Handheld extraction cleaner

Abstract

The invention discloses a handheld extraction cleaner, which comprises an integral main body with a lifting handle, and a fluid delivery system including a supply tank carried by the unitary body and including at least one fluid dispenser, the supply tank including a discharge tube disposed at a bottom of the supply tank to provide liquid to an outlet of the supply tank when the extraction cleaner is tilted forward, and the fluid delivery system including at least one fluid dispenser. The handheld extraction cleaner can effectively remove debris and fluid including dirt, dust, soil, hair, and the like from a surface to be cleaned.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application “Handheld Extractor Cleaner” with an application date of December 3, 2020, a priority date of December 4, 2019, and an application number of 202011398363.7. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to a handheld extraction cleaner. Background Art

[0003] Extraction cleaners can be implemented as upright units or portable handheld units. Handheld extraction cleaners can include a cleaning solution supply tank and a recovery tank. These extraction cleaners typically have a vacuum motor that provides power to an impeller to create a low pressure on one side of the impeller and a higher pressure on the other side of the impeller. The recovery tank is typically located between the low pressure side of the impeller and a fluid collection nozzle to remove fluid from the surface and deposit it in the recovery tank. It is also known to provide a separate cleaning fluid pump for directing the cleaning fluid from the supply tank to the surface. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a handheld extraction cleaner having a fluid delivery system for storing and delivering cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and a recovery system for removing and storing spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a handheld extraction cleaner includes a supply tank, a recovery tank, and a vacuum motor, all of which are carried on a unitary body having a carry handle, wherein the supply tank is disposed in front of the suction motor, the recovery tank is disposed below the supply tank and the suction motor, and wherein the recovery tank has a substantially flat bottom end, and the extraction cleaner can be supported on a surface in a free-standing or stationary position.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the extraction cleaner has a powered brush roll at the front end of the body and a vacuum motor at the rear end of the body. Optionally, the extraction cleaner includes a battery beneath the handle.

[0007] In one embodiment, the extraction cleaner has a cleaning head and a neck connecting the cleaning head to a rear body. A suction nozzle and a brush roll may be disposed in the cleaning head. A vacuum motor, a recovery tank, and a battery may be disposed in the rear body. Optionally, the neck extends forward to support the cleaning head away from the surface on which the extraction cleaner rests, thereby spacing the suction nozzle and the brush roll from the surface and not contacting it.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, the handheld extraction cleaner includes a supply tank that improves the use of cleaning liquid and the available tank volume in multiple orientations. A drain pipe is provided at the bottom of the supply tank so that liquid can be provided to an outlet of the tank even when the extraction cleaner is tilted forward.

[0009] In one embodiment, the supply tank has a pivotally mounted filling cap. Thus, the supply tank can be filled on or off the extraction cleaner.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a handheld extraction cleaner includes a recovery tank that reduces the chance of spillage and increases the usable tank volume in multiple orientations, such as in an operating position and a storage position or in a resting position. The recovery tank may have an anti-spill shape that directs dirty liquid away from an inlet opening of the tank when the extraction cleaner is resting on a surface, thereby reducing the chance of spillage.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the recovery tank includes a tank body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the recovery tank is disposed at an angle relative to the second portion of the recovery tank, and an inlet opening in the first portion of the tank body. The second portion of the tank body may have a bottom surface configured to rest on a horizontal surface to support the handheld extraction cleaner in a horizontal orientation on the horizontal surface. To reduce spillage, the inlet opening may be disposed above the second portion of the tank body to direct dirty liquid away from the inlet opening when the extraction cleaner is stationary in a horizontal orientation on the horizontal surface.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the recovery tank has a spring-loaded flapper door that automatically seals the inlet opening of the tank when the recovery tank is removed from the extraction cleaner.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a handheld extraction cleaner includes a powered brush roll, the brush roll being operably coupled to a brush drive motor via a drive assembly.

[0014] In one embodiment, the brush roll is removable from the brush chamber of the extraction cleaner. A bottom cover or bottom plate secures the brush roll within the brush chamber. The removability of the bottom plate allows removal of the brush roll.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the brushroll has a handle on the non-driven end of the brushroll to facilitate removal of the brushroll from the brush chamber.Alternatively, the brushroll is interchangeable with different agitators.

[0016] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments, when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

[0017] Before explaining the embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details of operation or the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the drawings. The present invention can be implemented in various other embodiments and can be practiced or executed in alternative ways that are not explicitly disclosed herein. Moreover, 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 "comprise" and its variations means including the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional items and their equivalents. In addition, enumeration can be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention to any particular order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be interpreted as excluding from the scope of the present invention any additional steps or components that may be combined with or combined into the steps or components of the enumeration. Any reference to "at least one of X, Y, and Z" of a claim element is intended to include any of X, Y, or Z alone, as well as any combination of X, Y, and Z, such as X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present invention will now be described with respect to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handheld extraction cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is through Figure 1 The line II-II is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of a handheld extraction cleaner;

[0021] Figure 3 is an instance of a normal use position Figure 1 A side view of a handheld extraction cleaner;

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of a handheld extractor cleaner wherein the handheld extractor cleaner is in a free-standing or stationary position;

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded view of a handheld extraction cleaner;

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a fluid delivery system of a handheld extraction cleaner, the fluid delivery system comprising a supply tank;

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 1A close-up cross-sectional view of a handheld extraction cleaner of , illustrating exemplary fluid levels in a supply tank in an operating or normal use position of the extraction cleaner;

[0026] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7 , showing the level of liquid in the supply tank when the extraction cleaner is tilted forward;

[0027] Fig. 9 It is an exploded view of the supply tank;

[0028] Fig.10 is a side view of the supply tank;

[0029] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a supply tank showing the fill cap in an open position;

[0030] Fig.12 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a recovery system of a handheld extraction cleaner, the recovery system comprising a recovery tank;

[0031] Fig.13 It is a perspective view of the recovery tank;

[0032] Fig.14 is through Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of the recovery tank taken along line XIV-XIV;

[0033] Fig.15 yes Figure 1 A close-up cross-sectional view of a handheld extraction cleaner of , showing exemplary liquid levels in a recovery tank in an operating or normal use position of the extraction cleaner;

[0034] Fig.16 is similar to Fig.15 , showing the level of liquid in the recovery tank when the extraction cleaner is in a self-supporting or stationary position;

[0035] Fig.17 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded view of a cleaning head of a handheld extraction cleaner of , showing a powered brush roll and a removable bottom plate;

[0036] Fig.18 yes Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of a handheld extraction cleaner of , showing removal of the powered brush roll and base plate;

[0037] Fig.19 is a partial cross-sectional view through line XIX-XIX showing a powered brush roller in a cleaning head, with a portion cut away for clarity;

[0038] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 Exploded view of the powered brush roll;

[0039] Fig.21 is a perspective view of a brush holder and handle assembly for a powered brush roll;

[0040] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a powered brush roll and brush motor in a cleaning head of a handheld extraction cleaner;

[0041] Figure 23 to Figure 27 A method for removing a powered brush roll from a handheld extraction cleaner is shown;

[0042] Fig.28 is used for Figure 1 A perspective view of a second embodiment of an agitator of a handheld extraction cleaner;

[0043] Fig.29 is used for Figure 1 A perspective view of a third embodiment of an agitator of a handheld extraction cleaner;

[0044] Fig.30 is used for Figure 1 A perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an agitator of a handheld extraction cleaner; and

[0045] Fig.31 is used for Figure 1 A perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an agitator of a handheld extraction cleaner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present invention relates generally to extraction cleaners and, more particularly, to a portable, handheld extraction cleaner that applies a cleaning fluid to a surface and then extracts the applied fluid from the surface.

[0047] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a handheld extraction cleaner 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown herein, the extraction cleaner 10 is adapted to be handheld and portable, and can be easily carried or transported by hand. The hand-portable extraction cleaner 10 can have a unitary body 12, which is provided with a handle 14 attached to the unitary body 12, and is small enough to be transported by one user (i.e., one person) to the area to be cleaned.

[0048] For the purpose of description in relation to the drawings, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" and their derivatives shall refer to the drawings as shown. Figure 1The present invention is oriented from the user's perspective, which is behind the extraction cleaner 10 defining the rear end of the extraction cleaner 10, and the extraction cleaner 10 is carried by the handle 14 defining the upper end of the extraction cleaner 10. When used to refer to a direction, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending roughly along the length of the extraction cleaner 10 between the front end 66 and the rear end 68 of the housing 12, and the term "transverse" or "lateral" refers to a direction roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. However, it should be understood that the present invention can take various alternative orientations, unless explicitly specified to the contrary. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention to any particular direction.

[0049] The handheld extraction cleaner 10 includes a monolithic body 12 or housing that carries various functional systems of the extraction cleaner 10, including a fluid delivery system for storing and delivering cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a recovery system for removing and storing used cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned. Unless otherwise noted, the term "debris" as used herein may include dirt, dust, soil, hair, and other debris. The term "cleaning fluid" as used herein primarily includes liquids, and unless otherwise noted, may include steam.

[0050] Additional references Figure 2 , the recovery system may include a working air path through the body 12, and may include a dirty air inlet and a clean air outlet. The working air path may be formed by the following elements: a suction nozzle 16 defining a dirty air inlet; a suction source 18 in fluid communication with the suction nozzle 16 to generate a working airflow; a recovery tank 20 for separating and collecting fluid and debris from the working airflow for subsequent processing; and an exhaust port 22 in the housing defining a clean air outlet. The recovery system may also include a separator 24 for separating liquid and entrained debris from the working airflow. The separator 24 may be formed in a portion of the recovery tank 20, or, as shown herein, may be separate from the recovery tank 20. The separated fluid and debris may be collected in the recovery tank 20. A suitable separator 24 is disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,968,593 to Lenkiewicz et al., issued November 29, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other examples of suitable separators are disclosed in US Pat. No. 7,225,503 to Lenkovitz et al., issued Jun. 5, 2007, and US Pat. No. 6,189,178 to Roberts, issued Feb. 20, 2001, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0051] The fluid delivery system may include a supply reservoir or supply tank 26 for storing a supply of fluid. The fluid may include one or more of any suitable cleaning fluid, including but not limited to water, a composition, a concentrated detergent, a diluted detergent, etc., or a mixture thereof. For example, the fluid may include a mixture of water and a concentrated detergent. The fluid delivery system may also include a flow control system 28 for controlling the flow of the fluid from the supply tank 26 to at least one fluid dispenser 30. In one embodiment described in further detail below, the flow control system 28 of the fluid delivery system may include a pump 32 (see Figure 3 and Figure 6 ), which pressurizes the system. Optionally, a heater (not shown) can be provided to heat the cleaning fluid before it is delivered to the surface to be cleaned. In yet another example, exhaust gas from the motor cooling path for the suction source 18 can be used to heat the cleaning fluid.

[0052] The suction source 18 may be a motor / fan assembly disposed in fluid communication with the recovery tank 20. As shown, the motor / fan assembly 18 includes a vacuum motor 36 and a fan 38. A chamber 40 for the motor / fan assembly 18 may be defined by molded features in the housing 12.

[0053] An agitator may be provided near the suction nozzle 16 for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that debris is more easily sucked into the suction nozzle 16. As shown, the agitator includes a powered brush roller 42. The brush roller 42 may be provided at the front of the housing 12 and housed in a brush chamber 44. The brush roller 42 is configured to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation relative to the normal use position of the extraction cleaner 10. Although a horizontally rotating brush roller 42 is shown here, in some embodiments, two horizontally rotating brush rollers, one or more vertically rotating brush rollers, or a fixed brush may be provided on the extraction cleaner 10.

[0054] The brush roll 42 can be operably coupled to and driven by a drive assembly including a brush drive motor 46. A chamber 48 for the drive motor 44 can be defined by a molded feature in the housing 12. The coupling between the brush roll 42 and the drive motor 46 can include one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the vacuum motor 36 can provide both vacuum suction and brush roll rotation.

[0055] The extraction cleaner 10 may include at least one user interface 50 through which a user can interact with the extraction cleaner 10. The user interface 50 allows the user to operate and control the extraction cleaner 10. The user interface 50 may be electrically coupled to electrical components, including, but not limited to, circuits electrically connected to various components of the fluid delivery and collection system of the extraction cleaner 10. The user interface 50 may include one or more input controllers 52, 54, 56, which may include buttons, triggers, toggle keys, keys, switches, touch screens, etc. or any combination thereof. In the embodiment shown herein, one input controller 52 is a power input controller that controls power to the vacuum motor 36, another input controller 54 is a power input controller that controls power to the pump 32, and another input controller 56 is a power input controller that controls power to the drive motor 46. Therefore, by operating the input controllers 52, 54, 56, suction, fluid delivery, and brush rotation can be achieved individually or in any combination. In the illustrated embodiment, the input controllers 52, 54, 56 may include an on / off button associated with a printed circuit board (PCB) 58. The buttons may be provided on the front end of the handle 14 and the PCB 58 may be located within the handle 14. The input controls 52, 54, 56 may be conveniently provided on the upper side of the handle 14 at its front end for operation by the thumb of the user's hand grasping the handle 14.

[0056] Power may be provided by a main power source or a battery or by a battery pack. In the present embodiment, the extraction cleaner 10 includes a rechargeable battery pack 60. The extraction cleaner 10 may be provided with a suitable charger. A charging port 62 may be provided on the housing 12 and may be electrically coupled to the battery pack 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging port 62 is provided on the rear end of the handle 14. A storage and charging stand (not shown) may be provided to mount the extraction cleaner 10 when not in use, and may include a charging connector coupled to the charging port 62 and an electrical wire electrically connected between the charging connector and an AC / DC transformer, which may be plugged into an electrical socket to supply a DC charging current to the battery pack 60. In an alternative embodiment, the extraction cleaner 10 may have charging contacts on the housing 12, and a docking station (not shown) may be provided to dock the extraction cleaner 10, thereby charging the battery pack 60.

[0057] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 to Figure 2 1 is a side view of a handheld extraction cleaner 10, in one example, showing an operating or normal use position relative to a surface S to be cleaned. In the operating or normal use position, the extraction cleaner 10 is held with the suction nozzle 16 generally adjacent to the surface to be cleaned. The suction nozzle 16 is disposed at the front end 66 of the housing 12, and Figure 31 , the suction source 18 shown in phantom is disposed at the rear end 68 of the housing 12. The supply tank 26 may be disposed in front of the suction source 18 and above the suction nozzle 16. The recovery tank 20 may be disposed on the housing 12, below the supply tank 26 and the suction source 18, and may be disposed longitudinally between the supply tank 26 and the suction source 18. The handle 14 is disposed above the recovery tank 20 and extends in the longitudinal direction behind the supply tank 26. The handle includes a handle portion and a finger receiving area, which may be a closed volume, such as a closed loop handle. Figure 3 The brush roller 42 and brush drive motor 46 , shown in phantom, are disposed at a front end 66 of the housing 12 . Figure 3 The pump 32 and battery pack 60, shown in phantom, are disposed above the recovery tank 20 and below the handle 14. This arrangement of the components of the extraction cleaner 10 provides a balanced weight in the hand, and a comfortable carrying and operating position for the user.

[0058] The housing 12 may include a cleaning head 70 and a neck 72 connecting the cleaning head 70 to a rear body 74 including the handle 14. The suction nozzle 16 and the brush roll 42 may be disposed in the cleaning head 70. The suction source 18, the recovery tank 20, and the battery pack 60 may be disposed in the rear body 74. Figure 3 As shown, when the handle 14 is generally parallel to the surface S, the handle 14 is oriented so that the cleaning head 70 lies flat against the surface S. The recovery tank 20, and particularly the bottom end 76 of the recovery tank 20, can be angled away from the surface S in this position to facilitate operation.

[0059] The handheld extraction cleaner 10 may rest on a surface in a stable manner without leakage from either of the tanks 20 , 26 . Figure 4 is a side view of the handheld extraction cleaner 10, showing the handheld extraction cleaner 10 in a free-standing or stationary position on a surface S. As shown, the extraction cleaner 10 can be rested on the surface S in a horizontal position, wherein the handheld extraction cleaner 10 is supported on the substantially flat bottom end 76 of the recovery tank 20, which can be located on the surface S, and the neck 72 of the housing 12 extends forward to support the cleaning head 70 away from the surface S. This can be helpful because the user can set the extraction cleaner 10 down in a stable position, such as on a shelf or countertop, without the suction nozzle 16 or the brush roll 42 contacting the surface S, and any residual fluid or dirt on the brush roll 42 will not be transferred to the surface S. The heavier components (relative to the weight of the other components of the extraction cleaner 10) such as the suction source 18 and the battery pack 60 are disposed in the rear body 74, which increases stability in the horizontal position.

[0060] Back to Figure 2The suction nozzle 16 may include a front wall 80 and a rear wall 82 defining a narrow suction passage 84 therebetween with an opening at a lower end thereof forming a suction nozzle inlet 86. The suction passage 84 is in fluid communication with the separator 24 leading to the recovery tank 20.

[0061] The front wall 80 may optionally be formed by a mouth cover 88 that can be removed from the housing 12 to clear blockages in the suction passage 84, etc. The rear wall 82 may optionally define a portion of the brush chamber 44 and may be disposed in front of the brush roller 42. Alternatively, the front wall 80 and the rear wall 82 may be fixedly attached together in an inseparable configuration. For example, the front wall 80 and the rear wall 82 may be welded together.

[0062] The fluid distributor 30 may include at least one distributor outlet 90 for delivering fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The outlet 90 may be positioned to deliver fluid directly to the surface to be cleaned outward in front of the suction nozzle 16 so that the user can clearly see where the fluid is being applied. Alternatively, the outlet 90 may deliver fluid to the brush roller 42 in the brush chamber 44, behind the suction nozzle 16. Alternatively, the outlet 90 may deliver fluid to the rear of the suction nozzle 16 and the brush chamber 44. The outlet 44 may include any structure, such as a nozzle or a nozzle tip. In other embodiments of the extraction cleaner 10, multiple outlets may also be provided. Figure 2 As shown, the dispenser 30 may include a spray tip disposed at the front of the nozzle 16 that dispenses the cleaning fluid from the dispenser outlet 90 to the surface to be cleaned in front of the nozzle 16 .

[0063] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 1 is a partially exploded view of the handheld extraction cleaner 10, showing the recovery tank 20, the supply tank 26 and the mouth cover 88 removed from the housing 12. The recovery tank 20 can be removably mounted in a recovery tank receiver 94 formed on the lower side of the housing 12. The supply tank 26 can be removably mounted in a supply tank receiver 96 formed on the upper side of the housing 12. The supply tank receiver 96 has a tank receiver inlet 97 that is coupled to the supply tank 26 to place the supply tank 26 in fluid communication with the pump 32 ( Figure 6 ). A latch or other suitable structure may be provided on the housing 12 to secure the cans 20, 26 within their respective receiving portions 94, 96. Other mounting arrangements for the cans 20, 22 are also possible, including mounting arrangements in which one or both of the cans 20, 22 are fixedly attached to the housing 12 in an inseparable configuration.

[0064] An opening 98 from the suction passage 84 to the separator 24 may be formed in the rear wall 82 of the suction nozzle 16 defining the suction passage 84. A mouth cover 88 may be removably mounted above the front end 100 of the housing 12 to close the opening 98 to the separator 24. Optionally, in addition to the front wall 80 and the rear wall 82, the suction passage 84 may also extend between the front wall 80 and the rear wall 82 and surround one or more sides and the top of the suction passage 84 through at least one peripheral wall 102. As shown herein, the peripheral wall 102 may include ribs extending from the rear wall 82 that cooperate with the mouth cover 88 when the mouth cover 88 is mounted on the front end 100 of the housing 12.

[0065] At least a portion of the fluid dispenser 30 may extend through an opening 92 in the mouth cover 88 to position the dispenser outlet 90 on the exterior of the mouth cover 88. When the cover 88 is installed on the housing 12, the opening 92 receives and holds the fluid dispenser 30. When the user removes the mouth cover 88 from the housing 12, the fluid dispenser 30 remains on the housing 12.

[0066] The extraction cleaner 10 may include a retainer 104 to removably secure the mouth cover 88 to the housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 104 includes a flexible latch 106 located on the mouth cover 88 and a latch receiver 108 located on the housing 12. To mount the mouth cover 88 to the housing 12, the mouth cover 88 may be hooked at its lower end onto the front end 100 of the housing 12 via a hook (not shown) and pivoted until the latch 106 snaps into place in the latch receiver 108. When mounted in the supply tank receiver 96, the supply tank 26 may rest on top of the mouth cover 88, further securing the mouth cover 88 in place. To remove the mouth cover 88, the user may lift the lip 110 of the latch 106 to release the latch 106 from the latch receiver 108 and pull the cover 88 away from the housing 12. For the embodiment of the extraction cleaner 10 illustrated here, the supply tank 26 must be removed before removing the mouth cover 88. In other embodiments, the spout cover 88 may be removed without first removing the supply tank 26 .

[0067] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a fluid delivery system of the handheld extraction cleaner 10. As described above, the fluid delivery system shown here includes a supply tank 26, a pump 32, a fluid dispenser 30, and optional additional conduits, pipes, tubes, hoses, connectors, etc., which fluidically couple the components of the fluid delivery system together and provide a supply path from the tank 26 to the fluid dispenser 30. For example, a first conduit 112 can connect an outlet 114 of the receiving portion 97 with an inlet 116 of the pump 32, and a second conduit 118 can connect an outlet 120 of the pump 32 with an inlet 122 of the fluid dispenser 30, which is in fluid communication with the outlet 90. The conduits 112, 118 are arranged in a manner that allows the fluid to flow freely through the conduits 112 and 118. Figure 6The conduits are shown in phantom lines, but it should be understood that any conduit may include a flexible tube or a molded rigid conduit.

[0068] A pump power input controller 54 may be provided to power the pump 32 and distribute the fluid to the dispenser 30. In one example, the pump 32 may be a centrifugal pump. In another example, the pump 32 may be a diaphragm pump or a diaphragm pump. In yet another example, the pump 32 may be a manually actuated jet pump. In yet another configuration of the fluid delivery system, the pump 32 may be eliminated, and the flow control system 28 may include a gravity feed system having a valve coupled to the outlet fluid of the supply tank 26, whereby when the valve is opened, the fluid will flow to the dispenser 30 under the action of gravity. However, the use of a pump provides the advantage of orienting the supply tank 26 and the fluid dispenser 30 relative to other components on the body 12 to provide a more balanced weight in the hand, and providing a more consistent fluid flow rate compared to a gravity feed system.

[0069] Figure 7 is a close-up cross-sectional view showing the supply tank 26. The supply tank 26 includes a hollow tank body 124 defining a supply chamber 126 for containing a supply of cleaning liquid, having a tank outlet 128. The tank outlet 128 may include a quick connect fitting 130 configured to cooperate with the tank receiver inlet 97, whereby the tank outlet 128 may be quickly connected and disconnected to the receiver inlet 97 using a single hand. The quick connect fitting 130 may have a check valve 132 that closes when the quick connect fitting 130 is disconnected from the receiver inlet 97. When the supply tank 26 is disconnected from the housing 12, the cleaning fluid is automatically contained within the supply tank 26 via the check valve 132, preventing leakage.

[0070] Figure 7 The extraction cleaner 10 is shown in its operating or normal use position (see FIG. Figure 3 ) is an exemplary liquid level represented by dotted line L in tank 26. Figure 8 The liquid level L is shown when extraction cleaner 10 is tilted forward. In the tilted position, the liquid moves into a space 136 disposed generally opposite tank outlet 128. To prevent the liquid from being trapped, supply tank 26 includes a drain tube 134 so that pump 32 can draw liquid from supply tank 26 even when extraction cleaner 10 is tilted forward. Below a certain liquid level and at a certain degree of tilt, the liquid in tank 26 will not be able to reach tank outlet 128 without drain tube 134.

[0071] The quick connect fitting 130 is located on one side of the tank 124 so that, without the drain pipe 134, the tank 26 can be connected to the tank 26 as shown in FIG. Figure 8When tilted as shown, most of the liquid is trapped in the space 136 disposed generally opposite the quick connect fitting 130. In the embodiment shown herein, when the quick connect fitting 130 is located on the rear or rear corner of the tank body 124, the space 136 generally covers the front corner of the tank body 124 opposite the quick connect fitting 130. As shown herein, the tank body 124 includes at least a front wall 138, a rear wall 140, a bottom wall 142, and a side wall 144, and the space 136 can be a space or volume of the supply chamber 126 defined by a lower portion of the front wall 138, a front portion of the bottom wall 142, and a lower front portion of the side wall 144. The quick connect fitting 130 can extend outward from the rear wall 140.

[0072] The drain pipe 134 is disposed at the bottom of the supply chamber 126 and includes a conduit inlet 146 in fluid communication with the supply tank 126 and a conduit outlet 148 in fluid communication with or optionally forming the tank outlet 128. In the embodiment shown herein, liquid is supplied to the check valve 132 through the conduit outlet 148. The drain pipe 134 may be defined by a horizontal baffle 150 that separates the supply chamber 126 from a discharge passage 152. Alternatively, the drain pipe 134 may be a molded feature integrally formed with the tank body 124, as shown, or a separate conduit inserted into the tank body 124.

[0073] refer to Fig. 9 , the supply tank 26 has a filling opening 154 through which cleaning fluid can be injected into the supply chamber 126, and a filling cap 156 that selectively closes the filling opening 154. The filling cap 156 is pivotally coupled to the tank body 124 and can be opened to expose the filling opening 154. The pivotable coupling ensures that the filling cap 156 will not be completely separated from the tank body 124 during filling. The filling opening 154 can be provided on a side of the tank body 124 that is accessible to a user when the supply tank 26 is mounted on the housing 12, that is, on a portion of the supply tank 26 that is located outside of the extraction cleaner 10 rather than inside when the supply tank 26 is mounted on the housing 12.

[0074] The fill cap 156 may include a cap 158 and a plug 160 on the underside of the cap 158 that fits into the fill opening 154 when the fill cap 156 is closed. The plug 160 is aligned with the fill opening 154 and is sized to seal the fill opening 154 when the fill cap 156 is closed for a fluid-tight closure so that the supply tank 26 does not leak when the fill cap 156 is closed. The plug 160 may be at least partially received in the fill opening 154 to block the fill opening 154 and may include a seal made of an elastomer or other elastic material. Other sealing arrangements are also possible, including seals that are not contained within the fill opening 154 itself, but which provide a fluid-tight and leak-proof engagement between the fill opening 154 and the fill cap 156.

[0075] A first check valve 162 is provided on the fill cap 156 to allow ambient air to enter the supply tank 26 to discharge the dispensed liquid. The check valve 162 may be, for example, an umbrella-shaped valve having a resilient circular sealing flap 164 for selectively sealing at least one vent hole 166 that may be formed in the plug 160 of the fill cap 156. When closed, the sealing flap 164 may be located adjacent to the inner surface of the plug 160. When liquid is pumped out of the supply tank 26, the negative pressure within the supply tank 26 pulls the sealing flap 164 open, thereby drawing ambient air into the supply chamber 126 via the vent hole 166 to balance the pressure. Once the pressure is balanced, the check valve 162 is closed.

[0076] A second check valve 168 is provided on the tank body 124 for relieving positive pressure or exhaust gases generated by some cleaning fluids. For some cleaning fluid formulations, excess gas is generated within the supply tank 26, for example due to reactions between various additives or exhaust gases from a peroxide formulation. The check valve 168 may be, for example, an umbrella-shaped valve having a resilient circular sealing flap 170 for selectively sealing at least one vent hole 172 that may be formed in a top wall 174 of the tank body 124 and covered by the fill cap 156 when the fill cap 156 is closed. When closed, the sealing flap 170 may be located adjacent the top wall 174. When excess gas is generated in the supply tank 26, the positive pressure within the supply tank 26 pushes the sealing flap 170 open, thereby exhausting the excess gas through the vent hole 172 and below the fill cap 156 to the surrounding atmosphere. Once the pressures are balanced, the check valve 168 is closed.

[0077] Fig.10 is a side view of the supply tank, Fig.11 174. The fill cap 156 can be opened by lifting the lip 176 of the fill cap 156, which can be spaced apart from the top wall 174. When the fill cap 156 is open, liquid from a liquid source (e.g., a faucet, a hose, a container, etc.) can be injected into the supply chamber 126. Because the supply tank 26 can be refilled regardless of whether it is removed from the housing 12 or still connected thereto, the supply tank 26 can be easily refilled. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply tank 26 is removable from the housing 12 and can be refilled when the supply tank 26 is removed from the housing 12 or when the supply tank 26 is still mounted on the housing 12. In another embodiment, the supply tank 26 may not be removed from the housing 12 by the user and is refilled by carrying the entire extraction cleaner 10 to a faucet, etc.

[0078] Fig.121 is a cross-sectional view showing the recovery system of the handheld extraction cleaner 10. As described above, the recovery system shown herein includes a suction nozzle 16, a separator 24, a recovery tank 20, a suction source 18, an exhaust port 22 ( Figure 3 ), and optionally additional conduits, pipes, tubes, hoses, connectors, etc., which fluidly couple the components of the recovery system together and provide a recovery path from the suction nozzle inlet 86 to the exhaust port 22. For example, the working air separated from the liquid and debris by the separator 24 can travel through a diffuser conduit 180 before reaching the inlet 182 of the suction source 18. The diffuser conduit 180 has a gradually increasing cross-sectional area to reduce the velocity of the working air and increase its pressure. The diffuser conduit 180 can pass under the handle 14. Optionally, a tortuous conduit 184 can connect the air outlet 186 of the separator 24 to the inlet 188 of the diffuser conduit 180 to improve air / liquid separation and reduce noise.

[0079] refer to Figure 13 to Figure 14 The recovery tank 20 includes a hollow tank body 192, which defines a collection chamber 194 for accommodating recovered liquid and debris, and has a separator 24 ( Fig.12 ) inlet opening 196 in fluid communication. A removable tank cover 198 may be provided in an outlet opening 200 formed in the tank body 192 for draining any liquid or debris in the recovery tank 20 which may be collected in the collection chamber 194.

[0080] The recovery tank 20 may include a flapper door 202 that seals the inlet opening 196 when the recovery tank 20 is removed from the housing 12. The flapper door 202 generally closes the inlet opening 196, such as Fig.14 shown and can be found in Fig.14 The closed position shown and Figure 15 to Figure 16 The flapper door 202 is pivoted between the open position shown. A torsion spring 204 or other suitable biasing device can bias the flapper door 202 toward the closed position. When removed from the housing 12, the spring-loaded flapper door 202 automatically seals the inlet opening 196. Optionally, a seal 206 can be provided on the flapper door 202 for sealing the interface between the flapper door 202 and the recovery tank inlet opening 196 when the flapper door 202 is closed.

[0081] refer to Fig.12 The separator 24 includes a debris outlet 208 for transferring debris and liquid separated from the working airflow to the recovery tank 20. A damper actuator 210 may be disposed near the debris outlet 208 to automatically open the damper door 202 when the recovery tank 20 is mounted on the housing 12. In one embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 210 may include at least one rib 212 that pushes the damper door 202 open or away from the tank inlet opening 196, for example, to the tank inlet opening 196. Fig.12The rib 212 may extend longitudinally across the debris outlet 208 and extend downwardly. The damper door 202 may include at least one protrusion 214 that is engaged by the actuator 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the damper door 202 includes a pair of protrusions 214 and the actuator 210 includes a pair of ribs 212, although in Fig.12 Only one is shown, but other configurations of baffles 202 and baffle actuators 210 are possible.

[0082] The protrusion 214 and the rib 212 may have complementary rounded profiles, which helps prevent scratching. The protrusion 214 also allows the rib 212 to be shorter and less prone to damage when the recovery tank 20 is removed from the housing 12.

[0083] When the recovery tank 20 is mounted on the housing 12, the ribs 212 push the damper door 202 open. The debris and liquid separated from the working airflow by the separator 24 can enter the recovery tank 20 via the aligned separator debris outlet 208 and the recovery tank inlet opening 196. Optionally, a seal 216 can be provided around the separator debris outlet 208 to prevent debris, liquid and air leakage between the separator debris outlet 208 and the recovery tank inlet opening 196. The working airflow from the separator 24 reaches the tortuous conduit 184 and the diffuser conduit 180 that connect the separator 24 to the suction source 18 through the air outlet 186.

[0084] In some embodiments, the recovery tank 20 has an anti-overflow shape, and when the extraction cleaner 10 is stationary, for example, Figure 4 In the free-standing horizontal position shown, the anti-spill shape directs dirty liquid away from the inlet opening 196, thereby reducing the chance of spillage. Fig.15 An exemplary dirty liquid level, indicated by dashed line D, is shown in tank 20 in the operating or normal use position of extraction cleaner 1 . Fig.16 The liquid level D is shown when the extraction cleaner 10 is at rest in a free-standing horizontal position. In the rest position, the liquid moves away from the tank inlet opening 196 .

[0085] The recovery tank 20 shown is approximately V-shaped in side elevation view and includes a first portion or leg 220 and a second portion or leg 222 extending non-parallel to the first leg 220. The inlet opening 196 may be disposed at the upper end of the first leg 220 and the outlet opening 200 may be disposed at the upper end of the second leg 222 (see FIG. Fig.14 In operation, dirty liquid is received through the inlet opening 196 at the first leg 220 of the recovery tank 20 and flows to the lowest point in the collection chamber 194, such as Fig.15 224. When the extraction cleaner 10 is placed in a horizontal position, as shown in FIG. Fig.16As shown, the lowest point 224 in the collection chamber 194 translates due to the change in angle of the recovery tank 20, and the liquid flows toward the second leg 222, away from the inlet opening 196 in the first leg 220. Although a V-shaped tank is shown, the recovery tank 20 may also take other spill-resistant shapes, such as an L-shaped recovery tank.

[0086] The first portion 220 and the second portion 222 together define the collection chamber 194. The volume of the collection chamber 194 defined by the second leg 222 can be greater than the volume of the collection chamber 194 defined by the first leg 220, so that when the extraction cleaner 10 is resting in a horizontal position, a greater amount of dirty liquid can be contained in the second leg 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the second leg 222 can be elongated relative to the first leg 220 to provide the second leg 222 with a greater volume than the first leg 220.

[0087] Recovery tank 20 has a V-shaped bottom 226 in side elevation view defined at a flat bottom end 76 on which extraction cleaner 10 rests in a horizontal position and an inclined front end 228 that intersects bottom end 76. V-shaped bottom 226 defines a lowest point 224 in collection chamber 194 in the use position, which allows recovery tank 20 to have a larger usable tank volume than a tank having a completely flat bottom.

[0088] The recovery tank 20 may be removably received in a recovery tank receiver 94 formed on the bottom of the housing 12. A spring-loaded tank release latch 230 may be provided on the bottom of the housing 12 to secure the recovery tank 20 within the receiver 94. Other mounting arrangements for the recovery tank 20 are also possible.

[0089] refer to Fig.12 In one embodiment, the recovery tank 20 can be suspended on the underside of the housing 12 between the front hanger 232 and the rear hanger 234 of the tank receiving portion 94. One of the hangers can be carried by a spring-loaded tank release latch 230 to release the tank 20 from the hanger. In the illustrated embodiment, the release latch 230 is pivotally mounted on the housing 12 and includes a latch end forming the front hanger 232, which engages with the front end 236 of the recovery tank 20. The rear hanger 234 holds the rear end 238 of the tank 20 in place so as to support the rear end of the tank 20 on the housing 12, wherein the rear hanger 234 prevents the tank 20 from being dislocated from the housing 12 and provides a pivot point for rotating the tank 20 upward into latching engagement with the housing 12.

[0090] The release latch 230 may include a post 240 pivotally coupled at its upper end to the housing 12. A front hanger 232 may extend from a lower end of the post 240 such that pivoting of the post 240 moves the front hanger 232. A user-engageable end 242 is also provided at the lower end of the post 240 and may be positioned within the area of ​​the neck 72 for easy access.

[0091] The release latch 230 is moved to the Fig.12 The latch position shown is biased. The spring seat 246 extends from the column 240 in the opposite direction of the front hanger 232. The force of the return spring 244 on the spring seat 246 biases the lower end of the column 240 backward to engage the front hanger 232 with the front end 236 of the recovery tank 20.

[0092] To install the recovery tank 20 to the housing 12, the rear end 238 of the tank 20 is placed in the rear hanger 234, and the front of the tank 20 is pivoted upward about the rear hanger 234 and latched in place, wherein the front hanger 232 is mounted below the front end 236 of the tank 20. To remove the tank 20, the user can pull the user-engageable end 242 of the latch 230 forward to release the front end 236 from the front hanger 232 and pull the tank 20 away from the housing 12. Other tank latches are also possible. For example, in other embodiments, the recovery tank 20 can be fastened to the housing 12 via an interference pawl.

[0093] refer to Fig.17 , the brush roller 42 can be removably mounted in the cleaning head 70. In some embodiments, the cleaning head 70 includes a brush housing 250 that defines a brush chamber 44 and a brush motor chamber 48. A bottom cover or bottom plate 252 is mounted below the brush housing 250 and secures the brush roller 42 within the brush chamber 44. The bottom plate 252 includes an opening 254 through which a portion of the brush roller 42 can extend to engage the surface to be cleaned. The removability of the bottom plate 252 allows the brush roller 42 to be removed, as described in further detail below.

[0094] The brush housing 250 may optionally include various molded features, such as a first brush roll bracket 256 for supporting one end of the brush roll 42 within the brush chamber 44, a second brush roll bracket 258 for supporting the other end of the brush roll 42 within the brush chamber 44, and a second brush roll bracket 259 for supporting the other end of the brush roll 42 within the brush chamber 44. Fig.19 ), and a partition 260 separating the brush chamber 44 from the motor chamber 48.

[0095] In the embodiment shown herein, the brush housing 250 includes an upper cover 262 and a lower cover 264 that are coupled together to collectively define various features of the cleaning head 70, such as the brush chamber 44, the brush motor chamber 48, the brackets 256, 258, and the partition 260. A gasket 266 may be disposed at the interface between the upper cover 262 and the lower cover 264. Other configurations of the brush housing 250 are also possible, including a brush housing 250 having more than two covers coupled together or less than two covers coupled together, i.e., a unitary housing.

[0096] The bottom plate 252 may be located substantially below the lower cover 264. Portions of the bottom plate 252 may extend above the lower cover 264. Optionally, the bottom plate 252 includes various molded features, such as a bracket 268 for supporting the end of the brush roller 42 within the brush chamber 44 and a partition 270 that separates the brush chamber 44 from a handle cavity 272 within the brush housing 250, which will be described in further detail below. The handle cavity 272 may optionally be formed as a molded feature on the lower cover 264, such as Fig.17 shown.

[0097] exist Figures 17 to 19 , one embodiment of a drive assembly for a brush roll 42 is shown. As previously described, the brush roll 42 can be operably coupled to and driven by a drive assembly including a brush drive motor 46. The brush roll 42 includes a driven end 274 and a non-driven end 276. The brush roll 42 is mounted to a first brush holder 278 at the driven end 274 and to a second brush holder 280 at the non-driven end 276. The first brush holder 278 transmits torque to the brush roll 42. The second brush holder 280 can be releasably mounted, as described below, so that the brush roll 42 can be easily detached from the first brush holder 278 and removed from the brush chamber 44.

[0098] The first brush holder 278 may be retained in the first bracket 256 of the brush housing 250 and optionally retained between the upper cover 262 and the lower cover 264 of the brush housing 250. The second brush holder 280 may be releasably retained between the second bracket 258 of the brush housing 250 and the bracket 268 of the removable bottom plate 252.

[0099] The first brush holder 278 is driven by the brush motor 46. The drive gear 282 is fixed to the shaft (not shown) of the brush drive motor 46 and is adapted to rotate in cooperation therewith. The driven gear 284 is attached to the first brush holder 278 via a short shaft 286. The short shaft 286 is attached to the driven gear 284 and the first brush holder 278 and is rotatably mounted to the brush housing 250 via a bearing 288.

[0100] The drive belt interconnects the drive gear 282 to the driven gear 284. The drive belt 290 is held in tension between the gears 282, 284 so that during operation when the brush drive motor 46 is operating, rotation of the drive gear 282 causes rotation of the drive belt 290, thereby causing rotation of the driven gear 284 to drive rotation of the first brush frame 278. The cleaning head 70 may include a belt frame 292 that defines a compartment sized to receive the drive belt 290. The belt frame 292 may be disposed at the driven end 274 of the brush roller 42. The belt frame 292 may be attached within the brush housing 250 or may be formed as a part of the brush housing 250.

[0101] The first brush holder 278 includes a plurality of holes 294 into which corresponding projections 296 on the driven end 274 of the brush roll 42 fit to transfer torque from the first brush holder 278 to the brush roll 42. Alternatively, a spline or key connection may be used to transfer torque from the first brush holder 278 to the brush roll 42.

[0102] At the non-driven end 276, the brush roll 42 is attached to the second brush holder 280 by a bushing 298. The bushing 298 surrounds a stub shaft 300 mounted in the non-driven end 276 of the brush roll 42. A retaining ring 302 may be mounted on the terminal end of the stub shaft 300 to secure the second brush holder 280 to the stub shaft 300. The non-driven end 276 of the brush roll 42 may optionally include a flange 304 mounted on the peripheral edge of the second brush holder 280 to help isolate the bushing 298 and shaft 300 from dirt.

[0103] refer to Fig. 20 , shows one embodiment of the brush roller 42. As previously described, the second brush holder 280 can be attached to the non-driven end 276 of the brush roller 42 and removably mounted within the brush chamber 44. To facilitate removal of the brush roller 42, a handle 306 can be provided at the non-driven end 276 of the brush roller 42. The handle 306 can be coupled to the second brush holder 280, such as by being integrally formed therewith or otherwise connected thereto.

[0104] In one embodiment, the brush roll 42 includes a pin 308 and a plurality of bristles 310 extending from the pin 308. The style, shape, and type of the bristles 310 may be different from the style, shape, and type shown herein. The bristles 310 may be arranged in a plurality of clusters or in an integral strip. The pin 308 may be made of a polymer material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, or styrene, or any other suitable material, such as plastic, wood, or metal. The bristles 310 may be made of nylon or any other suitable synthetic or natural fiber. Likewise, other types of agitating elements may also be used, such as paddles, flails, wires, elongated teeth or nubs, microfiber materials, or scrubbing materials, such as nonwoven or open-cell foam scrubbing materials.

[0105] The handle 306 may include a lever arm 312 attached to the brush holder 280. The brush holder 280 may be axially mounted on the brush roller 42, wherein the brush holder 280 has a hole 314 for receiving the stub shaft 300. The lever arm 312 may extend substantially tangentially from the brush holder 280, thereby extending tangentially relative to the axis of the brush roller 42. This offsets the lever arm 312 from the axis of the brush roller 42, placing the lever arm 312 closer to the bottom of the brush housing 250 (see FIG. Fig.25 Alternatively, the lever arm 312 may extend substantially radially from the brush holder 280.

[0106] Additional references Fig.21 , a bushing 298 fixed to the stub shaft 300 can be press-fit into a recess 316 in the brush holder 280 around the hole 314. With the brush holder 280 attached to the stub shaft 300, the pin 308 can rotate relative to the brush holder 280 during operation, i.e., when the brush motor 46 is activated.

[0107] Optionally, the brush holder 280 can be keyed to the brush roller 42 to position and maintain alignment between the handle 310 and the brush roller 42 without slipping. In the illustrated embodiment, the bushing 298 is keyed to the recess 316, for example by having a flat surface 318 aligned with a flat side 320 of the recess 316. The keyed coupling ensures that pivoting of the handle 306 can rotate the brush holder 280 relative to the pin 308 while maintaining axial alignment between the brush holder 280 and the pin 308.

[0108] refer to Fig. 22 , the bottom plate 252 can be removed from the brush housing 250 to access the brush roller 42, and also used to clean debris, etc. in the brush chamber 44. In one embodiment, the bottom plate 252 can be removed without the use of tools. For example, the extraction cleaner 10 may include a snap lock retainer to removably secure the bottom plate 252 to the brush housing 250 without the user of tools. In the illustrated embodiment, the snap lock retainer includes a latch 322 on the bottom plate 252 and a latch receiver 324 on the brush housing 250. The latch 322 can be disposed on the rear end of the bottom plate 252, wherein the latch receiver 324 is on the rear side of the brush housing 250.

[0109] Optionally, the latch 322 may include a flexible finger 326 having a hook end 328, and the latch receiver 324 may include a flange 330 forming a shoulder 332. When the base plate 252 is retained on the brush housing 250, the finger 326 snaps around the flange 330 with the hook end 328 resting on the shoulder 332 to lock the base plate 252 to the brush housing 250.

[0110] The lip 334 on the bottom plate 252 rests on a ledge 336 of the brush housing 250 to support the front end of the bottom plate 252 on the brush housing 250, wherein the ledge 336 prevents the bottom plate 252 from being dislocated from the brush housing 250 and provides a pivot point for the bottom plate 252 to rotate upward into latching engagement with the brush housing 250. The lip 334 may extend laterally from an opening in the bottom plate 252, and the ledge 336 may extend opposite the lip 334.

[0111] To mount the bottom plate 252 to the housing 250, the lip 334 slides onto the ledge 336 of the brush housing 250, and the rear of the bottom plate 252 pivots upward about the ledge 336 and snaps into place, with the latch 322 snapping into the latch receiver 324. To remove the bottom plate 252, the user can pull downward on the edge 338 of the latch 322, which extends outwardly away from the brush housing 250, to release the latch 332 from the latch receiver 324 and pull the bottom plate 252 away from the brush housing 250. The latch 322 can be positioned in the area of ​​the neck 72 for easy access. Other bottom plate latches are also possible. For example, in other embodiments, the bottom plate 252 can be fastened to the brush housing 250 via mechanical fasteners, integrally formed snaps, clips, or a combination thereof.

[0112] When the brush roll 42 is installed in the brush chamber 44, the second brush holder 280 is installed in a bracket 580 formed in the brush housing 250, wherein the lever arm 312 extends into the cavity 272. The brush roll 42 is fixed in the brush chamber 44 by the attachment of the bottom plate 252, wherein the bottom plate bracket 268 presses the brush holder 280 against the bracket 280 of the brush housing 250.

[0113] The handle 306 provides a convenient location for grasping the brush roll 42 during removal. Typically, a user must directly grasp a dirty and / or wet brush roll to remove it from a surface cleaning device. The handle 306 can be located within the cavity 272 and surrounded by the baffle 270 on the bottom plate 252 to protect the handle 306 from dirt and liquid in the brush chamber 44. When the bottom plate 252 is attached to the brush housing 250, the handle 306 is also covered by the bottom plate 252. Therefore, the handle 306 remains relatively clean and dry.

[0114] Methods for removing the brush roll 42 may include Figure 23 to Figure 27 The specific order of the steps discussed is for illustration purposes only and does not limit the method unless otherwise indicated, as it should be understood that the steps can be performed in a different logical order, additional or intermediate steps can be included, or the steps described can be divided into multiple steps without detracting from the invention. Fig.23 In the embodiment, the bottom plate 252 is attached to the brush housing 250. When the bottom plate 252 is removed, as shown in FIG. Figure 24 to Figure 25 As shown, the handle 306 is exposed. When the lever arm 312 is raised, the short shaft 300 ( Fig.19 ) will rotate with the brush holder 280, while the pin rod 308 remains stationary, and the user can lift the lever arm 312 to pull the brush roller 42 out of the brush chamber 44, as shown in FIG. Fig. 27 shown.

[0115] like Fig.25 As shown, when retracted into the brush housing 250, the handle 306 can be spaced a fixed distance or gap 340 from the surface of the cavity 372 so that a user can reach under the lever arm 312 to pivot the lever arm 312 out of the cavity 272 in the brush housing 250, as shown in FIG. Fig.26 A support 342 may be disposed in the handle cavity 272 to maintain a gap 340 between the handle 306 and the brush housing 250 .

[0116] Alternatively, the brush roll 42 may be replaced with another agitator. In some embodiments, multiple agitators may be provided with the handheld extraction cleaner 10 and may be interchangeably mounted to the body 12. Figure 28 to Figure 31 Some examples of other agitators are shown in . Each agitator may have a handle 306 coupled to the non-driven end of the agitator. Alternatively, a handle 306 may be interchangeable between different agitators.

[0117] refer to Fig.28 In one embodiment, the agitator for the extraction cleaner 10 is a hybrid brush roll 350 that includes a variety of agitation materials to optimize cleaning performance on different types of surfaces to be cleaned, including hard surfaces and soft surfaces, and for different cleaning modes, including wet and dry vacuum cleaning. In one embodiment, the brush roll 350 includes a plurality of bristles 352 and a microfiber material 354 disposed between the bristles 352. The microfiber material 354 may be comprised of polyester, polyamide, or a combination of materials including polypropylene, or any other suitable material known in the art for constructing microfibers. Suitable hybrid brush roll embodiments are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0110388, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0118] refer to Fig.29 In another embodiment, the agitator for the extraction cleaner 10 is a brush roll 356 having a plurality of flexible paddles or wipers 358 arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the brush roll 356. In one embodiment, the brush roll 356 includes a pin 360 with the paddles or wipers 358 extending radially from the pin 360. The paddles or wipers 358 may be constructed of an elastomer, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0119] refer to Fig.30In yet another embodiment, the agitator for the extraction cleaner 10 is a brush roll 362 having a pin 364 , a plurality of bristles 366 extending from the pin 364 , and a plurality of paddles or wipers 368 extending from the pin 364 and disposed between the bristles 366 .

[0120] refer to Fig.31 In yet another embodiment, the agitator for the extraction cleaner 10 is a brush roll 370 in the form of a twisted wire brush having continuous spiral bristles 372 bound together by a twisted wire shaft 374. Alternatively, the twisted wire shaft 374 may be constructed of stainless steel, and the bristles 372 may be nylon, or any other suitable synthetic or natural fiber.

[0121] The handheld extraction cleaner 10 can be used to effectively remove debris (which may include dirt, dust, soil, hair, and other debris) and fluids from a surface to be cleaned according to the above-described method. The order of steps of any method of using the extraction cleaner 10 discussed herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit the method in any way, as it should be understood that the steps may be performed in a different logical order, may include additional or intervening steps, or the described steps may be divided into multiple steps without departing from the invention.

[0122] To the extent not yet described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments of the present invention may be used in combination with each other as desired, or may be used alone. The fact that a handheld extraction cleaner 10 is shown here as having all of these features does not mean that all of these features must be used in combination, but is done here for the sake of brevity of description. In addition, although the extraction cleaner 10 shown herein is handheld, some features of the present invention may be useful on traditional upright or pole cleaners. Further, the extraction cleaner 10 may additionally have steam delivery capabilities. Therefore, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched in various extraction cleaner configurations as desired to form new embodiments, regardless of whether the new embodiments are explicitly described.

[0123] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 943,442, filed on December 4, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0124] The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of the present disclosure. However, various changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which will be interpreted according to 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 limiting the scope of the claims to the specific elements shown or described in conjunction with these embodiments. Any reference to a singular element, such as the use of the article "one", "the", "the" or "said" should not be interpreted as limiting the element to the singular.

[0125] Likewise, it should also be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the expressions and specific components or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between specific embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush group relied upon herein to describe specific features or aspects of various embodiments, different, special and / or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the corresponding Markush group independent of all other Markush members. Each member of the Markush group may be relied upon individually and / or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A handheld extraction cleaner comprising: One-piece body, including handles; A fluid delivery system comprising a supply tank carried by the unitary body and comprising at least one fluid dispenser, the supply tank comprising: A drain pipe is disposed at the bottom of the supply tank to provide liquid to an outlet of the supply tank when the extraction cleaner is tilted forward.

2. The handheld extraction cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The supply tank includes a hollow tank body having a tank outlet forming an outlet of the supply tank, the tank body defining a supply chamber for holding a supply of cleaning fluid.

3. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 2, wherein: The discharge pipe is disposed at a bottom of the supply chamber, and includes a pipe inlet in fluid communication with the supply tank and a pipe outlet in fluid communication with the tank outlet.

4. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 3, wherein: The conduit outlet forms the tank outlet; and / or The conduit inlet is in fluid communication with the supply chamber.

5. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 3, wherein: The supply tank includes a space disposed generally opposite the tank outlet, wherein when the extraction cleaner is tilted forward, liquid moves into the space disposed generally opposite the tank outlet, and wherein the conduit inlet is in fluid communication with the space.

6. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 2, wherein: The discharge pipe includes a horizontal baffle that separates the supply chamber from a discharge passage.

7. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 6, wherein: The drain tube is a molded feature integrally formed with the tank body.

8. The handheld extraction cleaner according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: The supply tank includes a space disposed generally opposite the tank outlet, wherein when the extraction cleaner is tilted forward, liquid moves into the space disposed generally opposite the tank outlet.

9. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 8, wherein: The tank body includes at least a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall, and the space is a volume of the supply chamber defined by a lower portion of the front wall, a front portion of the bottom wall, and a lower front portion of the side wall.

10. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 8, wherein: The tank outlet includes a quick connect fitting configured to mate with a tank receiver inlet, thereby enabling the tank outlet to be quickly connected and disconnected from the tank receiver inlet using a single hand.

11. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 10, wherein: The quick connect fitting includes a check valve that closes when the quick connect fitting is disconnected from the tank receiver inlet.

12. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 10, wherein: The quick connect fitting is located on a rear corner of the tank body, and the space substantially covers a front corner of the tank body opposite the quick connect fitting.

13. The handheld extraction cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The supply tank includes a pivotally mounted fill cap and the supply tank can be filled on or off the extraction cleaner.

14. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 13, wherein: The supply tank includes a filling opening, and the filling cap includes a cap and a plug located on the underside of the cap, wherein the plug fits into the filling opening when the filling cap is closed, wherein the plug is aligned with the filling opening and the plug is sized to seal the filling opening when the filling cap is closed to achieve a fluid-tight closure such that the supply tank does not leak when the filling cap is closed.

15. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 13, comprising a check valve, wherein the check valve is configured as one of the following: provided on the fill cap to allow ambient air to enter the supply tank to displace the dispensed liquid; and The supply tank is arranged on the tank body of the supply tank and is used to release the positive pressure generated by the gas released by the cleaning liquid in the supply tank. The tank body defines a supply chamber for maintaining the supply of cleaning liquid.

16. The handheld extraction cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The fluid delivery system includes a flow control system for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply tank to the at least one fluid dispenser, wherein the flow control system includes a pump for pressurizing the fluid delivery system.

17. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 16, wherein: The unitary body includes a supply tank receiver in which the supply tank is removably mounted and has a tank receiver inlet coupled to the supply tank to place the supply tank in fluid communication with the pump.

18. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 17, wherein: The fluid delivery system includes: a first conduit connecting the outlet of the supply tank receiving portion with the inlet of the pump; and a second conduit connecting the outlet of the pump with the inlet of the at least one fluid dispenser, the inlet of the at least one fluid dispenser being fluidically connected to at least one dispenser outlet of the at least one fluid dispenser.

19. The handheld extraction cleaner of any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a recovery system, the recovery system comprising: A working air path passes through the unitary body, a suction nozzle defining an inlet to the working air path, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, and a recovery tank carried by the unitary body.

20. The handheld extraction cleaner of claim 19, wherein: The handle is disposed above the recovery tank and extends behind the supply tank in a longitudinal direction.

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