CN115397295A

CN115397295A - Floor cleaner

Info

Publication number: CN115397295A
Application number: CN202080099763.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: D·M·鲁卡维纳
Original assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2020-02-20
Filing date: 2020-12-17
Publication date: 2022-11-25
Also published as: US20210259501A1; AU2020430093A1; WO2021167686A1; EP4106594A1; EP4106594B1

Abstract

Disclosed is a floor cleaner including: a base configured to move over a surface to be cleaned; a handle coupled to the base and operable to move the base over the surface; and a dispensing nozzle configured to dispense a fluid onto a surface to be cleaned. The floor cleaner further comprises: an actuator that controls the flow of fluid through the dispensing nozzle; and a supply tank in fluid communication with the dispensing nozzle. The supply tank includes a tank body configured to store a fluid and a collar coupled to the tank body, the collar including a latch that removably couples the supply tank to the floor cleaner.

Description

Floor cleaner

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/978,962, filed on 20/2/2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

The invention relates to a floor cleaner.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a floor cleaner includes a body having a fluid recovery system. The fluid recovery system includes a suction nozzle having a suction inlet, a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction nozzle through a fluid channel, and a suction source configured to draw fluid from the suction nozzle to the recovery tank. The floor cleaner further includes a fluid distribution member selectively releasably attached to the main body. The dispensing member includes a handle, a fluid supply tank, a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank, a pump connecting the supply tank with the dispensing nozzle, a power source, and an actuator electrically connected to the power source and the pump. The pump is configured to dispense fluid through the dispensing nozzle when the dispensing member is released from the body and the actuator is actuated by a user.

In another embodiment, a floor cleaner is disclosed that includes a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, a body coupled to the base, a first fluid distribution system, and a second fluid distribution system. A first fluid delivery system is supported by the base or body and includes a first fluid supply tank, a first distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the first fluid supply tank, the first distribution nozzle configured to provide fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and a fluid recovery system. The second fluid distribution system operates independently of the first fluid distribution system. A second fluid distribution system is selectively releasably attached to the main body and includes a handle, a second fluid supply tank, a second dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the second supply tank, a pump connecting the second supply tank with the second dispensing nozzle, a power source, and an actuator electrically connected to the power source and the pump. The pump is configured to dispense fluid through the second dispensing nozzle when the second fluid distribution system is released from the body and the actuator is actuated by a user.

In another embodiment, a floor cleaner is disclosed, comprising: a base configured to move over a surface to be cleaned; a handle coupled to the base and operable to move the base over a surface; and a dispensing nozzle configured to dispense a fluid onto a surface to be cleaned. The floor cleaner further comprises: an actuator that controls the flow of fluid through the dispensing nozzle; and a supply tank in fluid communication with the dispensing nozzle. The supply tank includes a tank body configured to store a fluid and a collar coupled to the tank body, the collar including a latch to removably couple the supply tank to the floor cleaner.

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

Drawings

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the handle assembly with the break-away tether (untether) removed from the main body portion of the floor cleaner;

FIG. 2a illustrates an exploded view of the tethered handle assembly removed from the main body portion of the floor cleaner;

FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of the connection point of the handle assembly and the main body portion of the floor cleaner;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the floor cleaner shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the handle assembly in a removed position;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 illustrates the handle assembly with the actuator in a retracted position;

FIG. 8a illustrates the handle assembly with the actuator in an extended position;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly;

FIG. 9a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the grip portion of the handle assembly;

figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the base of the surface cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the handle assembly circuitry showing the handle assembly in a second position and the button in an actuated position;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the handle assembly circuitry showing the handle assembly in a second position and the button in a non-actuated position;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the handle assembly in a second position;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the handle assembly in a first position within the floor cleaner body.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the floor cleaner of FIG. 15 showing the handle removed from the main body of the floor cleaner.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 16 with the supply tank removed.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 16 with a supply tank attached.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the supply tank of fig. 17.

Fig. 20 is an exploded view of the supply tank of fig. 17.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 illustrates a floor cleaner 10 having a base 12 movable over a surface to be cleaned, a body portion 14 pivotally mounted to the base 12, and a fluid distribution member 20 removably mounted to the body portion 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid dispensing member is a handle assembly 20. The handle assembly 20 is configured to include a dispensing nozzle 24. During operation of the floor cleaner 10, it may be useful to remove the fluid distribution member 20 from the main body portion 14, for example, for spot-treating cleaning. The use of the handle assembly 20 as a dispensing member enables the solution to be applied to the surface to be cleaned with a degree of precision to determine the location and area of application. When the handle assembly 20 is removed from the main body portion 14, a user can apply a spot treatment to a target area remote from the surface to be cleaned of the floor cleaner 10 via the dispensing nozzle 24.

In the illustrated embodiment, the handle assembly 20 and the body portion 14 pivot relative to the base 12 between an upright storage position (fig. 1) and a tilted floor cleaning position. The floor cleaner 10 includes one or more tanks for storing liquid and is configured to distribute cleaning solution onto the floor. In the illustrated embodiment, the floor cleaner 10 includes a supply tank 16 for providing water or other cleaning solution, optionally including a detergent tank 17, a spot treatment tank 28, and a recovery tank 18 for collecting soiled liquid extracted from the surface being cleaned. The spot treatment tank 28, which will be discussed further below, allows a user to apply a spot treatment solution to a localized portion of a surface to be cleaned. The supply tank 16 and the detergent tank 17 may be positioned on the main body portion 14, the fluid dispensing member 20, or operatively coupled to the base 12.

Referring to fig. 10, the base 12 has a fluid distribution system including a fluid distributor 56 in fluid communication with the supply tank 16 and the detergent tank 17. The fluid distributor 56 distributes the solution from the supply tank 16 and/or the detergent tank 17 to the surface to be cleaned. The base 12 may include one or more brush rolls 54 to agitate and scrub the cleaning solution on the surface to remove embedded dirt or debris. In one embodiment, the floor cleaner 10 includes a first fluid distribution system and a second fluid distribution system. In this embodiment, the first fluid distribution system includes a fluid distributor 56 on the base 12 in fluid communication with the supply tank 16. The second fluid distribution system includes a fluid distribution member 20 and is operable independently of the first fluid distribution system. The second fluid distribution system also includes a handle portion 22, a second fluid supply or spot treatment tank 28, a dispensing nozzle 24, a pump 30 connecting the second supply tank 28 with the dispensing nozzle 24, a power source, and an actuator 26 electrically connected to the power source and the pump 30.

Referring again to fig. 10, the applied cleaning solution is optionally extracted from the surface by a fluid recovery system. In one embodiment, the fluid recovery system includes a mop pad or other absorbent media disposed on the base 12 of the floor cleaner. In one embodiment, the fluid recovery system includes a suction nozzle 58, a recovery tank 18, and a suction source 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction nozzle 58 has a suction inlet 52 that at least partially spans across a front portion of the base 12. The suction nozzle 58 is in fluid flow communication with the recovery tank 18 via an air conduit 60 operatively coupled between the base 12 and the main body portion 14. The suction source 50 contained in the main body portion 14 draws air and liquid through the suction nozzle 52 and the air conduit 60 of the base 12 through the air/liquid separator in the recovery tank 18 and then discharges the air to the atmosphere, leaving separated liquid in the recovery tank 18. In other embodiments, the suction source 50 can be housed in a different portion of the floor cleaner 10, such as the base 12. During operation, the floor cleaner 10 distributes cleaning solution to a surface while simultaneously or sequentially extracting and recovering the applied cleaning solution in a continuous operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the recovery tank 18 is removably coupled to the body portion 14 to allow a user to remove the recovery tank 18 and empty the liquid contents. In other embodiments, the recovery tank 18 may be operatively coupled to another portion of the floor cleaner 10, such as the base 12. In one embodiment, the floor cleaner 10 is not an extractor and does not include a suction source and a recovery tank. In one embodiment without a suction source and recovery tank, the base includes a mop pad or other absorbent media for fluid recovery.

The handle assembly 20 includes a handle portion 22, a dispensing nozzle 24 in fluid communication with a spot treatment tank 28 or other supply tank or reservoir, and an actuator 26 configured to be actuated by a user to dispense solution through the dispensing nozzle 24. The handle assembly 20 can be used as a fluid distribution member that is independent of the fluid distribution system in the base 12 of the floor cleaner, and independent of the fluid recovery system of the floor cleaner. In one embodiment, the handle assembly 20 can be used as a fluid distribution member for a fluid distribution system and a fluid recovery system remote from the floor cleaner. The fluid dispensing member can be used independently of the fluid recovery system, meaning that the fluid dispensing member can be moved independently of the suction nozzle 52 or any other suction nozzle on the floor cleaner 10 or other fluid recovery system (such as a suction nozzle or fluid recovery system used with an auxiliary hose for above-floor cleaning). In contrast to known fluid dispensers that are associated with, secured near, or attached to a nozzle of a fluid recovery system for depositing fluid onto a surface to be cleaned near the nozzle for recovery, handle assembly 20 is not associated with, secured near, or attached to any nozzle of floor cleaner 10 to allow cleaning fluid to be deposited onto the cleaning surface without immediate recovery, thereby allowing sufficient time for the deposited cleaning fluid to treat stains on the surface.

The handle assembly 20 may include a rod 23 extending from the grip portion 22. In one embodiment, the grip portion 22 is located in an upper portion of the handle assembly 20 and the dispensing nozzle 24 is located in a lower portion. A dispensing nozzle 24 may be positioned in the wand to dispense fluid through the wand 23 when a user activates the actuator 26.

The fluid dispensing member, here illustrated as handle assembly 20, is selectively removable from the body portion. The handle assembly 20 includes a first position in which the handle assembly 20 is mounted to and movable with the body portion 14 and a second position in which the handle assembly 20 is released from the body portion 14 and movable independently of the body portion. In one embodiment, the handle assembly 20 is configured to maneuver the floor cleaner 10 along a surface to be cleaned in a first or installed position. When the handle assembly 20 is in the second position removed from the body portion 14, a user can apply a spot treatment to a target area of a surface to be cleaned via the dispensing nozzle 24.

The handle assembly 20 is received in an aperture or interior 42 of the body portion and is removed from the interior 42 by pulling the handle assembly 20 out of the interior 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 42 forms a longitudinal axis 46, and the rod 23 slides in and out of the aperture 42 along the longitudinal axis 46. In one embodiment, the interior 42 may be a groove or recess on the body portion 14 configured to receive a portion of the handle assembly 20. The handle assembly 20 is releasably attached to the body portion 14 using a latch 38 having a release button 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 14 includes a latch 38. In one embodiment, the handle assembly 20 includes a latch 38. The latch 38 includes a first retention feature (not shown) that engages a corresponding second retention feature, such as a groove 41 (fig. 2 and 2 a) on the handle assembly 20. The latch first retention feature may be a hook, catch, protrusion, rib, groove, aperture or other retention feature as desired. The handle retention feature 41 may be a hook, catch, protrusion, rib, groove, aperture or other retention feature that corresponds to and may be engaged with the latch first retention feature as desired to releasably couple the handle assembly 20 to the body portion 14. The user removes the handle assembly 20 from the cleaner 10 by depressing the release button 40 to release the latch 38 and pull the handle assembly 20 away from the main body portion 14.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 5-7, the removable handle 20 includes a handle 22, a dispensing nozzle 24, an actuator 26, and a spot treatment tank 28. The spot treatment tank 28 is in fluid communication with the dispensing nozzle 24 of the handle assembly 20 through a supply tube 44. As shown in fig. 6, the handle assembly 20 contains a pump 30 and a battery 37. When a user engages the actuator 26, the actuator 26 activates a switch 32, such as a microswitch of the pump 30. The pump 30 draws the solution from the spot treatment tank 28 through a dip tube 43 (FIG. 7) and then moves the liquid through a supply tube 44, through the check valve 36, and out of the dispensing nozzle 24. This arrangement allows a user to operate the removable handle 20 in a disconnected and remote location, independent of the main body portion 14 of the floor cleaner.

As further shown in the embodiment of fig. 6 and 7, the spot treatment tank 28 is operatively and removably coupled to the handle assembly 20 by a spot treatment housing 35. The spot processing tank 28 is received in a spot processing enclosure 35 and secured to the enclosure 35 by latches 34. A latching feature, such as a groove 39 on the spot processing tank 28, receives the latch 34 to secure the tank 28. The latch 34 secures the spot processing tank 28 to the housing 35 and the handle assembly 20. The spot processing tank 28 can be removed from the handle assembly 20 by releasing the latch 34 and pulling the tank 28 away from the housing 35. The spot processing tank 28 may be a refillable container or may be a disposable container containing a single use amount of solution.

In one embodiment, the spot treatment tank 28 can be operatively and removably coupled to the main body portion 14 of the floor cleaner 10, rather than to the fluid distribution member 20. In this embodiment, the fluid dispensing member 20 is tethered to the main body portion 14 by a tube in fluid connection with the spot treatment tank 28, the tube configured to dispense solution from the fluid dispensing member 20 in the second position. In this embodiment, the pump can be on the fluid dispensing member 20 and powered by the battery to draw fluid from the spot treatment tank on the main body portion through the tube to the dispensing nozzle 24. In one embodiment, the fluid dispensing member is tethered to the body portion by an electrical connection, wherein a pump on the fluid dispensing member is powered by the electrical connection in the tether. In an alternative embodiment, both the pump and the spot treatment tank can be on the main body portion 14 and fluidly connected to the dispensing nozzle 24 on the fluid dispensing member 20.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2a, instead of a spot treatment tank, the fluid dispensing member 20 is fluidly connected to the supply tank 16 and/or the detergent tank 17, which fluid dispensing member is tethered by a tube 45 to provide cleaning solution to the fluid dispensing member 20 in the second position. In this embodiment, the pump may be in the fluid distribution member 20 and powered by a battery or by an electrical connection from the main body portion 14, or the pump may be on the main body portion 14 of the floor cleaner 10. In one embodiment, the supply tank 16 and/or the detergent tank 17 are removable from the main body portion 14 while being fluidly connected with the fluid dispensing member 20 to enable a user to apply a stain treatment away from the floor cleaner 10.

The pump 30 may be manually operated or electrically operated. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 30 is powered by a battery 37. The pump 30 is actuated by the actuator 26. The actuator 26 may be a button, trigger, switch, or similar actuation mechanism. In operation, a user depresses the actuator 26 to energize a pump of the electric pump, or depresses the actuator to drive a mechanical pump, to move cleaning solution from the spot treatment tank 28 through the dispensing nozzle 24 located on the fluid dispensing member 20. This allows the user to selectively apply the solution to the surface to be cleaned, for example to particularly soiled spots on the surface to be cleaned.

In one embodiment, when the user actuates the actuator 26, the cleaning solution flows under gravity from the spot treatment tank 28 through the supply tube 44 to the dispensing nozzle 24. In this embodiment, the actuator 26 is communicatively coupled with a valve, wherein the valve is opened if the actuator 26 is actuated and closed if the actuator 26 is released. The user may selectively actuate the actuator 26 to open the valve, thereby allowing cleaning solution to pass to the dispensing nozzle 24.

In use of the floor cleaner 10, it will be appreciated that if a user wishes to perform a localized or greater area pre-cleaning or post-cleaning spot treatment on a surface to be cleaned, it is convenient for the user to detach the fluid distribution member 20 from the main body portion 14 and swing the fluid distribution member away from the floor cleaner 10 as required to apply liquid where desired. After use, the fluid dispensing member 20 may be returned to its installed position on the body portion 14.

In one embodiment illustrated in fig. 8 and 8a, the actuator 26 on the handle assembly 20 is accessible when the handle 20 is removed from the body portion 14 in the second position and is retracted into the grip portion 22 when the handle 20 is mounted on the body portion 14 in the first position. As shown in fig. 9 and 9a, the actuator 26 and switch 32 are attached to a carriage assembly 72 that is pivotally mounted in the handle portion and movable between a carriage first position and a carriage second position. When the carriage assembly 72 is in the carriage second position, the actuator 26 extends through an aperture 78 in the handle to operate as an actuator in a user accessible position. When the carriage assembly 72 is in the first position, the actuator 26 is retracted into the opening 78 in the handle and is inoperable as an actuator, inaccessible to the user. A push rod 74 is positioned in the rod 23 and is configured to move axially within the rod 23 to press the carriage assembly 72 from the carriage second position to the carriage first position. The push rod 74 is configured to engage the body portion 14 when mounted thereon such that the push rod 74 moves upwardly toward the handle portion 22, thereby moving the carriage assembly 72. A spring 76 is provided in the handle to urge the carriage assembly 72 toward the carriage second position. The push rod 74 presses the carriage assembly 72 into the carriage first position against the force of the spring 76. When the handle assembly 20 is removed from the body portion 14, releasing the push rod 74, the force of the compressed spring 76 presses the assembly 72 and the actuator 26 to rotate about the pivot 80 and move the actuator 26 through the aperture 78 of the grip 22 and hold the actuator in a user accessible position. Recessing the spot cleaning actuator 26 when the handle assembly 20 is mounted on the main body portion 14 reduces user confusion with respect to solution distribution when the floor cleaner 10 is used in an inclined use position.

As schematically illustrated in fig. 11 and 12, the handle assembly 20 includes an electrical circuit 70 that connects the user-actuated switch 32 controlled by the actuator 26, the battery 37, and the pump 30. When the actuator 26 is not actuated, the switch 32 is open, and when the actuator 26 is actuated, the switch is closed. In addition, the handle assembly 20 and the circuit 70 may be configured to include a locking device that prevents the dispensing nozzle 24 from dispensing the solution when the handle assembly 20 is mounted on the body portion in the first position. In one embodiment, the locking means comprises a second switch 33 which is closed when the handle assembly 20 is removed from the body portion in the second position and which is open when the handle assembly 20 is mounted on the body portion in the first position. When both switches 32, 33 are closed, the circuit is activated and solution can be dispensed from the dispensing nozzle 24. When either of the

switches

32, 33 is open, the circuit is deactivated and the solution is not distributed. As used in this specification and the appended claims, an "open" switch is not necessarily a physical discontinuity in an electrical circuit, but more generally means disabling a function or operation by electrical disconnection, electrical connection, software instructions, firmware operation, or other control. As used in this specification and the appended claims, a switch that is "closed" is not necessarily a physical continuity in a circuit, but more generally means that a function or operation is enabled by an electrical connection, an electrical disconnection, software instructions, firmware operation, or other control.

As schematically illustrated in fig. 14 and 15, in one embodiment, the handle assembly 20 includes a button 62 positioned proximate the second switch 33 and pressed away from the second switch 33 by a spring 66. The button 62 is positioned on the handle assembly 20 and is configured such that when the handle assembly 20 is attached to the body portion 14 to activate the second switch 33, the button 62 is pressed against the force of the spring 66. In this embodiment, the second switch 33 is wired in parallel with the pump (fig. 11). When the handle assembly 20 is removed from the body portion 14, the spring 66 presses the button 62 away from the second switch 33 to activate the pump 30 and extend the button 62 out of the handle assembly 20 (fig. 14). When the handle assembly 20 is reinserted into the interior 42 of the body portion, the button 62 is pressed by the body portion 14 to activate the second switch 33 and disable the pump 30. In another embodiment, the second switch 33 is in series with the pump 30 (fig. 12), and the button 62 is configured with a mechanism to open the second switch 33 to disable the pump 30.

In operation, a user operating the floor cleaner 10 can maneuver the base 12 of the floor cleaner 10 along a surface to be cleaned using the handle assembly 20 in the first position. In one embodiment, a user manipulates the base 12 of the floor cleaner using the grip portion 22 of the handle assembly 20. In another embodiment, the user manipulates the base 12 of the floor cleaner independently of interaction with the handle portion 22 of the fluid dispensing member 20. When the handle assembly 20 is in the second position, the user can apply a stain treatment to the surface to be cleaned. To move the handle assembly 20 to the second position, the user actuates the release button 40 to release the latch 38 and pull the handle assembly 20 away from the body portion 14. Upon removal of the handle assembly 20, the user may apply a spot treatment to the surface to be cleaned by pressing the actuator 26 on the handle assembly 20 to distribute the solution from the dispensing nozzle 24.

FIG. 15 illustrates a floor cleaner 100 according to another embodiment. Floor cleaner 100 includes a supply tank 102. The supply tank 102 may be used in place of the supply tank 28 of the floor cleaner discussed above and shown in fig. 1-14.

Floor cleaner 100 includes a base 104 and a handle 106 coupled to base 104. Handle 106 is operable by a user to move base 104 across a surface to be cleaned by floor cleaner 100. Handle 106 includes a grip 108 that can be grasped by a user's hand to move floor cleaner 100. The handle 106 further includes a supply tank housing 110 having a recess 112 (FIG. 17) that receives the supply tank 102 to couple the supply tank 102 to the handle 106. With continued reference to fig. 17, the dispensing nozzle 114 is located at an end of the handle 106, and the dispensing nozzle 114 is in fluid communication with the supply tank 102 when the supply tank 102 is connected to the handle 106. An actuator 115 is located on the handle 106 adjacent the grip 108. The actuator 115 controls the flow of fluid from the supply tank 102 through the dispensing nozzle 114. The dispensing nozzle 114 and fluid from the supply tank 102 may be used to find stains on a surface being cleaned or to pre-treat stains on a surface being cleaned.

Referring to fig. 19 and 20, the supply tank 102 includes a tank body 116, a collar 118, and a lid 120. The tank body 116 stores the fluid dispensed through the nozzle 114. The tank body 116 includes an opening 122 through which the tank body 116 is filled with a fluid and the lid 120 is removably attached to the opening 122. The threads 124 are adjacent the opening 122. The lid 120 includes corresponding threads that removably couple the lid 120 to the tank body 116. The tank body 116 further includes a neck 126. The threads 124 are located on the neck 126 and the neck 126 is received in the cap 120. The tank body 116 further includes a recessed portion 128. The collar 118 is nested or received in the recessed portion 128 of the bin body 116. In one embodiment, the tank body 116 is blow molded from a plastic material.

The collar 118 is coupled to the tank body 116. The collar 118 includes an aperture 130 through which the threads 124 or neck 126 of the tank body 116 extend. In one embodiment, the collar 118 is attached to the box body 116 because the size of the aperture 130 is smaller than the size of the threads 124. In one embodiment, the tank body includes a flange 131 adjacent the threads 124, the threads 124 being disposed between the flange 131 and the opening 122. Since the size of the aperture 130 is smaller than the size of the flange 131, the collar 118 is attached to the tank body 116. In other embodiments, the collar 118 may be coupled to the tank body using a pin connection, a screw connection, a welded connection, a riveted connection, a glued connection, or a threaded type connection.

In one embodiment, the collar 118 may be removed from the tank body 116 when the cap 120 is removed from the neck 126 by sliding the collar 118 off of the tank body 116. When the cap 120 is attached to the neck 126 (as shown in fig. 19), the collar 118 is captured between the cap 120 and the tank body 116 to retain the collar 118 in the position shown in fig. 19. In one embodiment, the collar 118 is injection molded from a plastic material.

The collar 118 includes a first side 132 and a second side 134 opposite the first side 132. The collar 118 further includes a first latch 136 on the first side 132 and a second latch 138 on the second side 134.

Latches

136, 138 removably couple supply tank 102 to supply tank housing 110 of handle 106. The

latches

136, 138 engage the supply tank housing 110 to secure the supply tank 102 to the handle 106. The

latches

136, 138 are movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. When the

latches

136, 138 are in the unlatched position, the supply tank 102 is removable from the housing 110, and when the

latches

136, 138 are in the latched position, the supply tank 102 is secured to the housing 110. In the embodiment shown, the

latches

136, 138 pivot about a pivot axis 140 between a latched position and an unlatched position. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the

latches

136, 138 include springs that press or bias the latches toward the latched position. In one embodiment, the springs are about the pivot axis 140. The

latches

136, 138 are configured and positioned so that a user easily grasps the supply tank 102 and actuates the

latches

136, 138 with a single hand to remove the supply tank 102 from the housing 110 for refilling the supply tank 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 118 includes two

latches

136, 138. In other embodiments, the collar may include one latch or more than two latches. Also, in other embodiments, the latches may include friction locks between the collar 118 and the tank body 116, rather than the

latches

136, 138 pivoting about the axis 140. Also, in other embodiments, the latch may include a spring-loaded locking pin or the like.

Referring to fig. 20, the lid 120 includes a tube 142 that extends into the tank body 116 to provide fluid communication between the tank body 116 and the dispensing nozzle 114. The cap further includes an opening 144 that provides fluid communication between the tube 142 and the dispensing nozzle 114.

Further, it should be understood that while the present disclosure is described herein with respect to spot treating carpets and the like with cleaning fluids, it may also be applicable to other treatment fluids, such as post-cleaning protective (e.g., stain-resistant) fluids and/or fragranced fluids. In various embodiments, the fluid may be in the form of a powder rather than a liquid.

Although the invention is primarily intended for use with and is described herein in connection with an extraction carpet cleaning machine, the invention may also be applied to hard floor cleaners, mops or other extraction or non-extraction floor cleaners.

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

Claims

1. A floor cleaner comprising:

a base configured to move over a surface to be cleaned;

a handle coupled to the base and operable to move the base over the surface;

a dispensing nozzle configured to dispense a fluid onto the surface to be cleaned;

an actuator that controls the flow of the fluid through the dispensing nozzle; and

a supply tank in fluid communication with the dispensing nozzle, the supply tank comprising:

a tank body configured to store the fluid, an

A collar coupled to the tank body, the collar including a latch that removably couples the supply tank to the floor cleaner.

2. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the supply tank further comprises a cover, wherein the tank body includes an opening through which the tank body is filled with the fluid, and wherein the cover is removably attached to the opening.

3. The floor cleaner of claim 2, wherein the tank body includes threads adjacent the opening, and wherein the cover includes threads that removably couple the cover to the threads of the tank body.

4. The floor cleaner of claim 3, wherein the collar includes an aperture and the threads of the tank body extend through the aperture of the collar.

5. The floor cleaner of claim 4, wherein the collar is coupled to the tank body by the threads.

6. The floor cleaner of claim 4, wherein the tank body includes a neck and the threads of the tank body are located on the neck.

7. The floor cleaner of claim 5, wherein the tank body includes a flange surrounding the neck adjacent the threads disposed between the flange and the opening, wherein the collar is coupled to the tank body through the flange.

8. The floor cleaner of claim 2, wherein the cover is attached to the tank body to couple the collar to the tank body.

9. The floor cleaner of claim 2, wherein the cover includes a tube extending into the tank body to provide fluid communication between the tank body and the dispensing nozzle.

10. The floor cleaner of claim 2, wherein the cover includes an opening that provides fluid communication between the tank body and the dispensing nozzle.

11. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the latch is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, and wherein the supply tank is removable from the floor cleaner when the latch is in the unlatched position and is secured to the floor cleaner when the latch is in the latched position.

12. The floor cleaner of claim 11, wherein the latch is biased toward the latched position.

13. The floor cleaner of claim 11, wherein the latch pivots between the latched position and the unlatched position.

14. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the latch is a first latch and the collar further comprises a second latch.

15. The floor cleaner of claim 14, wherein the collar includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and wherein the first latch is located on the first side and the second latch is located on the second side.

16. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the supply tank is removably coupled to the handle.

17. The floor cleaner of claim 16, wherein the handle includes a supply tank housing having a recess that receives the supply tank when the supply tank is coupled to the handle.

18. The floor cleaner of claim 17, wherein the latch engages the supply tank housing to couple the supply tank to the handle.

19. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the tank body includes a recessed portion and the collar is nested in the recessed portion of the tank body.

20. The floor cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a main body having a fluid recovery system comprising:

a suction nozzle having a suction inlet, wherein,

a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction nozzle via a fluid channel, an

A suction source configured to draw fluid from the suction nozzle to the recovery tank.

21. The floor cleaner of claim 20, wherein the handle includes the dispensing nozzle and the supply tank, and wherein the handle is selectively releasably attached to the main body.