US20240315514A1 - Surface cleaning apparatus and tray - Google Patents
Surface cleaning apparatus and tray Download PDFInfo
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- US20240315514A1 US20240315514A1 US18/733,257 US202418733257A US2024315514A1 US 20240315514 A1 US20240315514 A1 US 20240315514A1 US 202418733257 A US202418733257 A US 202418733257A US 2024315514 A1 US2024315514 A1 US 2024315514A1
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- brushroll
- tank
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- cleaning apparatus
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Abstract
A surface cleaning apparatus adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned includes a recovery system and a fluid delivery system. The surface cleaning apparatus can have a rechargeable battery and a battery housing for the rechargeable battery. The surface cleaning apparatus has a self-cleaning mode of operation in which an unattended automatic cleanout cycle is executed.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/377,506, filed Jul. 16, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/119,300, filed Dec. 11, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,096,544, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2019/038423 filed Jun. 21, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/688,439, filed Jun. 22, 2018, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/789,661, filed Jan. 8, 2019, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- Multi-surface vacuum cleaners are adapted for cleaning hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as carpet and upholstery. Some multi-surface vacuum cleaners comprise a fluid delivery system that delivers cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system that extracts spent cleaning fluid and debris (which may include dirt, dust, stains, soil, hair, and other debris) from the surface. The fluid delivery system typically includes one or more fluid supply tanks for storing a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid distributor 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 distributor. An agitator can be provided for agitating the cleaning fluid on the surface. The fluid recovery system typically includes a recovery tank, a nozzle adjacent the surface to be cleaned and in fluid communication with the recovery tank through a working air conduit, and a source of suction in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the 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 apparatuses include “dry” vacuum cleaners which can clean different surface types, but do not dispense or recover liquid.
- An aspect of the disclosure relates to a floor cleaning system including a surface cleaning apparatus and a storage tray, the surface cleaning apparatus including an upright body comprising a handle and a frame, the frame supporting a supply tank that is selectively removable from the upright body and a recovery tank that is selectively removable from the upright body, a base operably coupled with the upright body, the base comprising a base housing and a brushroll cover, the brushroll cover at least partially defining a brush chamber, a recovery system comprising a suction inlet in the base housing, a vacuum motor, and the recovery tank, a brushroll selectively receivable within the base and at least partially located within the brush chamber, the brushroll rotatable therein about a brushroll axis, a brushroll motor adapted to provide a driving force to rotate the brushroll about the brushroll axis, a fluid delivery system comprising the supply tank, a pump, and a fluid distributor, the fluid distributor provided on the base and configured to spray the brushroll, at least one controller configured to execute an unattended automatic cleanout cycle for a self-cleaning mode of operation during which the pump, the brushroll motor, and the vacuum motor are energized, and a rechargeable battery provided within a battery housing on the upright body, the rechargeable battery configured to selectively supply power to the vacuum motor, the pump, and the brushroll motor, and the storage tray configured to dock the surface cleaning apparatus to recharge the battery and for self-cleaning of the surface cleaning apparatus, the storage tray comprising at least one charging contact, a power cord, and a wall charger configured to be plugged into a household outlet, the wall charger having a first operating power, wherein the unattended automatic cleanout cycle has a second operating power that is at least 5.7 times greater than the first operating power.
- Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a surface cleaning apparatus, including an upright body comprising a handle and a frame, the frame supporting a supply tank that is selectively removable from the upright body and a recovery tank that is selectively removable from the upright body, a base operably coupled with the upright body, the base comprising a base housing and a brushroll cover, the brushroll cover at least partially defining a brush chamber, a recovery system comprising a suction inlet in the base housing, a vacuum motor, and the recovery tank, a brushroll selectively receivable within the base and at least partially located within the brush chamber, the brushroll rotatable therein about a brushroll axis, a brushroll motor adapted to provide a driving force to rotate the brushroll about the brushroll axis, a fluid delivery system comprising the supply tank, a pump, and a fluid distributor, the fluid distributor provided on the base and configured to spray the brushroll, a rechargeable battery provided within a battery housing on the upright body, the rechargeable battery configured to selectively supply power to the vacuum motor, the pump, and the brushroll motor, and at least one controller configured to execute an unattended automatic cleanout cycle for a self-cleaning mode of operation during which the pump, the brushroll motor, and the vacuum motor are energized, wherein the unattended automatic cleanout cycle for the self-cleaning mode of operation includes a dispensing phase in which the pump is activated to dispense cleaning fluid from the supply tank, a brushroll rotation phase in which the brushroll motor is activated to rotate the brushroll, and an extraction phase in which the vacuum motor is activated to extract cleaning fluid and flush out a portion of the recovery system, wherein the unattended automatic cleanout cycle has a dispensing phase time and a total cycle time, and wherein a ratio of the dispensing phase time to the total cycle time is approximately 2:3.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus through line II-II ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a handle assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a body assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a motor assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a clean tank assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a dirty tank assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a foot assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a brushroll of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 10 is a close-up sectional view through a forward section of a suction nozzle assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 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 the foot assembly of suction nozzle assemblyFIG. 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 partially exploded view of the foot assembly. -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the foot assembly ofFIG. 1 through line XV-XV ofFIG. 1 and includes an enlarged view of section A, showing a fluid dispenser of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 16A is a schematic diagram of a fluid delivery pathway of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 16B is a schematic diagram of a fluid recovery pathway of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 with portions removed to show a conduit assembly. -
FIG. 18 is a schematic circuit diagram of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a storage tray to receive the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 and at least one extra brushroll. -
FIG. 20 is a side view of the surface cleaning apparatus docked within the storage tray ofFIG. 19 according to various aspects described herein. -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the storage tray ofFIG. 19 according to various aspects described herein. -
FIG. 22 is a rear, perspective view of the handle assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus according to various aspects described herein. -
FIG. 23 is a rear, perspective view of the battery housing according to various aspects described herein. -
FIG. 24 is a rear, perspective view of the battery housing according to various aspects described herein. -
FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the charging unit of the storage tray ofFIG. 20 according to various aspects described herein. -
FIG. 26 is a cutaway view of the charging unit of the storage tray ofFIG. 20 according to various aspects described herein. -
FIG. 27 is a cutaway view of the charging unit of the storage tray ofFIG. 20 according to various aspects described herein. -
FIG. 28 is a rear view of the surface cleaning apparatus battery according to various aspects described herein. -
FIG. 29 is a schematic view of an autonomous vacuum cleaner according to various aspects described herein. -
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the autonomous vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 29 according to various aspects described herein. -
FIG. 31 is an exploded view of a portion of the autonomous vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 30 according to various aspects described herein. -
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a storage tray for the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 29 according to various aspects described herein. -
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus according to another aspect of the disclosure. -
FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 33 taken through line 34-34. -
FIG. 35 is an enlarged perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 33 docked with a storage tray. -
FIG. 36 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the surface cleaning apparatus docked with the storage tray, taken through line 36-36 ofFIG. 19 . -
FIG. 37 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the surface cleaning apparatus. -
FIG. 38 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the storage tray showing a shielded electrical contact of the tray. -
FIGS. 39-41 illustrate a docking operation of the surface cleaning apparatus with the storage tray. -
FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the storage tray fromFIG. 35 . -
FIG. 43 is a block diagram for the surface cleaning apparatus, showing a condition when the surface cleaning apparatus is docked with the storage tray for recharging. -
FIG. 44 shows the block diagram ofFIG. 43 in a condition when the surface cleaning apparatus is docked with the storage tray in a self-cleaning mode. -
FIG. 45 is a flow chart showing one example of a self-cleaning method for the surface cleaning apparatus. - Aspects of the disclosure generally relate to a cordless surface cleaning apparatus, which may be in the form of a multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one non-limiting example of a surface cleaning apparatus in the form of multi-surface wetsurface cleaning apparatus 10, according to one example of the invention. As illustrated herein, the multi-surface wetsurface cleaning apparatus 10 is an upright multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner having a housing that includes an upright body or handleassembly 12 and a base 14 pivotally and/or swivel mounted to theupright handle assembly 12 and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented inFIG. 1 from the perspective of a user behind the multi-surface wetsurface cleaning apparatus 10, which defines the rear of the multi-surface wetsurface cleaning apparatus 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 anupper handle 16 and aframe 18.Upper handle 16 includes ahandle assembly 100.Frame 18 includes a main support section orbody assembly 200 supporting at least aclean tank assembly 300 and adirty tank assembly 400, and may further support additional components of thehandle assembly 12. Thebase 14 includes afoot assembly 500. The multi-surface wetsurface cleaning apparatus 10 can include a fluid delivery or supply pathway, including and at least partially defined by theclean tank assembly 300, for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery pathway, including and at least partially defined by thedirty tank assembly 400, for removing the spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris until emptied by the user. - A pivotable swivel
joint assembly 570 is formed at a lower end of theframe 18 and moveably mounts the base 14 to theupright assembly 12. In the example shown herein, thebase 14 can pivot up and down about at least one axis relative to theupright assembly 12. The pivotable swiveljoint assembly 570 can alternatively include a universal joint, such that the base 14 can pivot about at least two axes relative to theupright assembly 12. Wiring and/or conduits supplying air and/or liquid between the base 14 and theupright assembly 12, or vice versa, can extend though the pivotable swiveljoint assembly 570. A swivel locking mechanism 586 (FIG. 2 ) can be provided to lock and/or release the swiveljoint assembly 570 for movement. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 through line II-IIFIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Thehandle assembly 100 generally includes ahandgrip 119 and auser interface assembly 120. In other examples, theuser interface assembly 120 can be provided elsewhere on thesurface cleaning apparatus 10, such as on thebody assembly 200. In the present example, handleassembly 100 further includes ahollow handle pipe 104 that extends vertically and connects thehandle assembly 100 to thebody assembly 200. Theuser interface assembly 120 can be any configuration of actuating controls such as but not limited to buttons, triggers, toggles, switches, or the like, operably connected to systems in theapparatus 10 to affect and control function. In the present example, atrigger 113 is mounted to thehandgrip 119 and operably communicates with the fluid delivery system of thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 to control fluid delivery from thesurface cleaning apparatus 10. Other actuators, such as a thumb switch, can be provided instead of thetrigger 113. - The lower end of
handle pipe 104 terminates into thebody assembly 200 in the upper portion of theframe 18.Body assembly 200 generally includes a support frame to support the components of the fluid delivery system and the recovery system described forFIG. 1 . In the present example,body assembly 200 includes acentral body 201, afront cover 203 and arear cover 202. Additionally, a battery housing 24 (FIG. 20 ) can be coupled with thebody assembly 200.Front cover 203 can be mounted tocentral body 201 to form afront cavity 235. Rear cover 202 can be mounted tocentral body 201 to form arear cavity 240. Amotor housing assembly 250 can be mounted to an upper portion of thefront cover 203. Acarry handle 78 can be disposed on the body assembly, forwardly of thehandle assembly 100, at an angle relative to thehollow handle pipe 104 to facilitate manual lifting and carrying of the multi-surface wetsurface cleaning apparatus 10.Motor housing assembly 250 further includes acover 206 disposed beneath carryhandle 78, alower motor bracket 233, and a suction motor/fan assembly 205 positioned between thecover 206 and themotor bracket 233 in fluid communication with thedirty tank assembly 400. -
Rear cavity 240 includes a receivingsupport 223 at the upper end ofrear cavity 240 for receiving theclean tank assembly 300, and apump assembly 140 beneath and in fluid communication with theclean tank assembly 300. -
Clean tank assembly 300 can be mounted to theframe 18 in any configuration. In the present example,clean tank assembly 300 is removably mounted to thebody assembly 200 such that it partially rests in the upper rear portion of thecentral body 201 ofbody assembly 200 and can be removed for filling and/or cleaning. -
Dirty tank assembly 400 can be removably mounted to the front of thebody assembly 200, below themotor housing assembly 250, and is in fluid communication with the suction motor/fan assembly 205 when mounted to thesurface cleaning apparatus 10. Aflexible conduit hose 518 couples thedirty tank assembly 400 to thefoot assembly 500 and passes through the swiveljoint assembly 570. - Optionally, a heater (not shown) can be provided for heating the cleaning fluid prior to delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. In one example, an in-line heater can be located downstream of the
clean tank assembly 300, and upstream or downstream of thepump assembly 140. Other types of heaters can also be used. In yet another example, the cleaning fluid can be heated using exhaust air from a motor-cooling pathway for the suction motor/fan assembly 205. -
Foot assembly 500 includes a removablesuction nozzle assembly 580 that can be adapted to be adjacent the surface to be cleaned as the base 14 moves across the surface and is in fluid communication withdirty tank assembly 400 throughflexible conduit 518. Anagitator 546 can be provided insuction nozzle assembly 580 for agitating the surface to be cleaned. Some examples of agitators include, but are not limited to, a horizontally-rotating brushroll, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls, or a stationary brush. A pair ofrear wheels 539 are positioned for rotational movement about a central axis on the rearward portion of thefoot assembly 500 for maneuvering the multi-surface wetsurface cleaning apparatus 10 over a surface to be cleaned. - In the present example,
agitator 546 can be a hybrid brushroll positioned within abrushroll chamber 565 for rotational movement about a central rotational axis, which is discussed in more detail below. Asingle brushroll 546 is illustrated; however, it is within the scope of aspects described herein for dual rotating brushrolls to be used. Moreover, it is within the scope of aspects described herein for thebrushroll 546 to be mounted within thebrushroll chamber 565 in a fixed or floating vertical position relative to thechamber 565. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of thehandle assembly 100.Handgrip 119 can include afront handle 101 and aback handle 102 mated fixedly to thehandle pipe 104. Theuser interface assembly 120 can be provided on thefront handle 101. Theuser interface assembly 120 of the illustrated example includes acontrol panel 111 connected to a floatingkey 109 and mounted with awater proof seal 108 through the front portion offront handle 101 to engage a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 110 and abracket 112 provided on the back side offront handle 101.Bracket 112 engages aspring 114 that biases thetrigger 113 mounted to theback handle 102, with a portion of thetrigger 113 projecting inward in the recess formed by the mating offront handle 101 to back handle 102. Thetrigger 113 can electronically communicate with the fluid delivery system. Thetrigger 113 alternatively can mechanically communicate with the fluid delivery system, such as via a push rod (not shown) that runs through thehandle pipe 104.Hollow handle pipe 104 terminates in the frame 18 (FIG. 1 ) by a bracket connection formed by aright bracket 106, aleft bracket 105, and afemale connector 107 joined together at the terminal end ofhandle pipe 104. -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of thebody assembly 200.Body assembly 200 includesfront cover 203,central body 201, andrear cover 202, and terminates with abottom cover 216.Front cover 203 andrear cover 202 can mount tocentral body 201 forming at least partiallyenclosed cavities front cavity 235 generally contains electrical components such as a printed circuit board 217 (PCB) and other requiredcircuitry 215 electrically connected to various component parts of the fluid delivery and recovery systems.Pump assembly 140 can include aconnector 219, apump 226, aclamp 220 and agasket 218 and can be mounted infront cavity 235. Alternatively,pump assembly 140 can be mounted inrear cavity 240, or partially mounted in both front andrear cavities pump 226 can be a solenoid pump having a single, dual, or variable speed. - In the present example,
rear cavity 240 generally contains a receivingassembly 245 for the clean tank assembly 300 (FIG. 2 ). Receivingassembly 245 can include the receivingsupport 223, aspring insert 227, aclamp 224, a receivingbody 222, a receivinggasket 231 and aclamp cover 225 at the upper portion ofrear cavity 240 for receiving theclean tank assembly 300. Thepump assembly 140 can be mounted beneath and in fluid communication with the receivingassembly 245. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of themotor housing assembly 250. Carryhandle 78 includes ahandle top 209 mounted to ahandle bottom 207 with agasket 230 mounted therebetween, and is secured to thecover 206.Motor housing assembly 250 can further include an uppermotor housing body 204 and a lowermotor housing body 208, and avacuum motor cover 228 provided therebetween to partially enclose the suction motor/fan assembly 205. Atop motor gasket 229 and arubber gasket 221 are provided on the upper portion of the suction motor/fan assembly 205, and lowervacuum motor gaskets fan assembly 205. A clean air outlet of the working air path through the vacuum cleaner can be defined by aleft vent 213 and aright vent 214 in the lower motor housing body. -
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of theclean tank assembly 300.Clean tank assembly 300 generally includes at least onesupply tank 301 and asupply valve assembly 320 controlling fluid flow through anoutlet 311 of thesupply tank 301. Alternatively,clean tank assembly 300 can include multiple supply chambers, such as one chamber containing water and another chamber containing a cleaning agent. Acheck valve 310 and acheck valve umbrella 309 can be provided onsupply tank 301.Supply valve assembly 320 mates with the receivingassembly 245 and can be configured to automatically open when seated. Thesupply valve assembly 320 includes anassembly outlet 302 that is mounted to the outlet of thefluid supply tank 301 by athreadable cap 303, arod release insert 304 held in place with theassembly outlet 302 by an O-ring 305, and aninsert spring 308 inside aspring housing 306 biasing thevalve assembly 320 to a closed position. When thevalve assembly 320 is coupled with the receivingassembly 245, thevalve assembly 320 opens to release fluid to the fluid delivery pathway. Ascreen mesh insert 307 can be provided between the tank outlet and the valve outlet to prevent particulates of a certain size from entering thepump assembly 140. -
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of thedirty tank assembly 400. Thedirty tank assembly 400 generally includes the collection container for the fluid recovery system. In the present example,dirty tank assembly 400 includes arecovery tank 401 with an integral hollow standpipe 420 (FIG. 2 ) formed therein. Thestandpipe 420 is oriented such that it is generally coincident with a longitudinal axis of therecovery tank 401. Thestandpipe 420 forms a flow path between an inlet 422 (FIG. 2 ) formed at a lower end of therecovery tank 401 and an outlet 423 (FIG. 2 ) on the interior of therecovery tank 401. When therecovery tank 401 is mounted to the body assembly 200 (FIG. 2 ), theinlet 422 is aligned with theflexible conduit hose 518 to establish fluid communication between thefoot assembly 500 and therecovery tank 401. Alid 402 sized for receipt on therecovery tank 401 supports apleated filter 405 in afilter cover plate 403 mounted to thelid 402 with amesh screen 406 therebetween. Preferably, thepleated filter 405 is made of a material that remains porous when wet. Thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 can also be provided with one or more additional filters upstream or downstream. Agasket 411 positioned between mating surfaces of thelid 402 and therecovery tank 401 creates a seal therebetween for prevention of leaks. - A shut-off valve can be provided for interrupting suction when fluid in the
recovery tank 401 reaches a predetermined level. The shut-off valve includes afloat bracket 412 fixedly attached to abottom wall 416 of thelid 402 in a position offset from thestandpipe 420 and amoveable float 410 carried by thefloat bracket 412. Thefloat 410 is buoyant and oriented so that the top of thefloat 410 can selectively seal anair outlet 415 of therecovery tank 401 leading to the downstream suction source when the fluid in therecovery tank 401 reaches a predetermined level. - A
releasable latch 430 is provided to facilitate removal of thedirty tank assembly 400 for emptying and/or cleaning, and can be positioned in anaperture 417 on a front side of thelid 402. Thereleasable latch 430 can include alatch button 407 held within alatch bracket 404 and biased withlatch spring 408 toward an engaged or latched position. Thelatch button 407 releasably engages with thefront cover 203 to removably secure thedirty tank assembly 400 to the body assembly 200 (FIG. 2 ). Ahand grip 419 can be provided on therecovery tank 401 and located below thelatch 407 to facilitate handling of the dirty tank assembly 400 g. -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of thefoot assembly 500.Foot assembly 500 generally includes a housing supporting at least some of the components of the fluid delivery system and fluid recovery system. In the present example, the housing includes anupper cover 542 and alower cover 501 coupled with theupper cover 542 and defining a partiallyenclosed cavity 561 therebetween for receiving at least some components of the fluid delivery and recovery pathways. The housing can further include acover base 537 coupled with a lower forward portion of the lower cover to defined a portion of the brushroll chamber 565 (FIG. 10 ). Theupper cover 542 extends from approximately the middle to rear offoot assembly 500 and can havedecorative panels Upper cover 542 can be configured to releasably receive thesuction nozzle assembly 580. -
Suction nozzle assembly 580 can be configured to include at least one inlet nozzle for recovering fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and at least one outlet for delivering fluid to the surface to be cleaned. In one example,suction nozzle assembly 580 can include anozzle housing 551 and anozzle cover 552, which mate to form a pair offluid delivery channels 40 therebetween that are each fluidly connected to aspray connector 528 at one terminal end. At the opposite, or second terminal, end of eachfluid delivery channel 40, afluid dispenser 554 is configured with at least one outlet to deliver fluid to the surface to be cleaned.Fluid dispenser 554 may be include of one or more spray tips configured to deliver cleaning fluid from thefluid delivery channel 40 to thebrush chamber 565. In the present example,fluid dispenser 554 is a pair of spray tips fluidly connected to thefluid delivery channel 40.Spray tip 554 is mounted in thenozzle housing 551 and has an outlet in fluid communication with thebrush chamber 565.Nozzle cover 552 can have adecorative cover 553, and one or both can be composed of a translucent or transparent material.Nozzle housing 551 can further include afront interference wiper 560 mounted at a forward position relative to thebrushroll chamber 565 and disposed horizontally. - The
lower cover 501 further includes a plurality ofupstanding bosses 562 that project intocavity 561 for mounting interior components thereto. A rear portion of thelower cover 501 pivotally mounts to swiveljoint assembly 570 for maneuvering the multi-surface wetsurface cleaning apparatus 10 over a surface to be cleaned. Therear wheels 539 are positioned for rotational movement about a central axis on opposite sides of thelower cover 501 for maneuvering the multi-surface wetsurface cleaning apparatus 10 over a surface to be cleaned. Swiveljoint assembly 570 can include swivel joint 519, covers 520 and 521, and aswivel locking mechanism 586 for releasing the swiveljoint assembly 570 for pivoting and swivel movements. - A
conduit assembly 585 is partially disposed incavity 561 and extends through the swivel joint 519, along with the flexible conduit hose, to couple with components in the upper body assembly 200 (FIG. 2 ).Conduit assembly 585 includes afluid supply conduit 532 and awiring conduit 533.Fluid supply conduit 532 passes interiorly to swiveljoint assembly 570 and fluidly connects theclean tank assembly 300 to thespray connectors 528 through a T-connector 530 having a pairspray tube connectors 531. Wiringconduit 533 provides a passthrough for electrical wiring from theupright assembly 12 to the base 14 through swiveljoint assembly 570. For example, the wiring can be used to supply electrical power to at least one electrical component in thefoot assembly 500. One example of an electrical component is abrush motor 503. Another example is an indicator light assembly. In the present example, the indicator light assembly includes anLED base 516 configured to mount a pair ofindicator lights 517 and a pair oflenses 545 over thelights 517. Thelights 517 may include light emitting diodes (LED) or other illumination sources. - A central lower portion of the partially
enclosed cavity 561 and a rearward lower portion ofsuction nozzle assembly 580 can be molded to form afoot conduit 564 of the fluid recovery pathway that is fluidly connected to theflexible conduit 518.Flexible conduit 518 fluidly connects dirty tank assembly 400 (FIG. 2 ) tosuction nozzle assembly 580. - The
brushroll 546 can be provided at a forward portion of thelower cover 501 and received inbrushroll chamber 565. In the present example, thecover base 537 rotatably receives thebrushroll 546, and also mountably receives awiper 538 positioned rearwardly of thebrushroll 546. Optionally, brushroll 546 can be configured to be removed by the user from thefoot assembly 500 for cleaning and/or drying. A pair offorward wheels 536 are positioned for rotational movement about a central axis on the terminal surface of thecover base 537 for maneuvering the multi-surface wetsurface cleaning apparatus 10 over a surface to be cleaned. - In the example, the
brushroll 546 can be operably coupled to and driven by a drive assembly including adedicated brush motor 503 disposed in thecavity 561 of thelower cover 501 and one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys or combinations thereof to provide the coupling. Here, atransmission 510 operably connects themotor 503 to thebrushroll 546 for transmitting rotational motion of amotor shaft 505 to thebrushroll 546. In the present example,transmission 510 can include adrive belt 511 and one or more gears, shafts, pulleys, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, a single motor/fan assembly (not shown) can provide both vacuum suction and A brushmotor exhaust tube 515 can be provided to thebrush motor 503 and configured to exhaust air to the outside of the multi-surface wetsurface cleaning apparatus 10. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of thehybrid brushroll 546.Hybrid brushroll 546 is suitable for use on both hard and soft surfaces, and for wet or dry vacuum cleaning. In this exemplary aspect, brushroll 546 includes adowel 46, a plurality oftufted bristles 48 or unitary bristle strips extending from thedowel 46, andmicrofiber material 49 provided on thedowel 46, arranged between thebristles 48.Dowel 46 can be constructed of a polymeric material such as acrylonitrile butatdiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene or styrene, or any other suitable material such as plastic, wood, or metal.Bristles 48 can be tufted or unitary bristle strips and constructed of nylon, or any other suitable synthetic or natural fiber. Themicrofiber material 49 can be constructed of polyester, polyamides, or a conjugation of materials including polypropylene or any other suitable material known in the art from which to construct microfiber. - In one non-limiting example,
dowel 46 is constructed of ABS and formed by injection molding in one or more parts. Bristle holes (not shown) can be formed in thedowel 46 by drilling into thedowel 46 after molding, or can be integrally molded with thedowel 46. Thebristles 48 are tufted and constructed of nylon with a 0.15 mm diameter. Thebristles 48 can be assembled to thedowel 46 in a helical pattern by pressingbristles 48 into the bristle holes and securing thebristles 48 using a fastener (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a staple, wedge, or anchor. Themicrofiber material 49 is constructed of multiple strips of polyester treated with Microban© and glued onto thedowel 46 betweenbristles 48. Alternatively, onecontinuous microfiber strip 49 can be used and sealed by hot wire to prevent the single strip from detaching from thedowel 46. The polyester material can be 7-14 mm thick with weight of 912 g/m2. The polyester material can be an incipient absorption of 269 wt % and a total absorption of 1047 wt %. -
FIG. 10 is a close-up sectional view through a forward section of thesuction nozzle assembly 580. Thebrushroll 546 is positioned for rotational movement in a direction R about a central rotational axis X. Thesuction nozzle assembly 580 includes asuction nozzle 594 defined within thebrush chamber 565 that is in fluid communication with thefoot conduit 564 and configured to extract liquid and debris from thebrushroll 546 and the surface to be cleaned. Thesuction nozzle 594 defines a dirty air inlet of the working air path or recovery pathway through the vacuum cleaner.Suction nozzle 594 is further fluidly connected through thefoot conduit 564 and theflexible hose conduit 518, to dirty tank assembly 400 (seeFIG. 16B ).Front interference wiper 560, mounted at a forward position of thenozzle housing 551, is provided in thebrush chamber 565, and is configured to interface with a leading portion of thebrushroll 546, as defined by the direction of rotation R of thebrushroll 546. Spraytips 554 are mounted to thenozzle housing 551 with an outlet in thebrushroll chamber 565 and oriented to spray fluid inwardly onto thebrushroll 546. The wettedportion brushroll 546 then rotates past theinterference wiper 560, which scrapes excess fluid off thebrushroll 546, before reaching the surface to be cleaned.Rear wiper squeegee 538 is mounted to thecover base 537 behind thebrushroll 546 and is configured to contact the surface as the base 14 moves across the surface to be cleaned. Therear wiper squeegee 538 wipes residual liquid from the surface to be cleaned so that it can be drawn into the fluid recovery pathway via thesuction nozzle 594, thereby leaving a moisture and streak-free finish on the surface to be cleaned. -
Front interference wiper 560 andrear wiper 538 can be squeegees constructed of a polymeric material such as polyvinyl chloride, a rubber copolymer such as nitrile butadiene rubber, or any material known in the art of sufficient rigidity to remain substantially undeformed during normal use of thesurface cleaning apparatus 10, and can be smooth or optionally include nubs on the ends thereof.Wiper 560 andwiper 538 can be constructed of the same material in the same manner or alternatively constructed of different materials providing different structure characteristics suitable for function. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the underside of thesuction nozzle assembly 580, with some portions cut away to show some internal features of thesuction nozzle assembly 580.Brushroll chamber 565 is defined on the underside ofsuction nozzle assembly 580 forward of thefoot conduit 564. A pair ofspray tip outlets 595 can be provided in thebrush chamber 565. Alatch mechanism 587 is provided at the rearward portion ofsuction nozzle assembly 580 and is configured to be received in the upper cover 542 (FIG. 8 ).Latch mechanism 587 can be received in alatch receiving depression 587 a (FIG. 8 ) provided on theupper cover 542base 14 and is configured for a user to remove and/or lock thesuction nozzle assembly 580 onto thebase 14. Thesuction nozzle assembly 580 can be biased bysprings 556 to releasesuction nozzle assembly 580 away fromfoot assembly 500 when thelatch mechanism 587 is actuated. A pair ofspray connector inlets 590 are provided on the underside ofnozzle housing 551 and are fluidly connected to the first terminal end offluid delivery channels 40 on the upper side of the nozzle housing 551 (FIG. 8 ).Front interference wiper 560 is provided in the forward most portion ofbrushroll chamber 565. -
FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of thefoot assembly 500.Rear wiper 538 is provided on thecover base 537, rearward ofbrushroll 546, and configured to contact the surface to be cleaned. -
FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the underside of thenozzle cover 552 andFIG. 13B is an exploded perspective view of thesuction nozzle assembly 580. Thenozzle cover 552 includes of twofluid channel portions 40 a that form an upper portion of theflow channels 40 when mated withnozzle housing 551. Thenozzle housing 551 includes twofluid channel portions 40 b that form lower portions of theflow channels 40 when mated with thenozzle cover 552.Fluid channel portions delivery flow channels 40 therebetween containing thespray tips 554 at the second terminal ends partially therein. - The
nozzle housing 551 can define a lens for thebrush chamber 565 and can include a translucent or transparent material to allow thebrushroll 546 to be viewed therethrough. Likewise, thenozzle cover 552 can define a lens cover, and can include a translucent or transparent material, which permits a user to view the flow of fluid through theflow channels 40. -
FIG. 14 is a partially exploded view of the base. InFIG. 14 ,suction nozzle assembly 580 is removed to expose the indicator lights 517. The indicator lights 517 can be configured to activate in combination with thepump assembly 140 whentrigger 113 is depressed to deliver fluid (FIG. 2 ). A portion of the base can form a light tube orlight pipe 578 that is illuminated by the indicator lights 517 when fluid is delivered, indicating to the user that fluid is being delivered to the surface underneath thebase 14. Thelight pipe 578 can be any physical structure capable of transporting or distributing light from the indicator lights 517. Thelight pipe 578 can be a hollow structure that contain the light with a reflective lining, or a transparent solid structure that contain the light by total internal reflection. In the illustrated example,light pipes 578 are solid structures formed on thesuction nozzle assembly 580 and are elongated to extend along thefluid delivery channels 40 and configured to distribute of light over its length. More specifically, thelight pipes 578 are embodied as raised rails molded onto the surface of thenozzle cover 552, generally above thefluid delivery channels 40. -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of thefoot assembly 500 through line XV-XV ofFIG. 1 , with portion A enlarged for a close up view of a fluid dispenser in the form of thespray tip 554. Thespray tip 554 is mounted in each of the terminal ends of each of the fluiddelivery flow channels 40 of thesuction nozzle assembly 580 and can be configured to terminate in thebrush chamber 565. Eachspray tip 554 includes anorifice 595 oriented to spray onto thebrushroll 546 as depicted by the solid arrows inFIG. 15 . Thespray tips 554 can be oriented to spray along a horizontal axis which may be parallel to the rotational axis X of thebrushroll 546 or at a substantially horizontal angle relative to the rotational axis X in order to wet the entire length of thebrushroll 546 during fluid dispensing. By “substantially horizontal” the angle of spray of theorifice 595 can be 0 to 30 degrees, depending on the length of the brushroll and the spacing of thespray tips 554 in order to cover theentire brushroll 546 with fluid. The angle of thespray tips 554 may be static or adjustable while the multi-surface wetsurface cleaning apparatus 10 is in operation or prior to operation. The spraytip outlet orifice 595 can have any diameter suitable to deliver fluid at the desired pressure, pattern, and/or volume from thespray tip 554. In the present example,spray tips 554 have an outlet orifice diameter of 1.0 mm and are oriented to spray inwardly onto a top of thebrushroll 546 at an angle of 15 degrees From the horizontal. -
FIG. 16A is a schematic diagram of a fluid supply pathway of thesurface cleaning apparatus 10. The arrows present designate the directional flow of fluid in the fluid supply pathway according to the present example. The fluid supply pathway can include thesupply tank 301 for storing a supply of fluid. The fluid can include one or more of any suitable cleaning fluids, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example, the fluid can include a mixture of water and concentrated detergent. - The fluid supply pathway can further include a
flow control system 705 for controlling the flow of fluid from thesupply tank 301 tofluid supply conduit 532. In one configuration, theflow control system 705 can include pump 226, which pressurizes the system, andsupply valve assembly 320, which controls the delivery of fluid to thefluid supply conduit 532. In this configuration, fluid flows from thesupply tank 301, throughpump 226, to thefluid supply conduit 532. Adrain tube 706 provides a pathway for draining any fluid that may leak from thesupply tank 301 while thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 is not in active operation to a drain hole (not pictured) infoot assembly 500 to collect in a storage tray 900 (FIG. 19 ). From thefluid supply conduit 532, fluid flows sequentially through thespray connectors 528, through thefluid delivery channels 40, through thespray tips 554, and onto the brushroll 546 (FIG. 15 ), which applies the fluid to the surface to be cleaned. - The trigger 113 (
FIG. 2 ) can be depressed to actuate theflow control system 705 and dispense fluid to thefluid dispenser 554. Thetrigger 113 can be operably coupled to thesupply valve 320 such that pressing thetrigger 113 will open thevalve 320. Thevalve 320 can be electrically actuated, such as by providing an electrical switch between thevalve 320 and a power source 22 (FIG. 18 ) that is selectively closed when thetrigger 113 is pressed, thereby powering thevalve 320 to move to an open position. In one example, thevalve 320 can be a solenoid valve. Thepump 226 can also be coupled with thepower source 22. In one example, thepump 226 can be a centrifugal pump. In another example, thepump 226 can be a solenoid pump. - In another configuration of the fluid supply pathway, the
pump 226 can be eliminated and theflow control system 705 can include a gravity-feed system having a valve fluidly coupled with an outlet of the supply tank(s) 301, whereby when valve is open, fluid will flow under the force of gravity to thefluid dispenser 554. Thevalve 320 can be mechanically actuated or electrically actuated, as described above. -
FIG. 16B is a schematic diagram of a fluid recovery pathway of thesurface cleaning apparatus 10. The arrows present designate the directional flow of fluid in the fluid recovery pathway. The fluid recovery pathway can include thesuction nozzle assembly 580, thefoot conduit 564, theflexible conduit hose 518, the suction motor/fan assembly 205 in fluid communication thesuction nozzle assembly 580 for generating a working air steam, andrecovery tank 401 for separating and collecting fluid and debris from the working airstream for later disposal.Standpipe 420 can be formed in a portion ofrecovery tank 401 for separating fluid and debris from the working airstream. The suction motor/fan assembly 205 provides a vacuum source in fluid communication with thesuction nozzle assembly 580 to draw the fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned through theflexible hose conduit 518 to therecovery tank 401. -
FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 with portions removed to show theconduit assembly 585. In the present example,flexible conduit hose 518 couplesdirty tank assembly 400 tofoot assembly 500 through a forward portion of pivotable swiveljoint assembly 570.Fluid supply conduit 532 andwiring conduit 533 can be provided rearward offlexible conduit hose 518.Fluid supply conduit 532 fluidly couples thepump 226 the T-connector 530 in thefoot assembly 500. -
FIG. 18 is a schematic circuit diagram of thesurface cleaning apparatus 10.User interface assembly 120 can be operably connected to the various components of cleaner 10 directly or through acentral control unit 750.User interface assembly 120 can include one or more actuators and be configured with any combination of buttons, switches, toggles, triggers, or the like to allow a user to select multiple cleaning modes and/or control the fluid delivery and recovery systems. Apower source 22, such as abattery 22 can be electrically coupled to the electrical components of thesurface cleaning apparatus 10, including themotors surface cleaning apparatus 10 can be considered cordless. Asuction power switch 25 between the suction motor/fan assembly 205 and thepower source 22 can be selectively closed by the user, thereby activating the suction motor/fan assembly 205. Furthermore, abrush power switch 27 between thebrush motor 503 and thepower source 22 can be selectively closed by the user, thereby activating thebrush motor 503.User interface assembly 120 can be operably coupled to thepump 226 such that an actuator, such astrigger 113, can activate thepump 226 when engaged, thereby powering thepump 226 to deliver fluid to the fluid supply pathway. Actuation of thepump 226 can be operably connected to the LED lights 517 such that actuation oftrigger 113 additionally powersLED indicator lights 517 to provide user feedback that fluid is being delivered to the fluid supply pathway. - In one example,
user interface assembly 120 ofsurface cleaning apparatus 10 can be provided withactuators 122 for selecting multiple cleaning modes to be selected by the user.Actuators 122 send a signal to thecentral control unit 750, which can include a PCBA. The output from thecentral control unit 750 adjusts the frequency of thesolenoid pump 226 to generate the desired flow rate depending on the mode selected. For instance, thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 can have a hard floor cleaning mode and a carpet cleaning mode. In the hard floor cleaning mode, the liquid flow rate to thefluid dispenser 554 is less than in the carpet cleaning mode. The liquid flow rate is controlled by the speed of thepump 226. In one non-limiting example, the speed of thepump 226 is controlled in the hard floor cleaning mode so that the liquid flow rate is approximately 50 ml/min and the speed of thepump 226 is controlled in the carpet cleaning mode so that the liquid flow rate is approximately 100 ml/min. Optionally, thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 can have a wet scrubbing mode in which the suction motor/fan assembly 205 can be inoperative whilebrush motor 503 is activated so that the soiled cleaning solution is not removed from the surface to be cleaned. -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of astorage tray 900 for thesurface cleaning apparatus 10.Storage tray 900 can be configured to receive thebase 14 of thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 in an upright, stored position.Storage tray 900 can optionally be adapted to contain a liquid for the purposes of cleaning the interior parts of cleaner 10 and/or receiving liquid from the drain tube 706 (FIG. 16A ). In the present example,storage tray 900 is adapted to receive thebase 14 and includes aremovable brushroll holder 905 provided on an exterior side wall of thetray 900. Alternatively,storage tray 900 can be configured with anintegral brushroll holder 905. Here, thebrushroll holder 905 can be secured to thestorage tray 900 by aretention latch 910.Retention latch 910 can include a sliding lock, clamp, brace, or any other mechanism in which to securebrushroll holder 905 to its position onstorage tray 900 while in use and can be biased or otherwise configured to allow a user to release a lock and remove thebrushroll holder 905 fromstorage tray 900.Brushroll holder 905 can be adapted to removably receive one or more brushrolls 546 for the purposes of storage and/or drying.Brushroll holder 905 can include one ormore brushroll slots 915 to securely receivebrushrolls 546 in a vertical fixed position for drying and storage.Brushroll slots 915 can be fixed or adjustable and can include clamps, rods, or molded receiving positions that can accommodate brushroll 546 with or without thedowel 46 inserted. Alternatively,brushroll holder 905 can include a series of horizontal storage positions such racks, hooks, or clamps (not shown) to securebrushrolls 546 in a horizontal position. -
FIG. 20 is a side view of thestorage tray 900 for thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 more clearly illustrating acharging unit 920 provided on thestorage tray 900. The chargingunit 920 can electrically couple thebattery 22 when thesurface cleaning apparatus 10base 14 is seated onto thestorage tray 900. Therefore, thestorage tray 900 functions as a charging base or a charging tray. Anelectric coupler 921 can be provided at the rear of the chargingunit 920. Theelectric coupler 921 can electrically couple thecharging unit 920 to a power source including, but not limited to, a household outlet. In one example, a cord (not shown) can be coupled with theelectric coupler 921 that can connect theelectric coupler 921 to the power source. - Also better illustrated in the side view is that a
battery housing 24 can be provided on thehandle assembly 12 to protect thebattery 22 and retain thebattery 22 on thesurface cleaning apparatus 10. Thebattery housing 24 can be integral with thehandle assembly 12 such that thebattery housing 24 forms a portion of thehandle assembly 12. Alternatively, thebattery housing 24 can be removably coupled with thehandle assembly 12. Thebattery housing 24 and thecharging unit 920 of thestorage tray 900 can include complementary shapes. In this manner, thebattery housing 24 fits against the chargingunit 920 in order to couple thebattery housing 24 and thecharging unit 920. -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of thestorage tray 900 without thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 and without theremovable brushroll holder 905. A self-cleaningreservoir 926 is provided on thestorage tray 900 for use in self-cleaning modes of thesurface cleaning apparatus 10. The self-cleaningreservoir 926 can be formed as a recess in thestorage tray 900. Thereservoir 926 is shaped to fit a brush roll 546 (FIG. 2 ) when thebrush roll 546 is coupled with thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 and to retain a cleaning solution.Wheel holders 928 can be formed on thestorage tray 900 in order to retain the rear wheels 539 (FIG. 20 ). Thewheel holders 928 can be formed as a recess, or groove in thestorage tray 900 and can include awheel block 930. Thewheel block 930 can be a raised portion configured to prevent therear wheels 539 from rolling out of thewheel holders 928. -
FIG. 22 shows a rear, perspective view of a lower portion of thehandle assembly 12 including thebattery housing 24. Abattery cover 932 can be disposed on top of thebattery 22 to protect the components of thebattery 22. In the current embodiment, thebattery 22 is fixed or non-removable. ADC jack 934 having a charging contact 942 (FIG. 24 ) can be provided in thebattery 22 and can include aDC jack socket 936. WhileFIG. 22 illustrates anon-removable battery 22, it is also possible for aspects described herein to include a battery that can be removable from thebattery housing 24 such that thebattery 22 can be replaced, by a user, with anew battery 22 if need be. -
FIG. 23 illustrates thebattery 22 without thebattery cover 932 in order to more clearly show the components of thebattery 22. TheDC jack socket 936 can be covered, or closed with aDC jack cover 940 by way of aspring 938. Thespring 938 can be compressed, or retained, by the battery cover 932 (FIG. 22 ) when thebattery cover 932 is mounted to thebattery 22. Thus, thespring 938 under compression can provide a force on theDC jack cover 940 to hold theDC jack cover 940 in the closed position.FIG. 23 shows theDC jack cover 940 is in the closed position such that theDC jack cover 940 is in alignment with theDC jack socket 936, shielding the DC jack charging contact 942 such that liquid can be prevented from entering theDC jack 934. Thespring 938 is partially compressed and normally forces theDC jack cover 940 into the closed position. -
FIG. 24 illustrates theDC jack cover 940 in an open position, where theDC jack cover 940 is moved out of alignment with theDC jack socket 936 thereby exposing the DC jack charging contact 942. To move theDC jack cover 940 from the closed position to the open position, a force can push against a ramp 954 of theDC jack cover 940 to move, or slide, theDC jack cover 940 out of alignment with theDC jack socket 936. While a ramp 954 is shown, thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 can include any suitable mating feature configurable to move theDC jack cover 940. In the open position, thespring 938 is further compressed. -
FIG. 25 illustrates an exploded view of the chargingunit 920 more clearly showing the components of the chargingunit 920. Abracket 944 is provided in thecharging unit 920 and includes acharger plug 946 and aplug cover 948.Springs 950 bias theplug cover 948 into a closed position. The closed position (FIG. 26 ) can include covering, or closing off thecharger plug 946.FIG. 26 is a cutaway view of the chargingunit 920 more clearly showing thecharger plug 946 covered by theplug cover 948 such that theplug cover 948 shields electrical contacts (not shown) provided on thecharger plug 946. - In order to dock the
surface cleaning apparatus 10 within thestorage tray 900 for charging, thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 is lowered into thestorage tray 900 and rearlower portion 24 a (FIG. 22 ) of thebattery housing 24 can push against aramp 952 on theplug cover 948, sliding theplug cover 948 rearwardly to expose thecharger plug 946. While aramp 952 is shown, thestorage tray 900 can include any suitable mating feature configurable to move theplug cover 948. The rearwardly positionedplug cover 948 and exposedcharger plug 946 are illustrated inFIG. 27 . As thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 continues to be lowered onto thestorage tray 900, thecharger plug 946 is received within the DC jack socket 936 (FIG. 24 ). Thecharger plug 946 can push against the ramp 954 (FIG. 24 ) on theDC jack cover 940 and force theDC jack cover 940 to slide into the open position (FIG. 24 ), further compressing thespring 938, such that the DC jack charging contact 942 is exposed and coupled with the charger plug 946 (FIG. 27 ). The chargingplug 946 on thestorage tray 900 andDC jack 934 on thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 become fully engaged, or electrically connected, when thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 is fully seated on thestorage tray 900, which is illustrated inFIG. 20 . TheDC jack socket 936 can be coupled with the chargingunit 920 in order to charge thebattery 22 via theDC jack 934.FIG. 28 shows thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 with thebattery housing 24 andstorage tray 900 removed to more clearly view the chargingplug 946 coupled to thebattery 22. - The multi-surface wet
surface cleaning apparatus 10 shown in the figures can be used to effectively his remove debris and fluid from the surface to be cleaned in accordance with 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 proceed in a different logical order, additional or intervening steps may be included, or described steps may be divided into multiple steps, without detracting from aspects described herein. - In operation, the multi-surface wet
surface cleaning apparatus 10 is prepared for use by coupling thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 to thepower source 22, and by filling thesupply tank 301 with cleaning fluid. A user selects the floor surface type to be cleaned throughuser interface assembly 120. Cleaning fluid is selectively delivered to the surface to be cleaned via the fluid supply pathway by user-activation of thetrigger 113, while thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 is moved back and forth over the surface. Pump 226 can be activated byuser interface assembly 120. User-activation oftrigger 113 activates thepump 226 and fluid is released byclean tank assembly 300 into the fluid delivery pathway throughspray tips 554 and ontobrushroll 546. The wettedbrushroll 546 is wiped across the surface to be cleaned to remove dirt and debris present on the surface. - Activation of the
trigger 113 also simultaneously activates LEDindicator lights 517 which transmit light through theLED lenses 545 and intonozzle cover 552 along thelight pipes 578 to provide an illuminated indication that fluid is being dispensed. The illumination of theLEDs 517 andlight pipes 578 indicate to the user thefluid dispenser 554 has been activated and fluid has been dispensed onto the surface to be cleaned. - Simultaneously,
brush power switch 27 can activate brushroll 546 to agitate or rotate cleaning fluid into the surface to be cleaned. Such interaction removes the adhered dirt, dust, and debris, which then become suspended in the cleaning fluid. Asbrushroll 546 rotates,front interference squeegee 560 confronts brushroll 546 in a manner so as to ensure the brush is wetted evenly and cleaning fluid is spread uniformly across the entire length of thebrushroll 546.Front interference squeegee 560 can also be configured to simultaneously scrape soiled fluid and debris off thebrushroll 546 to be drawn into thesuction nozzle assembly 580 and fluid recovery pathway. As thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 moves over the surface to be cleaned, soiled cleaning fluid and dirt near thenozzle opening 594 is drawn into thesuction nozzle assembly 580 and the fluid recovery pathway when suction motor/fan assembly 205 is activated. Additionally, cleaning fluid and dirt is scraped by therear wiper squeegee 538 and drawn into the fluid recovery pathway. - Optionally, during operation of the
brushroll 546, the suction motor/fan assembly 205 can be inoperative which facilitates a wet scrubbing mode so that the soiled 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 pathway, the fluid and debris-laden working air passes through the
suction nozzle assembly 580 and into thedownstream recovery tank 401 where the fluid debris is substantially separated from the working air. The airstream then passes through the suction motor/fan assembly 205 prior to being exhausted from thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 through the clean air outlet defined by thevents recovery tank 401 can be periodically emptied of collected fluid and debris by actuating thelatch 430 and removing thedirty tank assembly 400 from thebody assembly 200. - When operation has ceased, the
surface cleaning apparatus 10 can be locked upright and placed into thestorage tray 900 for storage or cleaning. If needed, thesuction nozzle assembly 580 can be removed from thefoot assembly 500.Brushroll 546 can then be removed from thefoot assembly 500 and placed inbrushroll holder 905. - The multi-surface wet
surface cleaning apparatus 10 can optionally be provided with a self-cleaning mode. The self-cleaning mode can be used to clean the brushroll and internal components of the fluid recovery pathway ofsurface cleaning apparatus 10. In one aspect, the multi-surface wetsurface cleaning apparatus 10 is prepared for cleaning by coupling thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 to thepower source 22, and by filling thestorage tray 900 to a predesignated fill level with a cleaning fluid or water. The user selects the designated cleaning mode from theuser interface assembly 120. In one example,locking mechanism 586 is released to pivotupright assembly 12 rearward and the hard floor cleaning mode is selected from theuser interface assembly 120 by the user.Brushroll 546 is activated bybrush motor 503 while suction motor/fan assembly 205 provides suction to thesuction nozzle assembly 580 which draws fluid instorage tray 900 and into the fluid recovery pathway for a predetermined amount of time or until the fluid instorage tray 900 has been depleted. When self-cleaning mode has been completed,surface cleaning apparatus 10 can be returned to the upright and locked position instorage tray 900 andbrushroll 546 can be removed and stored as previously described. - An aspect of the disclosure also includes a self-cleaning mode. More specifically, the
surface cleaning apparatus 10 can be docked withinstorage tray 900. A user can fill the reservoir in thestorage tray 900 with a cleaning fluid or water to a predetermined or predesignated fill level. It is contemplated that a provided cup can be used to provide the appropriate amount of fluid. Alternatively, a separate reservoir provided on thestorage tray 900 or thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 may contain the cleaning fluid or water, and when thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 is docked within thestorage tray 900, a valve can be actuated that allows the reservoir in thestorage tray 900 to fill with fluid from the separate reservoir. A momentary switch 960 (FIG. 20 ) can be provided on thevacuum 10 for selectively actuating thebrush motor 503 and the suction motor/fan assembly 205. Selectively actuating can include pressing and holding a “Clean-Out” button (not shown) while the machine is docked in thestorage tray 900. When the button is pushed, thebrushroll 546 is activated bybrush motor 503 while the suction motor/fan assembly 205 provides suction to thesuction nozzle assembly 580. This draws fluid from thestorage tray 900 into the fluid recovery pathway until the button is released. In this manner, thebrushroll 546 and the suction motor/fan assembly 205 are operated simultaneously to clean thebrushroll 546 and the air path. The battery of thevacuum 10 can begin to charge after 1 minute of idle time. - In yet another example of a self-cleaning mode, a control panel 111 (
FIG. 3 ) and aPCB 110, 217 (FIG. 4 ). can automatically energize thepump 226,brush motor 503 and suction motor/fan assembly 205 according to a predetermined cycle. For example, when thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 is docked withinstorage tray 900, thestorage tray 900 can send a signal to thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 that docking is complete and a self-cleaning mode can be employed. A user can actuate the “Clean-Out” button (not shown), which can include a single press, and thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 can automatically dispense a cleaning formula or water solution from theclean tank assembly 300 onto therotating brushroll 546 and begin to fill the reservoir in thestorage tray 900. The dispensing can take approximately 30 seconds. Next, the suction motor/fan assembly 205 can turn on to extract dirty water and debris from the reservoir and brushroll, which can take approximately 10-15 seconds. Thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 can shut off after a predetermined amount of time, which can be approximately 45 seconds total and begin to charge after 1 minute of idle time. - While shown and described as an upright vacuum cleaner, it is also possible for aspects to include a robot (autonomous) vacuum cleaner configured to dock within a storage tray.
FIG. 29 is a schematic view of anautonomous vacuum cleaner 2010. Theautonomous vacuum cleaner 2010 has been illustrated as a robotic vacuum cleaner that mounts the components various functional systems of the vacuum cleaner in an autonomously moveable unit orhousing 2012, including components of a vacuum collection system for generating a working air flow for removing dirt (including dust, hair, and other debris) from the surface to be cleaned and storing the dirt in a collection space on the vacuum cleaner, and a drive system for autonomously moving the vacuum cleaner over the surface to be cleaned. While not illustrated, theautonomous floor cleaner 2010 could be provided with additional functional systems, such as a navigation system for guiding the movement of the vacuum cleaner over the surface to be cleaned, a mapping system for generating and storing maps of the surface to be cleaned and recording status or other environmental variable information, and/or a dispensing system for applying a treating agent stored on the vacuum cleaner to the surface to be cleaned. The autonomous or robotic vacuum cleaner can have similar properties to the autonomous or robotic vacuum cleaner described in U.S. patent application Publication No. 2018/0078106, published Mar. 22, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference. - The vacuum collection system can include a working air path through the unit having an air inlet and an air outlet, a
suction nozzle 2014, asuction source 2016 in fluid communication with thesuction nozzle 2014 for generating a working air stream, and adirt bin 2018 for collecting dirt from the working airstream for later disposal. Thesuction nozzle 2014 can define the air inlet of the working air path. Thesuction source 2016 can be a motor/fan assembly carried by theunit 2012, fluidly upstream of the air outlet, and can define a portion of the working air path. Thedirt bin 2018 can also define a portion of the working air path, and include a dirt bin inlet in fluid communication with the air inlet. Aseparator 2020 can be formed in a portion of thedirt bin 2018 for separating fluid and entrained dirt from the working airstream. Some non-limiting examples of the separator include a cyclone separator, a filter screen, a foam filter, a HEPA filter, a filter bag, or combinations thereof. Thesuction source 2016 can be electrically coupled to a power source, such as arechargeable battery 2022. In one example, therechargeable battery 2022 can be a lithium ion battery. Auser interface 2024 having at least asuction power switch 2026 between thesuction source 2016 and therechargeable battery 2022 can be selectively closed by the user, thereby activating thesuction source 2016. - Charging contacts (not shown) for the
rechargeable battery 2022 can be provided on themain housing 2012. The charging contacts can be provided within aDC jack 2934. TheDC jack 2934 can include aDC jack socket 2936 and aDC jack cover 2940 to shield the charging contacts in theDC jack 2934. - A
controller 2028 is operably coupled with the various systems of theautonomous vacuum cleaner 2010 for controlling its operation. Thecontroller 2028 is operably coupled with theuser interface 2024 for receiving inputs from a user. Thecontroller 2028 can further be operably coupled withvarious sensors autonomous vacuum cleaner 2010. - The
controller 2028 can, for example, be operably coupled with the drive system for directing the autonomous movement of the vacuum cleaner over the surface to be cleaned. The drive system can includedrive wheels 2030 for driving the unit across a surface to be cleaned. Thesensors - With reference to
FIGS. 29-31 , theautonomous vacuum cleaner 2010 can include abrush chamber 2036 at a front of theautonomous unit 2012 in which an agitator such as abrushroll 2038 is mounted. As used herein, “front” or “forward” and variations thereof are defined relative to the direction of forward travel of theautonomous vacuum cleaner 2010, unless otherwise specified. Thebrushroll 2038 is mounted for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis X, relative to the surface over which theunit 2012 moves. Asole plate 2050 can at least partially retain thebrushroll 2038 in thebrush chamber 2036, and has an inlet opening defining thesuction nozzle 2014. Awiper blade 2044 can be provided adjacent a trailing edge of thesuction nozzle 2014, behind thebrushroll 2038 in order to aid in dust collection. Thewiper blade 2044 is an elongated blade that generally spans the width of thesuction nozzle 2014, and can be supported by thesole plate 2050. - The
brushroll 2038 is mounted at the front of thevacuum cleaner 2010, whereas brushrolls on most autonomous vacuum cleaners are mounted near middle of housing and hidden under an opaque plastic housing. Thehousing 2012 of the illustratedsurface cleaning apparatus 10 can be configured to accommodate thebrushroll 2038 in the forward location, such as by having an overall “D-shape” when viewed from above, with thehousing 2012 having a straightfront edge 2040 and a roundedrear edge 2042. - An
agitator drive assembly 2046 including a separate, dedicatedagitator drive motor 2048 can be provided within theunit 2012 to drive thebrushroll 2038 and can include a drive belt (not shown) that operably connects a motor shaft of theagitator drive motor 2048 with thebrushroll 2038 for transmitting rotational motion of the motor shaft to thebrushroll 2038. Alternatively, thebrushroll 2038 can be driven by thesuction source 2016. - Due to the D-shaped
housing 2012 and position of thebrushroll 2038 at the front of thehousing 2012, thebrushroll 2038 can be larger than brushrolls found on conventional autonomous vacuum cleaners. In one example, thebrushroll 2038 can be a “full-size” brushroll that is typically found an upright vacuum cleaner. For example, a brushroll as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/016652, published Jun. 16, 2016, is suitable for use on theautonomous vacuum cleaner 2010 shown. Thebrushroll 2038 can also be removable from theunit 2012 for cleaning and/or replacement. - The
brushroll 2038 can have a diameter that is approximately 8× larger and a length that is approximately 2× larger than for a brushroll found in conventional autonomous vacuum cleaners. Thebrushroll 2038 can have a diameter of 48 mm and a length of 260.5 mm. -
FIG. 32 illustrates astorage tray 2900 for receiving theautonomous vacuum cleaner 2010 for charging theautonomous vacuum cleaner 2010. Thestorage tray 2900 is similar to thestorage tray 900; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 2000, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of thestorage tray 900 applies tostorage tray 2900, unless otherwise noted. - The
storage tray 2900 differs from thestorage tray 900 with respect to thecharging unit 2920. Thecharging unit 2920 is located and configured to charge theautonomous vacuum cleaner 2010. Thecharging unit 2920 can be provided with charging contacts within the charger plug (not shown) that correspond, or mate with, the charging contacts on therechargeable battery 2022 for theautonomous vacuum cleaner 2010 in the same manner than the chargingunit 920 can charge thebattery 22 on thesurface cleaning apparatus 10. For example, theramp 2952 on theplug cover 2948 on chargingunit 2920 can be moved to expose the charger plug when theautonomous vacuum cleaner 2010 is docked in thestorage tray 2900. At the same time, theDC jack cover 2940 on therechargeable battery 2022 can be moved to expose the charging contacts on theDC jack 2934 such that therechargeable battery 2022 and thestorage tray 2900 can be electrically coupled. Thebrushroll 2038 can be received in the self-cleaning reservoir 2926 in order to be cleaned as previously described for thestorage tray 900 and thesurface cleaning apparatus 10. - Benefits of aspects described herein can include shielded contacts, i.e. mechanically-actuated retractable covers or shields that are configured to cover electrical contacts on the charging tray and the cleaning apparatus when the cleaning apparatus is not docked on the storage tray. In the illustrated examples, the DC jack cover and the tray cover are both spring-biased to normally block access to the electrical contacts when the vacuum cleaner, or unit, is not docked on the
storage tray 900. Theplug cover 948 and theDC jack cover 940 prevent liquid from contacting the charging contacts 942 on thesurface cleaning apparatus 10 and thecharger plug 946 on thestorage tray 900. This also prevents user contact with the charging contacts. -
FIG. 33 illustrates acleaning apparatus 3010 according to another aspect of the present disclosure and which similar to the earlier described apparatus with it being understood that the description of the like parts applies unless otherwise noted. - As illustrated herein, the
surface cleaning apparatus 3010 can be an upright multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner having a housing that includes an upright handle assembly orbody 3012 and a cleaning head or base 3014 mounted to or coupled with theupright body 3012 and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. Theupright body 3012 can include ahandle 3016 and aframe 3018. Theframe 3018 can include a main support section supporting at least asupply tank 3020 and arecovery tank 3022, and may further support additional components of thebody 3012. Thesurface cleaning apparatus 3010 can include a fluid delivery or supply pathway, including and at least partially defined by thesupply tank 3020, for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a recovery pathway, including and at least partially defined by therecovery tank 3022, for removing the spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris until emptied by the user. - The
handle 3016 can include ahand grip 3026 and atrigger 3028 mounted to thehand grip 3026, which controls fluid delivery from thesupply tank 3020 via an electronic or mechanical coupling with thetank 3020. Thetrigger 3028 can project at least partially exteriorly of thehand grip 3026 for user access. A spring (not shown) can bias thetrigger 3028 outwardly from thehand grip 3026. Other actuators, such as a thumb switch, can be provided instead of thetrigger 3028. - The
surface cleaning apparatus 3010 can include at least oneuser interface surface cleaning apparatus 3010. Theuser interface 3030 can enable operation and control of theapparatus 3010 from the user's end, and can also provide feedback information from theapparatus 3010 to the user. Theuser interface surface cleaning apparatus 3010, as described in further detail below. - In the illustrated aspect, the
surface cleaning apparatus 3010 includes a human-machine interface (HMI) 3030 having one or more input controls, such as but not limited to buttons, triggers, toggles, keys, switches, or the like, operably connected to systems in theapparatus 3010 to affect and control its operation. The surface cleaning apparatus IO also includes a status user interface (SUI) 3032 which communicates a condition or status of theapparatus 3010 to the user. TheSUI 3032 can communicate visually and/or audibly, and can optionally include one or more input controls. TheHMI 3030 and theSUI 3032 can be provided as separate interfaces or can be integrated with each other, such as in a composite use interface, graphical user interface, or multimedia user interface. As shown, theHMI 3030 can be provided at a front side of thehand grip 3026, with thetrigger 3028 provided on a rear side of thehand grip 3026, opposite theHMI 3030, and theSUI 3032 can be provided on a front side of theframe 3018, below thehandle 3016 and above thebase 3014, and optionally above therecovery tank 3022. In other aspects, theHMI 3030 andSUI 3032 can be provided elsewhere on thesurface cleaning apparatus 3010. - A moveable
joint assembly 3042 can be formed at a lower end of theframe 3018 and moveably mounts thebase 3014 to theupright body 3012. Thejoint assembly 3042 can alternatively include a universal joint, such that theupright body 3012 can pivot about at least two axes relative to thebase 3014. Wiring and/or conduits can optionally supply electricity, air and/or liquid (or other fluids) between the base 3014 and theupright body 3012, or vice versa, and can extend though thejoint assembly 3042. The supply andrecovery tanks upright body 3012. Thesupply tank 3020 can be mounted to theframe 3018 in any configuration. In the present aspect, thesupply tank 3020 can be removably mounted at the rear of theframe 3018 such that thesupply tank 3020 partially rests in the upper rear portion of theframe 3018 and is removable from theframe 3018 for filling. Therecovery tank 3022 can be mounted to theframe 3018 in any configuration. In the present aspect, therecovery tank 3022 can be removably mounted at the front of theframe 3018, below thesupply tank 3020, and is removable from theframe 3018 for emptying. - The fluid delivery system is configured to deliver cleaning fluid from the
supply tank 3020 to a surface to be cleaned, and can include, as briefly discussed above, a fluid delivery or supply pathway. The cleaning fluid can include one or more of any suitable cleaning fluids, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example, the fluid can include a mixture of water and concentrated detergent. - As better illustrated in
FIG. 34 , thesupply tank 3020 includes at least onesupply chamber 3046 for holding cleaning fluid and asupply valve assembly 3048 controlling fluid flow through an outlet of thesupply chamber 3046. Alternatively,supply tank 3020 can include multiple supply chambers, such as one chamber containing water and another chamber containing a cleaning agent. For aremovable supply tank 3020, thesupply valve assembly 3048 can mate with a receiving assembly on theframe 3018 and can be configured to automatically open when thesupply tank 3020 is seated on theframe 3018 to release fluid to the fluid delivery pathway. - The recovery system is configured to remove spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and store the spent cleaning fluid and debris on the
surface cleaning apparatus 3010 for later disposal, and can include, as briefly discussed above, a recovery pathway. The recovery pathway can include at least adirty inlet 3050 and a clean air outlet 3052 (FIG. 33 ). The pathway can be formed by, among other elements, asuction nozzle 3054 defining the dirty inlet, asuction source 3056 in fluid communication with thesuction nozzle 3054 for generating a working air stream, therecovery tank 3022, and at least one exhaust vent defining theclean air outlet 3052. - The
suction nozzle 3054 can be provided on thebase 3014 and can be adapted to be adjacent the surface to be cleaned as thebase 3014 moves across a surface. Abrushroll 3060 can be provided adjacent to thesuction nozzle 3054 for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that the debris is more easily ingested into thesuction nozzle 3054. While a horizontally-rotatingbrushroll 3060 is shown herein, in some aspects, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls, or a stationary brush can be provided on theapparatus 3010. - The
suction nozzle 3054 is further in fluid communication with therecovery tank 3022 through aconduit 3062. Theconduit 3062 can pass through thejoint assembly 3042 and can be flexible to accommodate the movement of thejoint assembly 3042. - The
suction source 3056, which can be a motor/fan assembly including avacuum motor 3064 and afan 3066, is provided in fluid communication with therecovery tank 3022. Thesuction source 3056 can be positioned within a housing of theframe 3018, such as above therecovery tank 3022 and forwardly of thesupply tank 3020. The recovery system can also be provided with one or more additional filters upstream or downstream of thesuction source 3056. For example, in the illustrated aspect, apre-motor filter 3068 is provided in the recovery pathway downstream of therecovery tank 3022 and upstream of thesuction source 3056. A post-motor filter (not shown) can be provided in the recovery pathway downstream of thesuction source 3056 and upstream of theclean air outlet 3052. - The
base 3014 can include abase housing 3070 supporting at least some of the components of the fluid delivery system and fluid recovery system, and a pair ofwheels 3072 for moving theapparatus 3010 over the surface to be cleaned. Thewheels 3072 can be provided on a rearward portion of thebase housing 3070, rearward of components such as thebrushroll 3060 andsuction nozzle 3054. A second pair ofwheels 3074 can be provided on thebase housing 3070, forward of the first pair ofwheels 3072. - Electrical components of the
surface cleaning apparatus 3010, including thevacuum motor 3064, thepump 3094, and thebrush motor 3096 for thebrushroll 3060, can be electrically coupled to a power source such as abattery 3372 or a power cord plugged into a household outlet. In the illustrated aspect, the power source includes arechargeable battery 3372. - In one example, the
battery 3372 can be a lithium ion battery. In another exemplary arrangement, thebattery 3372 can include a user replaceable battery. As discussed above, thepower input control 3034 which controls the supply of power to one or more electrical components of theapparatus 3010, and in the illustrated aspect controls the supply of power to at least theSUI 3032, thevacuum motor 3064, thepump 3094, and thebrush motor 3096. The cleaningmode input control 3036 cycles theapparatus 3010 between a hard floor cleaning mode and a carpet cleaning mode. In one example of the hard floor cleaning mode, thevacuum motor 3064, thepump 3094, and thebrush motor 3096 are activated, with thepump 3094 operating at a first flow rate. In the carpet cleaning mode, thevacuum motor 3064, thepump 3094, and thebrush motor 3096 are activated, with thepump 3094 operating at a second flow rate which is greater than the first flow rate. The self-cleaningmode input control 3040 initiates a self-cleaning mode of operation, one aspect of which is described in detail below. Briefly, during the self-cleaning mode a cleanout cycle can run in which cleaning liquid is sprayed on thebrushroll 3060 while thebrushroll 3060 rotates. Liquid is extracted and deposited into therecovery tank 3022, thereby also flushing out a portion of the recovery pathway. - With reference to
FIG. 34 , thecontroller 3308 can be provided at various locations on theapparatus 3010, and in the illustrated aspect is located in theupright body 3012, within theframe 3018, and is integrated with theSUI 3032. Alternatively, thecontroller 3308 can be integrated with the HMI 3030 (FIG. 33 ), or can be separate from both theHMI 3030 andSUI 3032. - The
battery 3372 can be located within abattery housing 3374 located on theupright body 3012 orbase 3014 of the apparatus, which can protect and retain thebattery 3372 on theapparatus 3010. In the illustrated aspect, thebattery housing 3374 is provided on theframe 3018 of theupright body 3012. Optionally, thebattery housing 3374 can be located below thesupply tank 3020 and/or rearwardly of therecovery tank 3022. - Referring to
FIG. 35 , thesurface cleaning apparatus 3010 can optionally be provided with astorage tray 3380 that can be used when storing theapparatus 3010. Thestorage tray 3380 can be configured to receive thebase 3014 of theapparatus 3010 in an upright, stored position. Thestorage tray 3380 can further be configured for further functionality beyond simple storage, such as for charging theapparatus 3010 and/or for self-cleaning of theapparatus 3010. - Referring to
FIG. 36 , thestorage tray 3380 functions as a docking station for recharging thebattery 3372 of theapparatus 3010. Thestorage tray 3380 can optionally have at least onecharging contact 3382, and at least onecorresponding charging contact 3384 can be provided on theapparatus 3010, such as on the exterior of thebattery housing 3374. When operation has ceased, theapparatus 3010 can be locked upright and placed into thestorage tray 3380 for recharging thebattery 3372. When theapparatus 3010 is removed from thestorage tray 3380, one or both of the chargingcontacts - A
charging unit 3386 is provided on thestorage tray 3380 and includes the chargingcontacts 3382. Thecharging unit 3386 can electrically couple with thebattery 3372 when thebase 3014 of theapparatus 3010 is docked with thestorage tray 3380. Thecharging unit 3386 can be electrically coupled to a power source including, but not limited to, a household outlet. In one example, a cord 388 can be coupled with thecharging unit 3386 to connect thestorage tray 3380 to the power source. Thebattery housing 3374 and thecharging unit 3386 of thestorage tray 3380 can possess complementary shapes, with thebattery housing 3374 fitting against thecharging unit 3386 to help support theapparatus 3010 on thestorage tray 3380. In the illustrated aspect, thebattery housing 3374 can include asocket 3390 containing the chargingcontacts 3384 and thecharging unit 3386 can be at least partially received by thesocket 3390 when theapparatus 3010 is docked with thetray 3380. -
FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view of a lower portion of theupright body 3012 showing a cross-section through thecharging contact 3384 of thebattery 3372. Acontact casing 3392 can extend downwardly within thesocket 3390, and includes thecharging contact 3384, which is illustrated as DC connector or socket. Thecharging contact 3384 or socket can be normally covered, or closed, by a retractablecharging contact cover 3394, also referred to herein as battery-side cover. - The battery-
side cover 3394 can be slidably mounted to or within thecasing 3392 and can be biased to the normally covered position by aspring 3396. When the battery-side cover 3394 is in the closed position, the battery-side cover 3394 shields thecharging contact 3384 such that liquid cannot enter thecharging contact 3384 orcasing 3392. - The battery-
side cover 3394 can include aramp 3398 against which a portion of thestorage tray 3380 presses to move thecover 3394 to uncover thecharging contact 3384 against the biasing force of thespring 3396. It is noted that while aramp 3398 is shown, theapparatus 3010 can include any suitable mating feature configurable to move thecover 3394 upon docking, such as a cam or a rack and pinion gear, for example. Alternatively, a linear actuator can be incorporated to move thecover 3394 to the open position upon docking. - Referring to
FIG. 38 , thecharging contact 3382 of thecharging unit 3386, which is illustrated as DC connector or plug, can be normally covered, or closed, by a retractablecharging contact cover 3400, also referred to herein as tray-side cover. Abracket 3402 can be provided in the charging unit to mount the charging contact or plug 3382 and thecover 3400. The tray-side cover can be biased to the normally covered position bysprings cover 3400 rearwardly and upwardly. When the tray-side cover 3400 is in the closed position, the tray-side cover 3400 shields thecharging contact 3382 such that liquid cannot enter thecharging contact 3382 or chargingunit 3386. - The tray-
side cover 3400 can include aramp 3408 against which a portion of theapparatus 3010 presses to move thecover 3400 to uncover thecharging contact 3382 against the biasing force of thesprings ramp 3408 is shown, theapparatus 3010 can include any suitable mating feature configurable to move thecover 3400 upon docking, such as a cam or a rack and pinion gear, for example. Alternatively, a linear actuator can be incorporated to move thecover 3400 to the open position upon docking. - Docking the
apparatus 3010 with thestorage tray 3380 can automatically move thecovers FIGS. 39-41 , in which the chargingcontacts socket 3384 receiving the plug 382. In one aspect, in order to dock theapparatus 3010 within thestorage tray 3380 for charging, theapparatus 3010 is lowered into thestorage tray 3380 as shown inFIG. 39 and thecasing 3392 pushes against theramp 3408 on the tray-side cover 3400, sliding thecover 3400 forwardly to expose the charging contact orplug 3382. As theapparatus 3010 continues to be lowered onto thestorage tray 3380, the exposedplug 3382 presses against theramp 3398 on the battery-side cover 3394, as shown inFIG. 40 , sliding thecover 3394 laterally to expose the charging contact orsocket 3384. Continued lowering of theapparatus 3010 plugs theplug 3382 into thesocket 3384, as shown inFIG. 41 . The chargingplug 3382 on thestorage tray 3380 andsocket 3384 on theapparatus 3010 become fully engaged, or electrically connected, when theapparatus 3010 is fully seated on thestorage tray 3380. - Referring back to
FIGS. 35-37 , during use, theapparatus 3010 can get very dirty, particularly in the brush chamber and extraction pathway, and can be difficult for the user to clean. Thestorage tray 3380 can function as a cleaning tray during a self-cleaning mode of theapparatus 3010, which can be used to clean thebrushroll 3060 and internal components of the fluid recovery pathway ofapparatus 3010. Self-cleaning using thestorage tray 3380 can save the user considerable time and may lead to more frequent use of theapparatus 3010. Thestorage tray 3380 can optionally be adapted to contain a liquid for the purposes of cleaning the interior parts ofapparatus 3010 and/or receiving liquid that may leak from thesupply tank 3020 while theapparatus 10 is not in active operation. When operation has ceased, theapparatus 3010 can be locked upright and placed into thestorage tray 3380 for cleaning. Theapparatus 3010 is prepared for self-cleaning by filling thestorage tray 3380 to a predesignated fill level with a cleaning liquid, such as water. The user can select the self-cleaning mode via the input control 3040 (FIG. 33 ). - In one example, during the self-cleaning mode, the
vacuum motor 3064 andbrush motor 3096 are activated, which draws cleaning liquid in thestorage tray 3380 into the fluid recovery pathway. The self-cleaning mode can be configured to last for a predetermined amount of time or until the cleaning liquid instorage tray 3380 has been depleted. Example of self-cleaning cycles and storage trays are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/994,040, filed May 31, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. - The
tray 3380 can physically support theentire apparatus 3010. More specifically, thebase 3014 can be seated in thetray 3380. Thetray 3380 can have a recessed portion in the form of asump 3410 in register with at least one of thesuction nozzle 3054 orbrushroll 3060. Optionally, thesump 3410 can sealingly receive thesuction nozzle 3054 andbrushroll 3060, such as by sealingly receiving thebrush chamber 3104. Thesump 3410 can fluidly isolate, or seal, thesuction nozzle 3054 and fluid distributor (not shown) within thebrush chamber 3104 to create a closed loop between the fluid delivery and fluid extraction systems of theapparatus 3010. Thesump 3410 can collect excess liquid for eventual extraction by thesuction nozzle 3054. This also serves to flush out a recovery pathway between thesuction nozzle 3054 and therecovery tank 3022. -
FIG. 42 is a perspective view of thestorage tray 3380. Thetray 3380 can includeguide walls 3412 extending upwardly and configured to align the base 3014 (FIG. 36 ) within thetray 3380. A rear portion of thetray 3380 can includewheel holders 3414 for receiving therear wheels 3072 of theapparatus 3010. Thewheel holders 3414 can be formed as a recess, or groove in thestorage tray 3380, and can be provided on opposite lateral sides of thecharging unit 3386. - Optionally the
storage tray 3380 can include aremovable accessory holder 3416 for storing one or more accessories for theapparatus 3010. Theaccessory holder 3416 can be provided on an exterior side wall of thetray 3380, and can be removably mounted to thetray 3380. The tray 380 can optionally be provided with a mounting location on either lateral side of thetray 3380 to allow the user some flexibility in where theaccessory holder 3416 is attached.FIG. 42 includes anaccessory holder 3416 in phantom line showing one optional alternative mounting location. The mounting locations can include a retention latch, sliding lock, clamp, brace, or any other mechanism in which to secureaccessory holder 3416 on thestorage tray 3380 Alternatively,storage tray 3380 can be configured with a non-removable orintegral accessory holder 3416. - The illustrated
accessory holder 3416 can removably receive one or more brushrolls 3060 and/or one ofmore filters 3276 for the purposes of storage and/or drying.Accessory holder 3416 can include one ormore brushroll slots 3418 to securely receive brushrolls 3060 in a vertical fixed position for drying and storage.Brushroll slots 3418 can be fixed or adjustable and include clamps, rods, or molded receiving positions that can accommodate brushroll 3060 with or without the dowel 3110 inserted.Accessory holder 3416 can include at least onefilter slot 3420 to securely receivefilter 3276 in a vertical fixed position for drying and storage. Alternatively,accessory holder 3416 can store thebrushrolls 3060 andfilter 3276 in a variety of other positions. -
FIG. 43 is a block diagram for theapparatus 3010, showing a condition when theapparatus 3010 is docked with thestorage tray 3380 for recharging. Theapparatus 3010 includes abattery charging circuit 3430 that controls recharging of thebattery 3372. When theapparatus 3010 is docked with thestorage tray 3380 thebattery charging circuit 3430 is active and thebattery 3372 is charged. In at least some aspects of thestorage tray 3380, thetray 3380 includes power cord 388 plugged into a household outlet, such as by awall charger 3432 having, for example an operating power of 35W. However, during a self-cleaning cycle during which thevacuum motor 3064,pump 3094, andbrush motor 3096 are all energized, the required power draw can far exceed the operating power of the wall charger. In one example, the required power draw for thevacuum motor 3064,pump 3094, andbrush motor 3096 can be 200-250W. Theapparatus 3010 can include abattery monitoring circuit 3432 for monitoring the status of thebattery 3372 and individual battery cells contained therein. Feedback from thebattery monitoring circuit 3432 is used by thecontroller 3308 to optimize the discharging and recharging process, as well as for displaying battery charge status on theSUI 3032. - Referring to
FIG. 44 , the block diagram shows a condition when theapparatus 3010 is docked with thestorage tray 3380 in the self-cleaning mode. Depressing the self-cleaningmode input control 3040 disables or shuts off thebattery charging circuit 3430, and allows theapparatus 3010 to energize and be powered by the onboard battery 3472. Theapparatus 3010 then automatically cycles through the self-cleaning mode, and during this cycle thebattery charging circuit 3430 remains disabled, i.e. thebattery 3372 does not recharge during the self-cleaning mode. This operational behavior is beneficial because if thebattery charging circuit 3430 is not disabled and power not supplied by the battery 3472 during the self-cleaning mode, a much higher capacity and more expensive wall charger is required to power the apparatus during the self-cleaning mode. -
FIG. 45 depicts one aspect of the disclosure of a self-cleaningmethod 3440 for theapparatus 3010 using thestorage tray 3380. In use, a user at 3442 docks theapparatus 3010 with thestorage tray 3380. The docking may include parking thebase 3014 on thecleaning tray 3380 and creating a sealed cleaning pathway between thebrush chamber 3104 and thesuction nozzle 3054. - At
step 3444, thecharging circuit 3430 is enabled when theapparatus 3010 is docked with thetray 3380 and the chargingcontacts charging circuit 3430 is enabled, thebattery 3372 may begin being recharged. - At
step 3446, the self-cleaning cycle is initiated, with the user initiating the cycle by pressing the self-cleaningmode input control 3040 on theSUI 3032. The self-cleaning cycle may be locked-out by thecontroller 3308 when theapparatus 3010 is not docked with thestorage tray 3380 to prevent inadvertent initiation of the self-cleaning cycle. - At
step 3448, upon initiation of the self-cleaning cycle, such as upon the user pressing the self-cleaningmode input control 3040, thecharging circuit 3430 is disabled, i.e. thebattery 3372 ceases to recharge. - Pressing the
input control 3040 atstep 3446 can energize one or more components of theapparatus 3010 that are powered by the onboard battery 3472. The self-cleaning cycle may begin atstep 3450 in which thepump 3094 is active to deliver cleaning solution from thesupply tank 3020 to the distributor (not shown) that sprays thebrushroll 3060. Duringstep 3450, thebrush motor 3096 can also activate to rotate thebrushroll 3060 at while applying cleaning fluid to thebrushroll 3060 to flush thebrush chamber 3104 and cleaning lines, and wash debris from thebrushroll 3060. The self-cleaning cycle may use the same cleaning fluid normally used by theapparatus 3010 for surface cleaning, or may use a different detergent focused on cleaning the recovery system of theapparatus 3010. - The vacuum motor can be actuated during or after
step 3450 to extract the cleaning fluid via thesuction nozzle 3054. During extraction, the cleaning fluid and debris from thesump 3410 in thetray 3380 is sucked through thesuction nozzle 3054 and the downstream fluid recovery path. The flushing action also cleans the entire fluid recovery path of theapparatus 3010, including thesuction nozzle 3054 and downstream conduits. - At
step 3452, the self-cleaning cycle ends. The end of the self-cleaning cycle can be time-dependent, or can continue until therecovery tank 3022 is full or thesupply tank 3020 is empty. For a timed self-cleaning cycle, thepump 3094,brush motor 3096, andvacuum motor 3064 are energized and de-energized for predetermined periods of time. Optionally, thepump 3094 orbrush motor 3096 can pulse on/off intermittently so that any debris is flushed off of thebrushroll 3060 and extracted into therecovery tank 3022. Optionally, thebrushroll 3060 can be rotated at slower or faster speeds to facilitate more effective wetting, shedding of debris, and/or spin drying. Near the end of the cycle, thepump 3094 can de-energize to end fluid dispensing while thebrush motor 3096 andvacuum motor 3064 can remain energized to continue extraction. This is to ensure that any liquid remaining in thesump 3410, on thebrushroll 3060, or in the fluid recovery path is completely extracted into therecovery tank 3022. After the end of the self-cleaning cycle, the changingcircuit 3430 is enabled to continue to recharging the battery 3472 atstep 3454. - To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments of the invention, may be used in combination with each other as desired, or may be used separately. That one vacuum cleaner is illustrated herein as having all of these features does not mean that all of these features must be used in combination, but rather done so here for brevity of description. Furthermore, while the
surface cleaning apparatus 10 shown herein has an upright configuration, the vacuum cleaner can be configured as a canister or portable unit. For example, in a canister arrangement, foot components such as thesuction nozzle assembly 580 and brushroll can be provided on a cleaning head coupled with a canister unit. Still further, the vacuum cleaner can additionally have steam delivery capability. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched in various vacuum cleaner configurations as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described. - Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:
- A cleaning system, comprising a surface cleaning apparatus, comprising a housing adapted for contacting a surface of a surrounding environment to be cleaned a suction source, a suction nozzle assembly provided on the housing and defining a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction source, and a rechargeable battery mounted within the housing and electrically coupled to the suction source and configured to enable cordless operation of the surface cleaning apparatus and an apparatus charging contact electrically coupled with the rechargeable battery and a cleaning tray, comprising a tray body configured to at least partially underlie at least a portion of the housing, a charging unit operably coupled to the cleaning tray and electrically couplable to a power source configured to operably couple and charge the rechargeable battery of the surface cleaning apparatus, the charging unit comprising: at least one tray charging contact located on a portion of the tray body; and a moveable tray cover operably coupled to the tray body and configured to move between a covered position wherein the at least one tray charging contact is covered and an opened position wherein the at least one tray charging contact is accessible.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the apparatus charging contact includes a DC socket.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a moveable battery cover operably coupled to the housing and moveable between a covered position wherein the apparatus charging contact is covered and an opened position wherein the apparatus charging contact is accessible.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the moveable battery cover is slidably mounted to a battery casing at least partially retaining the rechargeable battery to the housing of the surface cleaning apparatus.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause further comprising a biasing element located between the moveable battery cover and the battery casing and providing a force to bias the moveable battery cover to the covered position.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the moveable battery cover includes a first ramped surface.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the moveable tray cover further comprises a mating surface upon which the first ramped surface applies force when the surface cleaning apparatus is docked with the cleaning tray.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the mating surface is a second ramped surface extending upwards from the moveable tray cover.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the power source is a household outlet.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the cleaning tray further comprises at least one biasing element operably coupled to the moveable tray cover and configured to provide a biasing force on the moveable tray cover towards the covered position.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the at least one biasing element comprises two springs providing biasing force in a plurality of directions.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a fluid delivery and recovery system, comprising: a fluid supply tank adapted to hold a supply of fluid, a fluid dispenser in fluid communication with the fluid supply tank, and a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction nozzle.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises an agitator located within the suction nozzle.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the tray body further comprises a recessed portion configured to receive the suction nozzle and the agitator.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the cleaning tray further comprises an insert selectively received within at least a portion of the recessed portion and configured to engage the agitator.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein a sealed cleaning pathway is formed to the recovery tank and fluid is dispensed from the fluid dispenser within a brush chamber of the housing to wash out the brush chamber, nozzle, and an airflow pathway between the suction nozzle and recovery tank.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the housing of the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a base receivable within the tray body.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the tray body further comprises guide walls extending upwardly and configured to align the base within the tray body.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the tray body further comprises wheel wells configured to receive wheels of the surface cleaning apparatus.
- The cleaning system of any preceding clause wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is one of an upright vacuum cleaner, a multi-surface floor cleaner, a robotic vacuum, a canister vacuum, a portable deep cleaner, an upright deep cleaner, or a commercial extractor.
- A cleaning tray for a surface cleaning apparatus having a body and a base assembly with a suction nozzle and an agitator, comprising a tray body configured to at least partially underlie the base and at least one of the suction nozzle or the agitator, a charging unit operably coupled to the cleaning tray and electrically couplable to a power source configured to operably couple and charge a battery of the surface cleaning apparatus, the charging unit comprising at least one tray charging contact located on a portion of the tray body; and a moveable tray cover operably coupled to the tray body and configured to move between a covered position wherein the at least one tray charging contact is covered and an opened position wherein the at least one tray charging contact is accessible.
- The cleaning tray of any preceding clause wherein the power source is a household outlet.
- The cleaning tray of any preceding clause further comprising at least one biasing element operably coupled to the moveable tray cover and configured to provide a biasing force on the moveable tray cover towards the covered position.
- The cleaning tray of any preceding clause wherein the at least one biasing element comprises two springs providing biasing force in a plurality of directions
- The cleaning tray of any preceding clause wherein the moveable tray cover further comprises a mating surface upon which a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus applies force when docked.
- The cleaning tray of any preceding clause wherein the mating surface is a ramped surface extending upwards from the moveable tray cover.
- The cleaning tray of any preceding clause wherein the tray body further comprises a recessed portion configured to receive the suction nozzle and the agitator and the tray body having guide walls extending upwardly and configured to align the base assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus within the cleaning tray.
- The cleaning tray of any preceding clause further comprising an insert selectively received within at least a portion of the recessed portion and configured to engage the agitator.
- The cleaning tray of any preceding clause wherein a sealed cleaning pathway is formed to a downstream recovery container within the surface cleaning apparatus and fluid is dispensed from a distributor within a brush chamber of the base to wash out the brush chamber, nozzle, and an airflow pathway between the suction nozzle and recovery container.
- 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 variation and modification are possible with the scope of the foregoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention which, is defined in 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 (26)
1. A floor cleaning system, comprising:
a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
an upright body comprising a handle and a frame, the frame supporting a supply tank that is selectively removable from the upright body and a recovery tank that is selectively removable from the upright body;
a base operably coupled with the upright body, the base comprising a base housing and a brushroll cover, the brushroll cover at least partially defining a brush chamber;
a recovery system comprising a suction inlet in the base housing, a vacuum motor, and the recovery tank;
a brushroll selectively receivable within the base and at least partially located within the brush chamber, the brushroll rotatable therein about a brushroll axis;
a brushroll motor adapted to provide a driving force to rotate the brushroll about the brushroll axis;
a fluid delivery system comprising the supply tank, a pump, and a fluid distributor, the fluid distributor provided on the base and configured to spray the brushroll;
at least one controller configured to execute an unattended automatic cleanout cycle for a self-cleaning mode of operation during which the pump, the brushroll motor, and the vacuum motor are energized; and
a rechargeable battery provided within a battery housing on the upright body, the rechargeable battery configured to selectively supply power to the vacuum motor, the pump, and the brushroll motor; and
a storage tray configured to dock the surface cleaning apparatus to recharge the battery and for self-cleaning of the surface cleaning apparatus, the storage tray comprising at least one charging contact, a power cord, and a wall charger configured to be plugged into a household outlet, the wall charger having a first operating power;
wherein the unattended automatic cleanout cycle has a second operating power that is at least 5.7 times greater than the first operating power.
2. The floor cleaning system of claim 1 , wherein the first operating power is 35 W and the second operating power is at least 200 W.
3. The floor cleaning system of claim 1 , wherein the second operating power is 200-250 W.
4. The floor cleaning system of claim 1 , wherein the recovery tank comprises:
a recovery container forming a collection chamber for the recovery system, the recovery container defining an open top;
a tank inlet formed at a lower end of the recovery container;
a hollow standpipe extending upwardly from the tank inlet and comprising a pipe outlet at an upper end thereof;
a lid assembly sized for receipt on the recovery container and at least partially enclosing the open top, the lid assembly including an air outlet of the recovery tank and supporting a filter at the air outlet; and
a removable strainer having a plurality of apertures, the strainer having a portion that mounts to the hollow standpipe.
5. The floor cleaning system of claim 1 wherein the handle comprises a hand grip, and the at least one input control comprises:
a power input control on the hand grip adapted to control a supply of power to one or more electrical components; and
a cleaning mode input control on the hand grip adapted to select at least one mode of operation.
6. The floor cleaning system of claim 1 , comprising:
a self-cleaning mode input control; and
a controller adapted to receive a signal from the self-cleaning mode input control and control the operation of the fluid delivery system and the recovery system, wherein the controller is configured to execute an automatic cleanout cycle for a self-cleaning mode of operation upon actuation of the self-cleaning mode input control.
7. The floor cleaning system of claim 1 , comprising a moveable joint assembly coupling the upright body to the base for movement about at least two axes relative to the base, wherein the suction inlet is in fluid communication with the recovery tank through a conduit, wherein the conduit passes through the moveable joint assembly and is flexible to accommodate the movement of the moveable joint assembly about the at least two axes.
8. The floor cleaning system of claim 1 wherein the recovery tank is provided below the supply tank and is removably mounted at a front of the frame, the recovery tank having a tank inlet at a lower end thereof that is configured to align with the conduit to establish fluid communication between the base and the recovery tank.
9. The floor cleaning system of claim 1 wherein the upright body comprises:
a first tank receiver to receive the supply tank, the supply tank having an externally-facing surface which forms a first external surface of the surface cleaning apparatus when the supply tank is seated in the first tank receiver; and
a second tank receiver to receive the recovery tank, the recovery tank having an externally-facing surface which forms a second external surface of the surface cleaning apparatus when the recovery tank is seated in the second tank receiver, and the recovery tank has an integral hand grip provided on the externally-facing surface thereof.
10. The floor cleaning system of claim 1 , comprising:
a first wiper configured to interface with a portion of the brushroll; and
a second wiper mounted to the base housing behind the brushroll and configured to contact a surface to be cleaned.
11. The floor cleaning system of claim 1 , wherein the unattended automatic cleanout cycle for the self-cleaning mode of operation comprises:
a dispensing phase in which the pump is activated to dispense cleaning fluid from the supply tank;
a brushroll rotation phase in which the brushroll motor is activated to rotate the brushroll; and
an extraction phase in which the vacuum motor is activated to extract cleaning fluid and flush out a portion of the recovery system;
wherein the unattended automatic cleanout cycle has a dispensing phase time and a total cycle time, and wherein a ratio of the dispensing phase time to the total cycle time is approximately 2:3.
12. The floor cleaning system of claim 11 , wherein the unattended automatic cleanout cycle has an extraction phase time, and wherein a ratio of the extraction phase time to the total cycle time is 1:3 to 1:4.5.
13. The floor cleaning system of claim 11 , wherein the vacuum motor is activated after the brushroll motor and the pump are activated.
14. The floor cleaning system of claim 11 , wherein the dispensing phase ends prior to the brushroll rotation phase and prior to the extraction phase.
15. A surface cleaning apparatus, comprising:
an upright body comprising a handle and a frame, the frame supporting a supply tank that is selectively removable from the upright body and a recovery tank that is selectively removable from the upright body;
a base operably coupled with the upright body, the base comprising a base housing and a brushroll cover, the brushroll cover at least partially defining a brush chamber;
a recovery system comprising a suction inlet in the base housing, a vacuum motor, and the recovery tank;
a brushroll selectively receivable within the base and at least partially located within the brush chamber, the brushroll rotatable therein about a brushroll axis;
a brushroll motor adapted to provide a driving force to rotate the brushroll about the brushroll axis;
a fluid delivery system comprising the supply tank, a pump, and a fluid distributor, the fluid distributor provided on the base and configured to spray the brushroll;
a rechargeable battery provided within a battery housing on the upright body, the rechargeable battery configured to selectively supply power to the vacuum motor, the pump, and the brushroll motor; and
at least one controller configured to execute an unattended automatic cleanout cycle for a self-cleaning mode of operation during which the pump, the brushroll motor, and the vacuum motor are energized;
wherein the unattended automatic cleanout cycle for the self-cleaning mode of operation comprises:
a dispensing phase in which the pump is activated to dispense cleaning fluid from the supply tank;
a brushroll rotation phase in which the brushroll motor is activated to rotate the brushroll; and
an extraction phase in which the vacuum motor is activated to extract cleaning fluid and flush out a portion of the recovery system;
wherein the unattended automatic cleanout cycle has a dispensing phase time and a total cycle time, and wherein a ratio of the dispensing phase time to the total cycle time is approximately 2:3.
16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the unattended automatic cleanout cycle has an extraction phase time, and wherein a ratio of the extraction phase time to the total cycle time is 1:3 to 1:4.5.
17. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the vacuum motor is activated after the brushroll motor and the pump are activated.
18. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the dispensing phase ends prior to the brushroll rotation phase and prior to the extraction phase.
19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the dispensing phase ends prior to the brushroll rotation phase and prior to the extraction phase.
20. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the recovery tank comprises:
a recovery container forming a collection chamber for the recovery system, the recovery container defining an open top;
a tank inlet formed at a lower end of the recovery container;
a hollow standpipe extending upwardly from the tank inlet and comprising a pipe outlet at an upper end thereof;
a lid assembly sized for receipt on the recovery container and at least partially enclosing the open top, the lid assembly including an air outlet of the recovery tank and supporting a filter at the air outlet; and
a removable strainer having a plurality of apertures, the strainer having a portion that mounts to the hollow standpipe.
21. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein the handle comprises a hand grip, and the at least one input control comprises:
a power input control on the hand grip adapted to control a supply of power to one or more electrical components; and
a cleaning mode input control on the hand grip adapted to select at least one mode of operation.
22. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 , comprising:
a self-cleaning mode input control; and
a controller adapted to receive a signal from the self-cleaning mode input control and control the operation of the fluid delivery system and the recovery system, wherein the controller is configured to execute an automatic cleanout cycle for a self-cleaning mode of operation upon actuation of the self-cleaning mode input control.
23. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 , comprising a moveable joint assembly coupling the upright body to the base for movement about at least two axes relative to the base, wherein the suction inlet is in fluid communication with the recovery tank through a conduit, wherein the conduit passes through the moveable joint assembly and is flexible to accommodate the movement of the moveable joint assembly about the at least two axes.
24. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein the recovery tank is provided below the supply tank and is removably mounted at a front of the frame, the recovery tank having a tank inlet at a lower end thereof that is configured to align with the conduit to establish fluid communication between the base and the recovery tank.
25. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein the upright body comprises:
a first tank receiver to receive the supply tank, the supply tank having an externally-facing surface which forms a first external surface of the surface cleaning apparatus when the supply tank is seated in the first tank receiver; and
a second tank receiver to receive the recovery tank, the recovery tank having an externally-facing surface which forms a second external surface of the surface cleaning apparatus when the recovery tank is seated in the second tank receiver, and the recovery tank has an integral hand grip provided on the externally-facing surface thereof.
26. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 , comprising:
a first wiper configured to interface with a portion of the brushroll; and
a second wiper mounted to the base housing behind the brushroll and configured to contact a surface to be cleaned.
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/377,506 Continuation US20210338033A1 (en) | 2018-06-22 | 2021-07-16 | Surface cleaning apparatus and tray |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20240315514A1 true US20240315514A1 (en) | 2024-09-26 |
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