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle 90 extends through the outlet aperture 88 of the inlet duct 86 and directs the incoming liquid flow toward the lower end wall 78, away from the handle 132 of the screen. More specifically, the baffle 90 includes a rear wall 91, and the rear wall 91 is configured to prevent water from splashing toward the grip portion 133 of the handle 132, keeping the grip portion clean. In an alternative embodiment, the portion of the baffle 90 closest to the handle 132 extends further toward the lower end wall 78 than the remainder of the baffle 90, redirecting liquid away from the handle 132.

Box body 74 includes a screen rim 134. As shown in fig. 11, when the screen 128 is in the lowermost position, the perforated body 130 contacts the rim 134, spacing the perforated body 130 from the lower end wall 78 of the box body 74 to define a gap 136 between the perforated body 130 and the lower end wall 78. When screen 128 is in the lowermost position, handle 132 of screen 134 is between inlet duct 86 and side wall 80 of box body 74, and perforated body 130 is not parallel to lower end wall 78. The perforated body 130 includes an aperture 137 through which the inlet duct 86 extends with the screen 128 located in the box body 74. In one embodiment, the aperture 137 is sized and/or shaped to frictionally engage the outer surface of the inlet duct 86 in the installed position of the screen to retain the screen 134 on the inlet duct 86 when the recovery tank 18 is inverted. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, aperture 137 includes one or more protrusions 139 configured to frictionally engage an outer surface of inlet duct 86, securing screen 128 at a diameter of inlet duct 86 corresponding to an installed position of the screen. The screen may be retained by a friction plug or by a coupler engagement between the inlet duct and the screen.

The recovery tank 18 includes a tank handle 77 (fig. 6) on the front side 54, the tank handle 77 being configured to support and lift the recovery tank 18 and, optionally, to lift the floor cleaner 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the bin handle 77 is embedded into the front side 54 of the recovery bin 18 to provide a smooth profile for the front side 54 of the floor cleaner 10, wherein by not having the bin handle 77 extend from the front side 54, front space is preserved.

Case retention

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, the main body 14 includes a recovery tank recess 138 that receives the recovery tank 18 when the recovery tank 18 is coupled to the main body 14. The tank recess 138 includes an inlet 140 at a lower portion 141 of the tank recess 138 and an outlet 142 at an upper portion 143 of the tank recess 138. Inlet 140 is in fluid communication with suction inlet 30, inlet 140 generally mates with recovery tank inlet aperture 84, and recovery tank inlet aperture 84 mates to deliver cleaning liquid and/or debris drawn through the suction inlet to recovery tank 18. Outlet 142 is generally aligned with and adjacent to filter 104 such that air exiting recovery tank 18 passes through outlet 142 toward vacuum source 20 after passing through filter 104. The recovery tank 18 includes a latch 144, and the recovery tank recess 138 includes a latch recess 146 at an upper portion 143 of the tank recess 138, the latch recess 146 receiving the latch 144 to removably connect the recovery tank 18 and the body 14. The recovery tank recess 138 provides a portion 148 of the main body 14, which portion 148 is relatively narrow and more flexible than other portions of the main body 14. As the narrow portion 148 bends in the rearward direction, the front height 153 of the tank recess 138 may increase. To prevent the latch 144 from being accidentally released from the groove 146 as the front height 153 of the tank groove increases, the body 14 includes a protrusion 150 that is received in a corresponding groove 152 of the lid 76 of the recovery tank 18. The interaction of the projection 150 in the groove 152 secures the lid 76 in position opposite the upper portion 143 of the tank groove 138 and the latch groove 146. In an operating condition, when the narrow portion 148 is bent in the rearward direction and the front height 153 of the tank recess is increased, the tank main body 74 may continue to be held in the lower portion 141 of the recovery tank recess 138 due to the weight of the cleaning solution in the recovery tank. While the lid 76 is still attached to the upper portion 143 of the recovery tank recess 138 and the recovery tank main body 74 is still attached to the lower portion 141 of the recovery tank recess 138, the lid 76 is moved relative to the tank main body 74 toward the open upper end 82 of the recovery tank. To accommodate the amount of bending of narrowed portion 148, cover seal 79 is selected and configured to provide sealing engagement for distance 81 of travel of cover 76 along the sidewall.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the recovery tank cover may be secured to the recovery tank body, which may be retained in a lower portion of the recovery tank recess. In such an embodiment, the engagement of the protrusions 150 received in the corresponding grooves 152 of the cover prevents relative movement between the parts of the hardened body along the narrow portions, providing additional support.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 150 are located in the recovery tank recesses 138 and the corresponding recesses 152 are located in the lid 76 of the recovery tank 18. In other embodiments, the protrusion 150 and the groove 152 may be located at other suitable locations. For example, recovery tank 18 may include a protrusion 150 and body 14 may include a groove 152. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the floor cleaner 10 includes two protrusions 150 and two recesses 152. In other embodiments, the floor cleaner 10 can include one or more protrusions 150 and one or more grooves 152.

In one embodiment, the recovery bin is a collection bin having a lid, such as a dry cleaner or other wet or dry cleaner, wherein the collection bin includes at least one protrusion and/or recess and the main body includes a corresponding protrusion or recess. In this embodiment, the interaction of one or more protrusions in corresponding recesses secures the collection bin in its position relative to the body.

Steerable aspirator

Referring to fig. 2-4 and 12-14, the main body 14 is pivotable relative to the base 12 about a first axis 160 between an upright storage position (fig. 2) and a reclined operating position. The user pivots the body 14 about the first axis 160 using the handle 34. The base 12 also includes a brushroll 162 (fig. 4), the brushroll 162 being rotatable relative to the base 12 about a brushroll axis 164. The first shaft 160 is offset from the brushroll shaft 164 in a direction toward the rear side 56 of the floor cleaner 10. The first shaft 160 is parallel to the brushroll shaft 164 of the illustrated embodiment. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the first axle 160 extends through the wheels 28 of the base 12. In some embodiments, the first shaft 160 is coaxial with the shaft about which the wheel 28 rotates.

The body 14 is also pivotable relative to the base 12 about a second axis 166 to steer the base 12 as the base 12 moves over the surface 22. The user pivots the body 14 about the second axis 166 using the handle 34. The floor cleaner 10 also includes a left side 168 orthogonal to the front and

rear sides

54, 56, and a right side 170 orthogonal to the front and

rear sides

54, 56 opposite the left side 168. The user pivots the main body 14 about the second axis 166, moving the main body 14 relative to the base 12 in a first direction toward the right side 170 and a second direction toward the left side 168 to steer the floor cleaner 10 to the left or right, the user also pushing the floor cleaner 10 along the surface 22.

The second shaft 166 is perpendicular to the first shaft 160 and the brushroll shaft 164 in the illustrated embodiment. The second shaft 166 extends in a direction from the rear side 56 to the front side 54. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the body 14 is in the upright storage position, the second shaft 166 is shown tilted relative to the surface 22 such that the second shaft 166 is at an acute angle 174 relative to the surface 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle 174 is approximately 30 °. In other embodiments, the angle 174 is in the range of about 25 ° to about 35 °. In further embodiments, the angle 174 is in the range of about 15 ° to about 45 °.

The floor cleaner 10 includes a connection portion 172 that connects the main body 14 to the base 12. The connecting portion 172 is pivotally connected to the base 12 to form a first axis 160 along the pivot axis, and the connecting portion 172 is connected to the body 14 along the steering axis 72 to form a second axis 166. The connection portion 172 functions as a steering connection by restricting the main body 14 and the base 12 from rotating together about the steering shaft. The connecting portion 172 includes one or more slots 173, the slots 173 engaging corresponding projections on the body 14 to act as an obstacle limiting the pivot range of movement of the body 14 about the second axis 166. In one embodiment, the slot 173 limits the range of pivotal movement of the body 14 about the second axis in the first and second directions to about a 30 ° angle. In other embodiments, the range of pivotal movement in both directions is in the range of about 25 ° to about 30 °. In other embodiments, the range of pivotal movement in both directions is in the range of about 15 ° to about 50 °. The connecting portion 172 or the base 12 further includes at least one obstacle that limits the pivot range of movement of the main body 14 about the first axis 160. In one embodiment, the pivoting range of movement of the handle axle 46 about the first axis 160 is between a position approximately 90 from the surface 22 (i.e., upright storage position) and a position approximately 30 from the surface 22 in a direction toward the rear side 56 of the floor cleaner 10.

Accordingly, steering of the base 12 may be controlled by twisting the handlebar, guiding the base 12 in a desired direction, and rotating the body 14 about the steering axis. As the body 14 rotates about the steering axis, co-rotational rotation of the body 14 and the coupling 172 causes the base 12 to contact the ground in parallel planes. The pivotal movement of the connection portion 172 about the axis 160 may also help maintain parallel planar contact between the base 12 and the ground. In the illustrated embodiment, when supply tank 16 is full of cleaning solution and recovery tank 18 is empty, center of gravity 58 is located behind the steering shaft. In one embodiment, the weighted axle 64 extends along or behind the steering shaft.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 172 takes the form of a yoke. The yoke 172 defines an opening 176. A suction conduit 178 provides fluid communication between the suction inlet 30 and the recovery tank 18, the suction conduit 178 passing through the opening 176 of the yoke 172. In the illustrated embodiment, the yoke 172 is hollow, which may be divided into two internal chambers, such as a right chamber 177 and a left chamber 179. A conduit 180 (e.g., plastic tubing) fluidly connects supply tank 16 and dispensing nozzle 32, conduit 180 extending through yoke 172 into base 12. In one embodiment, the conduit 180 extends through one of the right chamber 177 or the left chamber 179, and the electrical wires 181 that provide power to the components in the base 12 extend through the other of the right chamber 177 or the left chamber 179. The yoke 172 may include an internal partition for isolating the right chamber 177 from the left chamber 179 so that the wires 181 remain separate from the conduit 180 passing through the yoke.

Hydrophobic roller

As described above, the floor cleaner 10 includes a brush or agitator roller 162 (fig. 16 and 17) adjacent the suction inlet 30. The brush roller 162 may rotate about an axis 164 to agitate, wipe, brush, etc. the surface 22 being cleaned. The floor cleaner 10 includes a motor 184 (fig. 12) that rotates the brushroll 162 about the shaft 164. The brushroll 162 is operatively connected to the motor 184 by a transmission, which may include belts, pulleys, gears, and the like.

Referring to fig. 15-16, the brushroll 162 protrudes from the lower end 52 of the base 12 such that the brushroll 162 contacts the surface 22 being cleaned. In one embodiment, the brushroll 162 and suction inlet 30 cooperate to draw air and debris from the lower end 52. In another embodiment, the brushroll 162 and suction inlet 30 cooperate to draw air and debris from the front side 54 of the base 12. Further, while the illustrated floor cleaner 10 includes only one brushroll 162, in other embodiments, the floor cleaner 10 may include additional brushrolls of the same or different materials that are parallel to the brushroll 162. The brushroll 162 has an exterior cleaning media 186 that contacts the surface 22. In one embodiment, the cleaning media 186 includes a hydrophobic textile material.

The hydrophobic textile material of the cleaning media 186 may include a fine-tufted textile material. In one embodiment, the tufted textile material of the cleaning media 186 is made of tufts of fine hydrophobic fibers (e.g., hydrophobic nylon, polyester, polyolefin) or other hydrophobic fibers disposed on the brush roller 162. The fibers may be made of any hydrophobic material, such as a fluoropolymer, for example polytetrafluoroethylene in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the fibers are coated with a hydrophobic coating or otherwise treated to be hydrophobic fibers.

In one embodiment, the material of the tufted fibers of the hydrophobic textile material of the cleaning media 186 has a hydrophobicity measured by a contact angle in the range of 90 ° to 135 °. In another embodiment, the hydrophobicity of the tufted material of the cleaning media 186 is measured by a contact angle greater than 135 °. In yet another embodiment, the material of the textile material from which the cleaning media 186 is made has a hydrophobicity as measured by a contact angle in the range of 65 ° to 100 °.

Referring to fig. 16 and 17, the lower end 52 of the base 12 may include a plurality of bristles 188, the bristles 188 being, in one embodiment, tufted bristles. The bristles 188 are arranged in a row, generally fixed relative to the base 12. The bristles 188 are received in the apertures 190 to attach the bristles 188 to the base 12. Only one set of bristles 188 is illustrated in fig. 16 and 17, but it is understood that each aperture 190 has a set of bristles 188 therein. In one embodiment, the bristles 188 include hydrophilic cleaning media. In some embodiments, the base 12 does not include other hydrophilic cleaning media in addition to the (optional) plurality of tufted bristles 188. In other embodiments, the chassis 12 does not include a hydrophilic cleaning medium.

Above the bottom, the crust

Referring to fig. 15, the base 12 includes a brush roller chamber 194 and a brush roller housing 196, the brush roller housing 196 being removable to access the brush roller chamber 194 and contact the brush roller 162. The housing 196 may be easily removed by a user and the user may remove the housing 196 with one hand to access the brush roll 162 for cleaning or replacement. Referring to FIG. 17, the base 12 also includes a first squeegee brush 224 and a second squeegee brush 226, which will be discussed further below. The first squeegee brush 224 is configured to contact the surface 22 to be cleaned behind the brush roller chamber 194.

As shown in fig. 15, 17, and 19, the brushroll chamber 194 includes a front wall 191 and a rear wall 192 having a brushroll chamber outlet 193. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the rear wall 191 extends downwardly toward the surface to be cleaned, extends lower than the brushroll chamber outlet 193, and surrounds the brushroll chamber outlet 193. In the illustrated embodiment, the front and

rear walls

191, 192 are attached to the brushroll housing 196 and are removable with the brushroll housing 196. As shown in fig. 15 and 17, the base 12 includes a seal 195 at the inlet of the suction duct 178. After the housing 196 is mounted to the base 12, the seal 195 engages the outer edge of the brush roll chamber outlet 193, preventing water and air leakage. In one embodiment (FIG. 17A), the front wall 191 is reduced or omitted, resulting in the brushroll housing 196' including a front edge 197, the front edge 197 rising away from the surface 22 to be cleaned, forming a front opening exposing the brushroll 162, which will be discussed further below. In the embodiment of fig. 17A, the rear wall 192 is attached to the brushroll housing 196 and is removable with the brushroll housing 196. In the embodiment disclosed in fig. 17, 17A and 19, a first squeegee brush 224 is attached to the lower end of the rear wall 192. As shown in FIG. 19, the first squeegee brush 224 may be removable with the brushroll housing 196.

The base 12 includes a first actuator 198 and a second actuator 200 for removing the housing 196. Sliding the first actuator 198 in a first direction (represented by arrow 202 in fig. 18) moves the actuator 198 from the latched position to the unlatched position. The second actuator 200 slides from the latched position to the unlatched position in a second direction (represented by arrow 204) directly opposite the first direction. That is, the user pushes or presses the second actuator 200 in the opposite direction 204 while pushing or pressing the first actuator 198 in the direction 202. The spacing between

actuators

198, 200 is configured such that a user can operate or squeeze

actuators

198, 200 with one hand (e.g., the user's thumb and forefinger). In one embodiment, the bottom of

actuators

198, 200 is cut, wherein a surface 201 of actuators 198 and/or 200, which is manipulated or squeezed by a user, is recessed below an upper portion or ledge 203, the recessed surface 201 providing clearance, and the upper portion or ledge 203 of each actuator 198, 200 providing a handle for the user to lift the housing 196 from the base 12 (e.g., with one hand).

Referring to fig. 20, a first latch 206 is coupled to the first actuator 198 and a second latch 208 is coupled to the second actuator 200. When the first actuator 198 is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position, the first latch 206 moves in the same direction from the engaged position with the base 12 (the position shown in fig. 20) to the disengaged position with the base 12. When the second actuator 200 is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position, the second latch 208 moves in the same direction away from the engaged position with the base 12 (the position shown in fig. 20). The second latch 208 engages a corresponding right retainer 211 in the base 12 in the engaged position, as best shown in fig. 15. First latch 206 engages with corresponding left retainer 213 in the engaged position. When latches 206, 208 are in the disengaged position, shell 196 can be removed from base 12. In the illustrated embodiment,

actuators

198, 200 and latches 206, 208 are coupled to housing 196 such that

actuators

198, 200 and latches 206, 208 are removed from base 12 with housing 196.

With continued reference to fig. 20, a spring or biasing member 210, which in the illustrated embodiment is a coil spring, is located intermediate the

actuators

198, 200. Spring 210 may be any spring or resilient member configured to urge

actuators

198, 200 to the latched position, urging

latches

206, 208 to the engaged position. In the illustrated embodiment, latches 206, 208 each include a cam surface 212. The camming surface 212 enables the housing 196 to be reattached to the base 12 without the user having to actuate or squeeze the

actuators

198, 200. The cam surface 212 contacts the base 12 to automatically move the

actuators

198, 200 to the unlatched position to reattach the housing 196 to the base 12. In turn, the biasing member 210 moves the

actuators

198, 200 to the latched position, moving the

latches

206, 208 to the engaged position.

Referring to fig. 15 and 19, the dispensing nozzle 32 is attached to the brush roller housing 196 and the nozzle 32 can be removed from the base 12 with the housing 196. Base 12 includes a fluid coupling 214, fluid coupling 214 having a seal 223, and housing 196 includes a fluid coupling 216 that mates with fluid coupling 214. A connecting conduit 217 extends through housing 196 between fluid coupling 216 and nozzle 32. The

couplers

214, 216 enable the housing 196 to be removed from the base 12 and also provide fluid communication between the supply tank 16 and the dispensing nozzle 32 via the supply conduit 180 when the housing 196 is attached to the base 12.

Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of fig. 15 and 19, the base includes a second coupler 219 that engages with a corresponding recess 221 in the housing 196. The second coupling 219 is shaped similarly to the first fluid coupling 214, the second coupling 219 further including a seal 223. When the user assembles the housing 196 to the base, a force is applied to connect the

fluid couplings

214, 216. First fluid coupling 214 is located off-center in the illustrated embodiment relative to housing 196 and latch

actuators

198, 200. The second coupler 219 and corresponding groove 221 are off-center in opposite directions and are configured to provide a coupler drag similar to that of the first fluid coupler 214. The approximately symmetrical coupling resistance provided by

fluid couplings

214, 216 and 219 inhibits binding and provides more uniform assembly movement. In the illustrated embodiment, the second coupler 219 does not transmit any liquid and is a non-fluid coupler. In other embodiments, the second coupler 219 may deliver liquid to the nozzle 32.

Lamplight illuminating water spray

Referring to fig. 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing nozzle 32 projects 218 of cleaning liquid from the supply tank 16 toward the surface 22. The spray pattern 218 is emitted from the front of the front side 54 of the base 12. I.e., the cleaning fluid is not sprayed under the brush roll housing 196, which is not visible to the user. Because the spray pattern 218 is emitted from the front of the base 12, the spray pattern 218 is visible to the user. In the illustrated embodiment, cleaning liquid is sprayed or dispensed from the spray nozzle 32 in response to actuation of an actuator 38 (fig. 1) (which in the illustrated embodiment is a trigger) by a user. In one embodiment, the actuation of the dispensing of liquid may be controlled by movement of the cleaner or other automatic modes.

With continued reference to fig. 18, the base 12 includes a light 222 electronically coupled to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 225 (fig. 13). In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 13, PCB X is mounted vertically to base 12 for efficient use of space, but PCB 225 may be in other orientations (e.g., horizontal or forward) as alternatives in other embodiments. In one embodiment, the lights 222 are Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The light 222 illuminates the spray pattern 218 in a direction toward the front side 54 of the base 12 to make the spray pattern 218 more visible to the user. In one embodiment, the light 222 is an LED electronically coupled to the PCB 225, facing the direction of the front side 54 of the base 12. In one embodiment, the lamp 222 is waterproof and/or impact resistant. In one particular embodiment, the lights 222 are side LEDs.

The spray pattern 218 is illuminated by a light 222 to provide a visual confirmation to the user that cleaning fluid is being discharged from the nozzle 32. In one embodiment, the light 222 remains on continuously during operation, acting as a headlight to illuminate the work surface. In one such embodiment, the light is configured to illuminate the spray pattern 218 also when the spray is actuated. As shown in fig. 18, the base may also include indicator lights 220 that are visible to a user during operation.

In one embodiment, actuation of actuator 38 by a user causes cleaning liquid to flow through nozzle 32, and indicator light 220 and (optionally) light 222 turn on in response to user actuation of actuator 38. In some embodiments, the floor cleaner 10 includes a pump that draws cleaning liquid from the supply tank 16, pressurizing the cleaning liquid. Indicator light 220 and (optionally) light 222 may then be turned on in response to powering the pump. In other embodiments, the liquid supply conduit 180 intermediate the supply tank 16 and the nozzle 32 includes a liquid flow sensor. In one such embodiment, the light is turned on when the flow sensor detects a flow of liquid in the conduit 180. If there is no flow in the conduit 180, the indicator light 220 and (optionally) light 222 are off. In an alternative embodiment, when the flow sensor does not detect flow in the conduit 180 after the user actuates the actuator 38, the indicator light 220 and/or the light 222 may provide a signal indicating that there is no flow in the conduit, such as if the supply tank is empty or other flow interruption. In yet another embodiment, indicator light 220 and (optionally) light 222 are turned on in response to supplying power to vacuum source 20. The indicator lights 220 and (optionally) lights 222 may be of any suitable color, and the color of the indicator lights 220 and (optionally) lights 222 may be varied in accordance with the operating conditions of the floor cleaner 10. For example, when power is supplied to the vacuum source 20 and no cleaning liquid is flowing, a first color may be displayed. When there is a flow of cleaning liquid through the nozzle 32, a second color may be displayed.

Nozzle arrangement with roller, wiper and squeegee (squeegee)

Referring to fig. 17, the base 12 includes a first squeegee brush 224 and a second squeegee brush 226. The first squeegee brush 224 contacts the surface 22 to be cleaned. As base 12 is moved forward (in the direction of arrow 228 in FIG. 18) along surface 22 to be cleaned, first squeegee brush 224 pushes the liquid comprising cleaning liquid forward along the surface toward suction intake 30. This reduces the amount of liquid remaining on surface 22. The second squeegee brush 226 is in contact with the brush roll 162. The brushroll 162 rotates about the shaft 164 in the direction of arrow 230. The second squeegee 226 wipes the liquid and debris from the brush roll 162 and directs the liquid and debris to a suction conduit 232 in fluid communication with the vacuum source 20. The location of the second squeegee brush 226 in combination with the spray distribution 218 of cleaning liquid from the supply tank to the front of the front side 54 of the base 12 improves cleaning performance and drying time, minimizing the amount of liquid and debris that returns to the surface 22 as the brush roll is rotated back down toward the surface 22. The second squeegee 226 also reduces the ingress of air through the gap between the brush roller housing 196 and the brush roller 162.

A first squeegee brush 224 extends from the lower end 52 of the base 12 between the suction inlet 30 and the rear side 56 of the base 12. Squeegee brushes 224 extend along suction intakes 30 adjacent to intakes 30 to wipe liquid toward suction intakes 30. The squeegee brush 224 also extends in the direction of the brush roller shaft 164 and parallel to the brush roller shaft 164. The brush roll 162 extends beyond the lower end 52 of the base 12, the suction inlet 30 is located between the first squeegee brush 224 and the portion 234, and the brush roll 162 extends beyond the lower end 52 of the base 12 at the portion 234. In one embodiment, the first squeegee brush 224 is removably connected to a brush bar 189 (FIG. 16) with bristles 188 at the lower end 52 of the base 12. Wherein the first squeegee brush 224 and the bristles 188 are removable together from the brush bar 189 of the base 12.

In the brush roll chamber 194, a second squeegee 226 is positioned above the first squeegee 224. The brush roller shaft 164 is between the lower end 52 of the base 12 and the second squeegee brush 226. A second squeegee 226 extends along and parallel to the brushroll shaft 164. The second squeegee 226 is attached to the brush roll housing 196 such that the second squeegee 226 can be removed from the base 12 along with the brush roll housing 196. In the illustrated embodiment, the second squeegee brush 226 is rearward of the brushroll shaft 164 in the direction from the front side 54 to the rear side 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the second squeegee brush 226 is above the brushroll shaft 164 in the direction from the lower end 52 to the upper end 50.

Optionally, a second dispensing nozzle 227 (fig. 17) is located below the housing 196, proximate the surface of the brushroll 162, behind a second squeegee brush 226 in the brushroll chamber 194. The second dispensing nozzle 227 is configured to wet the brush roll 162 while cleaning the brush roll 162 before the brush roll 162 is in contact with the surface 22 to be cleaned. The second squeegee 226 is configured to wipe excess fluid from the brush roll 162. A conduit fluidly connects the second dispensing nozzle 227 to the supply tank 16, similar to the conduit 180 of the dispensing nozzle 32. In one embodiment, the conduit 180 supplies liquid to the dispensing nozzle 32 and the second dispensing nozzle 227.

Referring to fig. 16 and 17, the roller 236 is configured to rotate about a roller axis extending from the lower end 52 of the base 12 to support the base 12 and the floor cleaner 10 on the surface 22. The roller 236 is adjacent the front side 54 of the base 12 and is positioned between the front side 54 of the base and the portion 234, and the brushroll 162 extends beyond the lower end 52 of the base 12 at the portion 234. In the illustrated embodiment, the roller 236 is forward of the brushroll shaft 164. In one embodiment, the rollers 236 are arcuate along a roller axis that is parallel to the first axis 160.

In one embodiment (fig. 17A), the brushroll housing 196' includes a front edge 197, the front edge 197 rising from the surface 22 to be cleaned forming a front opening exposing the brushroll 162, which extends from one end of the front opening in front of the front side 54 of the base to the other. An exposed portion of the brushroll 162 extends below the front edge 197 of the brushroll housing 196', which is configured for contacting and cleaning a lower, vertically oriented surface (e.g., a baseboard) in front of the front side 54. Brush roller housing 196' includes a front edge 197 positioned above brush roller shaft 164 rearward of front side 54. In this embodiment, the second squeegee 226 is positioned against the front edge 197 to inhibit forward discharge of debris from beneath the brushroll housing 196'.

FIG. 22 illustrates one possible embodiment of the brushroll 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the brush roll includes tufts of fibers that substantially cover the entire brush roll 162. In another embodiment, the tufts cover the brush roller 162. The fibers may be yarns or may be monofilament fibers. The brushroll 162 may include an absorbent material, such as a collodion roll (Mop roller). Optionally, the brushroll 162 may include the hydrophobic characteristics and features described above. The brushroll 162 includes a first set of fibers 238 and a second set of fibers 240. The

fibers

238, 240 are tufted into a backing such as a woven backing or mesh backing that wraps around the brushroll shaft 235 (fig. 17) and is attached to the brushroll shaft 235. In the illustrated embodiment, the fibers 238 are a different color than the fibers 240. The first set of fibers 238 has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the second set of fibers 240. In one embodiment, the second set of fibers has a fiber diameter that is at least 25% greater than the fiber diameter of the first set of fibers. In another embodiment, the fiber diameter is 30% to 60% greater than the fiber diameter of the first set of fibers. In one embodiment, the fiber diameter of the second set of fibers is 50% greater than the fiber diameter of the first set of fibers. The first set of fibers 238 has a diameter in the range of about 0.03 millimeters to about 0.08 millimeters. In one embodiment, the first set of fibers has a diameter of about 0.05 millimeters. In one embodiment, the material of the first set of fibers is different from the material of the second set of fibers.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the first set of fibers extends through a majority of the brushroll, and the second set of fibers 240 is wrapped in a spiral around the brushroll shaft 164. In other words, the first set of fibers extends between the spiral wrapping of the second set of fibers around the brush roll. In one embodiment, the second set of fibers 240 is wrapped around the shaft 164 about 5 to 6 times in a spiral. The fibers of the second set of fibers 240 have a diameter of at least 0.06 millimeters. In one embodiment, the second set of fibers has a diameter of about 0.10 millimeters. The first set of fibers 238, which are smaller in diameter, are more flexible and provide a wiping action on the surface 22. The larger diameter second set of fibers 240 is stiffer and serves to agitate the surface and dampen vibrations.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fibers of the first set of fibers 238 and the fibers of the second set of fibers 240 are equal in length. In one embodiment, the fiber length is in a range from about 5 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. In the illustrated embodiment, the fiber length is about 10 millimeters.

In one embodiment, the brushroll 162 has a sleeve 242 between the shaft 235 and the tufted fiber pads, the pads being attached to the sleeve 242, the sleeve 242 being disposed over the shaft. Alternatively, a second sleeve may be provided, wherein a third set of fibers tufted into a second liner is attached to the second sleeve, the first sleeve being detachable from the spindle and the first sleeve being replaceable with the second sleeve.

Fig. 23-26 show a base 12 according to another embodiment. The base 12 includes similar features to those described above for the base 12 of fig. 17-21, the only differences between which will be discussed below, and like components are given the same reference numerals. The base 12 of fig. 23-26 includes a second squeegee brush 226 that contacts the brush roll 162 in a different position than the second squeegee brush of fig. 17-21. The second squeegee 226 in fig. 23 is positioned between the front edge 197 of the base 12 and the brushroll shaft 164. The second squeegee 226 is also offset from the front edge 197 in a direction toward the brushroll 162. The front edge 197 is also raised a distance 303 (fig. 24) from the surface or ground. In one embodiment, the distance is about 7 millimeters, which enables debris to travel under the leading edge 197. In other embodiments, the distance 303 is in a range of about 4 millimeters to about 12 millimeters. The second squeegee 226 also includes a slit 302 extending through the squeegee 226. In one embodiment, the spacing between the slits 302 is about 1 centimeter. In other embodiments, the spacing is in the range of about 0.5 centimeters to about 3 centimeters. The slot 302 provides additional flexibility to the squeegee 226 to allow a single length of squeegee to move or flex relative to adjacent lengths.

After a region of the brushroll 162 first passes through the suction conduit 232, the second squeegee brush 226 contacts the region of the brushroll 232. The second squeegee brush 226 helps retain any material on the brush roll 162 if any remains on the brush roll 162 after first passing through the suction conduit 232. By retaining the substance on the brushroll 162, the likelihood of the substance being discharged back to the ground is reduced. Instead, the substance may be drawn from the brush roll 162 while passing through the suction conduit 232 again.

Referring to fig. 25 and 26, the base 12 also includes a flow channel 304 on each side of the suction conduit 232, with the conduit 232 leading to the brush roller chamber 194 at the flow channels 304. The flow channels 304 are symmetrical on each side of the aspiration conduit 232. The flow channel 304 is formed by grooves that form an upper edge 308 and a lower edge 310. As shown in FIG. 24, the upper edge 308 contacts the brushroll 162 to direct liquid and debris into the flow channel 304, removing liquid and debris from the brushroll 162, as the brushroll 162 rotates about the shaft 230. In one embodiment, the lower edge 310 is in close proximity to the brushroll 162 to reduce the gap between the base 12 and the brushroll 162, thereby increasing the suction in the flow passage 304. This directs the airflow through the flow passage 304 along the entire length of the brushroll 162. The flow channel 304 directs debris and liquid toward the suction conduit 232, directing the debris and liquid into the suction conduit 232. Referring to fig. 25, the flow channel 304 has a height 314 measured from the lower edge 310 to the upper edge 308. The height 314 rises up the brushroll 162 in a direction toward the suction conduit 232. At the suction duct 232, the height 314 is approximately equal to the height 316 of the suction duct 232. In one embodiment, at the aspiration conduit 232, the height 314 is approximately equal to the height 316 of the upper portion of the aspiration conduit 232.

Fig. 27-31 illustrate a base 12 according to another embodiment. The base 12 includes features similar to those described above for the base 12 in fig. 17-21 and 23-26, the only differences between which will be discussed below, like components being identified with the same reference numerals. The base 12 of fig. 27-31 includes a third squeegee brush 229 extending outwardly from the lower end 52 of the base 12. A third squeegee brush 229 also extends along the suction inlet 30 adjacent the inlet 30 to wipe liquid toward the suction inlet 30. The third squeegee brush 229 also extends in the direction of the brush roller shaft 164 and parallel to the brush roller shaft 164. The third squeegee brush 229 is also parallel to the first squeegee brush 224. As shown in fig. 31, the first squeegee brush 224 is connected to the brush roll housing 196 such that the first squeegee brush 224 can be removed from the base 12 along with the housing 196 and the second squeegee brush 226 while the third squeegee brush 229 remains attached to the base 12.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A floor cleaner comprising:

a supply tank configured to store cleaning liquid;

a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank, the dispensing nozzle configured to dispense the cleaning liquid to a surface to be cleaned;

a vacuum source; and

a base movable along the surface to be cleaned, the base comprising,

on the front side of the front panel,

a rear side, opposite to the front side,

a lower end configured to be adjacent to the surface to be cleaned,

a suction inlet adjacent the front side, adjacent the lower end of the base, and in fluid communication with the vacuum source,

a brush roll rotatable about a brush roll axis,

a squeegee brush contacting the brush roll, the squeegee brush positioned intermediate the front side of the base and the brush roll shaft,

a suction duct located between the brush roll and the rear side of the base,

a channel formed by a groove extending along the brush roller axis, the channel being adjacent the suction conduit, the channel defining an edge that contacts the brush roller.

2. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the flow path includes an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein at least a portion of the upper edge contacts the brush roll.

3. A floor cleaner according to claim 2 wherein the flow passage comprises a height measured from the upper edge to the lower edge, wherein the height of the flow passage rises in a direction towards the suction duct.

4. A floor cleaner as claimed in claim 3 wherein the height of the flow passage adjacent the suction duct is approximately equal to the height of the suction duct.

5. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the squeegee is a second squeegee, wherein the base further includes a first squeegee extending from the lower end outwardly intermediate the suction inlet and the rear side of the base, the first squeegee configured to contact the surface to be cleaned.

6. A floor cleaner as claimed in claim 5 wherein the brush roll extends beyond the lower end of the base, wherein the suction inlet is located intermediate the first squeegee brush and the point at which the brush roll extends beyond the lower end of the base.

7. A floor cleaner as claimed in claim 5 wherein the first squeegee brush extends in a direction along the brush roller axis.

8. A floor cleaner as claimed in claim 5 wherein the first squeegee brush extends along the suction inlet.

9. A floor cleaner as in claim 5 wherein the brush roller axis is intermediate the front side of the base and the second squeegee brush.

10. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the base further includes a brush roll housing releasably attached to the base, the brush roll housing being removable to contact the brush roll.

11. The floor cleaner of claim 10, wherein the squeegee is attached to the brush roll housing, the squeegee being removable from the base with the brush roll housing.

12. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the dispensing nozzle is configured to dispense the cleaning liquid forward of the front side.

13. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the brush roll includes tufts of fibers that cover all or a portion of the brush roll.

14. The floor cleaner of claim 13, wherein the fibers comprise nylon fibers.

15. The floor cleaner of claim 13, the brush roll including a shaft, the fibers being tufted into a pad wrapped around the shaft.

16. The floor cleaner of claim 13, wherein the tufts include a first set of fibers and a second set of fibers, each fiber of the first set of fibers having a diameter of less than about 0.08 millimeters, the second set of fibers being wrapped in a spiral around the brushroll shaft,

wherein each fiber of the second set of fibers has a diameter of at least 0.06 millimeters, an

Wherein the diameter of the fibers of the first set of fibers is less than the diameter of the fibers of the second set of fibers.

17. The floor cleaner of claim 16, wherein the fibers of the first set of fibers and the fibers of the second set of fibers are equal in length.

18. A floor cleaner according to claim 17 wherein the length is in the range of about 5 mm to about 15 mm.

19. The floor cleaner of claim 18, wherein the length is in a range of about 10 millimeters to about 14 millimeters.

20. The floor cleaner of claim 16, wherein the fiber diameter of the second set of fibers is at least 30% greater than the fiber diameter of the first set of fibers.

21. The floor cleaner of claim 16, the brushroll including a shaft, the first set of fibers and the second set of fibers being tufted into a pad wrapped around the shaft.

22. A floor cleaner comprising:

a supply tank configured to store cleaning liquid;

a vacuum source; and

a base movable along the surface to be cleaned, the base comprising,

on the front side of the front panel,

a rear side, opposite to the front side,

a lower end configured to be adjacent to the surface to be cleaned,

a brush roll rotatable about a brush roll axis,

a suction inlet adjacent the brush roll, adjacent the lower end of the base, and in fluid communication with the vacuum source,

a first squeegee brush extending outwardly from the lower end intermediate the suction inlet and the rear side of the base, the first squeegee brush configured to contact the surface to be cleaned,

a second squeegee brush in contact with the brush roll; and

a third squeegee extending outwardly from the lower end of the base behind the first squeegee, the third squeegee configured to contact the surface to be cleaned.

23. The floor cleaner of claim 22, wherein the brush roll extends beyond the lower end of the base, wherein the suction inlet is intermediate the first squeegee brush and the portion of the brush roll extending beyond the lower end of the base.

24. A floor cleaner according to claim 22 wherein the first and third squeegee brushes extend in a direction along the brush roller axis.

25. A floor cleaner according to claim 22 wherein the first squeegee brush extends along the suction inlet.

26. A floor cleaner according to claim 22 wherein the second squeegee brush extends along the brush roller axis.

27. The floor cleaner of claim 22, wherein the base further includes a brush roll housing releasably attached to the base, the brush roll housing being removable to contact the brush roll.

28. The floor cleaner of claim 27, wherein the first squeegee brush is attached to the brush roller housing, the first squeegee brush being detachable from the base with the brush roller housing.

29. The floor cleaner of claim 27, wherein the second squeegee brush is attached to the brush roller housing, the second squeegee brush being detachable from the base with the brush roller housing.

30. The floor cleaner of claim 22, wherein the second squeegee brush is positioned intermediate the front side of the base and the brushroll shaft.

31. The floor cleaner of claim 22, wherein the base further includes a suction conduit intermediate the brush roll and the rear side of the base, wherein the base includes a flow channel formed by a groove extending along the brush roll axis, the flow channel adjacent the suction conduit, the flow channel defining an edge that contacts the brush roll.

32. A floor cleaner comprising:

a supply tank configured to store cleaning liquid;

a vacuum source; and

a base movable along the surface to be cleaned, the base comprising,

on the front side of the front panel,

a rear side, opposite to the front side,

a lower end configured to be adjacent to the surface to be cleaned,

a brush roll rotatable about a brush roll axis,

a second squeegee brush in contact with the brush roller, an

Wherein the brushroll shaft is located intermediate the lower end of the base and the second squeegee brush.

33. The floor cleaner of claim 32, wherein the brush roll extends beyond the lower end of the base, wherein the suction inlet is intermediate the first squeegee brush and the portion of the brush roll extending beyond the lower end of the base.

34. A floor cleaner according to claim 32 wherein the first squeegee brush extends in a direction along the brush roller axis.

35. A floor cleaner according to claim 32 wherein the first squeegee brush extends along the suction inlet.

36. The floor cleaner of claim 32, further comprising a brush extending outwardly from the lower end of the base and adjacent the first squeegee brush.

37. A floor cleaner as in claim 36 wherein the brush includes a row of bristles intermediate the first squeegee brush and the rear side of the base.

38. A floor cleaner as in claim 36 wherein the brush and the first squeegee brush are removable as a unit from the base.

39. A floor cleaner as in claim 32 wherein the brush roller shaft is intermediate the front side of the base and the second squeegee brush.

40. A floor cleaner according to claim 32 wherein the second squeegee brush extends along the brush roller axis.

41. The floor cleaner of claim 32, wherein the base further includes a brush roll housing releasably attached to the base, the brush roll housing being removable to contact the brush roll.

42. The floor cleaner of claim 41, wherein the second squeegee brush is attached to the brush roller housing, the second squeegee brush being detachable from the base with the brush roller housing.

43. The floor cleaner of claim 41, wherein the brush roll housing includes a front edge that rises from the surface to be cleaned forming a front opening that exposes the brush roll.

44. The floor cleaner of claim 43, the brush roll configured such that a portion of the brush roll extends forward of the front end.

45. The floor cleaner of claim 44, wherein the dispensing nozzle is configured to dispense the cleaning liquid forward of the front side.

46. The floor cleaner of claim 32, further comprising a roller extending outwardly from the lower end of the base, the roller configured to roll along the surface to be cleaned.

47. A floor cleaner as claimed in claim 46 wherein the roller is adjacent the front side of the base.

48. The floor cleaner of claim 46, wherein the roller is positioned intermediate the front side of the base and the brushroll shaft.

49. The floor cleaner of claim 46, wherein the roller is located on the front side of the base and the brush roll extends beyond the lower end of the base.

50. A floor cleaner comprising:

a vacuum source; and

a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, the base including a brush roll rotatable about a brush roll axis, the brush roll including,

a first set of fibers, each fiber having a diameter in the range of about 0.04 millimeters to about 0.08 millimeters, an

A second set of fibers wrapped around the brushroll shaft in a spiral pattern,

51. The floor cleaner of claim 50, wherein the fibers of the first set of fibers and the fibers of the second set of fibers are equal in length.

52. A floor cleaner according to claim 51 wherein the length is in the range of about 5 mm to about 15 mm.

53. A floor cleaner according to claim 51 wherein the length is approximately 10 mm.

54. The floor cleaner of claim 50, wherein the second set of fibers is wrapped around the brushroll shaft about 5 to 6 times in a spiral pattern.

55. The floor cleaner of claim 54, wherein the first set of fibers extends between wraps of the second set of fibers around the brush roll.

56. The floor cleaner of claim 51, wherein the first set of fibers and the second set of fibers each comprise nylon fibers.

57. The floor cleaner of claim 50, wherein the fiber diameter of the second set of fibers is at least 30% greater than the fiber diameter of the first set of fibers.

58. The floor cleaner of claim 50, the brushroll including a shaft, the first set of fibers and the second set of fibers being tufted into a pad wrapped around the shaft.