Floor cleaner

Abstract

A floor cleaner is disclosed that includes a recovery tank having a top side, a bottom wall opposite the top side, and a sidewall extending from the bottom wall and defining a perimeter of the recovery tank, the bottom wall and the sidewall at least partially defining a storage volume of the recovery tank. The recovery tank further includes an inlet orifice facing the bottom wall, the inlet orifice being adjacent to the storage volume and the top side and configured to direct fluid into the storage volume. The inlet orifice is adjacent to the sidewall of the recovery tank, and the inlet orifice is a longitudinally shaped orifice having an orifice width and an orifice depth, the orifice width being greater than the orifice depth, and the orifice width extending along the sidewall while the orifice depth extends along an inlet conduit axis.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 015,075, filed April 24, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] This disclosure relates to floor cleaners, and more specifically to floor cleaners that dispense fluid onto surfaces and recover and store the fluid in a recovery bin. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a floor cleaner includes: a supply tank configured to store fluid; and a fluid dispenser in fluid communication with the supply tank, operable to dispense fluid onto a surface being cleaned. The floor cleaner further includes a suction inlet and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction inlet, operable to generate a suction airflow configured to draw fluid from the surface through the suction inlet. The floor cleaner further includes a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction inlet and the suction source, configured to receive fluid and suction airflow from the suction inlet and to separate the suction airflow from the suction inlet. The recovery tank includes: a top side; a bottom wall opposite the top side; and a side wall extending from the bottom wall and defining a perimeter of the recovery tank, the bottom wall and side wall at least partially defining a storage volume of the recovery tank. An inlet duct is adjacent to the top side of the recovery tank. The recovery tank further includes an inlet orifice facing the bottom wall, adjacent to the storage volume and top side, and configured to guide fluid from an inlet conduit into the storage volume. The inlet orifice is adjacent to the side wall of the recovery tank and is a longitudinally shaped orifice with an orifice width greater than its depth, the width extending along the side wall and the depth extending along the axis of the inlet conduit.

[0005] Other aspects of the invention will become clear upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a floor cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the recycling bin for a floor cleaner.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A 3D view of the recycling bin, with the lid in the open position.

[0009] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the recovery tank of Figure 2

[0010] Figure 5 is an alternative cross-sectional view of the recovery tank of Figure 2

[0011] Figure 6 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 5

[0012] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the lid of the recovery tank of Figure 2

[0013] Figure 8 is a bottom side view of the lid of Figure 7

[0014] Figure 9 is a top side view of the lid of Figure 7

[0015] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view through the recovery tank according to an alternative embodiment.

[0016] Before any embodiments of the application are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the application is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The application is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Figure 1 A floor cleaner 10 is shown. The floor cleaner 10 includes a supply tank 12 and a fluid distributor 14. The supply tank 12 stores a fluid, such as a cleaning fluid including water, detergent, or a mixture of water and detergent. The fluid distributor 14 is in fluid communication with the supply tank 12 and is operable to distribute fluid from the supply tank 12 onto a surface being cleaned. The floor cleaner 10 further includes a suction inlet 16 and a suction source 18. The suction source 18 is in fluid communication with the suction inlet 16. The suction source 18 includes a motor and a fan in one embodiment, which are operable to generate a suction airflow through the suction inlet 16. The suction airflow draws fluid from the surface being cleaned through the suction inlet 16.

[0018] The floor cleaner 10 further includes a recovery tank 20. The recovery tank 20 is in fluid communication with the suction source 18 and the suction inlet 16. The recovery tank 20 receives fluid and the suction airflow from the suction inlet 16, and the recovery tank 20 separates the fluid from the suction airflow. The fluid is stored in the recovery tank 20, while the suction airflow exits the recovery tank and travels to the suction source 18.

[0019] Referring to Figure 2 ​​​​​​The recovery tank 20 includes a top side 22, a bottom side or bottom wall 24 opposite the top side 22, and a sidewall 26 extending upwardly from the bottom wall 24. The sidewall 26 defines a perimeter of the recovery tank 20, and the sidewall 26 and the bottom wall 24 together define a fluid storage volume of the recovery tank 20. A lid 28 is removably coupled to the sidewall 26, and the lid 28 defines the top side 22 of the recovery tank 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 28 is movable relative to the sidewall 26 between a closed position Figure 2 and an open position Figure 3 to empty the storage volume.

[0020] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the recovery tank 20 further includes a recovery tank inlet 30 Figure 4 and a recovery tank outlet 32 Figure 3 . A mixture of fluid and suction airflow enters the recovery tank 20 through the inlet 30. The fluid is substantially separated from the airflow and contained in the storage volume of the recovery tank 20, while the airflow moves through the outlet 32 and proceeds to the suction source 18. The recovery tank 20 includes a float 34. When the fluid reaches a maximum fill level 38 Figure 5 , the float 34 closes an outlet orifice 36 of the storage volume.

[0021] With continued reference to Figure 5 , the recovery tank 20 includes an inlet conduit 40 that directs the fluid and suction airflow from the recovery tank inlet 30 into the storage volume of the recovery tank 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet conduit 40 includes a first portion 42 and a second portion 44. The first portion 42 extends upwardly from the inlet 30 to the lid 28 and the second portion 44. The second portion 44 of the inlet conduit 40 is part of the lid 28 and directs the fluid and suction airflow into the storage volume of the recovery tank 20.

[0022] The second portion 44 of the inlet conduit 40 includes a first end 46 and a second end 48. A top wall 50 and a bottom wall 52 of the conduit portion 44 both extend between the first end 46 and the second end 48. The bottom wall 52 faces the bottom wall 24 of the recovery tank 20. An inlet orifice 54 of the storage volume extends through the bottom wall 52 adjacent the second end 48 of the conduit portion 44. The illustrated bottom wall 52 is angled relative to the bottom wall 24 of the recovery tank 20. In some embodiments, the bottom wall 52 is angled relative to the bottom wall 24 of the recovery tank 20 at an angle of about 1 to 8 degrees, such that the second end 48 of the conduit 44 is closer to the bottom wall 24 of the recovery tank 20 than the first end 46 of the conduit 44. The angle facilitates the flow of fluid toward the inlet orifice 54.

[0023] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6The inlet orifice 54 is adjacent to the top side 22 of the recovery container 20, and faces the bottom wall 24 of the recovery container 20. The inlet orifice 24 is also adjacent to the storage volume of the recovery container 20, allowing fluid and airflow to be guided from the inlet conduit 40 into the storage volume. The inlet orifice 54 is adjacent to the side wall 26 of the recovery container 20. Figure 6 As shown, the inlet orifice 54 is spaced from the sidewall 26 at a distance 58 generally parallel to the bottom wall 24 of the recycling bin 20. In one embodiment, the distance 58 is in the range of 0 mm to 20 mm. In another embodiment, the distance 58 is in the range of 0 mm to 10 mm. In yet another embodiment, the distance 58 is in the range of 0 mm to 6 mm. The adjacency and proximity between the inlet orifice 54 and the sidewall 26 allow fluid entering the storage volume of the recycling bin 20 to flow through the inlet orifice 54 onto the sidewall 26, promoting fluid-to-air separation and suppressing detergent foam formation in the fluid. Increasing the distance 58 (e.g., between approximately 4 mm and 20 mm) tends to increase the impact of the fluid on the sidewall 26, thereby absorbing the energy of the incoming flow, which promotes fluid-to-air separation. It has been found that the distance 58 can be selected to provide the desired fluid-to-air separation while suppressing or minimizing foam formation. Figure 6 As shown, the inlet orifice axis 60 extends centrally through the inlet orifice 54. In some embodiments, the inlet orifice axis 60 is perpendicular to the bottom wall 24 of the recycling bin 20 (plus or minus 20 degrees).

[0024] The conduit portion 44 is adjacent to the top side 22 of the collection bin 20 and extends in a direction from the first or front side 62 of the side wall 26 to the second or rear side 64 opposite the front side 62. The top wall 50 of the conduit portion 44 is transparent or translucent, so that the conduit portion 44 is visible to the user during operation of the floor cleaner, and the user can see the fluid passing through the conduit portion 44 and through the inlet orifice 54 into the storage volume of the collection bin 20.

[0025] The inlet conduit axis 68 extends centrally through the conduit portion 44 along its length. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis 68 is angled relative to the bottom wall 24 of the recovery tank 20 due to the angle of the bottom wall 52 of the conduit portion 44 discussed above. The inlet conduit axis 68 is at an angle 70 relative to the inlet orifice axis 60. In some embodiments, angle 70 is in the range of 85 degrees to 135 degrees. In other embodiments, angle 70 is in the range of 90 degrees to 110 degrees. (See also...) Figure 9The width 72 of the conduit portion 44 is measured perpendicular to axis 68. Width 72 increases along axis 68 in the direction toward inlet orifice 54. Width 72 widens from a first width 72a at the first end 46 to a second width 72b near inlet orifice 54 and second end 48. Inlet orifice 54 has a width 74 and a depth 75 (…). Figure 8 The inlet orifice 54 has a longitudinal shape, wherein a width 74 extends along the sidewall 26 and a depth 75 extends along the inlet conduit axis 68. The width 74 of the inlet orifice 54 generally corresponds to a second width 72b. In one embodiment, the width 74 of the inlet orifice 54 is equal to the width 72b. In some embodiments, the width 72b is between 1.25 and 3 times the width 72a, and in these embodiments may be between 1.5 and 2.5 times wider than the width 72a. The increased width 74 of the inlet orifice 54 provides a wider flow surface along the sidewall 26, thereby facilitating the separation of fluid from airflow and inhibiting foam formation. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the width 74 extends along the sidewall 26 by a distance greater than the depth 75. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the width 74 extends along the sidewall 26 by a distance between 1.1 and 12 times the depth 75, and may be between 1.5 and 12 times the depth 75. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the width 74 extends along the sidewall 26 by a distance that is 2 to 6 times the depth 75, and may be 3 to 5 times the depth 75. In one embodiment, the inlet aperture 54 is a longitudinally shaped aperture such that at least a portion of the width 74 extends along the sidewall 26 at a constant distance from the sidewall 26.

[0026] Reference Figure 10 The height 100 of the conduit portion 44 is measured perpendicular to axis 68. Height 100 increases along axis 68 in the direction toward inlet orifice 54. Height 100 increases from a first height 100a at the first end 46 to a second height 100b near inlet orifice 54 and second end 48. In one embodiment, height 100 gradually increases from the first height 100a to the second height 100b between the first end 46 and the second end 48. In another embodiment, height 100 increases from the first height 100a to the second height 100b via one or more steps. Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiments, the height is increased by step 98 and gradually increases downstream of the step. In one embodiment, height 100b is between 1.03 and 2 times the height 100a. In another embodiment, height 100b is between 1.3 and 1.8 times higher than height 100a. In yet another embodiment, height 100b is between 1.03 and 1.3 times higher than height 100a.

[0027] As the width 72 and height 100 increase along the axis 68, the cross-sectional area of the duct portion 44 also increases along the axis 68 in the same direction toward the inlet orifice 54. The increase in cross-sectional area decreases the flow rate of the fluid and suction airflow in the duct portion 44. Referring to Figure 8 , the duct portion 44 has a first cross-sectional area 76 at the first end 46 of the duct portion 44 and a second cross-sectional area 78 at the second end 48 of the duct portion 44 that is larger than the first cross-sectional area 76. The second cross-sectional area 78 is proximate to the inlet orifice 54. In one embodiment, the area of the inlet orifice 54 is equal to the second cross-sectional area 78. In some embodiments, the second cross-sectional area 78 is between 1.25 and 4 times the first cross-sectional area 76, and in these embodiments can be between 2 and 3 times the first cross-sectional area 76.

[0028] Referring to Figure 6 , the duct portion 44 includes a deflection surface 80. The deflection surface 80 is proximate to the inlet orifice 54 and facilitates changing the flow direction of the fluid and airflow from along the duct axis 68 to along the inlet orifice axis 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the deflection surface 80 is curved and generally tangential to the top wall 50 of the duct portion 44.

[0029] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 7 , a ducted channel 82 surrounds the inlet orifice 54 inside the recycling bin 20. The ducted channel 82 facilitates the downward flow of the fluid and airflow and inhibits flow in lateral or horizontal directions. The ducted channel 82 extends toward the bottom wall 24 of the recycling bin 20 and has a length 84. In some embodiments, the length 84 is at least 5 mm. In these embodiments, the length 84 can be greater than 15 mm, and in other embodiments greater than 25 mm. The illustrated ducted channel 82 is formed by a portion 86 of the side wall 26 and a portion 88 of the lid 28.

[0030] Referring to Figure 5 , the recycling bin 20 further includes a baffle wall 90. The baffle wall 90 faces the inlet orifice 54, and the inlet orifice axis 60 extends through the baffle wall 90. In some embodiments, the axis 60 is generally perpendicular to the baffle wall 90. In some embodiments, the baffle wall 90 is angled or inclined relative to the bottom wall 24 of the recycling bin 20. For example, the baffle wall 90 can be angled relative to the bottom wall 24 at an angle of 1 to 15 degrees, including 2 to 10 degrees, to facilitate the discharge of fluid from the baffle wall 90 toward the bottom wall 24, which can also inhibit foam formation in the recycling bin 20. As Figure 5As shown, the baffle wall 90 is spaced from the bottom wall 24 by a baffle height 92 measured from the bottom wall. The baffle wall 90 is positioned above a predetermined fluid level in the tank such that when the fluid level is below the predetermined level, fluid entering the tank through the inlet aperture 54 will engage the baffle wall 90 before engaging the surface of the fluid, thereby inhibiting foam formation in the recycling tank 20. In one embodiment, the baffle height 92 is selected to be higher than 50% of the fluid height at the maximum fill level 38. In a preferred embodiment, the baffle height 92 is higher than the maximum fill level 38 of the recycling tank 20. In some embodiments, the baffle height 92 is between about 2 mm and about 30 mm higher than the maximum fill level 38, and in some embodiments, between about 5 mm and about 15 mm higher than the maximum fill level 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle wall 90 is formed by a recess 94 in the side wall 26. The recess 94 forms a lifting handle 55 for the recycling tank 20, which can be used in combination with the handle 96 of the lid 28. In one embodiment, the handle 55 includes a gripping portion arranged adjacent to the recess 94 for the fingers of a user to engage when the user is using the handle 55.

[0031] While the application has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, changes and modifications within the scope and spirit of the described application will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A floor cleaner comprising: a supply tank configured to store a fluid; a fluid distributor in fluid communication with the supply tank, the fluid distributor operable to distribute the fluid onto a surface being cleaned; a suction inlet; a suction source in fluid communication with the suction inlet, the suction source operable to generate a suction airflow configured to draw the fluid through the suction inlet from the surface; and a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction inlet and the suction source, the recovery tank configured to receive the fluid and the suction airflow from the suction inlet and separate the suction airflow from the fluid, the recovery tank comprising: a top side; a bottom wall opposite the top side; a sidewall extending from the bottom wall and defining a perimeter of the recovery tank, the bottom wall and the sidewall at least partially defining a storage volume of the recovery tank; an inlet conduit adjacent to the top side of the recovery tank; an inlet orifice facing the bottom wall, the inlet orifice adjacent to the storage volume and the top side and configured to direct the fluid from the inlet conduit into the storage volume, wherein the inlet orifice is adjacent to the sidewall of the recovery tank, and the inlet orifice is a longitudinally shaped orifice having an orifice width and an orifice depth, the orifice width being greater than the orifice depth, wherein the orifice width extends along the sidewall and the orifice depth extends along an inlet conduit axis.

2. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, the inlet conduit has a width that increases in a direction toward the inlet orifice configured to manipulate a flow rate of the fluid and the suction airflow along the sidewall downstream of the inlet conduit.

3. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, the inlet orifice is spaced apart from the sidewall a distance measured parallel to the bottom wall, the distance being in a range of 0 millimeters to 20 millimeters.

4. The floor cleaner of claim 3, wherein, the distance is in a range of 0 millimeters to 10 millimeters.

5. The floor cleaner of claim 4, wherein, the distance is in a range of 0 millimeters to 6 millimeters.

6. The floor cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a baffle wall facing the inlet orifice, the baffle wall spaced apart from the bottom wall a baffle height measured from the bottom wall, the baffle height being higher than 50% of a maximum fill level of the storage volume measured from the bottom wall.

7. The floor cleaner of claim 6, wherein, the baffle height is higher than the maximum fill level in a range of 2 millimeters to 30 millimeters.

8. The floor cleaner of claim 7, wherein, the baffle height is higher than the maximum fill level in a range of 5 millimeters to 15 millimeters.

9. The floor cleaner of claim 6, wherein, the inlet orifice axis extends centrally through the inlet orifice, wherein the inlet orifice axis extends through the baffle wall.

10. The floor cleaner of claim 6, wherein, the baffle wall is formed by a recess in the sidewall, the recess forming a lift handle.

11. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, the inlet orifice forms an outlet of the inlet conduit.

12. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, the inlet conduit axis extends centrally through the inlet conduit along a length of the inlet conduit, wherein the inlet conduit axis is angled relative to the bottom wall.

13. The floor cleaner of claim 12, wherein, the inlet conduit has a top wall and a bottom wall, wherein the bottom wall of the inlet conduit faces the bottom wall of the recovery tank and the bottom wall of the inlet conduit is angled relative to the bottom wall of the recovery tank.

14. The floor cleaner of claim 12, wherein, The bottom wall of the inlet conduit has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the inlet orifice is adjacent to the second end, and wherein the inlet conduit is angled such that the second end is closer to the bottom wall than the first end.

15. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, The inlet conduit axis extends centrally through the inlet conduit along a length of the inlet conduit, the floor cleaner further comprising an inlet orifice axis extending centrally through the inlet orifice, wherein the inlet conduit comprises a deflection surface configured to change a flow direction of the fluid and the suction airflow from along the inlet conduit axis to along the inlet orifice axis.

16. The floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein, An angle between the inlet conduit axis and the inlet orifice axis is in a range of 85 degrees to 135 degrees.

17. The floor cleaner of claim 16, wherein, The angle is in a range of 90 degrees and 110 degrees.

18. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, The inlet conduit axis extends centrally through the inlet conduit along a length of the inlet conduit, wherein the inlet conduit has a top wall and a bottom wall, wherein a width of the inlet conduit is measured perpendicular to the inlet conduit axis, and wherein the width increases in a direction towards the inlet orifice along the inlet conduit axis.

19. The floor cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a duct channel that encircles the inlet orifice inside the recovery tank and that extends toward the bottom wall, wherein, The conduit passage has a length measured from the inlet orifice towards the bottom wall, and wherein the length is at least 5 millimeters.

20. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, The recovery tank comprises a lid removably coupled to the sidewall, wherein the conduit passage is at least partially defined by a portion of the lid.

21. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, The recovery tank comprises a lid removably coupled to the sidewall, and wherein the lid comprises the inlet conduit.

22. The floor cleaner of claim 21, wherein, The inlet conduit comprises a first portion extending from the bottom wall and a second portion formed in the lid.

23. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, The sidewall has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the inlet conduit extends in a direction from the first side towards the second side.

24. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, The inlet conduit has a cross-sectional area that increases in a direction towards the inlet orifice configured to reduce a flow rate of the fluid and the suction airflow in the inlet conduit.

25. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the orifice width extends along the sidewall at a constant distance from the sidewall.

26. The floor cleaner of claim 25, wherein, The orifice width corresponds to the inlet conduit adjacent to the inlet orifice.

27. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, The orifice width is transverse to the inlet conduit axis.

28. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, The orifice width corresponds to the inlet conduit adjacent to the inlet orifice.

29. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, The orifice width is 1 times to 12 times the orifice depth.

30. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein, The inlet conduit has a height that increases in a direction towards the inlet orifice configured to manipulate a flow rate of the fluid and the suction airflow along a sidewall downstream of the inlet conduit.

Images