Surface cleaning apparatus

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus includes a fluid delivery system and a recovery system and is operable to vacuum and / or mop a floor surface. The fluid delivery system has a supply tank that may form part of a recovery passage. A fluid dispenser may dispense liquid through the mopping mat to the surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus may include wheels located forward and rearward of the mopping pad. The recovery system may include a recovery tank having a top-mounted mounting arrangement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a surface cleaning device. Background Art

[0002] Surface cleaning devices, such as wet vacuum cleaners or electric mops, can be used to clean hard floors, including tile floors, vinyl floors, linoleum floors, and hardwood floors, by vacuuming and / or mopping the floors. Such floor cleaners can deliver a cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and some floor cleaners are also configured to recover fluid and / or debris (which can include dirt, dust, stains, soil, hair, and other debris) from the surface to be cleaned using a suction source. Summary of the invention

[0003] An improved surface cleaning device is provided herein.In certain aspects, the surface cleaning device is a wet vacuum cleaner that can be used to clean hard floors by vacuuming and / or mopping the floor.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a surface cleaning device comprising: a base including a base shell; an upright body assembly pivotally attached to the base; a supply tank removably mounted on the base shell; a recovery system comprising a recovery path, a suction nozzle, a recovery tank and a suction source, wherein a portion of the recovery path is formed by a bottom wall of the supply tank, and wherein removing the supply tank from the base shell removes the portion of the recovery path.

[0005] In this and other embodiments, the mop pad is disposed on the underside of the base.

[0006] In this and other embodiments, the swivel caster is located behind the rotating cleaning pad, and the support wheel is located in front of the cleaning pad. The support wheel can be located between the suction nozzle and the cleaning pad.

[0007] In this and other embodiments, a fluid dispenser is disposed on a base above the mopping pad, wherein the fluid dispenser includes at least one dispenser outlet configured to spray fluid toward the surface to be cleaned through a cleaning fluid channel in the mopping pad.

[0008] In this and other embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus is battery powered and includes a battery pack for cordless operation.

[0009] In this and other embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a plurality of user-selectable cleaning modes including at least a vacuum / mop mode, a vacuum mode, and a mop mode.

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a surface cleaning device is provided, comprising: a base; an upright body assembly pivotally attached to the base; at least one mopping pad located on the underside of the base; and a plurality of wheels located on the underside of the base to facilitate movement of the surface cleaning device over a surface to be cleaned, wherein the plurality of wheels comprises at least one first wheel located in front of the at least one mopping pad and at least one second wheel located behind the at least one mopping pad, wherein the at least one second wheel comprises a caster that rotates about a first axis and swivels about a second axis that is not parallel to the first axis.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a surface cleaning device is provided, comprising: a base including a base shell movable on a surface to be cleaned; an upright body assembly pivotally attached to the base and including a tank receiving portion; a supply tank; at least one mopping pad located on an underside of the base; a fluid dispenser located above the at least one mopping pad, the fluid dispenser being in fluid communication with the supply tank via a fluid delivery passage, wherein the fluid dispenser is configured to spray fluid toward the surface to be cleaned and / or the at least one mopping pad; and a recovery system including a recovery path, a suction nozzle, a recovery tank having an upper end and a lower end, and a suction source, wherein the recovery tank can be mounted to the upright body assembly via the tank receiving portion, the upper end of the recovery tank can be inserted into the tank receiving portion and then the lower end is inserted into the tank receiving portion.

[0012] In this and other aspects, the recovery tank includes a hook at an upper end of the recovery tank, and the tank receiver includes a snap configured to be engaged by the hook.

[0013] In this and other aspects, the apparatus includes a spring-loaded latch at a lower end of the recovery tank for securing the recovery tank to the upright body assembly.

[0014] In this and other aspects, the recovery tank has an inclined bottom surface and the tank receiver has an inclined support surface complementary to the inclined bottom surface, wherein the recovery tank is received by the tank receiver with the inclined bottom surface of the tank resting on the inclined support surface of the receiver.

[0015] In this and other aspects, the recovery tank includes at least one of a tank inlet at a lower end, a tank outlet at an upper end, a standpipe extending upward from the lower end, a cover at the upper end, and a filter at the upper end.

[0016] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided, comprising: a base including a base shell; an upright body assembly pivotally attached to the base; a supply tank removably mounted on the base shell; a rotatable pad holder located on an underside of the base; a mopping pad attached to the pad holder and rotatable therewith; a pad drive motor operably coupled to the pad holder for rotating the pad holder and the mopping pad; a fluid delivery nozzle located above the pad holder; and at least one cleaning fluid channel passing through the pad holder and the mopping pad for delivering cleaning fluid from the fluid delivery nozzle directly to a surface to be cleaned below the base.

[0017] In this and other aspects, the housing includes a recessed portion through which a portion of the fluid delivery nozzle and / or a conduit supplying the fluid delivery nozzle passes. The recessed portion can be a recessed portion in a driver housing that houses at least a portion of a drive transmission that couples the pad drive motor to the pad holder.

[0018] In this and other aspects, the pad holder includes a central hub having a shaft holder for coupling with the drive shaft, and the mopping pad includes a central opening aligned with the central hub of the pad holder.The mopping pad and pad holder may be disc-shaped.

[0019] In this and other aspects, the at least one cleaning fluid passage is a plurality of cleaning fluid passage openings through the pad holder, the plurality of cleaning fluid passage openings being arranged radially outward of the central hub.

[0020] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the detailed description, when read in light of the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

[0021] Before describing in detail various aspects of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the operational details or construction details and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention can be implemented in various other embodiments and can be practiced or executed in alternative ways not explicitly disclosed herein. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. The use of "include" and "include" and its variations is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and also to cover additional items and their equivalents. In addition, examples can be used in the description of each embodiment. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of examples should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention to any particular order or number of components. The use of examples should also not be interpreted as excluding any additional steps or components that may be combined with or incorporated into the exemplary steps or components from the scope of the present invention. Any reference to a claim element as "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is intended to include any of X, Y, or Z alone, and any combination of X, Y, and Z, such as X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a surface cleaning device or floor cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a floor cleaner;

[0024] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of various functional systems of a floor cleaner;

[0025] Figure 4 It passes through Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.

[0026] Figure 5 is a side view of the floor cleaner in a flat position;

[0027] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of a lower portion of a floor cleaner with the connector assembly shown and the floor cleaner in an upright storage position;

[0028] Figure 7 is with Figure 6 A similar view showing the floor cleaner in a flat position;

[0029] Figure 8 is a partially exploded view of the lower rear portion of the floor cleaner;

[0030] Fig. 9is a bottom view of the floor cleaner showing the mopping pad and wheels on the underside of the floor cleaner;

[0031] Fig.10 is a front perspective view of a lower portion of a floor cleaner showing a supply tank separated from the floor cleaner;

[0032] Fig.11 It is a rear-view upward perspective view of the supply tank;

[0033] Fig.12 It passes through Figure 1 A close-up cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the floor cleaner taken along line IV-IV in FIG.

[0034] Fig.13 is a partially exploded view of a base of a floor cleaner showing a mopping pad drive system;

[0035] Fig.14 is a top perspective view of a mopping pad and a pad holder of a floor cleaner;

[0036] Fig.15 is a bottom perspective view of a pad holder;

[0037] Fig.16 is a top view of the base with a portion of the base removed for clarity to illustrate a fluid supply path in the base of the floor cleaner;

[0038] Fig.17 It passes through Figure 1 A close-up cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. 1 , showing the cleaning fluid passage through the mopping pad;

[0039] Fig.18 is a front perspective view showing the recovery tank being separated from the floor cleaner;

[0040] Fig.19 It passes through Figure 1 A close-up cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1 , showing the recovery tank mounted to the floor cleaner;

[0041] Fig. 20 is a close-up top perspective view showing a latch for mounting a recovery tank to a floor cleaner;

[0042] Fig.21 is with Fig.19 a similar view showing the recovery tank being mounted to the floor cleaner; and

[0043] Fig. 22 It is a partially exploded perspective view of the recovery tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The present invention generally relates to a surface cleaning device. The surface cleaning device (also referred to herein as a "surface cleaning device" or "floor cleaner") has one or more cleaning systems for cleaning surfaces including floor surfaces (e.g., carpets, rugs, wood floors, tiles, etc.) or surfaces above the floor (e.g., countertops, furniture, etc.). Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to an improved floor cleaner having improved cleaning features, improved operability, improved fluid distribution, improved tank installation, or improved cleaning modes, or any combination thereof. Therefore, certain features of the surface cleaning device may be considered functional, but may also be implemented in different aesthetic configurations.

[0045] At least some embodiments of the surface cleaning equipment provided herein work by various elements as described below to provide improved cleaning of the recovery path. By forming a part of the recovery path with a removable supply tank, the recovery path can be easily approached by removing the supply tank. This makes it easier and more convenient for the user to clean the recovery path after the cleaning operation. This configuration can also reduce the number of parts associated with the floor cleaner and reduce costs.

[0046] At least some embodiments of the surface cleaning apparatus provided herein function through various elements as described below to provide improved maneuverability by providing wheels at the front and rear of the mop pad. Such wheel provision enables the pad to remain in engagement with the surface to be cleaned at all times in the various orientations of use of the floor cleaner, which improves the consistency of agitation and thus improves cleaning performance while stabilizing the load on the motor driving the mop pad.

[0047] At least some embodiments of the surface cleaning apparatus provided herein function by various elements as described below to provide improved fluid distribution and mopping. By distributing the liquid directly to the surface to be cleaned through the mopping pad, the mopping pad is more evenly wetted and the cleaning time can be shortened. This fluid delivery configuration also improves streaking, for example, uneven application and / or residual fluid left on the surface to be cleaned.

[0048] At least some embodiments of the surface cleaning apparatus provided herein function through various elements as described below to provide improved tank installation. A tank (such as a recovery tank) has a top loading arrangement whereby the upper end of the tank is mounted first on the floor cleaner, which can minimize the overall size (e.g., volume and / or height) of the floor cleaner.

[0049] At least some embodiments of the surface cleaning devices provided herein function through various elements as described below to provide a plurality of user-selectable cleaning modes, including at least a vacuum / mop mode, a vacuum mode, and a mop mode.

[0050] The floor cleaner may be a wet vacuum cleaner or "vacuum mop" that can be used to clean hard floors, including tile floors, vinyl floors, linoleum floors, and hardwood floors, by vacuuming and / or mopping the floors. The floor cleaner may include multiple cleaning systems, including a fluid delivery system and a recovery system. Utilizing both the fluid delivery system and the recovery system, the floor cleaner may deliver a cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and may recover debris (which may include dirt, dust, stains, soil, hair, and other debris) from the surface to be cleaned.

[0051] Although various aspects shown herein are shown with respect to a wet vacuum cleaner or vacuum mop, various aspects of the present disclosure may be used with other types of surface cleaning devices, including but not limited to "dry" vacuum cleaners that do not deliver liquid or "wet" mops that do not vacuum.

[0052] exist Figure 1 to Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 (wherein like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views), a surface cleaning apparatus is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The floor cleaner 10 may include a fluid delivery or supply path including and at least partially defined by a supply tank 20 for storing a cleaning fluid (e.g., a cleaning liquid) and delivering the cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and a recovery path including and at least partially defined by a recovery tank 22 for removing debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the debris until emptied by a user.

[0053] The floor cleaner 10 includes an upright handle assembly or body 12 and a cleaning foot or base 14 mounted to or coupled to the upright body 12 and adapted to move over a surface to be cleaned. Various cleaning systems and components thereof may be supported by either or both of the base 14 and the upright body 12.

[0054] The floor cleaner 10 may have a movable joint assembly 26 that connects the base 14 to the upright body 12 to enable movement of the body 12 about at least one axis or about at least two axes of rotation.

[0055] For the purpose of describing with respect to the drawings, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" and their derivatives shall be used in accordance with the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The orientation of the floor cleaner 10 as viewed from the user's perspective behind the floor cleaner 10 (which defines the rear of the floor cleaner 10) is associated with the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations unless expressly specified to the contrary.

[0056] The upright body 12 may include a handle 16 and a frame 18. The frame 18 may include a main support section that at least partially supports the recovery tank 22, and may also support other components of the body 12, including but not limited to a user interface ("UI") 34. The handle 16 may include a grip 24 at an upper end thereof.

[0057] The base 14 may include cleaning feet or a housing that at least partially supports the supply tank 20, and may also support other components of the base 14, including but not limited to at least one cleaning tool for agitating the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the cleaning tool is a rotating cleaning pad 28 disposed on the base 14. Other examples of cleaning tools include but are not limited to one or more horizontal rotating pads, one or more rotating brushes, one or more fixed pads, or one or more fixed brushes.

[0058] A plurality of cleaning pads 28 may be arranged on the base 14. For example, a pair of cleaning pads 28 may be arranged in a lateral direction (e.g., side by side). Although reference is made throughout the disclosure to a plurality of cleaning pads 28 and / or a pair of cleaning pads 28, it should be understood that the floor cleaner 10 may include a single cleaning pad 28 or more than two cleaning pads 28 unless otherwise specified.

[0059] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of various functional systems of the floor cleaner 10. The delivery system includes: a supply tank 20 configured to contain a cleaning fluid; at least one fluid dispenser 38, which is supplied with the cleaning fluid by the supply tank 20; and a fluid supply path 40 from the supply tank 20 to the fluid dispenser 38. The delivery system may include suitable conduits, pipes, tubes, hoses, connectors, valves, etc. to fluidly couple the various components of the delivery system together and provide the supply path 40.

[0060] Supply tank 20 can store cleaning fluid in liquid form. Cleaning fluid can include one or more of any suitable cleaning fluid, including but not limited to water, composition, concentrated cleaning agent, diluted cleaning agent, other surface cleaning agents and / or treatment agents, and mixtures thereof. For example, cleaning fluid can include water. In another example, cleaning fluid can include a mixture of water and concentrated cleaning agent. Although all mentioned in the entire disclosure is a supply tank 20, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, floor cleaner 10 can include more than one cleaning fluid source, such as multiple supply tanks. For example, one tank can hold water, and another tank can hold cleaning agent.

[0061] It should be noted that although the floor cleaner 10 described herein is configured to deliver cleaning liquid, various aspects of the present disclosure may be applicable to surface cleaning devices that deliver steam. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the term "cleaning fluid" may include liquid or steam, or both.

[0062] The delivery system may include a flow controller for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply tank 20 to the fluid distributor 38. In one configuration, the flow controller may include a pump 44 that pressurizes the supply path 40 and controls the delivery of the cleaning fluid to the fluid distributor 38. In one example, the pump 44 may be a centrifugal pump. In another example, the pump 44 may be an electromagnetic pump with a single speed, a dual speed, or a variable speed. The release of the cleaning fluid from the distributor 38 may be automatically controlled by selecting a cleaning mode via the UI 34, or manually controlled by the user, such as via a trigger (not shown) on the handle 24 or an actuator located at other locations on the floor cleaner 10.

[0063] In another embodiment of the delivery system, instead of a pump, the flow controller may include a gravity feed system having a valve (not shown) fluidly coupled to the outlet of the supply tank 20 whereby when the valve is open, fluid will flow to the dispenser 38 under the action of gravity.

[0064] The distributor 38 may include a variety of structures (such as a nozzle, a spray head, or a manifold), and may include at least one fluid outlet for distributing the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The distributor 38 may be positioned to deliver the cleaning fluid directly to the surface to be cleaned, or to deliver the cleaning fluid indirectly by delivering the cleaning fluid to the mop pad 28. In one non-limiting example, the distributor 38 delivers the cleaning fluid directly to the surface to be cleaned through an opening in the mop pad 28, as will be described in more detail below.

[0065] Optionally, a heater 42 may be provided for heating the cleaning fluid before it is delivered to the surface to be cleaned. In one example, the in-line heater 42 may be located downstream of the supply tank 20 and upstream or downstream of the pump 44. Other types of heaters may also be used. In another example, exhaust air from the motor cooling air path may be used as a suction source for the recovery system to heat the cleaning fluid. In another example, the cleaning fluid is unheated.

[0066] The recovery system may include a recovery path 48 that passes through the floor cleaner 10 and has a path inlet 50 and a path outlet 52; a suction source 54 that includes a vacuum motor 56 that is in fluid communication with the path inlet and is configured to generate a flow through the recovery path 48; and a recovery tank 22 for separating debris from the flow and collecting the debris for subsequent disposal. A separator 58 may be formed in a portion of the recovery tank 22 for separating entrained debris from the flow.

[0067] The debris collected in the tank 22 may be "dry" debris, which may include dry, substantially dry, and / or wet debris lifted from the surface to be cleaned by the recovery system. The recovery system may not be configured to collect liquid from the surface to be cleaned, e.g., liquid is not collected in the tank 22. Alternatively, the liquid may be absorbed from the surface to be cleaned by the cleaning pad 28. The cleaning pad 28 is preferably made of a material that absorbs liquid and loosens and captures debris on the floor surface. When the wetted pad 28 is wiped over the surface to be cleaned, excess liquid on the surface is absorbed by the pad 28, while debris on the surface is loosened or dissolved and then captured by the pad 28.

[0068] In one embodiment, the path inlet 50 is disposed on the base 14 and may be defined by a suction inlet port and / or a suction nozzle 60 disposed on the base 14. The cleaning pad 28 is disposed outside the recovery path 48, such as by being disposed below and / or behind the suction nozzle 60, so that the recovery system does not apply suction to the cleaning pad 28.

[0069] In one embodiment, the path outlet 52 is disposed on the rear side of the upright body 12 and may be defined by an exhaust port in the frame 18 ( Figure 2 In another embodiment, the path outlet 52 is arranged at another position on the floor cleaner 10 .

[0070] A drive assembly, which includes at least one pad motor 62, can drive the cleaning pads 28. In one embodiment, a drive transmission (described in more detail below) operably connects one motor 62 to two cleaning pads 28 to transfer rotational motion of the motor 62 to the pads 28. In other embodiments, a pad motor 62 can be provided for each pad 28.

[0071] The electrical components of the floor cleaner 10 (including the pump 44, the vacuum motor 56, the pad motor 62, or any combination thereof) are electrically coupled to the battery 30 (which may include a battery pack) for cordless operation. The battery 30 is preferably rechargeable. In one example, the battery pack 30 includes a lithium-ion battery pack.

[0072] The floor cleaner 10 may include a main controller 32 that is operably coupled to various systems and components of the floor cleaner 10. In one embodiment, the main controller 32 may include a printed circuit board (PCB). As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "PCB" includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide operational control to the floor cleaner 10. The PCB includes, for example, a processing unit (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or other 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 other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory device). The processing unit is connected to the memory and executes instructions (e.g., software) that can be stored in a RAM (e.g., during execution), a ROM (e.g., on a substantially permanent basis), or other non-transitory computer-readable media (such as another memory or disk). Additionally or alternatively, the memory is included in the processing unit (e.g., as part of a microcontroller). The software stored in the memory includes, for example, firmware, program data, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The processing unit is configured to retrieve and execute instructions related to the control process and method described herein from the memory, etc. The PCB may also include a plurality of additional passive and active components, etc., such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, integrated circuits, and amplifiers, etc. These components are arranged and connected to provide a plurality of electrical functions to the PCB, including signal conditioning or voltage regulation, etc. For the purpose of description, the PCB and the electrical components disposed on the PCB are collectively referred to as controllers. Therefore, the main PCB and the electrical components disposed on the main PCB may be referred to as the main controller 32.

[0073] Through the UI 34, the user can interact with the floor cleaner 10 to perform one or more functions. In the illustrated embodiment, the UI 34 is disposed on the frame 18 ( Figure 1 ), and in other embodiments, the UI 34 can be disposed on the base 14 or at other locations on the upright body 12. In a preferred embodiment, the UI 34 is the front side of the frame 18 for easy access by the user, and the UI 34 can also be located at the upper end of the frame 18, above the recovery tank 22 and below the handle 16. Although one UI 34 is shown, in other embodiments, the floor cleaner 10 can include multiple user interfaces.

[0074] refer to Figure 4, shows the architectural layout of a floor cleaner 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, including the locations and relative positions of tanks 20, 22, battery pack 30, and other components. Various components including recovery tank 22, battery pack 30, and suction source 54 may be included on upright body 12. Various components including supply tank 20, pad 28, suction nozzle 60, and pad motor 62 may be included on base 14. Dispenser 38 and pump 44 may also be included on base 14 (see Fig.13 and Fig.16 ).

[0075] The relative positioning of the various components of the floor cleaner 10 is arranged to provide good balance, facilitate user operation, and / or provide protection for electronic components. For example, the battery pack 30 is arranged above the tanks 20, 22, which isolates the battery pack 30 from potential exposure to liquids, such as liquids leaking from the supply tank 20 or other components of the delivery system. As another example, all components of the fluid delivery system, including the supply tank 20, are arranged on the base 14, which can reduce the size and weight of the upright body 12. Other arrangements of the various components of the floor cleaner 10 are also possible while ensuring that the floor cleaner 10 is well balanced and easy to operate while ensuring isolation of the electronic components.

[0076] Supply tank 20 may include at least one outwardly facing surface that forms an exterior surface of base 14, including but not limited to an upper surface, a front side, a right lateral side, and / or a left lateral side of base 14. When forming an exterior surface of base 14, at least one outwardly facing surface of supply tank 20 is visible from outside of floor cleaner 10, e.g., visible to a user of floor cleaner 10.

[0077] The recovery tank 22 may include at least one outwardly facing surface that forms an outer surface of the upright body 12 , including but not limited to a front side, a right lateral side, and / or a left lateral side of the upright body 12 .

[0078] The supply tank 20 and / or the recovery tank 22 may be made of a transparent material or a colored translucent material, which enables a user to view the contents of the tanks 20 , 22 .

[0079] refer to Figure 5 In one aspect of the present disclosure, the joint assembly 26 can achieve a wide range of movement, including moving the upright body 12 to a flat position in which the upright body 12 is substantially horizontal to the surface to be cleaned. An example of a flat position is Figure 5, where the floor cleaner 10 is resting on a surface S. In the flat position, the angle A between the base 14 and the upright body 12 is substantially 180 degrees, where "substantially" includes a deviation of up to 5 degrees, alternatively, including a deviation of up to 10 degrees. In one example, the angle A can alternatively be about 170 to 180 degrees. This minimizes the height of the floor cleaner 10, making it easier to clean under furniture and hard-to-reach locations.

[0080] In one example, angle A can be the angle between the axis of the handle and the plane of the base. The axis of the handle extends parallel to or through the elongated handle 16 and intersects the axis X of the joint assembly 26. The plane of the base is parallel to the surface to be cleaned S and extends through the base 14 to intersect the axis X of the joint assembly 26.

[0081] In the flat position, the floor cleaner 10 can be, for example, composed of at least the cleaning pad 28, the wheels 98, 100 on the base 14 (see Fig. 9 ) and a rearward-facing end 64 of the handle 24. In one embodiment, the rearward-facing end 64 of the handle 24 is configured to be the first and / or only point of contact between the surface S and the upright body 12 in the laid-flat position. In some embodiments, the floor cleaner 10 can be supported by other portions of the underside of the base 14 and / or other portions of the rear side of the upright body 12 when in the laid-flat position.

[0082] refer to Figures 6 to 8 In one embodiment, the joint assembly 26 may include a multi-axis joint that couples the base 14 to the upright body 12 for movement about at least two rotational axes X, Y. In one embodiment, the rear housing cover 86 ( Figure 8 ) can surround a portion of the joint assembly 26. Figure 6 to Figure 7 , the rear housing cover 86 of the base 14 is not shown for clarity.

[0083] refer to Figure 6 to Figure 7 , the upright body 12 can be in an upright storage position ( Figure 6 ) and horizontal position ( Figure 7 ). Between these positions is at least one inclined use position (not shown) in which the user supports the upright body 12 at an angle and the upright body 12 forms an acute angle with the surface to be cleaned and the user can move the upright body 12 by grasping the handle 24 ( Figure 1) to partially support the floor cleaner 10. The body 12 can pivot relative to the base 14 about a second axis Y so that the base 14 is turned when the base 14 moves on the surface. The body 12 can be pivoted by the user around the axes X, Y using the handle 16. In the inclined use position, the angle A between the base 14 and the upright body 12 is substantially 138 degrees, wherein "substantially" includes a deviation of up to 5 degrees, and alternatively, includes a deviation of up to 10 degrees. In one example, the angle A can alternatively be about 128 degrees to 147 degrees. In one example, in the inclined use position, the body 12 can pivot up to 44 degrees to each side from the vertical direction around the axis Y.

[0084] In the upright or storage position, the upright body 12 is oriented to be substantially upright relative to the surface to be cleaned, and the floor cleaner 10 is self-supporting, that is, the floor cleaner 10 can stand upright without being supported by other objects. In the upright or storage position, the angle A between the base 14 and the upright body 12 is substantially 85 degrees, where "substantially" includes a deviation of up to 5 degrees. In one example, the angle A can alternatively be about 83 degrees to 88 degrees.

[0085] A joint lock (not shown) can selectively engage the upright body 12 and lock the upright body in the upright or storage position. When the upright body is locked in the upright or storage position, the joint assembly 26 is locked and the upright body 12 cannot move about the axis X, Y. When tilted, the joint assembly 26 is released and the upright body 12 can move relative to the base 14 about the axis X, Y, including but not limited to moving to a flat position.

[0086] refer to Figure 8 In one embodiment, the joint assembly 26 that allows movement to the flat position includes: a base connector 66 that is pivotally coupled to the base 14 and defines an axis X about which the upright body 12 can rotate in a front-to-back direction; and an upright connector 68 that is pivotally coupled to the base connector 66 and defines an axis Y about which the upright body 12 can rotate in a left-to-right direction. The upright connector 68 can be coupled to a lower end 70 of the frame 18 or formed integrally with the lower end of the frame.

[0087] The base 14 may include a bracket 72 that receives a portion of the base connector 66. The bracket 72 may be disposed at a rear portion of the base 14 and may include an upwardly facing opening in the top side of the base 14 that is continuous with a rearwardly facing opening in the rear side of the base 14. The opening of the bracket allows the upright body 12 to be pivoted to the upright storage position ( Figure 6 ), horizontal position ( Figure 7), and an inclined use position between the upright storage position and the flat position. The bracket 72 can also be large enough to accommodate the lower end 70 of the upright connector 68 in the upright storage position, the flat position, and the inclined use position between the upright storage position and the flat position.

[0088] In one embodiment, the bracket 72 may be at least partially formed by an upper rear housing cover 86. The bracket may also be at least partially formed by a lower rear housing cover 88 that cooperates with the upper rear housing cover 86. Various other structural configurations of the bracket 72 are also possible.

[0089] The axis X may be defined, for example, by a shaft 74 that extends in opposite directions from a lower end 76 of the base connector 66 and is rotatably received in a shaft opening 78 of the bracket 72 on the rear side of the base 14 .

[0090] For support in the flat position, the shaft opening 78 is preferably located at a height from the bottom of the base 14 resting on the floor surface that is greater than the depth of the portion of the body 12 located behind (i.e., behind) the axis X. This allows the body 12 to lie completely flat and the rear of the body 12 will not contact the floor surface before reaching the flat position.

[0091] The upper end 80 of the base connector 66 has an outwardly facing collar 82. Figure 8 Only one of the collars, of which only one can be seen, is pivotally coupled at the lower end 70 of the frame 18 to a pivot connection 84 inside the upright connection 68. The axis Y may be defined by the collar 82. The upper end 80 of the base connection 66 may be coupled to or integral with the lower end 76 of the base connection 66 and disposed generally above the lower end 76, at least in the upright storage position.

[0092] Wiring and / or conduits for supplying power, data, and / or working air between the upright body 12 and the base 14 may extend through the connector assembly 26. For example, the recovery conduit 90 fluidly couples the suction nozzle 60 to the recovery tank 22 ( Figure 3 ) and forms a portion of the retrieval path 48. A catheter 90 (which may alternatively be referred to herein as an aspiration catheter) may pass through the connector assembly 26 as it defines a portion of the retrieval path 48. At least a portion of the catheter 90 may be flexible to accommodate movement of the connector assembly 26 and may include a flexible tube or hose.

[0093] refer to Fig. 9, the base 14 may include a base housing 92 and a suction nozzle 60. The suction nozzle 60 (which may be integrally formed with the base housing 92 or formed separately from the base housing 92 and attached to the base housing) is preferably disposed at a leading or front edge of the base 14 in front of the mopping pad 28. By "leading," the leading edge of the base 14 is the edge that guides the movement of the floor cleaner 10 when a user pushes the floor cleaner 10 from behind the floor cleaner 10, which defines the rear of the floor cleaner 10. The suction nozzle 60 may include a narrow and laterally elongated (e.g., extending in a lateral direction) inlet opening for the recovery path 48.

[0094] The mopping pad 28 may be disposed on the underside 94 of the base housing 92 in a lateral direction to engage the surface below the base 14. In some embodiments, the pad 28 may protrude beyond the lateral sides of the base housing 92 to clean along walls, baseboards, cabinets, furniture, etc. A pair of cleaning pads 28 may rotate independently and may rotate in opposite directions or in the same direction.

[0095] The pad 28 may be mounted to rotate about a substantially vertical axis 96 relative to the surface on which the base 14 moves. When substantially vertical, the rotation axis 96 of the pad 28 may deviate up to 5 degrees from vertical, up to 10 degrees from vertical, or up to 15 degrees from vertical. The pad axes 96 may be parallel to one another or may not be parallel to one another.

[0096] The pad 28 may include one or more different agitation or cleaning elements configured to mop or otherwise agitate the surface to be cleaned. The pad 28 is preferably absorbent to absorb liquid. Some non-limiting examples of materials for the mopping pad 28 include microfiber materials, cloth, fabric, etc. The pad 28 may be disc-shaped or have other shapes.

[0097] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the base 14 includes a plurality of wheels 98, 100 to facilitate movement of the floor cleaner 10 in various positions including, but not limited to, when the upright body 12 is in a flat position ( Figure 5 and Figure 7 ) and tilted use positions. At least one wheel 98 is disposed in front of or "front" the pad 28 and at least one wheel 100 is disposed behind or "rear" the pad 28. The front and rear wheels 98, 100 and the pad 28 can together support the floor cleaner 10 on the floor in the tilted use position, the upright storage position, and / or the flat position. When the floor cleaner 10 is on the floor, the pad 28 can be compressed until the wheels 98, 100 contact the floor.

[0098] The first or front wheel 98 may include a set of support wheels located in front of the pad 28 and optionally between the pad 28 and the suction nozzle 60. The support wheels 98 may rotate about a single axis 102 and in some embodiments include cylindrical rollers 104 mounted on a hub or shaft 106 that rotates about the axis 102. The shaft 106 may be fixed to the base housing 92, wherein the rollers 104 rotate about the axis 102.

[0099] The second or rear wheel 100 may include a set of casters located behind the pad 28. The caster 100 may rotate (including freely swivel) about more than one axis to allow the base 14 to be easily turned. In some embodiments, the caster 100 includes a cylindrical roller 108 that rotates about a first axis 110 and is mounted within a yoke assembly 112 that swivels about a second axis 114. The second axis 114 is preferably non-parallel to the first axis 110 and may be substantially perpendicular to the first axis 110 in one embodiment. Fig. 9 In the orientation of , the second axis 114 extends perpendicular to the plane of the paper.

[0100] When the upright body 12 is tilted or laid flat, the center of gravity of the floor cleaner 10 is shifted rearward relative to its center of gravity when upright. Providing wheels 98, 100 in front and back of the pad 28 helps prevent the base 14 from tipping over in an inclined position (including in a laid flat position). This allows the pad to maintain consistent engagement with the surface to be cleaned, thereby improving the consistency of agitation and thus the cleaning performance of the floor cleaner 10, while stabilizing the load on the motor driving the pad 28.

[0101] refer to Fig.10 In one aspect of the present disclosure, the base 14 includes the supply tank 20, and the supply tank 20 forms a portion of the recovery path 48. In one embodiment, the portion of the recovery path 48 is the portion between the suction nozzle 60 and the recovery tank 22 and may define the suction conduit 116 between the suction nozzle 60 and the recovery tank 22. In an alternative embodiment, the portion of the recovery path 48 includes at least a portion of the suction nozzle 60 in addition to the portion of the suction conduit 116.

[0102] In some embodiments, the supply tank 20 can be removed from the base housing 92. Removing the supply tank 20 also removes a portion of the recovery path 48, such as the portion of the suction conduit 116 formed by the supply tank 20. By forming a portion of the recovery path 48 with the supply tank 20, the recovery path 48 can be easily accessed by removing the supply tank 20. This makes it easier and more convenient for the user to clean the recovery path 48 after a cleaning operation. Obstructions can be cleared from the path 48 (including from the suction nozzle 60) without turning the floor cleaner 10 over. This configuration can also reduce the number of parts associated with the floor cleaner 10 and reduce costs.

[0103] refer to Figure 10 to Figure 11 , the suction duct 116 can be constructed as two mating halves 118, 120 (a first half 118 and a second half 120), which are connected to each other by mounting the tank 20 on the base shell 92. The supply tank 20 includes the first mating half 118, and the base shell 92 includes the second mating half 120. When the tank 20 is mounted on the base shell 92, the second half 120 is closed by the first half 118. By the action of removing the tank 20 from the base shell 92, the first mating half 118 is removed from the second mating half 120. In the state where the tank 20 is removed from the base shell 92, the second mating half 120 can be kept together with the base shell 92.

[0104] Although referred to herein as "halfs," it should be understood that each mating half 118, 120 may define more or less than half of the conduit 116, e.g., more or less than half of the volume of the conduit 116. In one embodiment, the first mating half 118 may include an upper conduit segment that defines at least the top of the conduit 116, and the second mating half 120 may include a lower conduit segment that defines at least the bottom of the conduit 116. The mating halves 118, 120 may together form lateral sides of the conduit 116. In another embodiment, the mating halves 118, 120 may form other segments or other sides of the conduit 116.

[0105] In one embodiment, a portion of the tank 20, such as but not limited to the lower wall 122 of the tank 20, can form the first mating half 118. The supply tank defines a liquid storage volume, and a portion of the liquid storage volume of the supply tank 20 can surround one or more sides of the first mating half 118 to maximize the capacity of the tank 20 within the available space on the base 14. For example, portions of the lower wall 122 of the tank 20 can surround the first mating half 118 so that the suction conduit 116 is at least partially nested within the tank 20. The supply tank 20 can preferably span the upper side 124 of the base housing 92, including both sides disposed to the connector assembly 26.

[0106] The lower wall 122 can form an inwardly facing surface of the tank 20 that is located inside the base 14 when the supply tank 20 is located on the base shell 92. The inwardly facing surface can face the upper side 124 of the base shell 92. Thus, the first mating half 118 is formed in the inwardly facing surface of the tank 20 so as to be located inside the base 14 when the supply tank 20 is located on the base shell 92.

[0107] The second mating half 120 is coupled to or formed by the base shell 92, such as, but not limited to, on an upper side 124 of the base shell 92. The second mating half 120 can protrude upward relative to the upper side 124. The liquid storage volume of the supply tank 20 can surround one or more sides of the second mating half 120 to maximize the capacity of the tank 20 within the available space on the base 14. For example, some portions of the lower wall 122 of the tank 20 can face the upper side 124 so that the suction conduit 116 is at least partially nested within the tank 20. The supply tank 20 can preferably include some portions of the liquid storage volume arranged to both lateral sides of the second mating half 120.

[0108] The two mating halves 118, 120 have mating edges 126, 128, respectively. The mating edges 126, 128 can be curved, planar, and combinations thereof. The mating edges 126, 128 can include features that allow sealing to each other to minimize air and / or fluid leakage between the halves. For example, at least one of the mating edges 126, 128 can include a compressible seal 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the compressible seal 130 is disposed on some or all of the edges of the mating edge 126 of the first mating half 118. Thus, the compressible seal 130 is disposed on the can 20. In another example, the mating edges 126, 128 can include a tongue-and-groove configuration, a sealing strip, an interference fit, or other sealing techniques to provide a desired sealing effect, wherein the mating halves 118, 120 are mated together in a fluid-tight manner to prevent air from escaping through the interface between the mating halves 118, 120.

[0109] Although the conduit 116 may be formed from other multiple conduit sections that mate in a similar manner, it should be appreciated that the use of two mating halves 118 , 120 is a preferred manner of forming the conduit 116 .

[0110] refer to Fig.12 , the suction conduit 116 has: a first end or inlet end 132, configured to be in fluid communication with the suction nozzle 60 or a portion of the suction nozzle 60; and a second end or outlet end 134, configured to be in fluid communication with the recovery tank 22, optionally via the recovery conduit 90. The conduits 116, 90 can together define a portion of the recovery path 48 that connects the suction nozzle 60 to the recovery tank 22, wherein the conduit 90 is fluidly located downstream of the conduit 116. The cross-sectional area of ​​the suction conduit 116 can decrease between the inlet end and the outlet end 134 to increase the airflow velocity.

[0111] The upstream aspiration conduit 116 is preferably rigid and the downstream retrieval conduit 90 is preferably flexible to accommodate movement of the joint assembly 26. However, in other configurations, at least a portion of the aspiration conduit 116 may be flexible and at least a portion of the retrieval conduit 90 may be rigid.

[0112] The second mating half 120 can form the inlet end 132 and the outlet end 134 of the suction conduit 116, wherein the first mating half 118 closes the open top of the second mating half 120 between the inlet end 132 and the outlet end 134 to form the top side of the conduit 116. In another embodiment, the mating halves 118, 120 can together form the inlet end 132 and the outlet end 134 of the conduit 116. In yet another embodiment, the first mating half 118 can form the inlet end 132 and / or the outlet end 134.

[0113] The suction nozzle 60 may have a narrow and laterally elongated opening defining a suction inlet port 136 at its lower end and a suction outlet port 138 at its upper end. The lateral width of the suction nozzle 60 preferably narrows between the suction inlet port 136 and the suction outlet port 138, wherein the lateral width of the suction outlet port 138 is less than the lateral width of the suction inlet port 136.

[0114] The suction outlet port 138 is coupled to the inlet end 132 of the suction conduit 116. In one embodiment, the suction outlet port 138 is mated or integrally formed with the second mating half 120. Therefore, in a state where the tank 20 is removed from the base housing 92, the suction nozzle 60 is kept together with the base housing 92 and is opened for user access via the exposure of the outlet port 138. This is convenient for cleaning blockages in the suction nozzle 60 and can also reduce the weight of the floor cleaner 10. In another embodiment, the suction nozzle 60 can be at least partially formed by the supply tank 20 so that removing the supply tank 20 from the base 14 can remove a portion of the suction nozzle 60.

[0115] refer to Fig.11 , the supply tank 20 can include a fill closure 140 that can be received in a fill inlet 142 of the tank 20. The fill closure 140 can be removed from the fill inlet 142 to open the tank 20, for example, to fill the tank 20 with a cleaning fluid or to empty the tank 20. Various fill closures are possible, such as a screw-on cap or an elastomeric plug. In one configuration, the fill closure 140 may be blocked when the tank 20 is mounted on the base housing 92, so that the tank 20 must be removed to access the fill closure 140. In another configuration, the supply tank 20 is fillable when mounted on the base housing 92, and / or the supply tank is a disposable component that can be replaced when the tank 20 is empty.

[0116] The supply tank 20 may include a tank outlet 144 for the cleaning fluid, whereby the cleaning fluid flows through the tank outlet 144 to the supply path 40 ( Figure 3 The tank outlet 144 may be formed in one wall of the tank 20 , and preferably may be formed in the lower wall 122 , to facilitate fluid flow through the tank outlet 144 .

[0117] The tank outlet 144 may be opened or closed by an outlet valve 148. The valve 148 may be disposed inside the tank 20. The valve 148 may be configured to open when the supply tank 20 is mounted on the base housing 92 and to close when the supply tank 20 is removed from the base housing 92.

[0118] A valve receiver 150 may be formed in the base housing 92 (such as in the upper side 124) for fluid coupling with the outlet valve 148. The valve receiver 150 is connected to the pump 44 ( Figure 3 ) fluid connected.

[0119] The floor cleaner 10 may include a tank latch 152 to retain the supply tank 20 on the base housing 92. A hook-and-snap coupling structure may be provided to assist in mounting the supply tank 20 to the base housing 92. For example, the tank 20 may include one or more hooks 154 extending from the lower wall 122 that engage one or more snaps 156 on the upper side 124 of the base housing 92. In one arrangement, the hook-and-snap coupling structure is disposed forward of the tank latch 152, such that to mount the tank 20, the hooks 154 are first inserted into the snaps 156, and then the rear portion of the tank 20 is pivoted downward toward the base housing 92 to engage the latch 152.

[0120] To aid in aligning the can 20 on the base housing 92 , the base housing 92 may optionally include one or more protruding alignment elements or protrusions 158 that are received within corresponding recesses 160 on the can 20 .

[0121] To remove the canister 20, the latch 152 is actuated and the canister 20 is pivoted forward to move the hook 154 out of engagement with the catch 156 as the canister 20 is lifted off the base housing 92. During this time, the latch 152 can be used as a handle for manipulating and carrying the canister 20. Other arrangements for mounting and / or retaining the supply canister 20 on the base housing 92 are also possible.

[0122] refer to Fig.13, a partially exploded view of the base 14 shows details of a mop pad drive system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The mop pad 28 is mounted on a rotating plate or rotatable pad holder 162 on the underside 94 of the base housing 92. The pad holder 162 is operably coupled to a pad motor 62, which is optionally mounted in the base housing 92 below the supply tank 20. A drive shaft 164 operably connected to the pad motor 62 extends through the base housing 92 to couple with the pad holder 162.

[0123] The pad motor 62 rotates the two drive shafts 164 via a suitable transmission, such as a worm gear assembly 166, to rotate the pad holder 162, thereby rotating the pad 28. Although a single pad motor 62 is shown herein, it should be understood that the electric agitation system may include multiple pad motors, each pad motor being operably coupled to one mop pad 28 via a suitable transmission for rotating the pad 28.

[0124] In one embodiment, the base housing 92 may include a lower base cover 168 and an upper base cover 170 coupled to an upper side of the lower base cover 168. The upper base cover 170 may include the upper side 124 of the base housing 92, and the supply tank 20 may be mounted on the upper base cover 170. The upper rear housing cover 86 and the lower rear housing cover 88 ( Figure 8 ) can be attached to one or both of the upper base cover 168 and the lower base cover 170. Other configurations of the base housing 92 are also possible, including the case where the base housing has more covers or fewer covers.

[0125] The drive transmission (such as worm gear assembly 166) that couples the motor 62 to the drive shaft 164 can be at least partially enclosed within a drive housing (such as a gear box). In some embodiments, the drive housing can be formed by a lower base cover 168 and a drive cover 174. The drive cover 174 can be fastened or otherwise fixed to the lower base cover 168 and disposed below the upper base cover 170 and helps maintain proper alignment of the worm gear assembly 166 and the motor 62 and reduce noise.

[0126] In some embodiments, the lower base cover 168 can include a base plate 176 and a side wall 178 extending upward from the base plate 176, and the base plate 176 and the side wall 178 can define a driver housing. The driver cover 174 can be fastened to or otherwise fixed on top of the side wall 178.

[0127] Fig.13Also shown is a fluid dispenser 38 of the floor cleaner 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, which may include a fluid delivery nozzle that delivers cleaning fluid to a substantially center of at least one mopping pad 28. A plurality of nozzles 38 may be arranged on the base 14. For example, a pair of nozzles 38 may be arranged in a lateral direction, with one nozzle 38 for each pad 28. Although reference is made throughout the disclosure to a plurality of nozzles 38 and / or a pair of nozzles 38, it should be understood that the floor cleaner 10 may include a single fluid delivery nozzle 38 or more than two nozzles 38 unless otherwise specified.

[0128] The fluid delivery nozzle 38 delivers the cleaning fluid to the floor surface to be cleaned and can deliver the cleaning fluid directly to the floor surface to be cleaned. Delivering the cleaning fluid directly to the floor surface to be cleaned can include delivering the cleaning fluid substantially directly to the floor surface to be cleaned. By "substantially directly", a portion of the cleaning fluid delivered by the nozzle 38 may splash onto the pad holder 162 and / or the pad 28.

[0129] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the assembled mop pad 28 and pad holder 162 may have at least one cleaning fluid passage for passing cleaning fluid from the fluid dispenser 38 through the assembled pad and pad holder 162 to the surface to be cleaned.

[0130] refer to Fig.14 , the mopping pad 28 and pad holder 162 may be circular or disc-shaped in shape, wherein the pad 28 has a central opening 180 aligned with a central hub 182 of the pad holder 162. The diameter of the central opening 180 in the pad 28 may be greater than the diameter of the hub 182. The outer diameter of the pad holder 162 may be less than the outer diameter of the pad 28.

[0131] Each pad holder 162 may include an outer body 184 in the form of a ring surrounding the hub 182. Fig.13 ) The shaft coupling 186 for connection can be set at the upper side of the hub 182.

[0132] At least one cleaning fluid passage opening 188 may be defined between the hub 182 and the outer body 184, and preferably, a plurality of cleaning fluid passage openings may be defined. The hub 182 is located at a central region of the outer body 184 and may be spaced apart from an inner peripheral surface 190 of the outer body 184 by one or more ribs 192 connecting the hub 182 and the outer body 184. The plurality of passage openings 188 may be defined by the plurality of ribs 192.

[0133] In one example, the pad 28 comprises a microfiber pad that can be removed for cleaning when the pad 28 becomes dirty. The dirty pad 28 can be washed and reused. The pad 28 can be used for more than one mopping process before washing. Alternatively, the pad 28 can comprise a disposable mopping pad 28 for one-time use or limited use.

[0134] refer to Fig.15 , the pad holder 162 may include a fastener 194, such as a hook-and-loop fastener as shown, or, for example, a snap or magnet, for removably attaching the pad 28. Thus, the pad 28 may be removed from the base 14 for cleaning or replacement.

[0135] Fig.16 The fluid supply path in the base 14 is shown. Fig.16 In the embodiment, some parts of the base 14 are removed for clarity. In one embodiment, the supply path includes: a first supply conduit 196 connected to the valve receiving portion 150 (which is connected to the supply tank, see Fig.10 ), the pump 44 is connected to a first supply conduit 196 at the inlet side of the pump 44; and a second supply conduit 198 is connected to the outlet side of the pump 44. The second supply conduit 198 can supply the cleaning fluid directly to the fluid distributor 38, or, as shown herein, can supply the cleaning fluid to a T-connector 200 that divides the cleaning fluid between a third supply conduit 202 and a fourth supply conduit 204, each of which supplies one nozzle 38. The T-connector 200, the supply conduits 202, 204, and the nozzle 38 can also form a supply path.

[0136] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a portion of the fluid supply path may pass through a driver housing for a drive transmission for pad 28 so that fluid may be dispensed near the center of pad 28 without adding additional height to base 14. For example, nozzle 38 and / or conduits 202, 204 supplying nozzle 38 may pass through the driver housing. An inlet for the fluid supply path may be formed, for example, in side wall 178 of the driver housing and may be defined as a notched portion 206 in side wall 178.

[0137] In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed portion 206 accommodates the supply conduits 202, 204, wherein the nozzle 38 is disposed within the driver housing and disposed inside the recessed portion 206. The nozzle 38 can be mounted to the lower base cover 168 and positioned to deliver cleaning fluid to the substantially center of each mopping pad 28. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the nozzle 38 can be at least partially disposed above the base plate 176 and / or disposed within the side wall 178 defining the driver housing. Thus, the nozzle 38 is integral with the pad driver assembly.

[0138] A plurality of clips 208 secure the nozzle 38 within the driver housing (such as to the base plate 176 of the lower base cover 168) and stably position the nozzle 38 within the driver housing. The clips 208 may be flexible features on the lower base cover 168 with their ends permanently molded or otherwise secured to the lower base cover 168. Various other securing configurations for the nozzle 38 are also possible.

[0139] Fig.17 It passes through Figure 1 , taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. 1 , showing the cleaning fluid passage through the mop pad 28. Each nozzle 38 may include a discharge port 210. The discharge port 210 extends downward toward the pad holder 162 and is arranged to face the channel opening 188. The cleaning fluid ejected through the discharge port 210 is directed toward and through the channel opening 188 in the pad holder 162. By distributing the liquid directly through the mop pad 28 to the surface to be cleaned, the mop pad 28 is more evenly wetted and the cleaning time can be shortened. This fluid delivery configuration also improves streaking, for example, uneven application and / or residual fluid left on the surface to be cleaned.

[0140] The pad holder 162 may have a protrusion 212 on the upper surface of the outer body 184 that is radially spaced from the passage opening 188. The protrusion 212 may be in the form of an annular ring, for example, on the inner periphery of the outer body 184. The lower end of the discharge port 210 may be arranged below the protrusion 212 and above the rib 192 ( Fig.14 ) so as not to interfere with the rotation of the pad holder 162. As an example, the lower end of the discharge port 210 may be arranged to protrude into the space between the protrusion 212 and the shaft coupling 186.

[0141] At least a portion of the nozzle 38 may extend through the lower base cover 168. A nozzle opening may be formed in the lower base cover 168, and the discharge port 210 may extend downward through the nozzle opening. Thus, the inlet portion of the nozzle 38 is located above the lower base cover 168 and disposed inside the driver housing for the drive transmission (e.g., above the base plate 176 and below the driver cover 174), and the outlet portion of the nozzle 38 including the discharge port 210 is disposed below the lower base cover 168 and disposed outside the driver housing. With the discharge port 210 located outside the driver housing, the cleaning fluid ejected through the discharge port 210 may be prevented from being drawn into the driver housing and / or the drive transmission for the pad 28.

[0142] The drain port 210 is spaced inboard from the sidewall 178 and / or the recessed portion 206 such that the drain port 210 is positioned closer to the center of the rotating pad 28 and the pad holder 162 .

[0143] Because the pad holder 162 is rotating, some cleaning fluid discharged from the discharge port 210 may not pass through the passage opening 188 and may hit the rib 192 or other parts of the pad holder 162. In the case where the discharge port 210 is arranged below the lower base cover 168 and at a lower position than the protrusion 212 on the pad holder 162, most of the cleaning fluid can pass through the passage opening 188, and any cleaning fluid that hits the rib 192 or other parts of the pad holder 162 can move through the passage opening 188.

[0144] Fig.18 1 is a perspective view showing the recovery tank 22 exploded from the upright body 12. The tank 22 may be mounted to the frame 18 in any configuration. In an embodiment of the invention, the tank 22 is removable from the frame 18 for emptying and / or cleaning.

[0145] The upright body 12 includes a tank receptacle or receiver 216 for receiving the recovery tank 22. As shown herein, in one embodiment, the tank receiver 216 can be defined by an opening or cavity in some portion of the frame 18. The tank receiver 216 can be provided on the front side of the frame 18 for mounting the tank 22 from the front of the floor cleaner 10.

[0146] The recovery tank receiving portion 216 may include: a recovery tank support 218 on which the tank 22 rests; and a top plate 220, generally opposite the support 218. The recovery tank receiving portion 216 may have an open front side and lateral sides, so that when the tank 22 is located in the receiving portion 216, the front wall and lateral walls of the recovery tank 22 are visible and form the outer surface of the device 10. With this configuration, the user can easily observe the contents of the tank 22 from various viewing angles and when the upright body 12 is in various inclined use positions.

[0147] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recovery tank 22 is loaded from the top, for example, the top of the recovery tank 22 is first inserted into the tank receiving portion 216, and then the bottom of the recovery tank 22 is inserted into the tank receiving portion 216. The top loading recovery tank 22 minimizes the volume and / or height of the frame 18, which improves the floor cleaner 10, including but not limited to, when the upright body 12 is in a flat position substantially horizontal to the surface to be cleaned (see Figure 5 ) to get under furniture and other low obstacles.

[0148] The recovery tank 22 has an upper or first end 222 and a lower or second end 224. In one aspect of the disclosure, the recovery tank 22 includes a hook 226 at the upper end 222 of the tank 22, and the tank receiver 216 includes a snap 228 configured to be engaged by the hook 226.

[0149] To help hold the can 22 during installation or removal, the can 22 can have a handle 217 on one side of the can 22, such as on the front side of the can 22. The handle 217 can be arranged between the upper end 222 and the lower end 224 of the can 22, so that the handle 217 is located in the general middle of the can 22.

[0150] refer to Fig.19 In one configuration, the hook 226 can be connected to a portion of the can 22 at a connection end and can have a free end 230 opposite the connection end that can be at least partially inserted into the buckle 228. The buckle 228 can include a cavity 232 defined by at least one surface in one face of the frame 18 and including a bottom surface or flange 234. In the installed position, the free end 230 of the hook 226 protrudes into the cavity 232 and engages the flange 234.

[0151] The recovery tank 22 is secured in place via a latch or other fastening mechanism. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the floor cleaner 10 includes a spring-loaded latch 236 at the lower end 224 of the tank 22 for securing the recovery tank 22 to the frame 18. Although described herein as being secured to the frame 18, it should be understood that the recovery tank 22 is typically secured to the housing of the floor cleaner 10.

[0152] refer to Fig. 20 , the latch 236 releases the spring-biased tab 238 from a slot 240 formed in the frame 18. The spring 242 biases the tab 238 toward the slot 240.

[0153] The latch 236 can be configured to releasably lock the recovery tank 22 to the upright body 12 such that a user must actuate the latch 236 before pulling the tank 22 away from the frame 18. The latch 236 can have a user-engageable portion 244 that operably couples the tab 238 so that pressing upward on the portion 244 moves the tab 238 out of engagement with the slot 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the user-engageable portion 244 is a latch button exposed at the lower end 224 of the tank 22, but other configurations of the user-engageable portion 244 are possible.

[0154] In one embodiment, the latch 236 includes a latch body 246 mounted for translational movement or sliding movement relative to the lower end 224 of the can 22. The latch body 246 may include or be connected to a tab 238 and a user-engageable portion or latch button 244. The latch body 246 may, for example, translate generally vertically or slide along a vertical latch axis 247, thereby causing vertical movement of the tab 238. The spring 242 may press against an upper side 248 of the latch body 246 to bias the latch body 246 downward in a direction toward the lower end 224 of the can 22. The tab 238 and the user-engageable portion or latch button 244 may be disposed on opposite lower or other sides of the latch body 246.

[0155] The latch body 246 can be mounted for translational or sliding movement relative to the lower end of the can 22 using a bracket 250. The bracket 250 can be fixed to the lower end 224 of the can 22 using screws (not shown) or other suitable fastening means. The bracket 250 can mount the latch body 246 so that the user-engageable portion 244 is exposed and accessible to the user. Pressing the user-engageable portion 244 upward will raise the latch body 246 relative to the bracket 250.

[0156] The slot 240 can be formed on first and second slotted brackets 252 that protrude forwardly from the bottom support 218 of the tank receiving portion 216. The brackets 252 are spaced apart to define a gap therebetween through which a user-engageable portion or latch button 244 can be accessed. The brackets 252 can be cantilevered members that protrude from the bottom support 218.

[0157] The bracket 252 may have a lead-in surface 253 that engages the tab 238 and moves the latch body 246 upward. The lead-in surface 253 may be inclined upward toward the slot 240 so that the tab 238 moves upward along the lead-in surface 253 before falling into the slot 240.

[0158] The latch 236 facilitates removably attaching the recovery tank 22 to the upright body 12. When the recovery tank 22 is removed for emptying and / or cleaning, the user depresses the latch 236 to release the tab 238 from the slot 240 in the frame 18. Emptying and / or cleaning the tank 22 may require removing debris from the tank 22 by lifting the cover 294 from the tank 22 and / or inverting the tank 22 to discard the debris collected therein.

[0159] refer to Fig.21To mount the recovery tank 22 to the frame 18, the tank 22 is held by grasping the handle 217 with one hand, and the upper end 222 of the tank is tilted toward the receiving portion 216 at an angle that allows the hook 226 to engage with the snap 228. Then, the lower end 224 of the tank 22 is rotated toward the receiving portion 216 until the latch 236 is engaged, for example, the tab 238 is received in the slot 240. An example of a mounting position for the tank 22 is shown in FIG. Fig.19 Shown in.

[0160] To aid in inserting the recovery tank 22 from the top, the recovery tank 22 may have an inclined bottom surface 254. The bottom surface 254 is inclined upward toward a rear wall 256 of the tank receiving portion 216. The rear wall 256 may extend generally between the bottom tank support 218 and the top plate 220. The recovery tank support 218 of the tank receiving portion 216 may have a complementary inclined surface 258.

[0161] The inclined bottom surface 254 may extend through a portion of the bottom of the recovery tank 22 or through the entire bottom of the recovery tank 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom of the recovery tank 22 includes a flat section 260 located on opposite sides of the inclined bottom surface 254. The flat section 260 provides a substantially flat bottom end for the recovery tank 22 on which the tank can be supported when in a standing position on a surface when the tank 22 is removed from the floor cleaner 10. Optionally, a foot 262 may be provided on the flat section 260 to support the tank 22 in a standing position.

[0162] A seal 264 may be disposed on the sloped bottom surface 254 and surrounds a recovery path port 266 that is in fluid communication with the recovery conduit 90. The seal 264 presses against the bottom of the recovery tank 22 to form a fluid-tight interface between the recovery path port 266 and an inlet 268 of the tank 22 (e.g., an inlet of the standpipe 274).

[0163] refer to Fig.19 , the recovery tank 22 may include a recovery tank reservoir 270 that forms a collection chamber 272 for the recovery system, in which a hollow standpipe 274 is located. The standpipe 274 may be oriented so that it extends generally upward within the tank reservoir 270 when the tank 22 is in the installed position. The standpipe 274 forms a flow path within the tank reservoir 270 between a tank inlet 268 formed at the lower end of the tank reservoir 270 and an opening 276 located at the upper end of the standpipe 274. When the recovery tank 22 is installed as shown in FIG. Fig.19 When mounted to the frame 18 as shown in FIG. , the inlet 268 is aligned with the port 266 to provide a Figure 4) establishes fluid communication with the recovery tank 22. The standpipe 274 may be integrally formed with the tank storage portion 270 or may be formed separately and attached to the tank storage portion.

[0164] Fig. 22 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the recovery tank 22. A filter assembly 278 is removably attached to the first end 222 of the recovery tank 22. The filter assembly 278 includes a filter holder 280 and a filter medium 282 located within the filter holder 280. In this embodiment, the filter medium 282 may be made of a foam material, a pleated material, a porous cloth, or similar conventional materials that may be inserted into the holder 280 or otherwise secured to the holder.

[0165] The tank 22 may include a separator in the form of a baffle 284 configured to separate debris from the working air flow entering the recovery tank 22. The baffle 284 is a diverter or other deflection feature that directs the working air flow toward an interior tank volume or collection chamber 272, such as to the rear and / or lateral sides of the tank 22, where the velocity of the working air flow is reduced so that at least some debris is separated from the working air flow and collected in the collection chamber 272. The baffle 284 may include at least one wall that redirects the working air flow entering the bottom of the tank 22 so that it enters the collection chamber 272 horizontally.

[0166] like Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 2 , a baffle 284 may be aligned with the outlet opening 276 at the upper end of the riser 274 , and the working air flow exiting the riser 274 may encounter the baffle 284 before being diverted into the collection chamber 272 .

[0167] refer to Fig.19 and Fig. 22 , the tank 22 may include an exhaust grille 286 to separate the internal tank volume or collection chamber 272 from the filter assembly 278. The exhaust grille 286 may at least partially surround the baffle 284 and include a plurality of blades or louvers 288 that help separate debris from the working air. The louvers 288 may extend longitudinally within the chamber 272 and be spaced apart from each other to define an air gap that defines an entrance to the interior of the grille 286. In one configuration, the louvers 288 may be vertically oriented and extend generally parallel to a central axis 292 of the tank 22, wherein the central axis 292 is defined by the riser 274. It should be noted that although the recovery tank 22 shown herein includes both the baffle 284 and the exhaust grille 286, in other embodiments, the tank 22 may include only the baffle 284, only the exhaust grille 286, or other separation devices.

[0168] The recovery tank 22 may include a cover 294 that is sized to be received on the tank storage portion 270. The cover 294 at least partially surrounds the open top of the tank storage portion 270 and may also define a suction source 54 ( 294 ) of the recovery tank 22 that is downstream. Fig.19 ) of the air outlet 296.

[0169] The cover 294 may include a hook 226 , wherein the hook 226 extends upward from the cover 294 and the free end 230 is disposed above the air outlet 296 .

[0170] The filter assembly 278 is located downstream of the baffle 284 and / or the grille 286 for separating finer debris from the working air flow. In particular, the filter assembly 278 can be disposed on the downstream side of the air outlet 296. The air outlet 296 can be arranged in and / or defined by the filter receiving portion 298 of the cover 294.

[0171] The baffle 284 and the exhaust grille 286 may be coupled to a cover 294 for removal with the cover from the tank storage portion 270. The tank cover 294 may include a support structure that holds the baffle 284 and the grille 286 and may also include a filter receiver 298 that supports the filter assembly 278. Removing the cover 294 to empty the storage portion 270 thereby removes the baffle 284, the grille 286, and the filter assembly 278. The cover 294 may be further disassembled for cleaning the baffle 284, the grille 286, and the filter assembly 278.

[0172] refer to Fig.19 , a lower portion of baffle 284 and / or grille 286 may include a riser receiver 300 that mates with an upper portion of riser 274 when cover 294 is positioned on storage portion 270 .

[0173] In operation, working air enters the recovery tank via the riser 274 and is deflected by the baffle 284 toward the interior tank volume or collection chamber 272 where the velocity of the working air flow is reduced such that at least some debris is separated from the working air flow and collected in the collection chamber 272. The working air flow, now substantially free of debris but potentially containing at least some fine (e.g., small) debris, then exits the tank 22 through the louvers 288 of the grille 286 and through the filter assembly 278 which collects the fine debris.

[0174] refer to Figure 3 In one aspect of the present disclosure, the floor cleaner 10 may have multiple operating modes, such as multiple user-selectable cleaning modes. In one embodiment, the floor cleaner 10 has a vacuum / mop mode, a vacuum mode, and a mop mode. The cleaning mode may be selected via the UI 34 ( Figure 1), the UI may have at least one input control (alternatively a plurality of input controls) for selecting a cleaning mode. The cleaning mode may have associated operating parameters for the heater 42, pump 44, vacuum motor 56, and / or pad motor 62, such that execution of the cleaning mode will cause those components to operate according to the associated operating parameters. The UI 34 may output status information to the user regarding the selected cleaning mode.

[0175] In the vacuum / mop mode, the floor cleaner 10 simultaneously performs vacuuming and mopping to perform a one-step cleaning operation on the floor. In one embodiment of the vacuum / mop mode, at least the pump 44, the vacuum motor 56, and the pad motor 62 are enabled to apply suction at the suction nozzle 60 while the pad 28 rotates and the cleaning fluid is dispensed from the fluid dispenser 38. In some embodiments, the heater 42 may also be enabled.

[0176] In vacuum cleaning mode, floor cleaner 10 performs vacuum cleaning only. In one embodiment of vacuum cleaning mode, at least vacuum motor 56 is enabled to apply suction at suction nozzle 60. Cleaning fluid is not dispensed. Pad 28 may still rotate or may not rotate in vacuum cleaning mode. Therefore, in some embodiments of vacuum cleaning mode, pad motor 62 may be enabled.

[0177] In the mop mode, the floor cleaner 10 performs only mopping. In one embodiment of the mop mode, at least the pump 44 and the pad motor 62 are enabled to rotate the pad 28 and dispense cleaning fluid from the fluid dispenser 38. In some embodiments, the heater 42 may also be enabled. The vacuum motor 56 is not enabled.

[0178] In the vacuum / mop mode and the mop mode, the release of the cleaning fluid may be automatic. Alternatively, the release of the cleaning fluid may be manually controlled by a trigger (not shown).

[0179] It should be noted that throughout the drawings, the floor cleaner 10 is shown as an upright device. However, it should be understood that the functional systems of the floor cleaner 10 can be arranged in other desired configurations, such as: an upright device having a base and an upright body for guiding the base over the surface to be cleaned; a portable device adapted to be held by a user; a cartridge device having a cleaning tool connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose; an autonomous or robotic device having an autonomous drive system and a housing capable of autonomous movement; or a commercial device. Any of the foregoing cleaners may be adapted to include a flexible vacuum hose that may form a portion of a conduit between the nozzle and the suction source.

[0180] The terms "including" or "comprising" are used herein in their broadest sense to represent and encompass the concepts of "having", "containing", "consisting essentially of", and "consisting of". The use of "for example", "for example", "such as", and "including" to list illustrative examples is not limited to the listed examples. Therefore, "for example" or "such as" means "for example but not limited to" or "such as but not limited to", and encompasses other similar or equivalent examples.

[0181] The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of the present disclosure. However, without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims, various changes and modifications may be made, which should be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law (including the doctrine of equivalents). Therefore, the present disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the present disclosure, or as limiting the scope of the claims to the specific elements shown or described in conjunction with these embodiments. Any reference to an element in the singular (e.g., using the articles "one", "the", "the" or "said") should not be interpreted as limiting the element to the singular.

[0182] Likewise, it should also be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the explicit and specific compounds, compositions or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between specific embodiments and these variations also fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein to describe specific features or aspects of various embodiments, different, special and / or unexpected results can be obtained from each member of each Markush group independent of all other Markush members. Each member of the Markush group can be relied upon individually and / or in combination and provides sufficient support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning device comprising: a base, including a base housing; an upright body assembly pivotally attached to the base; a supply tank removably mounted on the base housing; A recovery system, including a recovery path, a suction nozzle, a recovery tank and a suction source; wherein a portion of the recovery path is formed by a bottom wall of the supply tank; and wherein removing the supply tank from the base housing removes the portion of the recovery path.

2. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein: The bottom wall of the supply tank forms a portion of the recovery path extending from the suction nozzle to the recovery tank.

3. The surface cleaning device of claim 1, wherein: The bottom wall of the supply tank forms a portion of the recovery path fluidly downstream of the suction nozzle and fluidly upstream of the recovery tank.

4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The recovery path includes a suction duct between the suction nozzle and the recovery tank, and the bottom wall of the supply tank forms a part of the suction duct.

5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein: The suction duct includes a first mating half and a second mating half, and the supply tank includes the first mating half, wherein removing the supply tank from the base shell removes the first mating half of the suction duct and the second mating half remains with the base shell.

6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5, wherein: The first mating half includes an upper conduit segment defining at least a top portion of the aspiration conduit, and the second mating half includes a lower conduit segment defining at least a bottom portion of the aspiration conduit.

7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 including a compressible seal between the first mating half and the second mating half.

8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5, wherein: The supply tank defines a liquid storage volume, and a portion of the liquid storage volume can surround a portion of the first mating half.

9. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The base shell includes an upper side, the supply tank includes at least one outwardly facing surface forming an outer surface of the base, and the bottom wall includes an inwardly facing surface forming an inner surface of the base and facing the upper side of the base shell.

10. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: a hook-and-snap coupling structure between the supply tank and the base shell, the hook-and-snap coupling structure comprising a hook on the supply tank and a snap on the base shell; and a tank latch for retaining the supply tank on the base housing; Wherein, the hook-and-buckle connection structure is arranged in front of the tank latch.

11. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a joint assembly connecting the base to the upright body assembly for moving the upright body assembly about at least one axis, wherein The surface cleaning apparatus has a flat position in which the angle between the base and the upright body assembly is substantially 180 degrees.

12. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising at least one mop pad arranged on an underside of the base.

13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 12, comprising a fluid dispenser disposed on the base above the at least one mopping pad, the fluid dispenser being in fluid communication with the supply tank via a fluid delivery passage, wherein: The fluid distributor includes at least one distributor outlet configured to spray fluid toward a surface to be cleaned through a cleaning fluid channel in the at least one mopping pad.

14. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 13, comprising: at least one rotatable pad holder disposed on the base housing, wherein the at least one mopping pad is disposed on the at least one rotatable pad holder for rotation therewith and the cleaning fluid passage extends through the at least one rotatable pad holder; and A drive motor is operably coupled to the at least one rotatable pad holder for rotating the at least one rotatable pad holder and the at least one mop pad.

15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 12, wherein: The suction nozzle is arranged at a front edge of the base in front of the at least one mop pad.

16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 12, wherein: The base includes a plurality of wheels to assist in moving the surface cleaning apparatus over a surface to be cleaned, wherein the plurality of wheels include at least one first wheel located in front of the at least one mopping pad; and at least one second wheel located behind the at least one mopping pad.

17. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The upright body assembly includes a tank receiver, the recovery tank includes an upper end and a lower end, and the recovery tank is mountable to the upright body assembly via the tank receiver, the upper end of the recovery tank being insertable into the tank receiver and subsequently into the lower end.

18. A surface cleaning device comprising: base; an upright body assembly pivotally attached to the base; at least one mopping pad located on an underside of the base; as well as a plurality of wheels located on the underside of the base to assist in moving the surface cleaning apparatus over a surface to be cleaned, wherein the plurality of wheels comprises: at least one first wheel located forward of the at least one mopping pad; and at least one second wheel positioned rearwardly of the at least one mopping pad; Wherein, the at least one second wheel comprises a caster, which can rotate around a first axis and can swivel around a second axis which is not parallel to the first axis.

19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18, comprising a joint assembly connecting the base to the upright body assembly for movement of the upright body assembly about at least one axis, wherein: The surface cleaning apparatus has a flat position in which the angle between the base and the upright body assembly is substantially 180 degrees, wherein in the flat position the at least one first wheel, the at least one second wheel and the at least one mopping pad are in contact with a surface to be cleaned.

20. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein: said at least one mopping pad comprising a pair of rotatable mopping pads spaced apart in a lateral direction on said underside of said base; The at least one first wheel comprises a pair of wheels spaced apart in a lateral direction on the underside of the base and forward of the pair of rotatable mopping pads; and The at least one second wheel includes a pair of casters spaced apart in a lateral direction on the underside of the base and behind the pair of rotatable mopping pads.

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