CN112806900A

CN112806900A - Surface cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN112806900A
Application number: CN202110201306.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 夏金成; 葛建军; 尹振江; 陈新; 梁永胜
Original assignee: Bissell Homecare Inc
Current assignee: Bissell Homecare Inc
Priority date: 2017-12-21
Filing date: 2018-12-20
Publication date: 2021-05-18
Also published as: AU2021200692A1; AU2018278858B2; CN112932324A; AU2021200691A1; AU2021206798A1; CN112956946A; AU2021200691A2; CN109938647A; PL3501363T3; JP7120905B2; KR102401207B1; CN112971589A; AU2020277264A1; PT3501363T; CA3028214A1; CN109938647B; AU2018278858A1; EP3501363B1; EP3501363A1; KR20190075844A

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus includes a fluid delivery system and a fluid recovery system, and a mixing brushroll including a pin, a plurality of bristles extending from the pin, and a microfiber material disposed between the bristles on the pin. The hybrid brush roll is suitable for use on hard and soft surfaces, as well as for wet or dry vacuum cleaning.

Description

Surface cleaning apparatus

The application is a divisional application of an invention patent application with the application date of 2018, 12 and 20 months and the application number of 201811562731.X in China and the name of 'surface cleaning equipment', and the whole content of the application is incorporated by reference.

Reference to related applications

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 15/331,041 filed on day 21/10/2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/247,503 filed on day 28/10/2015, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Technical Field

The present application relates to a surface cleaning apparatus.

Background

Multi-surface vacuum cleaners are suitable for cleaning hard floor surfaces (such as tile and hardwood) and soft floor surfaces (such as carpets and upholstery). Some multi-surface vacuum cleaners include a fluid delivery system that delivers cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system that extracts used cleaning fluid and debris (which may include dirt, dust, stains, soil, hair and other debris) from the surface. The fluid delivery system generally includes one or more fluid supply tanks for storing a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid dispenser for applying the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a fluid supply conduit for delivering the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank to the fluid dispenser. An agitator may be provided for agitating the cleaning fluid on the surface. The fluid recovery system generally comprises: a recycling bin; a nozzle adjacent the surface to be cleaned and in fluid communication with the recovery tank through a working air conduit; and a suction source in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the working air conduit to the recovery tank. Other multi-surface cleaning devices include "dry" vacuum cleaners that can clean different surface types, but do not dispense or recycle liquid.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the invention, a surface cleaning apparatus comprises: a housing comprising an upright handle assembly and a base mounted on the upright handle assembly and adapted to move over a surface to be cleaned; a source of suction; a nozzle assembly disposed on the base and defining a nozzle in fluid communication with a suction source, the nozzle assembly including a nozzle housing and a cap on the nozzle housing; a fluid delivery system having: a fluid supply chamber disposed on the housing and adapted to hold a supply of liquid; and a fluid dispenser disposed on the base in fluid communication with the fluid supply chamber; and a mixing brush roll disposed on the base and including a pin, a plurality of bristle tufts extending from the pin, and a microfiber material disposed between the bristle tufts on the pin.

According to another aspect of the invention, a surface cleaning apparatus comprises: a housing; a fluid recovery system disposed in the housing and including a suction source and a dirt air inlet in fluid communication with the suction source; a fluid delivery system disposed on the housing and comprising: a fluid supply chamber adapted to hold a supply of liquid; and a fluid dispenser in fluid communication with the fluid supply chamber; and a mixing brush roll disposed on the base and including a pin, a row of bristles extending from the pin in a spiral pattern wrapped around the pin, and a microfiber material disposed between the row of bristles on the pin.

Drawings

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus taken through line II-II in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the handle assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the main body assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the motor assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning tank assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a dirt bin assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a foot assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a brush roll of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a close-up cross-sectional view through a front portion of a nozzle assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the underside of the suction nozzle assembly with portions cut away to show internal features of the suction nozzle assembly;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a foot assembly of the suction nozzle assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a lens cover of the suction nozzle assembly;

FIG. 13B is an exploded perspective view of the suction nozzle assembly;

FIG. 14 is a partial exploded view of the leg assembly;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the foot assembly of FIG. 1 taken through line XV-XV of FIG. 1 and including an enlarged view of portion A, showing a fluid distributor of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16A is a schematic view of a fluid delivery path of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16B is a schematic view of a fluid recovery path of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 with portions removed to show a conduit assembly;

FIG. 18 is a schematic circuit diagram of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a storage tray for receiving the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 and at least one additional brush roll;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a brush roll of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is an exploded front view of the brushroll of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a front view of the brushroll of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a close-up cross-sectional view through a front portion of a suction nozzle assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 and the brushroll of FIG. 20.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates generally to a surface cleaning apparatus which may be in the form of a multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a dual wiper configuration in a nozzle having multiple functions to reduce streaking of fluid on the surface to be cleaned and improve dry debris removal. One wiper helps to distribute the cleaning fluid evenly along the length of the agitator and eliminates excess fluid on the agitator, while the second wiper scrapes the surface to be cleaned while directing the fluid and debris into the suction nozzle to prevent streaking on the surface and to prevent the dry debris from flying apart when the agitator is activated.

According to another aspect of the invention, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a mixing brush roll that includes multiple agitating materials to optimize cleaning performance on different types of surfaces to be cleaned (including hard and soft surfaces) and for different cleaning modes (including dry and wet vacuum cleaning).

According to another aspect of the invention, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided with an integrated fluid delivery channel that reduces the number of additional components (such as tubes, fittings, and clamps), which reduces manufacturing costs and increases ease of user maintenance.

According to another aspect of the invention, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a fluid dispenser configured to uniformly and consistently wet a brush roll throughout its length.

According to another aspect of the invention, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a visual indicator system operatively connected to a cleaning fluid actuation device that allows for improved visibility of the cleaning fluid delivery flow and feedback to the user regarding the fluid delivery function.

According to another aspect of the invention, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a storage tray that can be used during a self-cleaning mode of the surface cleaning apparatus and for drying a brush roll of the apparatus.

The functional system of the surface cleaning apparatus may be arranged in any desired configuration, such as: an upright device having a base and an upright body for guiding the base over a surface to be cleaned; a canister arrangement having a cleaning implement connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose; a portable device adapted to be carried by a user's hand for cleaning a relatively small area; or a commercial device. Any of the above cleaners may be adapted to include a flexible vacuum hose which may form part of the working air conduit between the nozzle and the suction source. As used herein, the term "multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner" includes vacuum cleaners that can be used to clean hard floor surfaces (such as tile and hardwood) as well as soft floor surfaces (such as carpet).

The cleaner may include: a fluid delivery system for storing and delivering cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned; and a recovery system for removing used cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the used cleaning fluid and debris.

The recycling system may include: a suction nozzle; a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating a working air flow; and a recovery receptacle for separating the fluid and debris from the working airstream and collecting the fluid and debris from the working airstream for subsequent disposal. A separator may be formed in a portion of the recovery vessel for separating the fluid and entrained debris from the working air stream. The recovery system may also be provided with one or more additional filters, either upstream or downstream of the motor/fan assembly. A suction source (such as a motor/fan assembly) is disposed in fluid communication with the recovery tank and may be electrically coupled to a power source.

The suction nozzle may be provided on a base or cleaning head adapted to be moved over a surface to be cleaned. An agitator may be provided adjacent the suction nozzle for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that debris is more easily drawn into the suction nozzle. The agitator may be driven by the same motor/fan assembly that is used as the suction source, or may alternatively be driven by a separate drive assembly, such as a dedicated agitator motor as shown herein.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing one non-limiting example of a surface cleaning apparatus in the form of a multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown herein, the multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10 is an upright multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner having a housing that includes an upright body or handle assembly 12 and a base 14 pivotally and/or rotatably mounted to the upright handle assembly 12 and adapted to be moved over a surface to be cleaned. For purposes of description in relation to the drawings, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the present invention in the orientation of fig. 1, from the perspective of a user behind the multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10 (which angle defines the rear of the multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10). However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

The upright handle assembly 12 includes an upper handle 16 and a frame 18. The upper handle 16 includes a handle assembly 100. The frame 18 includes a main support portion or body assembly 200 that supports at least the cleaning tank assembly 300 and the dirt tank assembly 400, and may also support additional components of the handle assembly 12. The base 14 includes a foot assembly 500. The multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10 may include: a fluid delivery or supply path including and at least partially defined by the cleaning tank assembly 300 for storing and delivering cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned; and a fluid recovery path including and at least partially defined by the dirt tank assembly 400 for removing used cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the used cleaning fluid and debris until emptied by the user.

A pivotable swivel joint assembly 570 is formed at the lower end of frame 18 and movably mounts base 14 to upright assembly 12. In the embodiment shown herein, the base 14 is pivotable up and down relative to the upright assembly 12 about at least one axis. Pivotable swivel assembly 570 may optionally include a universal joint such that base 14 may pivot about at least two axes relative to upright assembly 12. Wiring and/or conduits supplying air and/or liquid between the base 14 and the upright assembly 12 (or vice versa) may extend through the pivotable swivel assembly 570. A rotational locking mechanism 586 (fig. 2) may be provided to lock and/or release the rotary joint assembly 570 for movement.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner 10 taken through line II-II of fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The handle assembly 100 generally includes a grip 119 and a user interface assembly 120. In other embodiments, the user interface assembly 120 may be disposed elsewhere on the vacuum cleaner 10, such as on the main body assembly 200. In this example, the handle assembly 100 also includes a hollow handle tube 104 that extends vertically and connects the handle assembly 100 to the body assembly 200. The user interface component 120 may be any configuration of actuation controls (such as, but not limited to, buttons, triggers, toggle switches, etc.) operatively connected to systems in the device 10 to affect and control functions. In this example, trigger 113 is mounted to handle 119 and is in operable communication with the fluid delivery system of vacuum cleaner 10 to control the delivery of fluid from vacuum cleaner 10. Instead of the trigger 113, other actuators may be provided, such as a toggle switch. An upper winder 103 is provided on the rear of the handle assembly 100.

The lower end of the handle tube 104 terminates in a body assembly 200 in the upper portion of the frame 18. The body assembly 200 generally includes a support frame to support the components of the fluid delivery system and recovery system described with respect to fig. 1. In this example, the body assembly 200 includes a central body 201, a front cover 203, and a rear cover 202. The front cover 203 may be mounted to the central body 201 to form a front cavity 235. The rear cover 202 may be mounted to the center body 201 to form a rear cavity 240. The motor housing assembly 250 may be mounted to an upper portion of the front cover 203. The carrying handle 78 may be provided on the main body assembly, forward of the handle assembly 100, at an angle relative to the hollow handle tube 104 to facilitate manual lifting and carrying of the multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10. The motor housing assembly 250 also includes a cover 206 disposed below the carrying handle 78, a lower motor bracket 233, and a suction motor/fan assembly 205 located between the cover 206 and the motor bracket 233 and in fluid communication with the dirt tank assembly 400.

The rear cavity 240 includes: a receiving support 223 at an upper end of the rear cavity 240 for receiving the cleaning tank assembly 300; and a pump assembly 140 below and in fluid communication with the cleaning tank assembly 300. The central body 201 is also provided with a lower winder 255.

The cleaning tank assembly 300 may be mounted to the frame 18 in any configuration. In this example, the cleaning tank assembly 300 is removably mounted to the body assembly 200 such that it rests partially in the upper rear portion of the central body 201 of the body assembly 200 and may be removed for filling and/or cleaning.

The dirt tank assembly 400 may be removably mounted to the front of the main body assembly 200, below the motor housing assembly 250, and in fluid communication with the suction motor/fan assembly 205 when mounted to the vacuum cleaner 10. A flexible conduit hose 518 couples the dirt box assembly 400 to the foot assembly 500 and through the swivel joint assembly 570.

Optionally, a heater (not shown) may be provided for heating the cleaning fluid prior to delivery to the surface to be cleaned. In one example, the in-line heater may be located downstream of the cleaning tank assembly 300, and upstream or downstream of the pump assembly 140. Other types of heaters may also be used. In yet another example, the cleaning fluid may be heated using exhaust air from the motor cooling path for the suction motor/fan assembly 205.

The foot assembly 500 includes a removable suction nozzle assembly 580 that may be adapted to be adjacent a surface to be cleaned and in fluid communication with the dirt tank assembly 400 through the flexible conduit 518 as the base 14 is moved over the surface. An agitator 546 may be provided in the nozzle assembly 580 for agitating the surface to be cleaned. Some examples of agitators include, but are not limited to, a horizontally rotating brush roll, a dual horizontally rotating brush roll, one or more vertically rotating brush rolls, or a stationary brush. A pair of rear wheels 539 are positioned for rotational movement about a central axis on the rear of the foot assembly 500 for maneuvering the multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10 over a surface to be cleaned.

In this example, the agitator 546 may be a mixing brush roller located within the brush roller chamber 565 for rotational movement about a central rotational axis, as will be discussed in more detail below. A single brushroll 546 is shown; however, it is within the scope of the invention to use a dual rotating brush roll. In addition, it is within the scope of the present invention for the brushroll 546 to be mounted within the brushroll chamber 565 in a fixed or floating vertical position relative to the chamber 565.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the handle assembly 100. The handle 119 may include a front handle 101 and a rear handle 102 fixedly fitted to the handle tube 104. The user interface assembly 120 may be disposed on the front handle 101. The user interface component 120 of the illustrated embodiment includes: a control panel 111 connected to the floating key 109 and fitted with a watertight seal 108 through the front of the front handle 101 to engage a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) 110; and a bracket 112 disposed at a rear side of the front handle 101. The bracket 112 engages a spring 114 that biases a trigger 113 mounted to the rear handle 102, wherein a portion of the trigger 113 protrudes inwardly in a recess formed by the mating of the front handle 101 and the rear handle 102. The trigger 113 may be in electronic communication with the fluid delivery system. The trigger 113 may alternatively be in mechanical communication with the fluid delivery system, such as via a push rod (not shown) extending through the handle tube 104. The hollow handle tube 104 terminates in the frame 18 (fig. 1) by a cradle connection formed by a right cradle 106, a left cradle 105, and a female connector 107 connected together at the terminal end of the handle tube 104.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the body assembly 200. The body assembly 200 includes a front cover 203, a central body 201, and a rear cover 202, and terminates in a bottom cover 216. Front cover 203 and back cover 202 may be mounted to central body 201 forming at least partially

enclosed cavities

235 and 240. In this example, the front cavity 235 generally contains electrical components, such as a printed circuit board 217(PCB) and other desired circuitry 215 that electrically connects to various components of the fluid delivery system and the recovery system. The pump assembly 140 may include a connector 219, a pump 226, a clamp 220, and a gasket 218, and may be mounted in a front cavity 235. Alternatively, the pump assembly 140 may be mounted in the rear cavity 240, or partially mounted in the front and

rear cavities

235 and 240, respectively. The pump 226 may be a solenoid pump having single, two or variable speed.

In this example, the rear cavity 240 generally contains a receiving assembly 245 for the cleaning tank assembly 300 (fig. 2). The receiving assembly 245 may include a receiving support 223 located at an upper portion of the rear cavity 240, a spring insert 227, a clamp 224, a receiving body 222, a receiving washer 231, and a clamp cover 225 for receiving the cleaning tank assembly 300. The pump assembly 140 can be mounted below and in fluid communication with the receiving assembly 245.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the motor housing assembly 250. The carrying handle 78 includes a handle top 209 mounted to a handle bottom 207 with a gasket 230 mounted therebetween and secured to the cover 206. The motor housing assembly 250 may also include an upper motor housing body 204 and a lower motor housing body 208, and a vacuum motor cover 228 disposed between the upper motor housing body and the lower motor housing body to partially enclose the suction motor/fan assembly 205. A top motor gasket 229 and a rubber gasket 221 are disposed on the upper portion of the suction motor/fan assembly 205, while lower

vacuum motor gaskets

210 and 211 are disposed on the lower portion of the suction motor/fan assembly 205. The clean air outlet through the working air path of the vacuum cleaner may be defined by left and

right vents

213, 214 in the lower motor housing body.

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning tank assembly 300. The cleaning tank assembly 300 generally includes at least one supply tank 301 and a supply valve assembly 320 that controls fluid flow through an outlet 311 of the supply tank 301. Alternatively, the purge tank assembly 300 may include multiple supply chambers, such as one chamber containing water and another chamber containing a cleaning agent. A check valve 310 and a check valve umbrella 309 may be disposed on the supply tank 301. The supply valve assembly 320 mates with the receiving assembly 245 and may be configured to automatically open upon installation. The supply valve assembly 320 includes: an assembly outlet 302 mounted to an outlet of the fluid supply tank 301 by a threaded cap 303; a rod release insert 304 held in place with the assembly outlet 302 by an O-ring 305; and an insert spring 308 that biases the valve assembly 320 to the closed position within the spring housing 306. When the valve assembly 320 is coupled with the receiving assembly 245, the valve assembly 320 opens to release fluid to the fluid delivery channel. A screen insert 307 may be provided between the tank outlet and the valve outlet to prevent particles of a certain size from entering the pump assembly 140.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the dirt box assembly 400. The dirt tank assembly 400 generally includes a collection container for the fluid recovery system. In this example, the dirt box assembly 400 includes a recovery tank 401 having an integral hollow standpipe 420 (FIG. 2) formed therein. Riser 420 is oriented such that it is generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of recovery tank 401. Standpipe 420 forms a flow path between an inlet 422 (fig. 2) formed at a lower end of recovery tank 401 and an outlet 423 (fig. 2) inside recovery tank 401. When the recovery tank 401 is mounted to the main body assembly 200 (fig. 2), the inlet 422 is aligned with the flexible conduit hose 518 to establish fluid communication between the leg assembly 500 and the recovery tank 401. A hood 402 sized to be received on the recovery tank 401 supports a pleated filter 405 mounted in a filter deck 403 on the hood 402 with a mesh screen 406 between the filter deck and the hood. Preferably, pleated filter 405 is made of a material that remains porous when wet. The vacuum cleaner 10 may also be provided with one or more additional filters, either upstream or downstream. Gasket 411 between mating surfaces of hood 402 and recovery tank 401 forms a seal therebetween to prevent leakage.

A shut-off valve may be provided for interrupting the suction when the fluid of the recovery tank 401 reaches a predetermined level. The trip valve includes: a float bracket 412 fixedly attached to the bottom wall 416 of the hood 402 in a position offset from the riser 420; and a movable float 410 carried by a float support 412. The float 410 is buoyant and oriented such that when the fluid in the recovery tank 401 reaches a predetermined level, the top of the float 410 may selectively seal the recovery tank 401 air outlet 415 to a downstream suction source.

A releasable latch 430 is provided to facilitate removal of the dirt bin assembly 400 for emptying and/or cleaning, and may be located in the aperture 417 on the front side of the hood 402. The releasable latch 430 may include a latch button 407 that is retained within the latch bracket 404 and biased toward an engaged or latched position with a latch spring 408. The latch button 407 releasably engages with the front cover 203 to removably secure the dirt box assembly 400 to the main body assembly 200 (FIG. 2). A handle 419 may be provided on the recovery tank 401 below the latch 407 to facilitate disposal of the dirt tank assembly 400.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the leg assembly 500. The foot assembly 500 generally includes a housing that supports at least some of the components of the fluid delivery system and the fluid recovery system. In this example, the housing includes an upper cover 542 and a lower cover 501 coupled with the upper cover 542 and defining a partially enclosed cavity 561 therebetween for receiving at least some of the components of the fluid delivery and recovery passageway. The housing may also include a cover base 537 that is coupled to the lower front of the lower cover to define a portion of the brush roller chamber 565 (fig. 10). The upper cover 542 extends from approximately the middle to the rear of the leg assembly 500, and may have

decorative plates

543 and 544 mounted to an upper surface. The upper cover 542 may be configured to releasably receive a suction nozzle assembly 580.

The suction nozzle assembly 580 may be configured to include: at least one inlet nozzle for recovering fluid and debris from a surface to be cleaned; and at least one outlet for delivering fluid to the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 580 may include a nozzle housing 551 and a nozzle cover 552 that cooperate to form a pair of fluid delivery channels 40 therebetween, each fluid delivery channel fluidly connected at one terminal end to the jetting connector 528. At the opposite or second terminal end of each fluid delivery channel 40, a fluid dispenser 554 is configured with at least one outlet to deliver fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The fluid dispenser 554 may include one or more spray tips configured to deliver cleaning fluid from the fluid delivery channel 40 to the brush chamber 565. In this example, the fluid dispenser 554 is a pair of spray tips fluidly connected to the fluid delivery channel 40. The spray tip 554 is mounted in the nozzle housing 551 and has an outlet in fluid communication with the brush chamber 565. The nozzle cover 552 may have a trim cover 553, and one or both may be constructed of a translucent or transparent material. The nozzle housing 551 may also include a forward interference wiper 560 mounted in a forward position and horizontally disposed relative to the brush roller chamber 565. Optionally, the front interference wiper 560 may be held by an elongated bracket 559 coupled with a lower end of the nozzle housing 551.

The lower cover 501 further comprises a plurality of upstanding bosses 562 protruding into the cavity 561 for mounting the internal components into the cavity. The rear of the lower cover 501 is pivotally mounted to the swivel joint assembly 570 for maneuvering the multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10 over a surface to be cleaned. The rear wheels 539 are positioned for rotational movement about a central axis on opposite sides of the lower cover 501 for maneuvering the multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10 over a surface to be cleaned. The swivel joint assembly 570 may include a swivel joint 519, covers 520 and 521, and a rotational locking mechanism 586 for releasing the swivel joint assembly 570 for pivotal and rotational movement.

A conduit assembly 585 is partially disposed in the cavity 561 and extends through the swivel 519 with a flexible conduit hose to couple with components in the upper body assembly 200 (fig. 2). The conduit assembly 585 includes a fluid supply conduit 532 and a wiring conduit 533. A fluid supply conduit 532 opens internally to the swivel assembly 570 and fluidly connects the cleaning tank assembly 300 to the jet connector 528 via a T-connector 530 having a pair of jet pipe connectors 531. Wiring conduit 533 provides for the passage of electrical wiring from upright assembly 12 to base 14 through swivel assembly 570. For example, the wiring can be used to supply power to at least one electrical component in the foot assembly 500. One example of an electrical component is a brush motor 503. Another example is an indicator light assembly. In this example, the indicator light assembly includes an LED base 516 configured to mount a pair of indicator lights 517 and a pair of lenses 545 mounted over the lights 517. The light 517 may include a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or other illumination source.

The central lower portion of the partially enclosed cavity 561 and the rear lower portion of the suction nozzle assembly 580 may be molded to form the leg conduit 564 of the fluid recovery passageway that is fluidly connected to the flexible conduit 518. The flexible conduit 518 fluidly connects the dirt tank assembly 400 (FIG. 2) to the suction nozzle assembly 580.

A brushroll 546 may be disposed in the front of the lower cover 501 and received in the brushroll chamber 565. In this example, a cover mount 537 rotatably receives the brush roll 546 and may also mountably receive the wiper 538 behind the brush roll 546. Optionally, the brushroll 546 may be configured to be removed from the foot assembly 500 by a user for cleaning and/or drying. A pair of front wheels 536 is positioned for rotational movement about a central axis on the terminal surface of the cover base 537 for maneuvering the multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10 over a surface to be cleaned.

In an exemplary embodiment, the brushroll 546 may be operably coupled to and driven by a drive assembly that includes a dedicated brush motor 503 and one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, or combinations thereof disposed in the cavity 561 of the lower cover 501 to provide the coupling. Here, a transmission 510 operatively connects the motor 503 to the brushroll 546 for transmitting the rotational motion of the motor shaft 505 to the brushroll 546. In this example, the transmission 510 may include a drive belt 511 and one or more gears, shafts, pulleys, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, a single motor/fan assembly (not shown) may provide both vacuum suction and brushroll rotation in the multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10. A brush motor exhaust pipe 515 may be provided to the brush motor 503 and configured to discharge air to the outside of the multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10.

The transmission 510 may, for example, include a drive head 506 secured to a brush gear 507 by a shaft 508. Bearings 509 may also be carried on the shaft 508. A drive belt 511 may be coupled between the brush gear 507 and a pulley 511 on the motor shaft 505.

The drive head 506 is driven by a drive belt 511 and interengages with the brushroll 546. The brushroll 546 includes pins 46 supporting the agitation elements and is rotatably mounted within the brush chamber 565 via end plates 512, only one of which is visible in fig. 8 and is located on the ends of the pins 46. The drive head 506 may be splined to the end plate 512, for example, on the transmission side of the brushroll 546. Cylindrical pin 46 also includes a shaft 513 at the opposite end plate 512 (not visible in fig. 8). The shaft 513 is rotatably fixed with the pin 46 and is received within a bearing assembly 514 mounted to the housing of the foot assembly 500 (e.g., mounted to the lower cover 501), thus allowing the pin 46 to rotate about the central axis of the pin 46 relative to the brush chamber 565.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the mixing brush roller 546. The hybrid brushroll 546 is suitable for use on hard and soft surfaces, as well as for wet or dry vacuum cleaning. In the exemplary embodiment, the brush roll 546 includes a pin 46 supporting an agitating element, shown herein as a mixing or dual agitating element, that includes a plurality of tufted bristles 48 or integral bristle strips extending from the pin 46 and includes a microfiber material 49 disposed on the pin 46, disposed between the bristles 48.

As shown herein, the bristles 48 are arranged in a row of bristles 48 extending from the pin 46 in a helical pattern that wraps around the pin 46. In other embodiments, multiple rows of bristles 48 may be provided, with microfiber material 49 disposed between the rows.

As also shown herein, bristles 48 project radially from the pin 46, but do not project outwardly beyond the microfiber material 49. As best shown in fig. 10, in at least some embodiments of the mixing brush roll 546, the tips or terminal ends of the bristles 48 may be recessed relative to the outer surface of the microfiber material 49.

The pins 46 may be made of a polymeric material, such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polypropylene, or styrene, or any other suitable material, such as plastic, wood, or metal. The bristles 48 may be tufted or integral bristle strips and are constructed of nylon or any other suitable synthetic or natural fiber. The microfiber material 49 may be comprised of a conjugate of polyester, polyamide, or a material including polypropylene, or any other suitable material known in the art to comprise microfibers.

In one non-limiting example, the pin 46 is constructed of ABS and is formed by injection molding in one or more components. Brush holes (not shown) may be formed in the pin 46 by drilling into the pin 46 after molding, or the brush holes may be integrally molded with the pin 46. The bristles 48 are tufted and made of nylon and have a diameter of 0.15 mm. The bristles 48 may be assembled to the pins 46 in a helical pattern by pressing the bristles 48 into the brush holes and securing the bristles 48 using fasteners (not shown), such as, but not limited to, nails, wedges, or anchors. The microfibre material 49 consists of

A plurality of polyester strips 50 treated and glued between the bristles 48 on the pins 46. Can replaceAlternatively, a continuous microfiber strip 50 may be used and sealed by hot wire to prevent individual strips 50 from disengaging from the pins 46. The polyester material may be 7mm to 14mm thick and weigh 912g/m². The polyester material may have an initial absorption of 269 wt% and a total absorption of 1047 wt%.

Fig. 10 is a close-up cross-sectional view taken through the front of the nozzle assembly 580. The brush roller 546 is positioned for rotational movement in direction R about a central rotational axis X defined by the pins 46. The suction nozzle assembly 580 includes a suction nozzle 594 defined within the brush chamber 565 that is in fluid communication with the foot conduit 564 and is configured to extract liquid and debris from the brushroll 546 and the surface to be cleaned. The suction nozzle 594 defines a dirt air inlet through the working or recovery air path of the vacuum cleaner. The suction nozzle 594 is also fluidly connected to the dirt box assembly 400 (see FIG. 16B) by a foot conduit 564 and a flexible hose conduit 518. A front interference wiper 560 mounted at a front position of the nozzle housing 551 is disposed in the brush chamber 565 and is configured to engage with a leading portion of the brush roll 546, as defined by the direction of rotation R of the brush roll 546. The nozzle tip 554 is mounted to the nozzle housing 551 such that the outlet is located in the brushroll chamber 565 and is oriented to spray fluid inwardly onto the brushroll 546. The wetted portion brush roll 546 then rotates past the interference wiper 560, which scrapes excess fluid from the brush roll 546 before it reaches the surface to be cleaned. Rear wiper blade 538 is mounted on a cover base 537 behind brush roll 546 and is configured to contact the surface to be cleaned as base 14 is moved over the surface. The post-wiper blade 538 wipes residual liquid from the surface to be cleaned so that it can be drawn into the fluid recovery channel via the suction nozzle 594, thereby leaving a moisture-free and streak-free finish on the surface to be cleaned.

Front interference wiper 560 and rear wiper 538 may be a blade constructed of a polymeric material (such as polyvinyl chloride), a rubber copolymer (such as nitrile rubber), or any material known in the art that is sufficiently rigid to remain substantially non-deformable during normal use of vacuum cleaner 10, and may be smooth or optionally include nubs on its ends. Wiper 560 and wiper 538 may be constructed of the same material in the same manner or, alternatively, different materials that provide different structural characteristics suitable for function.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the underside of the nozzle assembly 580 with portions cut away to show some of the internal features of the nozzle assembly 580. The brush roller chamber 565 is defined on the underside of the suction nozzle assembly 580 in front of the foot conduit 564. A pair of spray tip outlets 595 may be provided in the brush chamber 565. The latch mechanism 587 is disposed at the rear of the suction nozzle assembly 580 and is configured to be received in the upper cover 542 (fig. 8). The latch mechanism 587 can be received in a latch receiving recess 587a (fig. 8) provided on the upper cover 542 of the base 14 and configured for a user to remove and/or lock the suction nozzle assembly 580 to the base 14. When the latch mechanism 587 is actuated, the suction nozzle assembly 580 may be biased by the spring 556 to release the suction nozzle assembly 580 from the foot assembly 500. A pair of spray connector inlets 590 are provided on the lower side of the nozzle housing 551 and are fluidly connected to first terminals of the fluid delivery channels 40 on the upper side of the nozzle housing 551 (fig. 8). The front interference wiper 560 is disposed in a forward most portion of the brush roller chamber 565.

Fig. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the leg assembly 500. The rear wiper 538 is disposed on the cover base 537 behind the brush roller 546 and is configured to contact the surface to be cleaned.

Fig. 13A is a perspective view of the underside of the nozzle cover 552, and fig. 13B is an exploded perspective view of the suction nozzle assembly 580. The nozzle cover 552 includes two fluid passage portions 40a that form the upper portion of the flow passage 40 when mated with the nozzle housing 551. The nozzle housing 551 includes two fluid passage portions 40b that form the lower portion of the flow passage 40 when mated with the nozzle cover 552.

Fluid channel portions

40a and 40b cooperate to form a fluid transport flow channel 40 therebetween, in which a spray tip 554 is partially contained at a second terminal end in the fluid transport flow channel.

The nozzle housing 551 may define a lens for the brush chamber 565 and may be made of a translucent or transparent material to allow the brush roll 546 to be viewed through the lens. Likewise, the nozzle cover 552 may define a lens cover and may be constructed of a translucent or transparent material that allows a user to view the fluid flow through the flow channel 40.

Fig. 14 is a partial exploded view of the base. In fig. 14, the nozzle assembly 580 is removed to expose the indicator light 517. The indicator light 517 may be configured to activate in combination with the pump assembly 140 to deliver fluid (fig. 2) upon depression of the trigger 113. A portion of the base may form a light tube or tube 578 that is illuminated by indicator light 517 when fluid is delivered, indicating to a user that fluid is being delivered to a surface below base 14. The light tube 578 may be any physical structure capable of delivering or distributing light from the indicator light 517. The light tube 578 can be a hollow structure containing a lamp with a reflective liner or a transparent solid structure containing a lamp with total internal reflection. In the example shown, the light tube 578 is a solid structure formed on the suction nozzle assembly 580 and is elongated to extend along the fluid delivery channel 40 and configured to distribute light over its length. More specifically, light tube 578 is embodied as a raised rail molded onto the surface of nozzle cover 552 generally above fluid delivery channel 40.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the foot assembly 500 taken through line XV-XV in fig. 1, where portion a is enlarged to provide a close-up view of the fluid dispenser in the form of a spray tip 554. The spray tip 554 is mounted in each terminal end of each fluid delivery flow channel 40 of the suction nozzle assembly 580 and may be configured to terminate in a brush chamber 565. Each spray tip 554 includes an aperture 595 that is oriented to spray onto the brush roll 546, as shown by the solid arrows in fig. 15. The spray tips 554 may be oriented to spray along a horizontal axis, which may be parallel to the rotational axis X of the brush roll 546 or at a substantially horizontal angle relative to the rotational axis X, in order to wet the entire length of the brush roll 546 during fluid dispensing. The "substantially horizontal" spray angle of apertures 595 may be 0 to 30 degrees depending on the length of the brush roll and the spacing of nozzle tips 554 to cover the entire brush roll 546 with fluid. The angle of the spray tip 554 may be static or adjustable when the multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10 is in operation or prior to operation. Spray tip outlet apertures 595 may have any diameter suitable for delivering fluid from spray tip 554 at a desired pressure, pattern, and/or volume. In this example, the spray tip 554 has an outlet orifice diameter of 1.0mm and is oriented to spray inwardly onto the top of the brush roll 546 at an angle of 15 degrees from horizontal.

Fig. 16A is a schematic view of a fluid supply path of the vacuum cleaner 10. The arrows presented represent the directional flow of fluid in the fluid supply path according to the present example. The fluid supply channel may include a supply tank 301 for storing a supply of fluid. The fluid may include one or more of any suitable cleaning fluid, including but not limited to water, compositions, concentrated cleaners, dilute cleaners, and the like, and mixtures thereof. For example, the fluid may comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent.

The fluid supply path may also include a flow control system 705 for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply tank 301 to the fluid supply conduit 532. In one configuration, the flow control system 705 may include: a pump 226 that pressurizes the system; and a supply valve assembly 320 that controls the delivery of fluid to the fluid supply conduit 532. In this configuration, fluid flows from the supply tank 301 through the pump 226 to the fluid supply conduit 532. The drain 706 provides a path for any fluid that may leak from the supply tank 301 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is not in active operation to drain to a drain hole (not depicted) in the foot assembly 500 for collection in the storage tray 900 (fig. 19). Fluid flows from the fluid supply conduit 532 sequentially through the spray connector 528, through the fluid delivery channel 40, through the spray tip 554, and onto the brush roll 546 (fig. 15), which applies the fluid to the surface to be cleaned.

The trigger 113 (fig. 2) may be depressed to actuate the flow control system 705 and dispense fluid to the fluid dispenser 554. The trigger 113 may be operably coupled to the supply valve 320 such that depressing the trigger 113 opens the valve 320. The valve 320 may be electrically actuated, such as by providing an electrical switch between the valve 320 and the power source 22 (fig. 18) that selectively closes when the trigger 113 is depressed, thereby powering the valve 320 to move to the open position. In one example, the valve 320 may be a solenoid valve. The pump 226 may also be coupled to the power source 22. In one example, the pump 226 may be a centrifugal pump. In another example, the pump 226 may be a solenoid pump.

In another configuration of the fluid feed path, pump 226 may be eliminated and flow control system 705 may include a gravity feed system having a valve fluidly coupled to the outlet of supply tank 301, whereby when the valve is open, fluid will flow under gravity to fluid distributor 554. As described above, the valve 320 may be mechanically or electrically actuated.

Fig. 16B is a schematic view of the fluid recovery path of the vacuum cleaner 10. The arrows present represent the directional flow of the fluid in the fluid recovery path. The fluid recovery channel may include: a suction nozzle assembly 580; a leg guide 564; a flexible catheter tube 518; a suction motor/fan assembly 205 in fluid communication with the suction nozzle assembly 580 for generating a working air flow; and a recovery tank 401 for separating and collecting fluid and debris from the working airstream for subsequent disposal. A standpipe 420 may be formed in a portion of the recovery tank 401 for separating fluid and debris from the working air stream. The suction motor/fan assembly 205 provides a vacuum source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle assembly 580 to draw fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned through the flexible hose conduit 518 to the recovery tank 401.

Fig. 17 is a rear perspective view of vacuum cleaner 10 with portions removed to illustrate conduit assembly 585. In this example, the flexible conduit hose 518 couples the dirt box assembly 400 to the foot assembly 500 through the front of the pivotable swivel assembly 570. The fluid supply conduit 532 and the wiring conduit 533 may be disposed behind the flexible conduit hose 518. A fluid supply conduit 532 fluidly couples the pump 226 with the T-connector 530 in the foot assembly 500.

Fig. 18 is a schematic circuit diagram of the vacuum cleaner 10. The user interface assembly 120 may be operatively connected to the various components of the cleaner 10 either directly or through a central control unit 750. The user interface assembly 120 may include one or more actuators and be configured with any combination of buttons, switches, toggle switches, triggers, etc. to allow a user to select multiple cleaning modes and/or control the fluid delivery and recovery system. A power source 22, such as a battery or power cord plugged into a household outlet, may be electrically coupled to the electrical components of the vacuum cleaner 10, including the

motors

205, 503 and the pump 226. A suction power switch 25 between the suction motor/fan assembly 205 and the power source 22 may be selectively closed by a user, thereby activating the suction motor/fan assembly 205. In addition, a brush power switch 27 between the brush motor 503 and the power source 22 may be selectively closed by a user, thereby activating the brush motor 503. The user interface assembly 120 may be operably coupled to the pump 226 such that an actuator (such as the trigger 113) may activate the pump 226 when engaged, thereby powering the pump 226 to deliver fluid to the fluid supply path. Actuation of the pump 226 may be operatively connected to an LED light 517 such that actuation of the trigger 113 additionally powers the LED indicator light 517 to provide feedback to a user that fluid is being delivered to the fluid supply path.

In one example, a user interface assembly 120 of the vacuum cleaner 10 may be provided with an actuator 122 for selecting a plurality of cleaning modes for selection by a user. The actuator 122 sends a signal to the central control unit 750, which may comprise a PCBA. The output of the central control unit 750 adjusts the frequency of the electromagnetic pump 226 according to the selected mode to produce the desired flow rate. For example, the vacuum cleaner 10 may have a hard floor cleaning mode and a carpet cleaning mode. In the hard floor cleaning mode, the fluid dispenser 554 has a lower liquid flow rate than the carpet cleaning mode. The liquid flow rate is controlled by the speed of the pump 226. In one non-limiting example, the speed of the pump 226 is controlled in the hard floor cleaning mode such that the liquid flow rate is approximately 50ml/min, and the speed of the pump 226 is controlled in the carpet cleaning mode such that the liquid flow rate is approximately 100 ml/min. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 10 may have a wet scrubbing mode in which the suction motor/fan assembly 205 may be deactivated when the brush motor 503 is activated so that contaminated cleaning solution is not removed from the surface to be cleaned.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a storage tray 900 for the vacuum cleaner 10. The storage tray 900 may be configured to receive the base 14 of the vacuum cleaner 10 in an upright storage position. The storage tray 900 can optionally be adapted to contain liquid for cleaning the internal components of the cleaner 10 and/or for receiving liquid from the drain 706 (fig. 16A). In this example, the storage tray 900 is adapted to receive the base 14 and includes a removable brushroll holder 905 disposed on an exterior sidewall of the tray 900. Optionally, the storage tray 900 may be configured with an integral brushroll holder 905. Here, the brushroll retainer 905 may be secured to the storage tray 900 by a retaining latch 910. The retention latch 910 may include a sliding lock, clamp, bracket, or any other mechanism in which the brushroll holder 905 is secured in its position on the storage tray 900 when in use, and may be biased or otherwise configured to allow a user to release the lock and remove the brushroll holder 905 from the storage tray 900. The brushroll holder 905 may be adapted to removably receive one or more brushrolls 546 for storage and/or drying. The brushroll holder 905 may include one or more brushroll slots 915 to securely receive the brushroll 546 in a vertically secured position for drying and storage. The brushroll slot 915 may be fixed or adjustable, and may include a clamp, rod, or molded receiving location that may receive the brushroll 546 with or without the insertion of the pin 46. Alternatively, the brushroll holder 905 may include a series of horizontal storage positions, such as shelves, hooks, or clamps (not shown), to secure the brushroll 546 in a horizontal position.

The multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10 shown in the drawings can be used to effectively remove debris and fluid from a surface to be cleaned according to the following method. The sequence of steps discussed is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit the method in any way, as it is understood that the steps may be performed in a different logical order, additional or intermediate steps may be included, or the steps described may be divided into multiple steps without detracting from the invention.

In operation, the multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10 is ready for use by coupling the vacuum cleaner 10 to the power source 22 and by filling the supply tank 301 with cleaning fluid. The user selects the type of floor surface to be cleaned via the user interface assembly 120. Cleaning fluid is selectively delivered to the surface to be cleaned via the fluid supply path by user activation of the trigger 113 as the vacuum cleaner 10 traverses the surface. The pump 226 may be activated by the user interface component 120. User activation of the trigger 113 activates the pump 226 and fluid is released from the cleaning tank assembly 300 through the spray tip 554 into the fluid delivery passageway and onto the brushroll 546. The wetted brush roll 546 is wiped across the surface to be cleaned to remove dirt and debris present on the surface.

The trigger 113 also simultaneously activates the LED indicator light 517, which transmits light through the LED lens 545 and along the light tube 578 into the nozzle cap 552 to provide an illuminated indication that fluid is being dispensed. Illumination of the LED517 and light tube 578 indicates to the user that the fluid dispenser 554 has been activated and fluid has been dispensed onto the surface to be cleaned.

At the same time, brush power switch 27 may activate brush roll 546 to agitate or spin the cleaning fluid into the surface to be cleaned. This interaction removes the attached dirt, dust and debris, which is then suspended in the cleaning fluid. As the brush roll 546 rotates, the front interference scraper 560 faces the brush roll 546 in a manner to ensure uniform wetting of the brushes and uniform distribution of cleaning fluid throughout the length of the brush roll 546. The front interference scraper 560 may also be configured to simultaneously scrape contaminated fluid and debris from the brushroll 546 such that the contaminated fluid and debris are drawn into the suction nozzle assembly 580 and the fluid recovery channel. When the suction motor/fan assembly 205 is activated as the vacuum cleaner 10 is moved across the surface to be cleaned, contaminated cleaning fluid and dirt near the nozzle opening 594 is drawn into the suction nozzle assembly 580 and the fluid recovery channel. Additionally, cleaning fluid and dirt are scraped off by the rear wiper blades 538 and drawn into the fluid recovery channel.

Optionally, the suction motor/fan assembly 205 may be deactivated during operation of the brushroll 546, which facilitates a wet scrubbing mode so that contaminated cleaning solution is not removed as the cleaner 10 is moved back and forth across the surface to be cleaned.

During operation of the fluid recovery path, the fluid and debris laden working air passes through the suction nozzle assembly 580 and into the downstream recovery tank 401 where the fluid debris is substantially separated from the working air. The airflow then passes through the suction motor/fan assembly 205 before being exhausted from the vacuum cleaner 10 through the clean air outlet defined by the

vents

213, 214. By actuating the latch 430 and removing the dirt tank assembly 400 from the main body assembly 200, the recovery tank 401 may be periodically emptied of collected fluid and debris.

When operation has stopped, the vacuum cleaner 10 may be locked upright and placed into a storage tray 900 for storage or cleaning. The suction nozzle assembly 580 can be removed from the foot assembly 500, if desired. The brushroll 546 may then be removed from the foot assembly 500 and placed in the brushroll holder 905.

The multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10 may optionally be provided with a self-cleaning mode. The self-cleaning mode may be used to clean the brushroll and internal components of the fluid recovery passageway of the vacuum cleaner 10. By coupling the vacuum cleaner 10 to the power source 22 and by filling the storage tray 900 to a pre-specified fill level with cleaning fluid or water, the multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10 is ready for cleaning. The user selects a designated cleaning mode from the user interface component 120. In one example, the locking mechanism 586 is released to pivot the upright assembly 12 rearwardly and the user selects the hard floor cleaning mode from the user interface assembly 120. The brushroll 546 is activated by the brush motor 503, and the suction motor/fan assembly 205 provides suction to the suction nozzle assembly 580, which draws fluid into the storage tray 900 and into the fluid recovery channel for a predetermined amount of time or until the fluid in the storage tray 900 has been depleted. When the self-cleaning mode is completed, the vacuum cleaner 10 may be returned to the upright and locked position in the storage tray 900 and the brushroll 546 may be removed and stored as previously described.

Fig. 20 to 23 show a second embodiment of a brush roll for the surface cleaning apparatus of fig. 1 in the form of a multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner 10. The brushroll 546 'may be substantially similar to the first embodiment of brushroll 546 described above, and like reference numerals with prime marks (') are used to describe like elements. The brushroll 546 'also includes outer bristle tufts 920 located at either end of the pin 46'. Unlike the inner tufts 48 'which are radially tufted relative to the pin 46' and are perpendicular to the longitudinal or central axis of rotation of the pin 46', the outer tufts 920 are oriented outwardly at an acute angle a relative to the central axis of rotation X such that an apex or terminal end 922 of each outer tuft 920 extends beyond the terminal end 924 of the pin 46', i.e., the lateral ends or surfaces of the pin 46 'extend outwardly from the curved surface 926 of the cylindrical pin 46'. As best shown in fig. 21-22, the terminal end 922 of the outer tuft 920 may also extend beyond at least an inner surface 928 of the end plate 512 'and may extend to or beyond an outer surface 930 of the end plate 512'.

As shown, the bristle tufts 48 'and the outer bristle tufts 920 each include a plurality of bristles, and in one embodiment, the bristles of the outer bristle tufts 920 are thicker and longer than the bristles of the bristle tufts 48'. Further, in one non-limiting example, the outer tufts 920 are oriented outwardly at an acute angle of about 50 to 60 degrees relative to the central axis of rotation X, and the radial tufts 48' are oriented at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the central axis of rotation X. In addition, the length of cluster 920 may be longer than cluster 48'. In one non-limiting example, the length of cluster 920 is approximately 17.5mm, while the length of cluster 48' is approximately 12.5 mm.

As also shown herein, the outer tufts 920 do not protrude outwardly beyond the microfiber material 49' in a radial direction relative to the central rotational axis X, and in at least some embodiments of the mixing brush roll 546', terminal ends 922 of the outer tufts 920 may be recessed in a radial direction relative to the outer surface of the microfiber material 49 '. However, the terminal end 922 of the outer tuft 920 may protrude beyond the microfiber material 49' at its outer end.

The outer bristle tufts 920 may be comprised of nylon bristles that are thicker than the bristles used in tufts 48'. In one non-limiting example, the bristles used in tuft 920 are 0.25mm in diameter as compared to 0.15mm diameter bristles used in tuft 48'. The bristles forming tuft 920 may be assembled to pin 46 'by pressing the bristles into brush holes (not shown) in pin 46' and securing the bristles using fasteners (not shown), such as, but not limited to, nails, wedges, or anchors.

Similarly to the first embodiment, a microfiber material 49 'is provided on the pin 46' disposed between the bristles 48', 920 to expose the bristles 48', 920. The hybrid brushroll 546' is suitable for use on hard and soft surfaces, as well as for wet or dry vacuum cleaning.

The angled outer tufts 920 serve to extend along the effective cleaning/agitation path of the brushroll 546', thereby improving and enhancing edge cleaning.

Fig. 23 is a close-up cross-sectional view taken through the front of the nozzle assembly 580. The brush roller 546' is positioned for rotational movement in the direction R about the central rotational axis X. The front interference wiper 560 is configured to interface with a leading portion of the brush roll 546 '(defined by the direction of rotation R of the brush roll 546'). The spray tips 554 are oriented to spray fluid inwardly onto the brushroll 546'. The wetted portion brush roll 546 then rotates past the interference wiper 560, which scrapes excess fluid from the brush roll 546 before it reaches the surface to be cleaned.

To the extent not described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments of the invention can be used in combination with each other, or separately, as desired. The illustration of the vacuum cleaner as having all these features herein does not imply that all these features must be used in combination, but is done here for simplicity of description. Further, although the vacuum cleaner 10 is shown herein as having an upright configuration, the vacuum cleaner may be configured as a canister or a portable unit. For example, in a canister configuration, foot components such as the suction nozzle assembly 580 and the brush roll 546 may be provided on a cleaning head coupled to the canister unit. In addition, the vacuum cleaner may also have steam delivery capabilities. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired in various vacuum cleaner configurations to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are explicitly described.

While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure and the accompanying drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a source of suction;

a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base operably coupled to the upright handle assembly, the base comprising: a cover assembly removably disposed on the base and at least partially defining a suction inlet in fluid communication with the suction source, the cover assembly having an underside extending from a front wall to a rear wall; a chamber defined on the underside of the lid assembly and at least partially defined by a front wall of the lid assembly and a rear wall of the lid assembly; and an agitator at least partially received in the chamber.

2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the agitator comprises a rotating brush roll, a dual rotating brush roll, or a stationary brush.

3. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a first wiper and a second wiper, and wherein the first wiper is positioned on a first side of the agitator and the second wiper is positioned on a second side of the agitator generally opposite the first side.

4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 3 wherein the agitator comprises a rotating brush roll and the first wiper is an interference wiper adapted to engage a leading portion of the rotating brush roll before the leading portion rotates into contact with a surface to be cleaned.

5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a fluid delivery system disposed on the housing and comprising:

a fluid supply chamber adapted to hold a supply of liquid;

a fluid dispenser disposed on the base and in fluid communication with the fluid supply chamber; and

a fluid delivery path between the fluid supply chamber and the fluid dispenser.

6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein the fluid dispenser is coupled to the lid assembly and the fluid dispenser and the lid assembly are removable from the base.

7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein the fluid dispenser is located on the underside of the lid assembly.

8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 further comprising an actuator disposed on the upright handle assembly, the actuator operably coupled with the fluid delivery system to deliver fluid to the fluid dispenser via the fluid delivery path.

9. The surface cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 5 to 8 further comprising a first wiper mounted on the nozzle assembly.

10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first wiper engages the rotatable brush roll.

11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first wiper is adapted to facilitate uniform distribution of the cleaning fluid along the length of the rotatable brush roll.

12. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first wiper scrapes the rotatable brush roll.

13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first wiper faces the rotatable brush roll.

14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a second wiper adapted to selectively contact a surface to be cleaned when the upright handle assembly is moved to an operating position, the second wiper being rearward of the rotatable brush roll.

15. The surface cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 5 to 8 further comprising a pivotable joint coupling the upright handle assembly to the base.

16. The surface cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 5 to 8 further comprising a latch mechanism disposed at a rear of the nozzle assembly and adapted to selectively mount the nozzle assembly to the base.

17. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 16 wherein the latch mechanism is selectively received in a corresponding receiving portion of the base.