Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
  • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
  • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
  • A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
  • A47L5/30—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
  • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
  • A47L11/408—Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
  • A47L11/4083—Liquid supply reservoirs; Preparation of the agents, e.g. mixing devices
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
  • A47L11/29—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid
  • A47L11/30—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction
  • A47L11/302—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction having rotary tools
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
  • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
  • A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
  • A47L11/4041—Roll shaped surface treating tools
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
  • A47L9/02—Nozzles
  • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
  • A47L9/02—Nozzles
  • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
  • A47L9/0405—Driving means for the brushes or agitators
  • A47L9/0411—Driving means for the brushes or agitators driven by electric motor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
  • A47L9/02—Nozzles
  • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
  • A47L9/0455—Bearing means therefor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
  • A47L9/02—Nozzles
  • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
  • A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
  • A47L9/0466—Rotating tools
  • A47L9/0477—Rolls
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
  • A47L9/02—Nozzles
  • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
  • A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
  • A47L9/0488—Combinations or arrangements of several tools, e.g. edge cleaning tools

Definitions

• Surface cleaning apparatus or floor cleaning nozzles for surface cleaning apparatus can have a brushroll for agitating the surface to be cleaned.
• Some surface cleaning apparatus have a fluid delivery system that delivers cleaning fluid, usually liquid, to a surface to be cleaned and in some cases deliver cleaning by wetting the brushroll.
• edge cleaning e.g., cleaning all the way to a wall, baseboard, or the like.
• Cleaning along edges, such as baseboards, walls, and the like can be difficult or impossible with many floor cleaning nozzles. Users often must supplement with additional cleaning tools and/or manual labor.
• Providing a single floor cleaning nozzle that can effectively clean floors as well as along edges provides unique challenges related to nozzle construction, surface agitation, and fluid dispensing.
• An improved floor cleaning nozzle for a surface cleaning apparatus is provided herein.
• a floor cleaning nozzle for a surface cleaning apparatus includes at least one fluid dispenser in fluid communication with a source of cleaning fluid and configured to dispense cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, a nozzle housing having a first side, a second side, a bottom, a brushroll compartment therein, an elongated suction inlet opening to the brushroll compartment, and an edge cleaning aperture in the first side extending upward from the bottom, a main brushroll rotatably mounted in the brushroll compartment about an axis, the main brushroll having a first end corresponding to the first side of the nozzle housing and a second end corresponding to the second side of the nozzle housing, the main brushroll comprising a main agitation material extending through the suction inlet opening, and an edge brushroll in the brushroll compartment, the edge brushroll connected to the first end of the main brushroll and rotatable therewith about the axis, the edge brushroll comprising an edge agitation material extending through the edge cleaning aperture.
• the floor cleaning nozzle has a squeegee that is laterally elongated and extends into the edge cleaning aperture in the first side of the nozzle housing, wherein the squeegee is rearward of the edge brushroll.
• the main brushroll and the edge brushroll form a brushroll assembly that is removable as a unit from the nozzle housing.
• the brushroll assembly has an offset carrier that mounts the brushroll assembly within the brushroll compartment.
• the floor cleaning nozzle has a removeable brushroll cover defining at least a portion of the brushroll compartment and defining at least one edge of the edge cleaning aperture.
• the floor cleaning nozzle has a main fluid dispenser configured to deliver cleaning fluid to the main brushroll and an edge fluid dispenser configured to deliver cleaning fluid to the edge brushroll.
• the edge brushroll is shorter in length than the main brushroll and/or comprises a microfiber agitation material having a nap length that is less than a nap length of the main brushroll.
• the floor cleaning nozzle has a brushroll motor operably coupled with the second end of the main brushroll and a drive coupling connecting the edge brushroll with the main brushroll.
• a surface cleaning apparatus includes an upright body comprising a handle and a frame, a floor cleaning nozzle operably coupled to the upright body, a supply tank adapted to hold a supply of cleaning fluid, wherein the floor cleaning nozzle includes a nozzle housing having a first side, a second side, a bottom, a brushroll compartment therein, an elongated suction inlet opening to the brushroll compartment, and an edge cleaning aperture in the first side extending upward from the bottom, at least one fluid dispenser in fluid communication with the supply tank, a main brushroll rotatably mounted in the brushroll compartment about an axis, the main brushroll having a first end corresponding to the first side of the nozzle housing and a second end corresponding to the second side of the nozzle housing, the main brushroll comprising a main agitation material extending through the suction inlet opening, and an edge brushroll in the brushroll chamber, the edge brushroll connected to the first end of the main brushroll and rotatable therewith about the axis
• the surface cleaning apparatus has a recovery system including a recovery tank and a suction source.
• the surface cleaning apparatus is a multi-surface wet/dry vacuum cleaner that can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as area rugs and carpet.
• the surface cleaning apparatus has a rechargeable battery for cordless operation.
• any reference to claim elements as "at least one of X, Y and Z" is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.
• the invention generally relates to a floor cleaning nozzle for a surface cleaning apparatus, which may be in the form of a vacuum cleaner or other surface cleaner, with improved edge cleaning.
• the surface cleaning apparatus may be in the form of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or wet/dry multi-surface cleaner that can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as area rugs and carpet.
• debris includes dirt, soil, dust, hair, stains, and other debris, unless otherwise noted.
• the functional systems of the surface cleaning apparatus can be arranged into any desired configuration, such as an upright device having a base and an upright body for directing the base across the surface to be cleaned, a portable device adapted to be hand carried by a user, a canister device having a cleaning implement connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose, an autonomous or robotic device having an autonomous drive system and an autonomously moveable housing, or a commercial device.
• Any of the aforementioned cleaners can be adapted to include a flexible vacuum hose, which can form a portion of a conduit between a nozzle and a suction source.
• the terms "wet/dry vacuum cleaner” or “wet/dry multi-surface cleaner includes a vacuum cleaner that can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as carpet.
• FIGS. 1-2 show a surface cleaning apparatus 10 having a floor cleaning nozzle 14 according to one aspect of the present disclosure.
• the floor cleaning nozzle 14 is provided with various features and improvements, which are described in further detail below. It is noted that while the cleaning nozzle 14 is referred to herein as a "floor" cleaning nozzle, the cleaning nozzle 14 according to at least some aspects of the disclosure may be usable to clean non-floor surfaces, such as upholstery and furniture.
• the apparatus 10 can include multiple cleaning systems, including a fluid delivery system and a recovery system. With both fluid delivery and recovery systems, the apparatus 10 can deliver cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and can recover fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned.
• the apparatus 10 can be an upright multi-surface wet/dry vacuum cleaner having a housing that includes an upright handle assembly or body 12 and a floor cleaning nozzle 14 comprising a cleaning foot or base mounted to or coupled with the upright body 12 and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned.
• the various cleaning systems and components thereof can be supported by either or both the floor cleaning nozzle 14 and the upright body 12.
• the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1 from the perspective of a user behind the apparatus 10, which defines the rear of the apparatus 10.
• the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
• the upright body 12 can comprise a handle 16 and a frame 18.
• the frame 18 can comprise a main support section at least partially supporting a source of cleaning fluid, such as a supply tank 20 and a recovery tank 22, and may further support additional components of the body 12, including, but not limited to, a battery.
• the apparatus 10 can include a fluid delivery or supply pathway, including and at least partially defined by the supply tank 20, for storing cleaning fluid, e.g. cleaning liquid, and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a recovery pathway, including and at least partially defined by the recovery tank 22, for removing liquid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the liquid and debris until emptied by the user.
• the handle 16 can include a handle tube 26 having a hand grip 28 at an upper end thereof.
• the handle tube 26 can extend upwardly from the frame 18 and may be elongated.
• Various configurations for the hand grip 28 are possible, including a loop-shaped grip as shown, or a non-looped, stick-like grip.
• the apparatus 10 can include at least one user interface ("UI") through which a user can interact with the apparatus 10 to accomplish one or more functions.
• the UI can, among other abilities, accept user inputs for controlling the cleaning system and/or function as a communication output device for the cleaning system.
• the UI can have at least one user input control operably connected to one or more components or systems of the apparatus 10 to affect and control its operation.
• input controls include buttons, triggers, toggles, keys, switches, or the like, or any combination thereof.
• the UI can have at least one status indicator, or a status display including a plurality of status indicators, which communicates a condition or status of the apparatus 10, including systems and components thereof, to the user.
• Non-limiting examples of status indicators include visual indicators such as lights (e.g., LEDs), icon displays, textual displays, graphical displays, or the like, or any combination thereof.
• the UI can also include an auditory output component, such as a speaker.
• the apparatus 10 may include a first UI 30 and a second UI 32.
• the first UI 30 can be an input UI configured to accept user inputs to control the apparatus 10, including systems or components thereof and the second UI 32 can be an output UI configured to indicate status information relating to the apparatus 10, including systems or components thereof.
• FIG. 2 is a close-up perspective view of the floor cleaning nozzle 14 according to one aspect of the disclosure.
• the floor cleaning nozzle 14 can include a nozzle housing 34 having a brushroll compartment 36 and an elongated suction inlet opening 38 to the brushroll compartment 36.
• a main brushroll 40 is rotatably mounted in the brushroll compartment 36 and rotates about an axis X.
• An edge brushroll 42 is also provided in the brushroll compartment 36 and is connected to the main brushroll 40 for rotation therewith about the axis X.
• the nozzle housing 34 includes an edge cleaning aperture 44 through which at least a portion of the edge brushroll 42 extends to agitate a surface to be cleaned.
• the edge brushroll 42 can include an edge agitation material 46 extending through the edge cleaning aperture 44.
• At least a portion of the main brushroll extends through the suction inlet opening 38 to agitate the surface to be cleaned.
• the main brushroll 40 can include a main agitation material 48 extending through the suction inlet opening 38. It is noted that a portion of the edge brushroll 42 may also extend through the suction inlet opening 38 to agitate the surface to be cleaned.
• the edge agitation material 46 can extend through the suction inlet opening 38.
• the agitation materials 46, 48 comprise microfiber.
• the microfiber 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.
• the microfiber agitation material 46 for the edge brushroll 42 may be the same as or different than the microfiber agitation material 48 for the main brushroll 40.
• the material, nap length i.e., the outstretched length of microfibers, which can be measured as the difference between the outer diameter of the brushroll 40, 42 with the microfibers outstretched and the outer diameter of the brush bar or dowel
• nap density may be different for the brushrolls 40, 42.
• either of the main brushroll 40 or the edge brushroll 42 can be a hybrid brushroll, with agitation materials comprising a combination of microfiber and bristles for agitation.
• Other embodiments of brushrolls 40, 42 are possible, such as a bristle brushroll suitable for use on soft surfaces and having bristles and no microfiber.
• the apparatus can be provided with multiple, interchangeable brushroll assemblies 142 having different combinations of main and edge brushrolls 40, 42, which allows for the selection of a main/edge brushroll combination depending on the cleaning task to be performed or depending on the floor type of be cleaned.
• the nozzle housing 34 has a first side 50, a second side 52, and a bottom 54.
• the edge cleaning aperture 44 is in the first side 50 of the nozzle housing 34 and extends upward from the bottom 54 of the nozzle housing 34.
• the nozzle housing 34 is therefore open to airflow at the bottom 54 and at the first side 50 adjacent the edge brushroll 42.
• the first side 50 may be a first lateral side, e.g., one that is substantially orthogonal or otherwise transverse to a front side 56 of the nozzle housing 34.
• the nozzle housing 34 may generally have four sides: the front side 56, first lateral side 50, second lateral side 52, and a rear side 58, as well as having a top 60 and the bottom 54.
• the main brushroll 40 has a first end 62 corresponding to the first side 50 of the nozzle housing 34 and a second end 64 corresponding to the second side 52 of the nozzle housing 34.
• the edge brushroll 42 is connected to the first end 62 of the main brushroll 40 for rotatable therewith about the axis X. Both brushrolls 40, 42 rotate in the same rotational direction R about the axis X.
• the second side 52 of the nozzle housing 34 extends upward from the bottom 54 of the nozzle housing 34.
• the nozzle housing 34 may be closed to airflow through the second side 52, which can concentrate airflow at the suction inlet opening 38 and the edge cleaning aperture 44.
• a suction inlet port 66 is disposed on the floor cleaning nozzle 14 and is in fluid communication with the elongated suction inlet opening 38.
• the suction inlet port 66 can be disposed rearwardly of the main brushroll 40 and the elongated suction inlet opening 38 can be disposed in the bottom 54 of the nozzle housing 34.
• the suction inlet port 66 is positioned in close proximity to the main brushroll 40 and edge brushroll 42 to collect liquid and debris directly from the brushrolls 40, 42.
• the edge cleaning aperture 44 is in fluid communication with the suction inlet port 66 to entrain liquid and debris in the vicinity of the edge cleaning aperture 44.
• the suction inlet port 66 is configured to extract liquid and debris from the main brushroll 40 and edge brushroll 42. With the brushroll compartment 36 being open to the surface to be cleaned via the suction inlet opening 38, some liquid and debris may be extracted from the surface to be cleaned as well. As such, the brushroll compartment 36 can form a portion of the recovery path, with the suction inlet port 66 being open to the compartment 36.
• the nozzle housing 34 comprises a brushroll cover 68. At least a portion of the cover 68 can be formed from a translucent or transparent material, such that the main brushroll 40 and/or edge brushroll 42 is at least partially visible to a user through the cover 68.
• the cover 68 can be a removable cover, whereby removal of the cover from the remainder of the nozzle housing 34 opens the brushroll compartment 36 and exposes the main brushroll 40 and/or edge brushroll 42.
• the nozzle housing 34 can include a rear housing body 70 at least partially defining the brushroll compartment 36 and the cover 68 is removably mounted on the body 70 to close the brushroll compartment 36.
• the cover 68 can be fully removed from the body 70 to open the brushroll compartment 36 or can be partially removable to open the brushroll compartment 36 while still remaining attached to the rear body 70.
• the brushroll cover 68 has an interior surface or underside 72 that is adjacent to the main brushroll 40 and the edge brushroll 42 and defines at least a portion of the brushroll compartment 36. As such, the cover 68 defines a portion of the recovery path, with the suction inlet port 66 being open to the brushroll compartment 36 defined by the underside 72 of the cover 68. In the present embodiment, the suction inlet port 66 is configured to extract liquid and debris from the main brushroll 40 and edge brushroll 42.
• a portion of the rear body 70 can comprise at least one surface 74 defining a rearward side of the brushroll compartment 36, with the suction inlet port 66 provided near a middle of the rearward surface 74.
• the cover 68 can define a forward side and upper side of the brushroll compartment 36.
• the brushroll compartment 36 may be a single space or chamber of the nozzle 14 in which both the main brushroll 40 and the edge brushroll 42 are disposed, as illustrated herein.
• the brushroll compartment 36 may comprise one chamber for the main brushroll 40 and another chamber for the edge brushroll 42.
• the brushroll cover 68 can have various configurations.
• the cover 68 can include portions of the first and/or second sides 50, 52 of the nozzle housing 34, such that said portions are removeable from the rear body 70 with the cover 68.
• the brushroll cover 68 can further have an upper wall 78 and/or a front wall 80 extending from the first side 50 to cover at least one of an upper portion and a front portion of the edge brushroll 42.
• the upper wall 78 and/or front wall 80 can further cover at least one of an upper portion and a front portion of the main brushroll 40.
• the brushroll cover 68 can define at least a portion of the edge cleaning aperture 44.
• the brushroll cover can define at least one edge 76 of the edge cleaning aperture 44.
• the brushroll cover 68 can have a sidewall 82 that extends downwardly along a portion of the edge brushroll 42 to cover an upper portion 84 of the edge brushroll 42 and leave a lower portion 86 of the edge brushroll 42 exposed, wherein the sidewall 82 defines the at least one edge 76 of the edge cleaning aperture 44.
• the cover sidewall 82 can, for example, extend downwardly from the cover upper wall 78 and/or rearward from the cover front wall 80.
• the edge brushroll 42 has a first end face 88 corresponding to the sidewall 82 of the brushroll cover 68 and a second end face 90 corresponding to the first end 62 of the main brushroll 40.
• 50% or less of the first end face 88 is covered by the sidewall 82 and 50% or more of the first end face 88 is exposed via the edge cleaning aperture 44. As illustrated in FIG. 6 , about 50% of the first end face 88 is disposed below the edge 76 of the cover 68.
• the floor cleaning nozzle 14 can have a squeegee 92 behind at least the main brushroll 40 to wipe residual liquid from the surface to be cleaned so that it can be drawn into the recovery pathway, thereby leaving a moisture and streak-free finish on the surface to be cleaned.
• the squeegee 92 can be on the bottom 54 of the nozzle housing 34 and can be coupled or otherwise joined to the nozzle housing 34 such that it can contact the surface as the floor cleaning nozzle 14 moves across the surface to be cleaned.
• the squeegee 92 can be laterally elongated and can extend into the edge cleaning aperture 44 in the first side 50 of the nozzle housing 34, such that the squeegee 92 is rearward of the edge brushroll 42 in addition to being rearward of the main brushroll 40. In one embodiment, the squeegee 92 may extend substantially the entire combined length of the brushrolls 40, 42.
• a lateral end 94 of the squeegee 92 may extend all the way to the first side 50 of the nozzle housing 34 and may be exposed via the edge cleaning aperture 44 at the first side 50. This disposes the squeegee 92 at or very close to the outer edge of the cleaning nozzle 14 which improves the surface finish performance along edges and baseboards.
• the lateral end 94 of the squeegee 92 extends to or past the first side 50 of the nozzle housing 34 and/or the outer surface of the sidewall 82 of the brushroll cover 68.
• the lateral end 94 of the squeegee 92 can extends to or past a plane P defined by an outer surface of the first side 50 of the nozzle housing 34 and/or the outer surface of the sidewall 82 of the brushroll cover 68.
• the squeegee 92 can be pliant, i.e., flexible or resilient, in order to bend readily according to the contour of the surface to be cleaned yet remain undeformed by normal use of the apparatus 10.
• the squeegee 92 can be formed of a resilient polymeric material, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 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 the apparatus 10.
• EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer
• PVC polyvinyl chloride
• a rubber copolymer such as nitrile butadiene rubber
• the squeegee 92 can be disposed generally orthogonal to the surface to be cleaned, or vertically.
• the squeegee 92 can optionally comprise nubs as shown on the end thereof in FIGS. 4-5 for lifting a lower portion the squeegee 92 slightly to allow working air to pass under the squeegee 92 on a backstroke of the floor cleaning nozzle 14.
• an interference wiper can be provided in the brushroll compartment 36 to interface with a portion of the main brushroll 40 and/or edge brushroll 42 to scrape off any excess liquid thereon and/or evenly spread or distribute cleaning fluid across the width thereof prior to reaching the surface to be cleaned.
• FIG. 7 shows an architectural layout for the floor cleaning nozzle 14 according to one aspect of the disclosure, including locations and relative positions for components of the supply and recovery systems. Components including the main brushroll 40, edge brushroll 42, a pump 96, and a brushroll motor 98 are included on the floor cleaning nozzle 14. For clarity of the architectural layout, portions of the floor cleaning nozzle 14 are broken away.
• the components of the floor cleaning nozzle 14 are arranged with relative positioning that provides an architecture that is low-profile and easily maneuvered along a surface to be cleaned.
• the pump 96 and brushroll motor 98 are disposed rearwardly of the brushrolls 40, 42.
• the pump 96 and brushroll motor 98 are located on opposing sides of the suction inlet port 66, only a portion of which is visible in FIG. 7 .
• a conduit 100 fluidly coupling the port 66 to the recovery tank 22 ( FIG. 1 ) and forming a portion of the recovery path can pass between the pump 96 and the brush motor 98.
• the conduit 100 can generally bisect a rear portion of the floor cleaning nozzle 14 into a pump cavity in which the pump 96 is located and a brush motor cavity in which the brush motor 98 is located. Other arrangements of the components of the floor cleaning nozzle 14 are possible.
• the rear body 70 can support at least some of the components of the floor cleaning nozzle 14, and the rear body 70 can include one or more housing pieces and/or covers assembled together, and, in some embodiments, defining one or more of the sides of the floor cleaning nozzle 14.
• Rear wheels 102 and front wheels 104 can at least partially support the rear body 70 for movement over the surface to be cleaned.
• a drive assembly including the brushroll motor 98 can drive the main brushroll 40 and edge brushroll 42.
• a drive transmission 106 operably connects the motor 98 with the main brushroll 40 for transmitting rotational motion of the motor 98 to the main brushroll 40.
• the drive transmission 106 can operably connect the main brushroll 40 with a vacuum motor to transmit rotational motion of the vacuum motor to the brushroll 40.
• the drive transmission 106 can comprise one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, or combinations thereof.
• One example of the drive transmission 106 can include a belt 108 coupling the motor 98 with the main brushroll 40.
• the transmission 106 can further include a drive head 110 coupled with or otherwise driven by the belt 108.
• the drive head 110 can couple with a splined drive connection 112 ( FIG. 9 ) on the second end 64 of the main brushroll 40.
• the drive connection between the motor 98 and main brushroll 40 is preferably at the second side 52 of the nozzle housing 34 to accommodate for the edge brushroll 42 at the second side 50.
• the drive head 110 can be exposed for connection with the main brushroll 40 on an inwardly-disposed surface 114 of the second side 52 of nozzle housing 34 and the drive head 110 may face the brushroll compartment 36.
• the edge brushroll 42 is indirectly coupled with the motor 98 via its coupling with the main brushroll 40, which is described in further detail below.
• the floor cleaning nozzle 14 has at least one fluid dispenser configured to deliver cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned directly or indirectly by delivering cleaning fluid to at least one of the main brushroll 40 and the edge brushroll 42.
• the floor cleaning nozzle 14 has a main fluid dispenser 116 configured to deliver cleaning fluid to at least the main brushroll 40 and an edge fluid dispenser 118 configured to deliver cleaning fluid to at least the edge brushroll 42.
• the dispensers 116, 118 can take various forms, such as at least one spray nozzle, manifold, drip bar, spray tip, and the like.
• the main and edge dispensers 116, 118 can be supplied with fluid from the same source, e.g., supply tank 20 ( FIGS. 1 and 12 ), or may have different fluid sources.
• the main fluid dispenser 116 comprises a spray manifold 120 having a plurality of outlets 122 and an inlet 124 configured for fluid communication with the fluid source.
• the inlet 124 can supply fluid through a rear side of the spray manifold 120, with the outlets 122 on the front, e.g., forward-facing, side of the spray manifold 120.
• the spray manifold 120 can be laterally elongated to provide spray coverage across the main brushroll 40.
• the outlets 122 can be axially, and in some embodiments equally, spaced from each other to dispense cleaning fluid along the length of the main brushroll 40. With a plurality of axially-spaced outlets 122 as shown, the spray manifold 120 can spray fluid across substantially the entire length of the main brushroll 40. Other dispensing patterns are possible.
• each outlet 122 can have various configurations.
• each outlet 122 includes a plurality of discharge ports. Any suitable number, size, configuration, and angle of discharge ports may be selected for facilitating distribution of fluid.
• each outlet 122 includes two angled discharge ports in order to spread out the sprayed fluid.
• the edge fluid dispenser 118 comprises a spray tip 126 having at least one outlet 128 and an inlet 130 configured for fluid communication with the fluid source.
• the spray tip 126 can be separate from the spray manifold 120 and can be supplied with cleaning fluid through a separate inlet 130.
• the inlet 130 can supply fluid through a rear side of the spray tip 126, with the outlet 128 on the front, e.g., forward-facing, side of the spray tip 126.
• the main fluid dispenser 116 e.g., spray manifold 120, can be disposed at the rear surface 74 of the brushroll compartment 36 and can further disposed generally rearwardly of the main brushroll 40 and directs a spray of cleaning fluid toward a rear portion of the main brushroll 40.
• the main fluid dispenser 116 can further be disposed above the suction inlet port 66 and directs a spray of cleaning fluid toward an upper rear portion of the main brushroll 40.
• the edge fluid dispenser 118 e.g., spray tip 126, can be disposed at the rear surface 74 of the brushroll compartment 36 and can further be disposed generally rearwardly of the edge brushroll 42 and directs a spray of cleaning fluid toward a rear portion of the edge brushroll 42.
• the edge fluid dispenser 118 can further be disposed inwardly of the first side 50 of the nozzle housing 34 and directs a spray of cleaning fluid toward a rear portion of the edge brushroll 42.
• the pump 96 can supply fluid to each of the dispensers 116, 118.
• the pump 96 supplies cleaning fluid through an outlet conduit 132 coupled at one end with an outlet of the pump 96 and at the other end with a flow splitter 134, a non-limiting example of which is a T-connector, that splits the flow and directs a portion of the cleaning fluid to the inlet 124 of the main fluid dispenser 116 via a first supply conduit 136 and directs another portion of the cleaning fluid to the inlet 130 of the edge fluid dispenser 118 via a second supply conduit 138.
• a flow splitter 134 a non-limiting example of which is a T-connector
• a check valve 139 can be placed in-line with the second supply conduit 138, upstream from the inlet 130 of the edge fluid dispenser 118 to prevent leakage of liquid from spray tip 126 when not in use.
• the conduits 132, 136, 138 can comprise flexible hose or tubing.
• valving and/or separate pumps can be provided to control the delivery of fluid to each dispenser 116, 118 individually.
• a suction guard 140 is disposed between the suction inlet port 66 and the outlets 122 of the main fluid dispenser 116 to prevent cleaning fluid dispensed from the fluid dispenser 116 from getting suctioned into the recovery pathway immediately and/or before wetting the main brushroll 40. Without the suction guard 140, cleaning fluid may be pulled directly into the recovery pathway and may bypass the main brushroll 40 entirely.
• the suction guard 140 partially projects into the nap of the microfiber brushroll 40 (or other agitation material in the case of a non-microfiber brushroll) and prevents cleaning fluid from being sucked into the suction inlet port 66 immediately after being distributed from the fluid dispenser 116.
• the suction guard 140 does not seal against the main brushroll 40 and working air can still move through the porous nap (or other agitation material) of the brushroll 40 so that at least some suction is present at a forwardmost portion of the of the brushroll compartment 36, e.g., between the cover 68 and the brushroll 40.
• the suction guard 140 is integrated with the fluid dispenser 116, however in other embodiments, the suction guard 140 is not integrated with, and may be provided separately from, the fluid dispenser 116.
• the main brushroll 40 and edge brushroll 42 can be coupled to form a brushroll assembly 142 that is removable as a unit from the nozzle housing 34, such as for cleaning, drying, and/or replacement of the brushroll assembly 142.
• the main brushroll 40 comprises a main brushroll length along the axis X
• the edge brushroll 42 comprises an edge brushroll length along the axis X
• a ratio of the main brushroll length to edge brushroll length is about 5:1 to about 10:1.
• the main brushroll 40 can comprise an elongated brush bar 144 supporting the agitation material 48.
• the brush bar 144 can optionally be a hollow core brush bar 144 that is substantially hollow or cored out to reduce the weight and rotational inertia of the brush bar 144.
• the brush bar 144 includes a drive end cap 146 ( FIG. 9 ) at one end thereof that includes the splined drive connection 112.
• the edge brushroll 42 can comprise a rotatable brush body 148 supporting the agitation material 46, and can optionally be a substantially solid body defining the first end face 88 and second end face 90, where the first end face 88 is a closed or solid surface and the second end face 90 is open with the body 148 having a cylindrical internally-threaded neck 150 extending from the second end face 90 and having a blind hole 152.
• a drive coupling connects the edge brushroll 42 with the main brushroll 40, thereby indirectly coupling the edge brushroll 42 with the brushroll motor 98.
• the drive coupling can be internal to the brushroll assembly 142.
• the drive coupling between the main brushroll 40 and edge brushroll 42 includes a shaft 154 fixed with the main brushroll 40.
• the shaft 154 can extend from an end of the brush bar 144, opposite its driven end, to couple with and drive the rotation of the rotatable brush body 148 of the edge brushroll 42.
• An externally-threaded head 156 is mounted on the shaft 154 and secured thereto with a screw 158 or other fastener.
• the edge brushroll 42 is thereby attached to the shaft 154 by screwing the externally-threaded head 156 into the blind hole 152 of the internally-threaded neck 150.
• the brushroll assembly 142 includes a carrier 160 that supports the brushroll assembly 142 within the brushroll compartment 36 of the nozzle housing 34.
• the nozzle housing 34 has a carrier mount 162 within the brushroll compartment 36 that mounts the carrier 160, where the carrier mount 162 is disposed between first and second ends of the brushroll compartment 36 such that the brushroll assembly 142 is supported at a location intermediate the first and second ends of the brushroll compartment 36.
• the carrier 160 is provided on a non-rotatable portion of the brushroll assembly 142.
• the carrier 160 is axially offset, i.e., is offset along the axis X, such that the carrier 160 is closer to one end of the brushroll assembly 142 than the other. As shown, the carrier 160 is closer to the first end of the brushroll assembly 142, which in this embodiment may correspond to the first end 88 of the edge brushroll 42, than the second end of the brushroll assembly 142, which in this embodiment may correspond to the second end 64 of the main brushroll 40.
• the carrier mount 162 is disposed inwardly of and spaced from the first side 50 of the nozzle housing 34. Thus, a first end of the brushroll assembly 142 is not mounted to the first side 50 of the nozzle housing 34. Rather, a portion of the brushroll assembly 142 intermediate its first and second ends is mounted to the nozzle housing 34 via the carrier 160, such that the first end of the brushroll assembly 142 has a cantilevered mounting.
• the second end of the brushroll assembly 142 which in this embodiment is the second end 64 of the main brushroll 40, is supported within the brushroll compartment 36 by the coupled drive head 110 and splined drive connection 112 on the second end 64 of the main brushroll 40.
• the drive head 110 With the drive head 110 on an inwardly-disposed surface 114 of the second side 52 of nozzle housing 34, the second end of the brushroll assembly 142 is mounted to the second side 52 of the nozzle housing 34.
• the carrier 160 is disposed between the edge brushroll 42 and main brushroll 40.
• the carrier 160 may be at least partially disposed between the second end 90 of the edge brushroll 42 and the first end 62 of the main brushroll 40.
• the drive coupling between the main brushroll 40 and edge brushroll 42 can extend through the carrier 160, with the carrier 160 having an opening through which at least the shaft 154 can pass. So that the brushrolls 40, 42 can rotate relative to the carrier 160, the brushroll assembly 142 can have a bearing 164 with an inner race press fitted on the shaft 154 and an outer race fixed in the carrier 160. A washer 166 may be interposed between the bearing 164 and shaft 154.
• the carrier 160 can comprise a carrier body 168 that surrounds the axis X and extends radially relative to the axis X.
• the carrier body 168 can have axially-extending cylindrical portion 170 that protrudes inside brush bar 144 around the shaft 154.
• the cylindrical portion 170 can have a hollow interior 172 for accommodating the internally-threaded neck 150 and shaft head 156, and comprises a radial end wall 174 through which the shaft 154 extends.
• the cylindrical portion 170 can be over-sized relative to the outer diameter of the neck 150 so that the neck 150 can spin within the cylindrical portion 170.
• the carrier 160 can comprise a bearing holder 176 for the bearing 164.
• the carrier 160 is coupled with a non-rotatable portion of the brushroll assembly 142 and does not interfere with the rotation of the brushrolls 40, 42.
• the bearing holder 176 can extend axially from the end wall 174 of the cylindrical portion 170.
• the carrier 160 includes a T-shaped tab 178 that is configured to be received in a corresponding slot 180 of the carrier mount 162.
• the tab 178 includes at least two wings 182 extending generally orthogonally from opposing surfaces of the carrier body 168.
• the carrier mount 162 is an elongated slot 180 having retaining walls 184 protruding toward each other from opposing sides of the slot 180.
• the slot 180 may be at least partially recessed in the rear wall 74 forming the brushroll compartment 36.
• the retaining walls 184 can, for example, be disposed rearwardly of the rear wall 74, with a portion of the slot 180 extending behind the retaining walls 184.
• the tab 178 and slot 180 may be vertically elongated such that the tab 178 can be dropped into the slot 180 from above, with the wings 182 being inserted behind the retaining walls 184.
• the wings 182 can have an angled lead-in portion at a lower portion thereof and the slot 180 and/or walls 184 can have an angled lead-in portion at an upper portion thereof to help guide the tab 178 into the slot 180 when a user is installing the brushroll assembly 142.
• the carrier 160 can include lugs 186, beads, or other shaped retaining elements that press against the retaining walls 184 when the carrier 160 is joined with the mount 162.
• the lugs 186 can be spaced from and face the wings 182 on opposing surfaces of the carrier 160, such that the retaining walls 184 are received between the wings 182 and the lugs 186.
• the carrier 160 can, in some embodiments, include a handle 188 to aid in removal of the brushroll assembly 142 from the brush compartment 36.
• the handle 188 may conveniently be provided at an upper end of the carrier 160, with a greppable portion of the handle 188 spaced above the agitation materials 46, 48, so that a user can grip the handle 188 and lift the brushroll assembly 142 from the brush compartment 36 without having to touch the wet and/or dirty portion of the brushroll assembly 142.
• the cover 68 can be mountable to the rear body 70 via a hook-and-catch mechanism that may be partially integrated with the brushroll assembly 142.
• the cover 68 includes at least one hook 190 that catches in a corresponding catch 192 in a non-rotatable portion of the brushroll assembly 142, such as the carrier 160. While shown herein as being integrally formed with the carrier 160, in other embodiments, the catch 192 can be attached to the carrier 160 or attached to another portion of the brushroll assembly 142, separate from the carrier 160.
• the cover 68 can also include at least one hook 194 that catches in a corresponding catch 196 in the rear body 70.
• the catch 196 can, for example be disposed at the second end 52 of the nozzle housing 34.
• the floor cleaning nozzle 14 can have a cover latch 198 that releasably secures the cover 68 on the rear body 70.
• the cover 68 can carry the cover latch 198 and the cover latch 198 is received in a latch holder 200 provided on the rear body 70.
• the cover latch 198 can include a spring-mounted latch actuator that is pinched to move the latch 198 out of engagement with the latch holder 200, thereby allowing removal of the cover 68.
• Other cover latches are possible.
• FIG. 4 shows the latch 198 engaged with the latch holder 200.
• the cover 68 may be releasable from the floor cleaning nozzle 14 in a linear and/or a pivotable movement.
• the catches 192, 196 may be shaped to allow separation of the cover 68 from the rear body 70, with the cover 68 unlatched, by pivoting the cover 68 forwardly about the catches 192, 196 and then lifting the cover 68 upwardly.
• a portion of the latch 198 may also be used to lift the cover 68 away from the rear body 70.
• the nap length of the microfiber agitation material 48 for the main brushroll 40 may be longer than that the nap length the microfiber agitation material 46 for the edge brushroll 42.
• a longer nap length on the main brushroll 40 allows for larger debris pickup since there is more space between the outer diameter of the brush bar 144 and the tips of the microfiber agitator material 48.
• the shorter nap length on the edge brushroll 42 requires less fluid to evenly wet the edge brushroll 42, which reduces streaking along the edge of the nozzle 14. Since the carrier 160 limits the size of debris that can be picked up at the edge brushroll 42, a shorter nap length for the edge brushroll 42 can be used without further limiting debris pickup.
• the nap length is the outstretched length of the microfibers making up the agitation materials 46, 48, which can be measured as the difference between the outer diameter of the brushroll 40, 42 with the microfibers outstretched and the outer diameter of the brush bar 144 or brush body 148.
• the brushrolls 40, 42 may have approximately the same overall outer diameter, and to accommodate the longer nap length for the main brushroll 40, the outer diameter of the brush bar 144 may be less than the outer diameter of the brush body 148.
• FIG. 12 is a schematic view of various functional systems of the floor cleaner 10.
• the delivery system includes the supply tank 20 configured to hold a cleaning fluid, the fluid dispensers 116, 118 supplied with cleaning fluid from the supply tank 20, and a fluid supply path 202 from the supply tank 20 to the fluid dispensers 116, 118, the fluid supply path 202 including at least the pump 96 and conduits 132, 136, 138.
• the delivery system can include other conduits, ducts, tubing, hoses, connectors, valves, etc. fluidly coupling the components of the delivery system together and providing the supply path 202.
• the supply tank 20 can store cleaning fluid in liquid form.
• the cleaning fluid can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning fluids, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, other surface cleaning and/or treatment agents, and mixtures thereof.
• the cleaning fluid can comprise water.
• the cleaning fluid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent.
• cleaning fluid may encompass liquid, steam, or both, unless otherwise noted.
• the delivery system can include a flow controller for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply tank 20 to the fluid dispensers 116, 118.
• the flow controller can comprise the pump 96, which pressurizes the supply path 202 and controls the delivery of cleaning fluid to the fluid dispensers 116, 118.
• the pump 96 can be a centrifugal pump.
• the pump 96 can be a solenoid pump having a single, dual, or variable speed.
• the release of cleaning fluid from the dispensers 116, 118 can be controlled manually by the user, or automatically by selection of a cleaning mode. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments, operation of the pump 96 can be mode-dependent, such that the release of cleaning fluid from the dispensers 116, 118 is controlled automatically. In other words, depending on a selected cleaning mode of the apparatus 10, the pump 96 may or may not be activated.
• the pump 96 can be eliminated and the flow control system can comprise a gravity-feed system having a valve fluidly coupled with an outlet of the supply tank 20, whereby when valve is open, cleaning fluid will flow under the force of gravity to the dispensers 116, 118.
• a heater 204 can be provided for heating the cleaning fluid prior to delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned.
• an in-line heater 204 can be located downstream of the supply tank 20, and upstream or downstream of the pump 96. Other types of heaters can also be used.
• the cleaning fluid can be heated using exhaust air from a motor cooling air path for a suction source of the recovery system.
• the cleaning fluid is unheated.
• the delivery system includes a single supply tank 20 for storing a supply of cleaning fluid.
• the delivery system can have an additional supply container (not shown) for storing another cleaning fluid.
• the supply tank 20 can store water and the second supply container can store a cleaning agent such as detergent.
• the apparatus 10 can have a mixing system for controlling the composition of the cleaning fluid that is delivered to the surface.
• the recovery system can include a recovery path 206 through the apparatus 10 having a path inlet 208 and a path outlet 210, a suction source 212 including a vacuum motor 214 in fluid communication with the path inlet and configured to generate a working stream through a recovery path 206, and the recovery tank 22 for separating and collecting liquid and debris from a working stream for later disposal.
• a separator 216 can be formed in a portion of the recovery tank 22 for separating liquid and entrained debris from the working stream.
• the path inlet 208 is disposed on the floor cleaning nozzle 14 and can be defined by the suction inlet opening 38 and/or brushroll compartment 36 disposed on the floor cleaning nozzle 14.
• the path outlet 210 is disposed on the recovery tank 22 (see FIG. 1 ) and can be defined by an exhaust vent in the recovery tank 22. In another embodiment, the path outlet 210 is disposed elsewhere on the apparatus 10.
• a power source which can comprise a battery 218 for cordless operation, preferably a rechargeable battery.
• the rechargeable battery 218 is a lithium-ion battery.
• the rechargeable battery can by recharged in place on the apparatus 10 or can be removed from the apparatus 10 for recharging.
• the battery 218 can comprise a user replaceable battery.
• the power source can comprise power cord adapted to be plugged into a household electrical outlet for corded operation.
• a tray (not shown) can store the apparatus 10 and recharge the battery 218.
• the tray can be configured to dock the floor cleaning nozzle 14 of the floor cleaner 10 with the upright body 12 in a generally upright, stored position.
• the tray can further be configured for further functionality, such as to self-clean the apparatus 10.
• the apparatus 10 can include at least one controller 220 operably coupled with the various systems and components of the apparatus 10.
• a main controller 220 can comprise a printed circuit board ("PCB").
• PCB includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide operational control to the apparatus 10.
• the PCB includes, for example, a processing unit (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or another suitable programmable device) and a memory (e.g., a read-only memory (“ROM”), a random access memory (“RAM”), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), a flash memory, or another suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory device).
• ROM read-only memory
• RAM random access memory
• EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
• flash memory or another suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory device.
• the processing unit is connected to the memory and executes instructions (e.g., software) that is capable of being stored in the RAM (e.g., during execution), the ROM (e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or another non-transitory computer readable medium such as another memory or a disc. Additionally or alternatively, the memory is included in the processing unit (e.g., as part of a microcontroller).
• Software stored in memory includes, for example, firmware, program data, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions.
• the processing unit is configured to retrieve from memory and execute, among other things, instructions related to the control processes and methods described herein.
• the PCB can also include, among other things, a plurality of additional passive and active components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, integrated circuits, and amplifiers. These components are arranged and connected to provide a plurality of electrical functions to the PCB including, among other things, signal conditioning or voltage regulation.
• a PCB and the electrical components populated on the PCB are collectively referred to as a controller.
• the main PCB and the electrical components populated on the main PCB may be referred to as main controller 220.
• a floor cleaning nozzle controller 222 can operably couple the main controller 220 with electrical components within the floor cleaning nozzle 14 of the apparatus 10, such as the pump 96 and brush motor 98.
• a separate nozzle PCB is not included with the apparatus 10.
• the apparatus 10 can have multiple, user-selectable cleaning modes, such as at least one wet cleaning mode, at least one dry cleaning mode, and a self-cleaning mode.
• the modes can have associated operating parameters for the pump 96, vacuum motor 214, and/or brushroll motor 98.
• the apparatus 10 has multiple dry cleaning modes and multiple wet cleaning modes, and these cleaning modes may include a dry vacuuming mode, a hard floor wet mode, an area rug wet mode, and at least one turbo mode.
• Table 1 below lists some non-limiting examples of operating parameters for the modes. Other operating parameters for the modes and other cleaning modes are possible. TABLE 1 Mode Pump Vacuum Motor Brush Motor Dry Vacuuming OFF LOW LOW Turbo Dry OFF HIGH HIGH Hard Floor Wet LOW LOW LOW Area rug Wet HIGH MED LOW Turbo Wet MED HIGH HIGH Self-Cleaning HIGH LOW LOW LOW
• Table 2 below lists some non-limiting examples of operating parameter values for the modes, including a preferred value and a range for some parameters. Other operating parameters for the modes are possible.
• the release of cleaning fluid can be continuous or automatic, e.g., does not require pressing a trigger, and may be controlled based on floor type.
• release of cleaning fluid can be manually controlled by the user, for example using a trigger.
• the release of cleaning fluid is automatic.
• the surface cleaning apparatus can be configured as a canister surface cleaning apparatus or a handheld surface cleaning apparatus. Still further, the surface cleaning apparatus can additionally have steam delivery capability.
• 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.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=94870932

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Citations (4)

• 2024
  • 2024-05-30 US US18/678,039 patent/US20250366692A1/en active Pending
• 2025
  • 2025-03-07 EP EP25162437.5A patent/EP4656110A1/fr active Pending
  • 2025-05-29 CN CN202510710558.7A patent/CN121040799A/zh active Pending

Patent Citations (4)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events