Surface cleaning apparatus with scrubbing mode

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus includes: a supply tank; a fluid dispenser; the brush roller can rotate around the axis; a brush roller motor configured to rotate the brush roller in a forward direction about the axis and in a rearward direction about the axis; and a controller. The controller implements a scrubbing mode in which the brush roll oscillates forward and rearward about the axis to scrub the surface to be cleaned and decompose stubborn stains on the surface.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 627,255, filed on January 31, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a surface cleaning device. Background art

[0004] Surface cleaning devices such as wet / dry floor cleaners, vacuum mops, and other floor cleaners are popular among many users because they can both vacuum - suck and mop - clean the floor, are easy to maneuver, and require less storage space. However, one drawback of such floor cleaners is that they cannot remove stubborn stains (such as sticky stains, residues, heavily soiled areas, or other difficult - to - clean stains) by passing the floor cleaner over the stain one or two times.

[0005] One prior - art solution is for the user to move the device back and forth over the stain until the stain disappears. The drawbacks of this solution are that it is time - consuming and requires the user to pass over the same stain multiple times. Even so, this method usually cannot completely remove stubborn stains, especially if the user does not spend enough time or pass over the stain enough times at one spot. Then the user has to resort to manually cleaning the stain with a towel or other tool. Providing effective stain removal for floor cleaners remains a challenge in the floor - cleaning industry. Summary of the invention

[0006] A surface cleaning device having an improved scrubbing mode.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a surface cleaning device includes: a housing including a suction inlet for inhaling liquid, debris, and air; an agitator configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction to agitate a surface to be cleaned; a fluid delivery system configured to deliver a cleaning fluid; a motor operably coupled to the agitator, the motor configured to rotate the agitator in the first direction and the second direction; and a controller configured to operate the surface cleaning device in each of a standard cleaning mode and a scrubbing mode, wherein the controller responds to activation of the scrubbing mode by initiating a plurality of bidirectional cleaning cycles for removing debris, and wherein each of the plurality of bidirectional cleaning cycles includes rotating the agitator in the first direction for at least a first plurality of revolutions, followed by a first braking interval, and rotating the agitator in the second direction in reverse for at least a second plurality of revolutions, followed by a second braking interval, and wherein the controller is operable to change at least one of a fluid delivery parameter and a suction parameter of the standard cleaning mode in response to activation of the scrubbing mode for providing agitation, cleaning fluid, and suction at the surface to be cleaned.

[0008] In some aspects, the controller transitions from the standard cleaning mode to the scrubbing mode by increasing the agitator speed, increasing the flow rate of the cleaning fluid, reducing the suction at the suction inlet, or any combination thereof.

[0009] In some aspects, the scrubbing mode includes increasing the speed of the agitator in the first direction within a ramp interval and maintaining that speed until the first braking interval.

[0010] In some aspects, the scrubbing mode includes decreasing the cleaning fluid flow rate at least once, increasing the flow rate at least once, deactivating the pump after a first period of dispensing the cleaning fluid, accelerating to a first pump flow rate and then deactivating the pump for the remainder of the scrubbing mode, changing the pump flow rate between a first flow rate and a second flow rate lower than the first flow rate, dispensing the cleaning fluid at the first flow rate for a first period of time, decelerating to dispense the cleaning fluid at a second flow rate less than the first flow rate, maintaining the second flow rate for a second period of time, and then accelerating to dispense the cleaning fluid at the first flow rate, or any combination thereof.

[0011] In some aspects, the scrubbing mode includes decelerating the suction from a first suction level to a lower second suction level, decreasing the suction level at least once, increasing the suction level at least once, changing the suction between a first suction level and a second suction level less than the first suction level, outputting the first suction level for a first period of time, decelerating to a second suction level less than the first suction level, maintaining the second suction level for a second period of time, accelerating to the first suction level, and maintaining the first suction level for a third period of time, or any combination thereof.

[0012] In another aspect, the scrubbing mode includes oscillating the agitator back and forth about an axis a plurality of times to scrub a surface to be cleaned, wherein oscillating the agitator forward includes rotating the agitator about the axis in a first direction by accelerating the agitator speed to a first speed, maintaining the first speed for a first time period, and then decelerating the agitator speed to zero, and wherein oscillating the agitator backward includes rotating the agitator about the axis in a second direction by accelerating the agitator speed to a second speed, maintaining the second speed for a second time period, and then decelerating the agitator speed to zero.

[0013] In another aspect, the scrubbing mode includes oscillating the agitator forward about the axis in a first direction and backward about the axis in a second direction to scrub a surface to be cleaned, wherein oscillating the agitator includes automatically switching the rotational direction of the agitator at least every 0.5 seconds or less during the duration of the scrubbing mode.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the scrubbing mode includes oscillating the agitator back and forth about the axis to scrub a surface to be cleaned for a plurality of bidirectional cleaning cycles, wherein oscillating the agitator forward includes rotating the agitator about the axis in a first direction for a first time interval, and oscillating the agitator backward includes rotating the agitator about the axis in a second direction for a second time interval that is less than the first time interval, wherein the agitator over-rotates or under-rotates with each oscillation of the agitator relative to the agitator starting position.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the surface cleaning device includes a brushless DC motor configured to rotate the agitator.

[0016] In another aspect, the surface cleaning device includes a heat sink coupled to the motor housing of the brushless DC motor.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for cleaning a surface using a surface cleaning device includes providing a surface cleaning device operable in a standard cleaning mode and a scrubbing mode, the surface cleaning device including a suction inlet; a fluid dispenser; a bidirectionally rotatable agitator for agitating a surface to be cleaned; and a motor operably coupled to the agitator, and in response to detecting activation of the scrubbing mode, performing a plurality of bidirectional cleaning cycles and changing at least one of a fluid delivery parameter and a suction parameter to provide agitation, cleaning fluid, and suction at the surface to be cleaned, wherein each of the plurality of bidirectional cleaning cycles includes rotating the agitator in a first direction for at least a first plurality of revolutions, followed by a first braking interval, and rotating the agitator in a second direction in reverse for at least a second plurality of revolutions, followed by a second braking interval.

[0018] In yet another aspect, a method for scrubbing a surface to be cleaned includes detecting activation of a two-way scrubbing mode of a floor cleaner that includes a brush roll operably coupled to a brushless DC motor, and in response to detecting activation of the two-way scrubbing mode, performing a plurality of two-way cleaning cycles of the brush roll, wherein each of the plurality of two-way cleaning cycles includes rotating the brush roll in a first direction for at least a first plurality of rotations and rotating the brush roll in a reverse second direction for at least a second plurality of rotations.

[0019] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning device or floor cleaner having a scrubbing mode according to one aspect of the present disclosure and / or a brush roll according to another aspect of the present disclosure, and is shown being operated by a user and encountering stubborn stains on a surface to be cleaned;

[0021] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of various functional systems of the floor cleaner of

[0022] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional close-up view through the base of the floor cleaner of Figure 1 showing a portion of the recovery path of the floor cleaner, the brush roll, and the brush chamber;

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a scrubbing mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, depicting oscillation of the brush roll to remove stubborn stains on a surface to be cleaned;

[0024] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional close-up view through the base of a floor cleaner having a stain sensor according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a recovery system of a floor cleaner having a stain sensor according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional close-up view through the base of a floor cleaner having a scrubbing motion sensor according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a control system of a floor cleaner having a scrubbing motion sensor according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 9is a graph depicting a scrubbing pattern according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 10 is a graph depicting a scrubbing pattern according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 11 is a graph depicting a scrubbing pattern according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 12 is a graph depicting a scrubbing pattern according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a floor cleaner base having a brush roll height setter according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view of a floor cleaner base having a brush roll height setter according to another aspect of the present disclosure, and shows the brush roll at a first height setting in a standard cleaning mode;

[0034] Figure 14B is Figure 14A a cross-sectional view of the floor cleaner base, and shows the brush roll at a second (reduced) height setting in a scrubbing mode;

[0035] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a brush roll for a floor cleaner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a brush roll for a floor cleaner according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 17 is a graph depicting a scrubbing pattern according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a cleaning base for a floor cleaner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning base having a radiator with axial fins for cooling a brushed motor;

[0039] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a cleaning base for a floor cleaner according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning base having a radiator and a cooling fan for cooling a brushed motor;

[0040] Figure 20Is a perspective view of a cleaning base for a floor cleaner according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning base having a radiator with circumferential fins for cooling a brushed motor;

[0041] Figure 21 Is a perspective view of a cleaning base for a floor cleaner according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning base having a cooling fan for cooling a brushed motor;

[0042] Figure 22 Is a perspective view of a cleaning base for a floor cleaner according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning base having a liquid cooling coil for cooling a brushed motor;

[0043] Figure 23 Is a perspective view of a cleaning base for a floor cleaner according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning base having a liquid cooling jacket for cooling a brushed motor; and

[0044] Figure 24 Is a perspective view of a cleaning base for a floor cleaner according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning base having an air cooling jacket for cooling a brushed motor. Detailed Embodiments

[0045] A surface cleaning device with improved scrubbing is described below. The surface cleaning device, also referred to herein as a "floor cleaner", has one or more cleaning systems for cleaning surfaces, including floor surfaces (such as carpets, rugs, wood, tiles, etc.) or surfaces above the floor (such as worktops, furniture, etc.). The surface cleaning device has at least one scrubbing mode in which the brush roll oscillates back and forth. As will be understood from the description herein, the scrubbing mode has numerous applications, but is generally used to break down stubborn stains (such as sticky spots, residues, heavily contaminated areas, or other difficult-to-clean stains) on the surface to be cleaned. As just one example, the scrubbing mode can cause the brush roll to oscillate back and forth multiple times to remove stubborn stains. As described below, at least some aspects of the floor cleaner provided herein act through its various elements to provide a seamless transition from floor cleaning to stain scrubbing without any additional steps or tools. By means of a surface cleaning device with a scrubbing mode according to the various aspects disclosed herein, sticky, adhered stains can be easily solved. In addition, oscillating the brush roll can provide the additional benefit of fluffing up the material of the brush roll and / or reducing wear on the brush roll.

[0046] As described below, at least some aspects of the brush roll provided herein act through its various elements to enhance the scrubbing pattern. The brush roll can have a scrubbing zone that can create a more intense scrubbing action at or near the center of the brush roll. In this way, certain features of the floor cleaner and / or the brush roll can be considered functional, but can also be implemented in different aesthetic configurations.

[0047] In Figures 1 to 2 the exemplary embodiment shown, in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in all several views, a surface cleaning device is shown and the surface cleaning device is generally designated 10. As discussed further in detail below, the surface cleaning device, also referred to herein as the floor cleaner 10, has various features and improvements, including a brush roll 46 and a scrubbing pattern in which the brush roll 46 rotates in alternating directions.

[0048] The floor cleaner 10 can be a wet / dry vacuum cleaner or a wet / dry multi-surface cleaner that can be used to clean hard floor surfaces (such as tile and hardwood surfaces) as well as soft floor surfaces (such as area rugs and carpets). The floor cleaner 10 can include at least one cleaning system that includes a fluid delivery system and / or a recovery system. Using both the fluid delivery system and the recovery system, the floor cleaner 10 can deliver cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and can recover fluid and debris (which can include dirt, dust, stains, grime, hair, and other debris) from the surface to be cleaned.

[0049] The floor cleaner 10 includes an upright handle assembly or body 12 and a cleaning foot or base 14 that is mounted to or coupled with the upright body 12 and is adapted to move across the surface to be cleaned. The various cleaning systems and their components can be supported by either or both of the base 14 and the upright body 12. The floor cleaner 10 can have a movable joint assembly 26 that connects the base 14 to the upright body 12 for movement of the body 12 about at least one axis or alternatively about at least two rotational axes.

[0050] For purposes of the description associated with the drawings, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” and derivatives thereof shall refer to the present disclosure as oriented from the perspective of a user U behind the floor cleaner 10, which defines the rear of the floor cleaner 10. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Figure 1 In

[0051] The upright body 12 can include a handle 16 and a frame 18. The frame 18 can include a main support section that at least partially supports the supply tank 20 and the recovery tank 22, and the frame 18 can also support additional components of the body 12. The floor cleaner 10 can include: a fluid delivery or supply passage that includes and is at least partially defined by the supply tank 20 for storing a cleaning fluid (such as a cleaning liquid) and delivering the cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned; and a recovery passage that includes and is at least partially defined by the recovery tank 22 for removing liquid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the liquid and debris until emptied by the user.

[0052] The floor cleaner 10 can include at least one user interface ("UI") 28 through which a user can interact with the floor cleaner 10 to perform one or more functions, and such UI can be disposed as shown on the handle 24, and / or on the frame 18, and / or elsewhere on the floor cleaner 10.

[0053] The handle 16 can include a handle 24 that a user U can grasp to maneuver the floor cleaner 10 during operation. Generally, the floor cleaner 10 is operated by moving the floor cleaner 10 back and forth on the surface to be cleaned in a series of cleaning passes. The user U can initiate a cleaning pass by pushing the floor cleaner 10 forward during a forward pass or pulling the floor cleaner 10 backward during a backward pass. At the end of a cleaning pass, the floor cleaner 10 moves in the opposite direction.

[0054] During operation, the floor cleaner 10 may encounter a stain S on the surface F being cleaned. The stain S may be, for example, a stubborn stain such as a sticky spot, residue, a heavily contaminated area, or other difficult-to-clean spot. Such a stain S may be difficult to remove with the standard cleaning mode of the floor cleaner 10, even with multiple passes or cleaning passes over the stain S. As described below, the floor cleaner 10 has a scrubbing mode in which the brush roll 46 oscillates back and forth to clean the stain S. The scrubbing mode can operate when the floor cleaner 10 is in a static (non-moving) position over the stain S, thereby avoiding the need to make multiple passes or cleaning passes to clean the stain S. Additionally, in some embodiments, the scrubbing mode includes dispensing a cleaning fluid and / or applying suction. Accordingly, the pump 44 and / or the vacuum motor 56 can operate during at least a portion of the scrubbing mode. Still further, in some embodiments, the scrubbing mode includes an increased dwell time of the cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned, such as by increasing the fluid flow rate and / or decreasing the suction level. Even further, in some embodiments, the brush roll 46 can include a configuration that enhances stain removal (e.g., see Figure 16 )

[0055] Figure 2Schematic diagram of various functional systems of floor cleaner 10. The delivery system includes at least one supply tank 20 configured to hold a cleaning fluid; at least one fluid dispenser 38 supplied with the cleaning fluid from the supply tank 20; and a fluid supply path 40 from the supply tank 20 to the fluid dispenser 38.

[0056] The supply tank 20 can store the cleaning fluid in liquid form. The cleaning fluid can include one or more of any suitable cleaning fluids, including but not limited to water, compositions, concentrated scrubbing agents, diluted scrubbing agents, other surface cleaning and / or treatment agents, and mixtures thereof. For example, the cleaning fluid can include water. In another embodiment, the cleaning fluid can include a mixture of water and a concentrated scrubbing agent.

[0057] It should be noted that although the floor cleaner 10 described herein is configured to deliver a cleaning liquid, aspects of the present disclosure can be applicable to surface cleaning devices that deliver steam. Thus, unless otherwise specified, the term "cleaning fluid" can encompass liquids, steam, or both.

[0058] The delivery system can include a flow controller for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply tank 20 to the fluid dispenser 38. In one configuration, the flow controller can include a pump 44 that pressurizes the supply path 40 and controls the delivery of the cleaning fluid to the fluid dispenser 38. In one embodiment, the pump 44 can be a centrifugal pump. In another embodiment, the pump 44 can be an electromagnetic pump having single speed, double speed, or variable speed.

[0059] In another configuration of the supply passage, the pump 44 can be eliminated, and the flow control system can include a gravity feed system having a valve fluidly coupled to the outlet of the supply tank 20, whereby when the valve is opened, the cleaning fluid will flow by gravity to the dispenser 38.

[0060] The dispenser 38 can include various structures, such as nozzles, spray heads, or manifolds, and can include at least one fluid outlet for dispensing the cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned. The dispenser 38 can be positioned to deliver the cleaning fluid directly to the surface to be cleaned or indirectly by delivering the cleaning fluid onto the brush roll 46. In one non-limiting embodiment, the dispenser 38 delivers the cleaning fluid onto the brush roll 46.

[0061] Releasing the cleaning fluid from the dispenser 38 can be manually controlled by the user or automatically controlled by selecting a cleaning mode. For example, releasing the cleaning fluid from the dispenser 38 can be controlled via a trigger 42 on the handle 24 and / or via the UI 28, and / or automatically controlled by the central controller 32, which will be described in further detail below.

[0062] The delivery system can include other conduits, pipes, tubing, hoses, connectors, valves, etc. to fluidly couple the components of the delivery system together and provide a supply path 40.

[0063] Optionally, a heater 48 can be provided for heating the cleaning fluid before delivering it to the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the in-line heater 48 can be located downstream of the supply tank 20 and either upstream or downstream of the pump 44. Other types of heaters can also be used. In yet another embodiment, the exhaust from the motor cooling air path of a suction source for a recycling system can be used to heat the cleaning fluid. In yet another embodiment, the cleaning fluid is unheated.

[0064] The recycling system can include: a recycling path 50 that passes through the floor cleaner 10 and has a path inlet 52 and a path outlet 53; a suction source 54 including a vacuum motor 56 that is in fluid communication with the path inlet and configured to generate a working flow through the recycling path 50; and a recycling tank 22 for separating and collecting liquids and debris from the working flow for later disposal. A separator 58 can be formed as part of the recycling tank 22 for separating liquids and entrained debris from the working flow.

[0065] In one embodiment, the path inlet 52 is provided on the base 14 and can be defined by a suction inlet port 60 and / or a brush chamber 62 provided on the cleaning head or the base 14. One or both of the suction inlet port 60 and the brush chamber 62 can be at least partially formed by a nozzle, a brush cover, or a combination thereof.

[0066] The recycling system can include other conduits, pipes, tubing, hoses, connectors, etc. to fluidly couple the components of the recycling system together and provide the recycling path 50.

[0067] As described above, the floor cleaner 10 can include a rotatable brush roll 46. In one non-limiting embodiment, the suction inlet port 60 is positioned adjacent to the brush roll 46 to directly collect liquids and debris from the brush roll 46. Other embodiments of the floor cleaner 10 can include more than one rotatable brush roll 46, such as a dual brush roll 46, one or more vertical rotatable brush rolls, one or more rotatable cleaning pads, or one or more other rotatable agitators.

[0068] At least a portion of the brushroll 46 extends from the base 14 to agitate the surface to be cleaned. For example, the brushroll 46 can include an agitating material that extends into contact with the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the agitating material is microfiber. The microfiber can be composed of polyester, polyamide, or a combination of materials including polypropylene, or any other suitable material known in the art. The microfibers, also referred to herein as fluff, are formed from such materials, but it should be understood that the brushroll 46 can have a fluff structure made of fibrous materials other than microfiber. The microfibers (or microfiber material, as referred to herein) can include fibers supported on a backing, where the backing is applied to the spikes of the brushroll 46.

[0069] In another embodiment, the brush roll 46 can be a hybrid brush roll having an agitating material that includes a combination of microfibers and bristles for agitation. Other embodiments of the brush roll 46 are also possible, such as a bristle brush roll suitable for use on soft surfaces and having bristles without microfibers. Other agitating materials include foam and textile fibers. Optionally, the device can be provided with multiple interchangeable brush rolls 46, which allows the brush roll to be selected according to the cleaning task to be performed or according to the type of floor to be cleaned.

[0070] A drive assembly including a brushroll motor 64 can drive the brushroll 46. A drive transmission 66 operably connects the motor 64 to the brushroll 46 to rotate the brushroll 46 and can include one or more belts, pulleys, gears (e.g., a planetary drive or a cycloidal drive), etc., for transmitting the rotational motion of the motor 64 to the brushroll 46. The brushroll motor 64 can be disposed in the base 14, preferably behind or behind the brushroll 46 to accommodate the brushroll 46 closer to the front edge of the base 14. Alternatively, the brushroll 46 can include a motor-in-pin configuration in which the brushroll motor 64 and the drive transmission 66 are coupled to a pin on the brushroll 46. The brushroll motor 64 can be a brushless DC motor. Alternatively, a brushed DC or AC motor can be used.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the brushroll motor 64 comprises a brushless DC motor that responds to commands from the motor controller 34. The motor controller 34 is optionally integrated into the brushless DC motor 64, which is self-contained within a cylindrical jacket of aluminum, copper, or other thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the motor controller 34 is external to the brushroll motor 64, optionally integrated into the central controller 32. However, as Figure 2 As shown, the motor controller 34 is electrically coupled to the central controller 32, which provides electrical signals to the motor controller 34 in response to user activation of the scrubbing mode and the standard cleaning mode. The motor controller 34, in turn, provides electrical signals to the brushroll motor 64 to adjust the speed and direction of the brushroll motor according to the selected operating mode.

[0072] In one embodiment, the central controller 32 provides a speed control signal and a direction control signal to the motor controller 34. The speed control signal includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) control signal having a duty cycle proportional to the desired motor speed. The direction control signal can also include a PWM control signal, where a first duty cycle (e.g., 25%) represents forward rotation and a second duty cycle (e.g., 50%) represents reverse rotation. In this embodiment, the central controller 32 provides two separate PWM control signals to the motor controller 34: a first PWM control signal for controlling the motor speed and a second PWM control signal for controlling the motor direction. Alternatively, the direction control signal can be high or low, depending on the desired motor direction. For example, a high direction control signal (e.g., 5V) can indicate a desired clockwise rotation, while a low direction control signal (e.g., 0V) can indicate a desired counterclockwise rotation.

[0073] The motor controller 34 converts these control inputs (speed and direction) into appropriate control signals for the brush roll motor 64. In the case of a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, the motor controller 34 increases the PWM voltage applied to each stator winding and / or increases the commutation frequency proportionally to the increased duty cycle of the PWM control signal. Reversal of the motor direction is achieved by changing the order in which the motor windings are energized. Since a BLDC motor is driven by electronic commutation, the motor direction is reversed by reversing the order of the commutation sequence (i.e., changing the order in which the stator windings are energized). In one embodiment, a three-phase BLDC motor includes a stator having three windings and a rotor having permanent magnets. To cause the rotor to rotate rapidly in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction, the windings are energized sequentially (e.g., winding A, winding B, and winding C). To cause the rotor to rotate rapidly in a second (e.g., counterclockwise) direction, the windings are energized sequentially but in the reverse order (e.g., winding C, winding B, and winding A). Other control methods for rapidly rotating the rotor in the desired direction are also possible.

[0074] In these and other embodiments, the BLDC motor can include a sensor-equipped BLDC motor. The sensor-equipped BLDC motor can include Hall sensors to detect the magnetic field of the rotor and provide real-time feedback to the motor controller 34 regarding the rotor position. The motor controller 34 uses this information to regulate the timing of the PWM current to the stator windings and / or the order in which the windings are energized. Alternatively, the BLDC motor can include a sensorless BLDC motor, where the motor controller 34 estimates the rotor position based on the voltage generated by the back EMF.

[0075] To minimize mechanical wear on the brush roll motor 64 and to prevent large current spikes, the brush roll motor 64 is allowed to come to a stop before reversing direction. In one embodiment, the motor controller 34 provides a pre - defined braking interval when changing direction. The pre - defined braking interval can be selected to ensure that the brush roll motor 64 coasts to a stop due to friction (including but not limited to the friction of the brush roll 46 against the surface to be cleaned), thereby minimizing the electrical stress, mechanical stress, and thermal stress on the brush roll motor 64. The pre - defined braking interval is optionally at least 10 ms, further optionally between 10 ms and 200 ms, still further optionally between 10 ms and 40 ms, and yet further optionally about 15 ms. In other embodiments, optionally, the motor controller 34 actively brakes the brush roll motor 64 (rather than braking passively) by generating reverse torque or by shortening some of the stator windings.

[0076] As described above and as Figure 2 shown, the floor cleaner 10 includes a drive transmission 66 between the brush roll motor 64 and the brush roll 46. The drive transmission 66 can include a gear reduction device for increasing the torque of the brush roll 46. For example, the drive transmission 66 can include a planetary drive or a cycloidal drive with a gear reduction device, such that the brush roll motor 64 can operate more efficiently while the brush roll 46 receives the torque necessary to remove stubborn stains. The gear reduction device can be selected based on the specific application. Exemplary gear ratios include between 2:1 and 10:1, optionally about 7:1. For example, if a gear ratio of 7:1 is selected, the drive transmission 66 will convert a given motor speed (e.g., 7700 rpm) into a desired brush roll speed (e.g., 1100 rpm). Other gear reduction devices can be used as needed, and in some other embodiments, the gear reduction device is omitted, providing a 1:1 ratio.

[0077] The electrical components of the floor cleaner 10 that are electrically coupled to a power source include the pump 44, the vacuum motor 56, the brush roll motor 64, or any combination thereof, and the power source can include a battery 30 for wireless operation, preferably a rechargeable battery. In one embodiment, the rechargeable battery 30 is a lithium - ion battery. The rechargeable battery can be recharged in a suitable location on the floor cleaner 10 or can be removed from the floor cleaner 10 for recharging. With a rechargeable battery, the floor cleaner 10 can have a suitable charger. For example, a tray (not shown) can store the floor cleaner 10 and recharge the battery 30 when not in use. In another exemplary configuration, the battery 30 can include a user - replaceable battery. In yet another embodiment, the power source can include a power cord adapted to be plugged into a household electrical outlet for wired operation.

[0078] As described above, the floor cleaner 10 includes a central controller 32 that is operatively coupled to various systems and components of the floor cleaner 10. In one embodiment, the central controller 32 can include a printed circuit board (“PCB”). As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, 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 another suitable programmable device) and a memory (e.g., read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), flash memory, or another suitable magnetic storage device, optical storage device, physical storage device, or electronic storage device). The processing unit is connected to the memory and implements instructions (e.g., software) that can be stored in the RAM (e.g., during implementation), in the ROM (e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or in another non-transitory computer-readable medium such as another memory or a disk. Additionally or alternatively, the memory is included within 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 implement instructions related to the control processes and methods described herein, etc. The PCB can also include a plurality of additional passive and active components, etc., such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, integrated circuits, and amplifiers. These components are arranged and connected to provide various electrical functions to the PCB, including signal conditioning or voltage regulation. For descriptive purposes, the PCB and the electrical components assembled on the PCB can be referred to as the central controller 32.

[0079] Reference Figures 1 to 2 , the floor cleaner 10 has: at least one standard cleaning mode that can be implemented for cleaning all or most of the floor surface F; and at least one scrubbing mode that a user can implement for cleaning a stain S on the surface F to be cleaned. The standard cleaning mode and the scrubbing mode can have associated operating parameters for the brush roll motor 64, the pump 44, and / or the vacuum motor 56, and at least one operating parameter that is adjusted in the scrubbing mode. The central controller 32 can include a memory that stores instructions that, when implemented by the central controller 32, automatically implement the standard cleaning mode or the scrubbing mode, examples of which are described below. Thus, the operation of the brush roll motor 64, the pump 44, or the vacuum motor 56, or any combination thereof, can be mode-dependent, such that the rotation of the brush roll 46, the release of the cleaning fluid from the dispenser 38, or the suction at the suction inlet port 60, or any combination thereof, is automatically controlled.

[0080] In some embodiments, the central controller 32 can store and implement more than one standard cleaning mode and / or more than one scrubbing mode. For example, the floor cleaner 10 can have multiple standard cleaning modes, and these standard cleaning modes can include a hard floor wet mode and a small area rug wet mode, each of which has associated operating parameters for the pump 44, the vacuum motor 56, and / or the brush roll motor 64. The floor cleaner 10 can also have a dry vacuum suction mode in which no cleaning fluid is dispensed. Other embodiments of the standard cleaning mode and the scrubbing mode are disclosed below.

[0081] Reference Figure 3 , the brush roll 46 can be received in the brush chamber 62 and at least partially disposed within or near the recovery path 50. In this embodiment, the suction inlet port 60 is configured to draw liquid and debris from the brush roll 46. When the brush chamber 62 is open to the surface to be cleaned, some liquid and debris can also be drawn from the surface to be cleaned. Thus, the brush chamber 62 can form a part of the recovery path 50, where the suction inlet port 60 opens into the brush chamber 62.

[0082] It should be noted that in another embodiment, the brush roll 46 can be disposed outside the recovery path 50, such as by being disposed below and / or behind the nozzle defining the suction inlet port 60, so that the recovery system does not directly apply suction to the brush roll 46. In this embodiment, the nozzle defining the suction inlet port 60 can be disposed in front of and / or above the brush chamber 62, so that the suction inlet port 60 is positioned to directly recover liquid and debris from the floor surface. In this embodiment, the floor cleaner 10 can be, but is not limited to, an extraction cleaner configured to deeply clean a carpet surface.

[0083] The brush roll 46 can rotate about an axis X, which can be a substantially horizontal axis X (e.g., perpendicular to the plane of the page Figure 3 direction). A substantially horizontal axis X can be preferred for cleaning the floor surface because the brush roll 46 is substantially parallel to the floor surface on which the floor cleaner 10 moves. In terms of "substantially", the axis of the brush roll 46 can deviate from the horizontal direction by up to 5 degrees, or up to 10 degrees.

[0084] The brush roll 46 can rotate forward about the axis X in a first or forward direction FR and can rotate backward about the axis X in a second or backward direction BR. The brush roll motor 64 and / or the drive transmission 66 ( Figure 2configured to rotate the brush roll 46 in a forward direction FR or in a backward direction BR. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments, the forward, backward, or forward and backward combined rotation of the brush roll 46 can be mode-dependent, such that the rotation direction of the brush roll 46 can be automatically controlled. In other words, depending on the selected cleaning mode of the floor cleaner 10, the brush roll motor 64 can rotate the brush roll 46 forward, backward, or may not be activated such that the brush roll 46 does not rotate.

[0085] In some embodiments, the base 14 has at least one interference wiper 68 configured to interface with a portion of the brush roll 46. In Figure 3 the illustrated embodiment, the interference wiper 68 is mounted at the forward portion of the brush chamber 62 and configured to interface with the front portion of the brush roll 46, as defined by the forward rotation direction FR of the brush roll 46. The interference wiper 68 can be located below the dispenser 38 such that the wetted portion of the brush roll 46 rotates past the interference wiper 68 during forward rotation FR, which can scrape any excess liquid from the brush roll 46 and / or evenly disperse or distribute the cleaning fluid across the width of the brush roll before reaching the surface to be cleaned. The wiper 68 can have sufficient rigidity, i.e., sufficient hardness and non-flexibility, such that the wiper 68 does not bend or flex due to engagement with the brush roll 46. Other positions of the wiper 68 relative to the brush roll 46 are possible, in which the wiper 68 is configured to interface with a portion of the brush roll 46. For example, the wiper 68 can be located at the rear portion of the brush chamber 62, between the suction inlet port 60 and the dispenser 38. In still some other embodiments, the floor cleaner 10 does not have any interference wiper that engages the brush roll 46.

[0086] In some embodiments, a squeegee 70 is mounted behind the brush roll 46 and the brush chamber 62 and configured to contact the surface F when the base 14 moves over the surface F. The squeegee 70 wipes residual liquid from the surface to be cleaned such that it can be suctioned into the recovery path via the suction inlet port 60, leaving a moisture-free and streak-free finish on the surface to be cleaned. The squeegee 70 can be sufficiently pliable, i.e., sufficiently flexible or elastic, to easily bend to the contour of the surface to be cleaned, but not deform through normal use of the floor cleaner 10. Other positions of the squeegee 70 relative to the brush roll 46 are possible. In still some other embodiments, the floor cleaner 10 does not include a squeegee 70.

[0087] In another embodiment of the base 14, an example of which is in Figure 13As shown, a suction protection member 98 is disposed between the suction inlet port 60 and the outlet of the fluid dispenser 38 to prevent the cleaning fluid dispensed from the fluid dispenser 38 from being immediately suctioned into the recovery passage and / or before wetting the brush roll 46. Without the suction protection member 98, the cleaning fluid can be directly drawn into the recovery passage and can completely bypass the brush roll 46. The suction protection member 98 partially extends into the tufts of the microfiber brush roll 46 (or into other agitation materials in the case of a non-microfiber brush roll), and prevents the cleaning fluid from being suctioned into the suction inlet port 60 immediately after being dispensed from the fluid dispenser 38. The suction protection member 98 does not seal the brush roll 46, and the working air can still move through the porous tufts (or other agitation materials) of the brush roll 46, such that at least some suction exists at the foremost part of the brush chamber 62, for example, between the brush roll 46 and its cover. In the present embodiment, the suction protection member 98 is integrally formed with the fluid dispenser 38, however, in other embodiments, the suction protection member 98 is not integrally formed with the fluid dispenser 38 and can be provided separately therefrom. The suction protection member 98 can be rigid, i.e., hard, and non-flexible, so that the suction protection member 98 does not bend or flex due to engagement with the brush roll 46.

[0088] In Figure 13 the embodiment of, an interference wiper is not provided, but in another embodiment, an interference wiper similar to the wiper 68 ( Figure 3 ) is included in addition to the suction protection member 98.

[0089] The standard cleaning mode includes rotating the brush roll 46 forwardly about the axis X, for example, rotating the brush roll 46 continuously about the axis X in the first direction FR. Additionally, in some embodiments, the standard cleaning mode includes dispensing the cleaning fluid and / or applying suction during the rotation of the brush roll 46. Further, in some embodiments, the standard cleaning mode provides a first or standard dwell time for the cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned. The standard dwell time can be the average dwell time of the cleaning fluid during the standard cleaning mode, since some variation in the dwell time may occur throughout the standard cleaning mode, as the dwell time of the cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned depends on the fluid flow rate and the suction level, and the fluid flow rate and / or the suction level can vary during the standard cleaning mode.

[0090] Referring to Figure 1, user U can operate the floor cleaner 10 in a standard cleaning mode to clean the floor surface F. During operation, the floor cleaner 10 may encounter a stain S on the surface F to be cleaned. Such a stain S may be difficult to remove using the standard cleaning mode of the floor cleaner 10, even by passing over the stain S multiple times. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when such a stain S is encountered, a scrubbing mode can be implemented to remove the stain S. However, this is not strictly required, and the scrubbing mode can operate while the floor cleaner 10 is in a static (non-moving) position over the stain S, thus avoiding the need for user U to pass over or make cleaning runs multiple times to clean the stain S. However, if user U continues the cleaning run during the scrubbing mode, the number of runs and the duration for removing the stain S will be reduced compared to the standard cleaning mode.

[0091] Figure 4 is a schematic view of the scrubbing mode, which includes oscillating the brush roll 46 forward and backward about an axis X to scrub the surface to be cleaned, thereby breaking up stubborn stains S on the surface to be cleaned. Oscillating the brush roll 46 includes rotating the brush roll 46 repeatedly about the axis X in a first direction FR and in a second direction BR. The brush roll is oscillated by automatically switching the direction of rotation, i.e., without user action or user input. Additionally, in some embodiments, the scrubbing mode includes dispensing a cleaning fluid and / or applying suction during the oscillation of the brush roll 46.

[0092] In one aspect of the present disclosure, oscillating the brush roll 46 can include automatically switching the direction of rotation of the brush roll 46 at least every 0.5 seconds or less during the duration of the scrubbing mode. For example, the brush roll can switch directions at intervals of approximately 100 milliseconds to 500 milliseconds. The duration of the scrubbing mode can be approximately 30 seconds to 5 minutes, or approximately 45 seconds to 3 minutes, or approximately 45 seconds to 60 seconds.

[0093] The stain S can be detected by user U ( Figure 1 ), such as by user U observing the stain S on the surface F to be cleaned. Alternatively, or additionally, the stain S can be detected by the floor cleaner 10. Once the scrubbing mode is implemented, it can run for a predetermined period or a user-determined period. In another embodiment, an input from a sensor and / or the central controller 32 ( Figure 2 ) can determine the operating period of the scrubbing mode.

[0094] Reference Figure 1, the floor cleaner 10 can include an input controller 72 for selectively implementing a scrubbing mode during the operation of the floor cleaner 10. The input controller, shown here as the scrubbing mode button 72, can be set anywhere on the floor cleaner 10 and is preferably set in a place easily accessible to the user U, such as on the handle 24 and / or as part of the user interface 28. Other input controllers for the scrubbing mode can be used instead of a button press, such as but not limited to a trigger on the handle 24, a button on the frame 18, or a foot pedal on the base 14.

[0095] The standard cleaning mode can be the default mode in which the floor cleaner 10 operates when turned on, or can be selected using a button on the user interface 28 or elsewhere on the floor cleaner 10 separate from the scrubbing mode button 72. Alternatively, the cleaning mode (standard or scrubbing) can be selected by cycling through the modes using the button 72.

[0096] Reference Figure 2 , in one aspect of the present disclosure, the floor cleaner 10 can include a switch 74 that is operated by the scrubbing mode button 72 to selectively implement the scrubbing mode. The switch 74 can be a momentary switch that closes only when the user presses the scrubbing mode button 72. For example, the user presses and holds the button 72 for the duration of the scrubbing mode. In other words, when the scrubbing mode button 72 is pressed, the scrubbing mode is implemented until the button 72 is released. In this way, the length of time the scrubbing mode runs is determined by the user. When the scrubbing mode button 72 is released, the scrubbing mode ends, and the floor cleaner 10 can automatically revert to the previous cleaning mode, e.g., the standard cleaning mode, and the operating parameters can automatically revert to the standard levels for the dry or wet mode. Alternatively, instead of the momentary switch 74, pressing the button 72 can implement a scrubbing mode with a predetermined cycle time.

[0097] In Figures 5 to 6 , in one aspect of the present disclosure, the floor cleaner 10 can include a stain sensor 76 configured to sense (directly or by inference) stains on the surface F to be cleaned. The input from the sensor 76 provided to the central controller 32 can be used to automatically implement the scrubbing mode, to provide a user notification suggesting running the scrubbing mode, and / or to determine the running time of the scrubbing mode. For example, the scrubbing mode can be automatically implemented by sensing a stain S on the floor F (e.g., using a photosensitive stain sensor or a wet stain sensor on the base 14 as shown in Figure 5 ) or by sensing an increase in dirt in the recycled fluid (e.g., using a turbidity sensor or an infrared stain sensor in the recycle path 50, including but not limited to at the path inlet 52, in or near the recycle tank 22, or in the path 50 between the inlet 52 and the tank 22, as shown in Figure 6 ). InFigure 5 and Figure 6 Some non - limiting positions for the stain sensor 76 are shown. In some embodiments, multiple stain sensors 76 can be provided for sensing different types of stains.

[0098] In Figures 7 to 8 In one aspect of the present disclosure, the floor cleaner 10 can include a scrubbing motion sensor 78 configured to sense a stain on the surface F to be cleaned by inferring from sensing the scrubbing motion of the user. When the user U encounters a stain S, the natural tendency of the user U may be to change the pace of the floor cleaner. For example, the user can move the floor cleaner 10 back and forth faster, move the floor cleaner back and forth more slowly, and / or move a shorter distance in a series of short cleaning strokes CS. That is, the speed of each cleaning stroke increases, decreases, and / or the stroke length shortens. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the floor cleaner 10 can be configured to utilize such intuitive actions to improve stain cleaning, i.e., by automatically activating the scrubbing mode when one or more cleaning strokes CS with a pace speed higher than the fast - stroke threshold are detected, when one or more cleaning strokes CS with a pace speed lower than the slow - stroke threshold are detected, when a stroke length at or above the stroke - length threshold is detected, or any combination thereof. One embodiment of the scrubbing motion sensor 78 is an accelerometer that can be located on the base 14 to detect the pace speed and / or a wheel - rotation sensor that can detect the stroke length based on wheel rotation. In some embodiments, multiple motion sensors 78 can be provided for sensing the scrubbing motion of the user.

[0099] The scrubbing motion threshold can be predetermined or can vary. For example, the scrubbing motion threshold can be preset based on an average normal cleaning pace speed of 8 inches / second to 24 inches / second and an average normal stroke length in the range of 12 inches to 36 inches. In such an embodiment, when a stroke pace speed higher than 24 inches / second is detected, when a stroke pace speed lower than 8 inches / second is detected, when a stroke length less than 12 inches is detected, or any combination thereof, the controller can automatically activate the scrubbing mode.

[0100] For a variable scrubbing action threshold, the scrubbing action threshold can be determined based on changes in walking speed and / or stroke length over time. For example, based on an input from the motion sensor 78, the controller can automatically initiate a scrubbing mode in response to the relationship between the detected changes in walking speed and / or stroke length and the walking speed and / or stroke length that the user has averaged over time. For example, when a walking speed is detected that is at least 30% faster than the average stroke walking speed for the last 2 minutes of cleaning, when a walking speed is detected that is at least 30% slower than the average stroke walking speed for the last 2 minutes of cleaning, when a stroke length is detected that is at least 30% shorter than the average stroke length for the last 2 minutes of cleaning, or any combination thereof, the controller can automatically initiate the scrubbing mode.

[0101] The input from the scrubbing action motion sensor 78, which can be provided to the central controller 32, can be used to automatically implement the scrubbing mode, to provide a user notification advising to run the scrubbing mode, and / or to determine the running time of the scrubbing mode. For example, the scrubbing mode can be automatically implemented by the scrubbing action motion of the user U (e.g., using an accelerometer on the base 14 or elsewhere on the floor cleaner 10). The walking speed and / or stroke length may need to be at a threshold level for a plurality of cleaning strokes or a certain time period before the scrubbing mode is initiated. The scrubbing mode can automatically end, and in some embodiments, once one or more cleaning strokes associated with standard cleaning are detected, the standard cleaning automatically resumes.

[0102] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the input from the scrubbing action motion sensor 78 can be used to control the pump 44 during the scrubbing mode, such as by dispensing cleaning fluid during a forward cleaning stroke and not dispensing cleaning fluid during a backward cleaning stroke.

[0103] The total duration of the scrubbing mode can be predetermined or can vary. For example, in the case where the scrubbing mode is initiated based on pressing the button 72, an input from the stain sensor 76, or an input from the scrubbing action motion sensor 78, the total duration of the scrubbing mode can be preset and can be approximately 30 seconds to 5 minutes, or approximately 45 seconds to 3 minutes, or approximately 45 to 60 seconds. For a time-variable scrubbing mode, the duration of the scrubbing mode can be determined by the user (e.g., by pressing the button 72 in embodiments where it operates a momentary switch) or based on an input from the stain sensor 76 or the motion sensor 78.

[0104] In Figures 9 to 12 and Figure 17Graphs depicting different embodiments of the scrubbing mode are provided, and the graphs illustrate the relationship between the brush roll speed (RPM) and time (t). Forward rotation is depicted as a positive (+) RPM value, and reverse rotation is depicted as a negative (-) RPM value. The operation of the vacuum motor and pump is also depicted in Figure 12 as a percentage (%) of their maximum output / speed. The pump operation is also depicted in Figure 17 as the flow rate (ml / min).

[0105] Figure 9 FIG. 80 is a graph showing the scrubbing mode performed by the floor cleaner 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. More particularly, as Figure 9 shown, a scrubbing mode includes multiple direction switches of the brush roll. As Figure 9 shown, and with additional reference to Figure 2 , during the scrubbing mode, the brush roll 46 oscillates between forward (+RPM) rotation and backward (-RPM) rotation. The brush roll motor 64 switches between rotating the brush roll 46 forward at a first speed S1 (e.g., approximately +1000 RPM to +2000 RPM, or approximately +1100 RPM) for a first time period T1 (e.g., approximately 100 milliseconds to 500 milliseconds, or approximately 330 milliseconds) and rotating the brush roll 46 backward at a second speed S2 (e.g., approximately -1000 RPM to -2000 RPM, or approximately -1100 RPM) for a second time period T2 (e.g., approximately 100 milliseconds to 500 milliseconds, or approximately 190 milliseconds). The period of oscillation is the time it takes for the brush roll 46 to complete one full oscillation or forward / backward rotation cycle (e.g., T1+T2), which is also referred to herein as a two-way cleaning cycle. The scrubbing mode includes multiple two-way cleaning cycles and can also be referred to herein as a two-way scrubbing mode.

[0106] Each period of brush roll rotation can include a short ramp up period (also referred to herein as an acceleration interval, e.g., a time interval during which the speed linearly increases) and a short ramp down period (also referred to herein as a braking interval, e.g., a time interval during which the speed linearly decreases) to protect the brush roll motor 64 by reducing momentum and stopping before a direction change occurs. The interval can be, for example, at least 10 ms, optionally between 10 ms and 200 ms, further optionally about 100 ms, still further optionally between 10 ms and 40 ms, and yet further optionally about 15 ms. The braking interval can be the same as or different from the speed change interval. Each period of brush roll rotation can include a dwell interval between the ramp up period and the ramp down period, during which the speed remains constant for a period of time, represented as +TD for forward rotation and -TD for backward rotation. The dwell interval can be, for example, between 80 ms and 480 ms, or between about 90 ms and 230 ms. In Figure 9 , for forward rotation, the speed change interval is represented as +RU, the braking interval is represented as +RD, and for backward rotation, the speed change interval is represented as -RU, and the braking interval is represented as -RD. The dwell intervals +TD, -TD can be greater than the speed change intervals +RU, -RU and the braking intervals +RD, -RD. In one embodiment, the ratio of the dwell interval to the speed change interval can be from 5:1 to 1.5:1, and the ratio of the dwell interval to the braking interval can be from 5:1 to 1.5:1.

[0107] Since the brush roll motor 64 operates for a short period of time in each direction, the brush roll 46 rotates only briefly in each direction. More generally, the brush roll 46 can rotate forward x times and then backward y times, where x is greater than or equal to y. In one embodiment, each bidirectional cleaning cycle includes five forward (clockwise) rotations followed by three backward (counterclockwise) rotations, where each rotation is 360 degrees. In another embodiment, the brush roll 46 completes the same number of forward and backward rotations (e.g., five forward rotations followed by five backward rotations). For example, the brush roll 46 operating at 1200 rpm can rotate forward approximately 2 - 3 times (approximately 720 - 1080 degrees) and / or for approximately 100 ms to 150 ms, and can rotate backward approximately 2 - 3 times (approximately 720 - 1080 degrees) and / or for approximately 100 ms to 150 ms. The bidirectional cleaning cycle is repeated until the scrubbing mode is exited. During the forward and backward rotation of the brush roll 46, the outer portion of the brush roll (e.g., the nap and / or bristles) engages the surface to be cleaned, thereby helping to remove and dislodge stubborn stains.

[0108] To evenly distribute wear on the brush roll 46, the brush roll motor 64 can over-rotate or under-rotate the brush roll 46 by a predetermined amount. For example, each bi-directional cycle can include an angular offset. In one embodiment, the motor controller 34 over-rotates or under-rotates the brush roll 46 by a predetermined amount, such as 90 degrees, before proceeding to the next bi-directional cycle. In other words, each bi-directional cycle includes at least one forward rotation count, at least one backward rotation count, and an angular offset incorporated into at least one forward rotation count and / or at least one backward rotation count. The motor controller 34 terminates power to the motor 64 in response to exiting the scrubbing mode, causing the brush roll to stop at a random position relative to its starting position. Alternatively, the motor controller 34 operates the motor 64 only in the forward direction in response to engaging the standard cleaning mode.

[0109] While a specific duty cycle for the scrubbing mode can be inferred from the Figure 9 graph shown, it should be understood that the number of direction switches is not limited to the Figure 9 number depicted therein. Similarly, the relationship of the dwell intervals +TD and -TD to the variable speeds +RU, -RU and the braking +RD and -RD is not limited to the Figure 9 relative durations depicted therein. Further still, while the brush roll speed is shown to start and end at zero, it should be understood that the brush roll can rotate at a non-zero speed before and / or after the scrubbing mode.

[0110] In one aspect of the present disclosure, during the scrubbing mode, the brush roll 46 can be repositioned by rotating at different speeds S1, S2 and / or by rotating forward and backward for different durations T1, T2, respectively. For example, the speed S1 can be greater than the speed S2, the speed S1 can be less than the speed S2, the time T1 can be greater than the time T2, or the time T1 can be less than the time T2. In the case where the speeds S1, S2 and / or the time periods T1, T2 are not equal, different portions of the brush roll 46 are repositioned on the floor surface with each oscillation. At the end of one oscillation, the brush roll 46 is misaligned relative to the start position of its oscillation. This repositioning behavior ensures that different portions of the brush roll surface, such as tufts, microfibers or other agitation materials, contact the floor on each successive scrubbing mode. This has the advantage of maximizing the cleaning efficacy by reducing the likelihood of non-uniform wear of the brush roll, such as flat spots or tangled segments of tufts that develop over time.

[0111] Figure 10FIG. 82 is a graph showing a standard cleaning mode 84 and a scrubbing mode 86 performed by a floor cleaner 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, before and after the scrubbing mode 86, the floor cleaner 10 operates in the standard cleaning mode 84. When initially turned on (at time 0), the floor cleaner 10 can operate in the standard cleaning mode 84, and when the scrubbing mode 86 is initiated, the floor cleaner 10 can operate in the scrubbing mode 86. After the scrubbing mode 86 is completed, the floor cleaner 10 can subsequently resume the standard cleaning mode 84 or can end the cleaning.

[0112] When transitioning from the standard cleaning mode 84 to the scrubbing mode 86, the rotation of the brush roll 46 can stop or slow down before starting to oscillate. In another embodiment, the brush roll motor can be deactivated (i.e., "turned off") before starting the oscillation for the scrubbing mode 86.

[0113] In Figure 10 FIG. 88, the brush roll 46 rotates in the forward direction at the same speed S1 during the standard cleaning mode 84 as during the forward rotation during the scrubbing mode 86. Additionally, during the scrubbing mode 86, the brush roll 46 can oscillate between rotating forward at speed S1 and rotating backward at a speed S2 having the same magnitude as speed S1. Alternatively, the brush roll speed can be different during the standard cleaning mode and the scrubbing mode, and / or can vary during the standard cleaning mode 84 and / or the scrubbing mode 86.

[0114] In Figure 10 FIG. 88, the brush roll 46 can oscillate between the same time periods of forward rotation and backward rotation, and the scrubbing mode 84 has a constant oscillation period. Alternatively, during the scrubbing mode 86, the rotation time or oscillation period in either direction can vary.

[0115] When transitioning back from the scrubbing mode 86 to the standard cleaning mode, the rotation of the brush roll 46 can be stopped or slowed down before resuming continuous forward rotation. In another embodiment, after the scrubbing mode 86, the brush roll motor can be deactivated (i.e., "turned off").

[0116] Figure 11 FIG. 88 is an alternative way of showing Figure 10 FIG. 88, where the speed S1 of the brush roll 46 during the forward rotation in the scrubbing mode 86 is higher than the speed S3 of the brush roll 46 during the standard cleaning mode 84. Additionally, during the scrubbing mode 86, the brush roll 46 can oscillate between rotating forward at speed S1 and rotating backward at a speed S2 greater than speed S1. In other words, the brush roll 46 rotates faster in the backward direction than in the forward direction. Similarly as Figure 11As shown, the brush roll 46 can rotate for a longer time during backward rotation than during forward rotation. This speed and time difference causes the brush roll 46 to be displaced. At the end of one oscillation, the brush roll 46 is misaligned relative to its starting position of oscillation. In Figure 11 In the embodiment, the brush roll 46 has a misalignment difference of approximately 60 degrees at the end of each oscillation.

[0117] For Figures 10 to 11 , as described above, once the scrubbing mode 86 is started, it can run for a predetermined time or a variable time (e.g., depending on the momentary switch 74 or information from the stain sensor 76 or the motion sensor 78). Restoring the standard cleaning mode 84 after the scrubbing mode 84 can be automatically implemented by the central controller 32 of the floor cleaner 10 or can be implemented manually by the user.

[0118] As mentioned above for Figure 9 It can be inferred from the graph shown in Figures 10 to 11 the specific duty cycle of the scrubbing mode 86, however, the scrubbing mode 86 is not limited thereto. Similarly, the durations of the standard cleaning mode 84 before and after the scrubbing mode 86 are not limited to the depictions in Figures 10 to 11 .

[0119] Figure 12 FIG. 90 is a graph showing the standard cleaning mode 84 and the scrubbing mode 86 performed by the floor cleaner 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition to the brush roll speed represented by line 96, the graph 90 also includes the vacuum motor output represented by line 92 and the pump output represented by line 94. As described in further detail below, the vacuum motor and / or pump output can vary during the scrubbing mode 86, including by increasing at least once, decreasing at least once, or "shutting off" at least once. The changes in the vacuum motor and / or pump output can be synchronized with the brush roll oscillation and / or with each other.

[0120] During the scrubbing mode 86, cleaning fluid is dispensed during at least a portion of the scrubbing mode. The cleaning fluid can be delivered in a single application at the start or near the start of the scrubbing mode, in multiple applications during the scrubbing mode, or continuously throughout the scrubbing mode. Optionally, more cleaning fluid can be dispensed during the scrubbing mode 86 than during the normal cleaning mode 84, such that the dwell time of the cleaning fluid during the scrubbing mode 86 is longer than the dwell time of the cleaning fluid during the standard cleaning mode 84.

[0121] For Figure 12The scrubbing mode 86 shown distributes the cleaning fluid from the fluid dispenser by varying the flow rate of pump 44 between a first flow rate F1 (e.g., approximately 75% of the maximum output of the pump) and a second flow rate F2 less than the first flow rate F1 (e.g., approximately 0% of the maximum output of the pump). When the flow rate varies between a non-zero output and zero output, the result is that the cleaning fluid is distributed in multiple discrete applications of the cleaning fluid.

[0122] In one embodiment, the pump flow rate is increased at or near the start of the scrubbing mode 86. For example, for the standard cleaning mode 84, the pump flow rate can be at a third flow rate F3, and after the scrubbing mode 86 is initiated, it can be accelerated to the first flow rate F1. This increases the amount of cleaning fluid on the floor at the start of stain treatment.

[0123] In Figure 12 it, pump 44 is already in operation at the start of the scrubbing mode 86 and can increase the pump speed to increase the flow rate above that of the standard cleaning mode 84. For example, when the scrubbing mode 86 starts, pump 44 can start operating to distribute the cleaning fluid at the standard flow rate F3 (e.g., approximately 25% of the maximum speed of pump 44), and can accelerate to distribute the cleaning fluid at the scrubbing flow rate F1 (e.g., approximately 75% of the maximum speed of pump 44). In one embodiment, the flow rate F1 is at least twice (e.g., 2 times) the flow rate F3 during the standard cleaning mode 84, and optionally, the ratio of the scrubbing mode flow rate to the normal mode flow rate can be approximately 2:1.

[0124] At or near the start of the backward rotation of the brush roll, the distribution of the cleaning fluid can be reduced or completely stopped (e.g., 0% pump flow rate). In Figure 12 it, during the forward rotation of the brush roll, e.g., when the brush roll rotates at speed S1, the pump flow rate is reduced to the second flow rate F2. Stopping the fluid distribution before the brush roll reverses can prevent or reduce the splashing of the cleaning liquid from the front of the base 14 during the backward rotation of the brush roll.

[0125] During each cycle of the forward rotation of the brush roll, the pump flow rate can return to a higher flow rate F1 to deposit a certain amount of cleaning fluid on the floor, and can be reduced to a lower flow rate F1 before each reverse of the brush roll. Other duty cycles are possible, such as the pump flow rate returning to the higher flow rate F1 during every other cycle of the forward rotation of the brush roll, every third cycle of the forward rotation of the brush roll, etc.

[0126] During the scrubbing mode 86, debris and / or the cleaning fluid can be suctioned during at least a portion of the scrubbing mode 86. The debris and / or the cleaning fluid can be suctioned while the brush roll 46 oscillates. The suctioning can be performed during the scrubbing mode 86, at or near the end of the scrubbing mode, or during multiple time periods during the scrubbing mode.

[0127] During the scrubbing mode 86, the vacuum output can vary, including by decreasing at least once to a suction level V2 that is less than the suction level V1 during the standard cleaning mode 84 at the start of the scrubbing mode. As used herein, the term suction refers to the local vacuum or negative pressure generated by the suction source of the floor cleaner 10. The magnitude of the suction, i.e., the suction level or lift, can be indicated using pressures in various units from the English or International System of Units (SI), such as inches of water column, pounds per square inch, or pascals. In one embodiment, for the scrubbing mode 86, the suction level is decreased by at least half (e.g., 2 times), and optionally, the ratio of the scrubbing mode suction level to the normal mode suction level can be about 1:2. For Figure 12 the illustrated scrubbing mode 86, the vacuum motor 56 is operated by varying the suction between a first suction level V1 (e.g., about 50% of the maximum speed of the vacuum motor) and a second suction level V2 that is less than the first suction level V1 (e.g., about 25% of the maximum speed of the vacuum motor). The lower suction level V2 increases the dwell time of the cleaning fluid dispensed onto the floor, such that the cleaning fluid has more time to act on the stain (e.g., break down the stain, loosen the stain, release the stain, lift the stain, or any combination thereof) before being vacuumed up by the floor cleaner 10. Thus, as described with respect to Figure 12 the cleaning fluid has a longer dwell time during the scrubbing mode 86 than during the standard cleaning mode 84.

[0128] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the suction decreases at or near the start of the scrubbing mode 86. For example, the vacuum motor can operate at a first suction level V1 for the standard cleaning mode and can decelerate to a second suction level V2 after the scrubbing mode 86 is initiated. The suction level can be maintained at the lower suction level V2 for the remainder of the scrubbing mode 86 such that extraction is performed throughout the scrubbing mode 86.

[0129] In Figure 12 the vacuum motor 56 is already in operation at the start of the scrubbing mode 86, and the vacuum motor speed can be decreased to lower the vacuum motor speed below the vacuum motor speed of the standard cleaning mode 84. For example, when the scrubbing mode 86 starts, the vacuum motor 56 can initially operate at a standard speed V1 (e.g., about 50% of the maximum speed of the vacuum motor 56) and can decelerate to a scrubbing speed (e.g., about 25% of the maximum speed of the vacuum motor 56). Preferably, the vacuum motor speed is decreased immediately upon activation of the scrubbing mode 84, e.g., within the first 100 milliseconds of the scrubbing mode 86, or after a short delay.

[0130] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the suction can vary during the entire scrubbing mode 86, such as decelerating or accelerating one or more times during the scrubbing mode 86. By way of example only, the suction can decrease during each forward rotation of the brush roll 46 and increase during each backward rotation of the brush roll 46.

[0131] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the suction can increase at or near the end of the scrubbing mode 86 to pick up any excess cleaning fluid dispensed onto the floor during the scrubbing mode 86, which can be beneficial for additional cleaning fluid dispensed onto the floor during the scrubbing mode to aid in stain treatment. During the final suction increase of the scrubbing mode, the pump 44 can be at 0% of its maximum output.

[0132] In Figure 12 the scrubbing mode 86, the brush roll 46 stops before reversing direction, as represented by the brush roll speed remaining zero during the period of time between the direction changes (which represents the braking interval B). The pre - determined braking interval B is optionally at least 10 ms, or at least 10 ms and less than 100 ms, or between 10 ms and 40 ms, or about 15 ms. It should be noted that the braking interval B when changing from forward rotation to backward rotation can be the same as or different from the braking interval B when changing from backward rotation to forward rotation.

[0133] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the scrubbing mode 86 can provide a second or scrubbing dwell time that is longer than the first or standard dwell time provided by the standard cleaning mode 86. The dwell times can be the average dwell times of the cleaning fluid during the standard cleaning mode and the scrubbing mode, respectively, since there can be some variation in the dwell time within each mode, as the dwell time of the cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned depends on the fluid flow rate and the suction level, and the fluid flow rate and / or suction level can vary during each mode. Increasing the dwell time or average dwell time during the scrubbing mode 84 allows the cleaning fluid more time to act on the stains (e.g., break down stains, loosen stains, release stains, lift stains, or any combination thereof) before being vacuum - sucked by the floor cleaner 10.

[0134] Although the specific duty cycles of the standard cleaning mode and the scrubbing mode can be inferred from the Figure 12 graph shown, it should be understood that the modes are not limited thereto. For example, the vacuum motor 56, the pump 44, and the brush roll motor 64 can be activated during at least a portion or a period of each mode 84, 86, and such activation segments can include periods of simultaneous, non - simultaneous, and / or overlapping activation.

[0135] Table 1 below lists some non-limiting examples of the operating parameter ranges for the cleaning modes. Other operating parameters for the cleaning modes and other cleaning modes are possible, including but not limited to a standard "dry" cleaning mode where no cleaning fluid is dispensed, e.g., the pump flow rate is zero.

[0136] Table 1

[0137]

[0138] In a first embodiment, the brush roll speed during standard cleaning can be approximately +1100 RPM, and the brush roll speed during the scrubbing mode can be approximately + / -1700 RPM. Using a higher brush roll speed during the scrubbing mode provides faster agitation of the surface and can remove stains more quickly. This may be accompanied by a significant heat rise in the brush motor 64 during the scrubbing mode. As discussed in further detail below, to mitigate heat accumulation during the scrubbing mode, the floor cleaner 10 can have a thermal management component and / or system that dissipates heat from the motor 64.

[0139] In a second embodiment, the brush roll speed during standard cleaning can be approximately +1100 RPM, and the brush roll speed during the scrubbing mode can be approximately + / -1100 RPM. Using a brush roll speed for the scrubbing mode that is closer to or substantially the same as the brush roll speed of the standard cleaning mode can avoid heat rise in the brush motor 64, thereby reducing the need for additional thermal management components and / or systems. However, it is contemplated that thermal management components and / or systems can be included.

[0140] The use of the scrubbing mode as disclosed herein can reduce the effort expended by the user U by avoiding the need for multiple passes or cleaning strokes, since the scrubbing mode can effectively remove stains while the floor cleaner 10 is stationary. Additionally, it has been found that the scrubbing mode according to either of the first and second embodiments above can remove stains up to 50% faster than the standard cleaning mode. This can be attributed to the oscillating cleaning action of the brush roll, the longer dwell time of the cleaning fluid, and one or more associated operating parameters of the brush roll motor 64, pump 44, and / or vacuum motor 56 during the scrubbing mode.

[0141] Additional improvements to the scrubbing mode have been observed by using longer brush roll fibers. In one embodiment, the brush roll includes a microfiber material having a fiber length of approximately 14 mm, which fiber length is also referred to herein as the nap length. It has been found that using longer fibers in combination with the oscillating action can better clean larger stains, since this creates a greater contact area between the brush roll and the surface. The nap length can be measured as the extended length of the fibers above the backing of the microfiber material.

[0142] Figure 12 The scrubbing pattern 84 shown includes rotating the brush roll 46 above the floor surface with each oscillation. In Figure 12 the graph 90 shown, the time T2 of backward rotation is less than the time T1 of forward rotation, such that different portions of the brush roll 46 are rotated above the floor surface with each oscillation. Optionally, the ratio of the time T1 of forward rotation to the time T2 of backward rotation is in the range of 3:1 to 1:1, or approximately 2:1, or approximately 1.6:1. Alternatively or additionally, to rotate the brush roll 46, the forward speed S1 and the backward speed S2 can be different.

[0143] The scrubbing pattern according to any aspect disclosed herein can include visual or auditory notifications to the user, including one or more of the following: providing a visual notification to the user indicating the start of the scrubbing pattern, providing an auditory notification to the user indicating the start of the scrubbing pattern, providing a visual notification to the user indicating the end of the scrubbing pattern, or providing an auditory notification to the user indicating the end of the scrubbing pattern. The auditory notification can be emitted from the speaker of the floor cleaner 10, and the visual notification can be presented on the display of the floor cleaner 10.

[0144] In addition to or as an alternative to the active notification, the scrubbing pattern can provide a passive notification. During the scrubbing pattern, the noise output by the floor cleaner 10 can increase due to the oscillating action of the brush roll 46. This can provide feedback to the user that the scrubbing pattern is operating.

[0145] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the floor cleaner 10 can include a floor type sensor configured to sense (directly or by inference) whether the surface to be cleaned is a hard floor surface or a soft floor surface such as a carpet or rug. The input from the floor type sensor (which can be provided to the controller 32) can be used to enable the scrubbing pattern when the floor cleaner 10 is on a hard floor and to disable or lock the scrubbing pattern when the floor cleaner 10 is not on a hard floor, e.g., when a soft floor is detected or when the floor cleaner 10 is on the charging tray.

[0146] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 13 , in one aspect of the present disclosure, before, during, or after the scrubbing pattern, the floor cleaner 10 can be configured to refresh the brush roll 46 by performing a refreshing operation to lift or fluff up the bristles of the brush roll. The refreshing operation can include: (i) moving a portion of the brush roll 46 past the interference wiper 68 ( Figure 3 ) and / or past the suction protection 98 ( Figure 13), and then moving that portion of the brush roll back into engagement with the floor F; (ii) moving a portion of the brush roll 46 past the suction inlet port 60 by rotating through a full 360 degrees or by reversing the direction of rotation, and then moving that portion of the brush roll back into engagement with the floor F; (iii) temporarily increasing the rotational speed; or any combination thereof.

[0147] Reference Figure 13 , in another aspect of the present disclosure, at least some embodiments of the floor cleaner 10 can have a brush roll height setter 100 configured to engage the brush roll 46 and / or a portion of the base 14 including the brush roll 46 to set the height of the brush roll relative to the floor F. The height of the brush roll can be adjusted for a scrubbing mode to increase the engagement of the brush roll 46 with the surface to be cleaned, which can be achieved by reducing the distance between the brush roll axis X and the surface to be cleaned, e.g., by "lowering" the brush roll 46. The height setter 100 can set the brush roll 46 at a first height setting in a standard cleaning mode and at a different second height setting in a scrubbing cleaning mode. The brush roll height setter 100 can adjust the position of the brush roll 46 by lowering the brush roll 46 and / or a portion of the base 14 including the brush roll 46 and / or the entire base 14 closer to the floor F during the scrubbing mode.

[0148] Reference Figures 14A to 14B , shows one embodiment of the height setter 100 that can set the brush roll 46 at a first height setting (as Figure 14A shown) in a standard cleaning mode and at a different second height setting (as Figure 14B shown) in a scrubbing cleaning mode. For example, the floor cleaner 10 can include a wheeled carriage 102 on the base 14 to raise and lower the front portion of the base 14, thereby adjusting the height of the brush roll 46 located inside the base 14 relative to the surface being cleaned. In this case, the adjustment associated with the scrubbing mode includes reducing the distance between one or more wheels 104 on the carriage 102 and the bottom 106 of the base 14 to lower the brush roll 46 closer to the floor F.

[0149] The height setter 100 can include any suitable mating features configurable to move the carriage 102 relative to the bottom 106 of the base 14, such as a cam or a rack and pinion. In the illustrated embodiment, the carriage 102 includes a rack 126 and the base 14 includes a pinion 128 that is mounted in a fixed position relative to the bottom 106 of the base 14 and engages the rack 126. The pinion 128 rotates about a fixed axis to move the rack 126 back and forth, which in turn moves the front portion of the base 14 relative to the floor F. As Figure 14A shown, rotating the pinion 128 to move the rack 126 forward raises the front portion of the base 14. AsFigure 14B As shown, rotating the pinion 128 to move the rack 126 rearward lowers the front portion of the base 14.

[0150] The height setter 100 can be automatic such that the brush roll height is automatically adjusted based on the operating mode. For example, the controller 32 ( Figure 2 ) can be configured to control the height setter 100, and as part of implementing the scrubbing mode, the controller can lower the brush roll 46 to a second height ( Figure 14B ). As part of resuming standard cleaning operations after the scrubbing mode, the controller 32 can raise the brush roll 46 to a first height ( Figure 12 ).

[0151] Using the height setter 100 disclosed herein, the floor cleaner 10 can apply different amounts of floor engagement with the brush roll 46 and can be easily adjusted to apply more floor engagement for scrubbing stubborn stains on the surface to be cleaned.

[0152] The height setter 100 can include a squeegee 70 for wiping residual liquid from the floor F, wherein the squeegee 70 is integrally formed with a portion of the height setter that moves relative to the bottom 106 of the base 14. For example, the squeegee 70 can be coupled to the carriage 102 and disposed behind the brush roll 46. When the carriage 102 moves to raise or lower the front portion of the base 14 to adjust the height of the brush roll 46, the orientation and engagement of the squeegee 70 with the floor F remain unchanged. This supports liquid recovery and floor cleaning at all height settings.

[0153] Figure 15 One embodiment of the brush roll 46 is shown, wherein the brush roll 46 includes a pin 108 that supports at least one agitation element. The agitation element can include a plurality of bristles 110 extending from the pin 108, wherein the microfiber material 112 is disposed around and / or between the bristles 110. The bristles 110 can be tufted or integral bristle strips and are made of nylon or any other suitable synthetic or natural fiber. The microfiber material 112 can be made of polyester, polyamide, or a combination of materials including polypropylene, or any other suitable microfiber-forming material known in the art. Other aspects of the brush roll according to the present disclosure can have different configurations and utilize different materials, such as a bristle-only brush roll including the bristles 110 without the microfiber material or a microfiber-only brush roll including the microfiber material 112 without the bristles. The bristles 110 can include a length greater than 7 mm, optionally between 10 mm and 20 mm, further optionally equal to or less than 14 mm, such as 10 mm to 12 mm.

[0154] The bristles 110 can be shorter than the microfiber material 112, typically have the same length as the microfiber material 112, or be longer than the microfiber material 112. In an embodiment where the height of the brush roll 46 is set by the brush roll height setter 100, the bristles 110 can be shorter than the microfibers 112 and have a length configured such that the bristles 110 contact the floor F only when the floor cleaner 10 is in the scrubbing cleaning mode. The microfibers 112 can contact the floor F when the floor cleaner 10 is in the standard cleaning mode or the scrubbing cleaning mode. In one embodiment, the microfiber material 112 has a fiber length of approximately 14 mm, and the bristles 110 have a length less than 14 mm, such as 12 mm, or 10 mm.

[0155] The bristles 110 can be angled to provide a more forceful scrubbing action during the scrubbing mode. For example, the bristles 110 can be perpendicular to the outer surface of the pin 108 or at an angle of 45 degrees to the vertical direction.

[0156] Figure 16 Another embodiment of the brush roll 46 is shown, where the brush roll 46 includes a scrubbing zone 114 defined by an outer cleaning zone 116. The scrubbing zone 114 is configured to enhance the removal of stubborn stains. The scrubbing zone 114 can include bristles 118, microfiber material 120, and / or a combination of bristles 118 and microfiber material 120. The outer cleaning zone 116 can include bristles 122, microfiber material 124, and / or a combination of bristles 122 and microfiber material 124. The brush roll 46 can also include pins (not shown).

[0157] The scrubbing zone 114 can differ from the outer zone 116 in having: (1) a greater bristle density (e.g., the number of bristles 118 per unit surface area in the scrubbing zone 114 is greater than the number of bristles 122 per unit surface area in the outer zone 116); (2) only bristles 118 in the scrubbing zone 114 and no microfibers (compared to the outer cleaning zone 116 that includes a combination of bristles 122 and microfiber material 124 or only includes microfiber material 124); (3) shorter microfibers (e.g., the length of the microfiber material 120 in the scrubbing zone 114 is less than the length of the microfiber material 124 in the outer zone 116); (4) angling the bristles 118 in the scrubbing zone to provide a more forceful scrub during the backward rotation of the brush roll; or any combination thereof.

[0158] Some parameters for improved scrubbing of the brush roll 46 include, but are not limited to: (1) the scrubbing zone 114 has a bristle density that is two to three times that of the outer zone 116; (2) the length of the bristles 118 in the scrubbing zone 114 is shorter than or equal to the length of the microfibers 120; (3) the microfibers 120 in the scrubbing zone have a tuft length of 3 mm to 10 mm, while the microfibers 124 in the outer zone have a tuft length of 14 mm. Optionally, the pins in the scrubbing zone 114 have a larger diameter such that the overall outer diameter of the brush roll 46 is consistent from one end to the other; (4) the bristles 118 in the scrubbing zone 114 are perpendicular to the pin surface or at an angle of 45 degrees to the vertical direction; or any combination thereof.

[0159] The scrubbing zone 114 can constitute at least 10% to 50% of the total length of the brush roll 46, while the outer cleaning zone 116 constitutes the remaining length. Alternatively, the scrubbing zone 114 can constitute 15% to 40%, or 20% to 30% of the brush roll 46. The outer zone 116 can preferably form an equal portion of the brush roll 46 such that the scrubbing zone 114 is positioned at the center of the brush roll 46. Alternatively, the outer zone 116 can be unequal such that the scrubbing zone 114 is positioned off-center, but the scrubbing zone 114 can still cover the center of the brush roll 46.

[0160] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the scrubbing zone 114 can have a color that contrasts with the outer zone 116 such that a user can align the scrubbing zone 114 with a stain, for example, by viewing the scrubbing zone 114 through a transparent cover on the base 14 Figure 1 ).

[0161] In an embodiment where the height of the brush roll 46 is set by the brush roll height setter 100, the bristles 118 in the scrubbing zone 114 can be shorter than the microfibers 120 in the scrubbing zone 114 and have a length configured such that when the floor cleaner 10 is in the scrubbing cleaning mode, only the bristles 118 in the scrubbing zone 114 contact the floor F. When the floor cleaner 10 is in the standard cleaning mode or the scrubbing cleaning mode, the microfibers 120 in the scrubbing zone 114 can contact the floor F. The bristles 122 in the outer cleaning region 116 can be shorter than the microfiber material 124 in the outer cleaning zone 116, typically have the same length as the microfiber material 124, or be longer than the microfiber material 124.

[0162] Figure 15 and Figure 16 The illustrated brush roll 46 is suitable for use on both hard and soft surfaces and is suitable for wet or dry vacuum cleaning. Alternatively or additionally, the floor cleaner 10 can be provided with a plurality of interchangeable brush rolls that allow selection of a brush roll based on the cleaning task to be performed, the type of floor to be cleaned, or other factors.

[0163] Figure 17FIG. 130 is a graph showing a standard cleaning mode 84 and a scrubbing mode 86 performed by a floor cleaner 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 The scrubbing mode depicted in Figure 12 may be substantially similar to the scrubbing mode depicted in

[0164] except that the brush roll speed for the scrubbing mode 86, represented by line 96, switches between speeds S1 and S2, which have the same or substantially the same magnitude as the brush roll speed S3 during the standard cleaning mode 84. In one non-limiting embodiment, the speed S3 during standard cleaning is +1100 RPM, and the speed during the scrubbing mode switches between +1100 RPM and -1100 RPM.

[0165] Another difference may be the distribution of the fluid. During the scrubbing mode 86, the pump output can vary, including by increasing at least once to a flow rate F1 greater than the flow rate F3 during the standard cleaning mode 84 in response to the start of the scrubbing mode. For example, the flow rate F1 is at least twice (e.g., 2 times) the flow rate F3 during the standard cleaning mode 84, and optionally, the ratio of the scrubbing mode flow rate to the normal mode flow rate can be approximately 2:1. In one non-limiting embodiment, the flow rate F3 during standard cleaning is approximately 35 ml / min, and the flow rate F1 during the scrubbing mode is approximately 70 ml / min. It should be noted that increasing the pump output at least once in response to the start of the scrubbing mode includes (unless otherwise indicated): increasing the pump output at the start of the scrubbing mode, just before the start of the scrubbing mode, or after the start of the scrubbing mode.

[0166] Also during or after the scrubbing mode 86, the pump output can be decreased at least once in response to the end of the scrubbing mode. For example, in response to the end of the scrubbing mode, the pump output can be reduced from the flow rate F1 to a lower flow rate, such as but not limited to the flow rate F3 associated with the standard cleaning mode 84. It should be noted that decreasing the pump output in response to the end of the scrubbing mode includes (unless otherwise indicated); decreasing the pump output at the end of the scrubbing mode, just before the end of the scrubbing mode, or after the end of the scrubbing mode.

[0166] Although not depicted in Figure 17 the vacuum output can vary during the scrubbing mode 86 as described above with reference to Figure 12 For example, the vacuum motor speed during the scrubbing mode 86 is less than the vacuum motor speed during the standard cleaning mode 84. The lower suction level during the scrubbing mode increases the dwell time of the cleaning fluid dispensed onto the floor, such that the cleaning fluid has more time to act on the stains (e.g., break down stains, loosen stains, release stains, lift stains, or any combination thereof) before being vacuumed up by the floor cleaner 10.

[0167] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a cleaning base 14 for a floor cleaner 10 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. In Figure 18 , for clarity, a portion of the base 14 is cut away to show the brush roll motor 64 and a drive gearing having a brush roll 46. The drive gearing 66 operably connects the motor 64 to the brush roll 46 to rotate the brush roll 46 and can include one or more belts, pulleys, gears, etc. to transfer the rotational motion of the motor 64 to the brush roll 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive gearing 66 includes at least a belt 140 that couples the motor 64 to the brush roll 46. The brush roll motor 64 can be a brushless DC motor. Alternatively, a brushed DC or AC motor can be used.

[0168] It will be appreciated that during operation of the floor cleaner 10 in a scrubbing mode, the brush roll 46 oscillates back and forth by the motor 64, and high temperatures may accumulate inside and around the motor 64. Without managing this heat, the motor 64 may overheat. Overheating can cause the motor 64 to become less efficient, thereby drawing more current than required. In some cases, overheating can cause motor failure. This problem is complicated by the fluid distribution function because the motor 64 requires a liquid-tight enclosure to prevent cleaning fluid from entering the motor 64 and damaging it, and also because of limited available space in the base 14 due to the presence of fluid-carrying components (such as a dispenser 38 and / or a pump 44), both of which may limit the practical options for thermal management.

[0169] To mitigate heat accumulation during the scrubbing mode and also during normal operation of the floor cleaner 10, the floor cleaner 10 can have a thermal management component configured to dissipate heat from the brush roll motor 64, ensuring its uninterrupted, reliable operation and / or generally longer operating (running) time.

[0170] In Figure 18 the embodiment, the thermal management component includes an air-cooled heat sink 142. The air-cooled heat sink 142 includes an arcuate sleeve 144 that conforms to the outer surface of the brush roll motor 64 and is optionally fixed to the outer surface via a thermally conductive adhesive paste. The heat sink 142 also includes axially extending fins 146 integrally coupled to the sleeve 144. The heat sink 142 can be made of aluminum, copper, or other thermally conductive materials. The fins 146 longitudinally extend from a first axial end 148 of the sleeve 144 to a second axial end 150 of the sleeve 144.

[0171] Optionally, the base 14 has an additional heat management component in the form of a cooling fan 154, which is mounted on one side of the brush roll motor 64, such as outside the motor 64 and radially spaced from the motor axis Y, and is oriented to tangentially direct a cooling air flow over the radiator 142. The axial fan 154 can be a blower or an exhaust fan, depending on the fan blade orientation. The fan 154 tangentially blows or pulls air around the radiator and increases the cooling efficiency of the radiator 142 by promoting forced convection to cause increased heat dissipation around the motor 64 in the base 14.

[0172] In operation, heat from the brush roll motor 64 is transferred via conduction to the sleeve 144. As the heat moves into the fins 146, the heat dissipates into the surrounding air via convection. The increased surface area provided by the fins 146 allows more air to flow over them, thus helping to carry away the heat. The fins 146 can optionally include through-holes 152, for example two through-holes per fin 146, especially in an embodiment where the laterally mounted cooling fan 154 directs air in a tangential direction as Figure 18 substantially shown. In other embodiments, the fan is omitted and the air is passively directed over and / or through the fins 146 without the help of a fan.

[0173] Various other configurations of the radiator 142 are possible. Although Figure 18 the fins 146 shown extend parallel to the central axis Y of the brush roll motor 64, in other embodiments, the fins 146 can be skewed, curved, or wavy to increase the surface area of the fins 146 and promote increased heat exchange. Still other embodiments are also contemplated. In Figure 19 an embodiment, for example, the cooling fan 154 can be an agitator fan attached to the shaft of the brush roll motor 64 and directs air in an axial direction parallel to the axial fins 146. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the cooling fan 154 can be disposed at an axial end of the brush roll motor 64 to direct air along the fins 146 and is aligned with the motor axis Y but outside the motor 64.

[0174] Referring to Figure 20 , in still other embodiments, the radiator 142 has fins 156 that extend in a circumferential direction. The circumferential fins 156 extend around at least a portion of the circumference of the motor 64. As compared with Figure 18Depending on the implementation, the heat sink 156 is arranged radially around the central axis Y of the brush roll motor 64. In some other implementations, the heat sink extends helically. In still some other implementations, the radiator 142 can be without heat sinks, especially when heat sinks are not practical due to space considerations. In this embodiment, the radiator 142 can include an arc-shaped sleeve conforming to the surface of the brush roll motor 64. When air passes through the arc-shaped sleeve, heat dissipates from the radiator 142 via convection.

[0175] Referring to Figure 21 , as another example, the thermal management component can have an agitation fan 154 attached to the shaft of the brush roll motor 64 and without a radiator, especially when heat sinks are not practical due to space considerations. When air passes through the motor 64, heat dissipates from the motor 64 via convection. Instead of or in addition to the radiator 142 and / or the fan 154, some other thermal management components can be considered, including those relying on liquid cooling or air cooling. Another thermal management component under consideration is a heat strap that extends from the brush roll motor 64 to other parts of the floor cleaner 10 to dissipate heat to other parts of the floor cleaner 10.

[0176] For example, referring to Figure 22 , in one implementation, the floor cleaner 10 can have a liquid-cooled heat exchange system that circulates the cleaning fluid from the tank 20 ( Figure 1 ) through the motor 64 to remove heat therefrom. The heat exchange system can include at least one cooling line 158 that is in close thermal contact with the motor 64 or a jacket 160 surrounding the motor 64, where the cooling line 158 receives the cleaning fluid from the tank 20, optionally via a pump 44. The cooling line 158 can deliver the heated cleaning fluid to the dispenser 38.

[0177] In Figure 22 the implementation, the cooling line 158 can include a heat-conducting coil 162 that is wound around the motor 64 multiple times and has an inlet end 164 in fluid communication with the pump 44 and an outlet end 166 in fluid communication with the dispenser 38. The heat-conducting coil 162 can be made of aluminum, copper, or other highly heat-conducting materials.

[0178] Referring to Figure 23 , in another implementation, the cooling line 158 can include a heat-conducting cooling jacket 168 that surrounds a part of the motor 64, or the jacket 160 surrounding the motor 64. The cooling jacket 168 has an inlet 170 in fluid communication with the pump 44 and an outlet 172 in fluid communication with the dispenser 38. The cooling jacket 168 can be made of aluminum, copper, or other highly heat-conducting materials.

[0179] Referring to Figure 24, in an embodiment of the air cooling system, the floor cleaner 10 can have an air-cooled heat exchange system that circulates air from the recovery system ( Figure 1 ) through the motor 64 to remove heat therefrom. The heat exchange system can include at least one air-cooled jacket 174 that is in close thermal contact with the motor 64 or a jacket 160 surrounding the motor 64, where the air-cooled jacket 174 receives air from a leak in the gap in the base housing. Downstream of the air-cooled jacket 174, the heated air is added to the working air path 50 ( Figure 1 ) that is coupled to the suction source 54, optionally at a location downstream of the suction inlet port 60 and upstream of the suction source 54.

[0180] In Figures 18 to 24 the illustrated embodiment, the brush roll motor 64 and associated thermal management components are disposed within a cavity 180 in the base 14 of the floor cleaner 10. To facilitate heat transfer from the cavity 180, the base 14 can include one or more watertight vents 176 (e.g., as Figure 21 and Figure 24 illustrated). The one or more vents allow air to enter the portion of the base 14 that contains the brush roll motor 64. The one or more vents 176 can include a screen, such as a polypropylene mesh, for allowing air flow into the interior of the base 14 of the floor cleaner 10 while preventing dust, fine particles, and fluid from entering the interior of the base 14 of the floor cleaner 10. In these and other embodiments, the base 14 can include a housing formed of a thermally conductive material, including metals and thermally conductive plastics, to allow heat to escape from the base 14.

[0181] In the above-described embodiments that include an external cooling fan (e.g., as Figure 18 and Figure 20 illustrated), the fan 154 can operate at any time when the scrubbing mode is activated, optionally for a predetermined period of time after the scrubbing mode is deactivated. During the standard cleaning mode, the external cooling fan 154 can be inoperative, or can operate only as needed to cool the motor 64. In the above-described embodiments that include an agitator cooling fan 154 (e.g., as Figure 19 and Figure 21 illustrated), since the fan 154 is attached to the shaft of the brush roll motor 64, it will operate at any time the motor 64 is in operation.

[0182] In some embodiments, the floor cleaner 10 further includes a locking feature for the scrubbing mode and optionally for the standard cleaning mode. This locking feature prevents damage to the brush roll motor 64 by interrupting the power flow to the brush roll motor 64 based on thermocouple feedback. In particular, the thermocouple 178 (or other temperature sensor) can continuously monitor the temperature at or near the brush roll motor 64 and transmit a corresponding voltage signal to the central controller 32. The central controller 32 is programmed with a predetermined temperature threshold (i.e., the maximum allowable temperature for safe motor operation). When the motor is operating, the central controller 32 compares the output of the thermocouple, which indicates the motor temperature and is optionally proportional to the motor temperature, with the predetermined temperature threshold. If the motor temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold, indicating an overheating condition, the central controller 32 triggers the locking mode. In the locking mode, the central controller 32 causes the motor controller 34 to interrupt the power to the brush roll motor 64. For example, the scrubbing mode and / or the standard cleaning mode can be deactivated in response to a signal from the thermocouple 178 indicating a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature threshold. The deactivation of the mode can include terminating an ongoing mode or preventing the mode from starting.

[0183] The floor cleaner 10 remains in the locking mode until the motor 64 cools to a safe temperature (as measured by the thermocouple 178), optionally including a predetermined time delay before allowing the brush roll motor 64 to restart. The predetermined temperature threshold is optionally a first threshold for the scrubbing mode and a higher second threshold for the standard cleaning mode, such that the scrubbing mode is deactivated at the first temperature threshold (e.g., 50 °C) and such that the standard cleaning mode is deactivated at the second higher temperature threshold (e.g., 70 °C). In this regard, the central controller 32 can provide a partial locking mode (affecting only the scrubbing mode) at the first temperature threshold and a full locking mode (affecting both the scrubbing mode and the standard cleaning mode) at the second temperature threshold. In other embodiments, the central controller 32 provides a full locking mode at the first temperature threshold (e.g., 50 °C), such that the second temperature threshold can be completely omitted.

[0184] Note that in all of the figures, the floor cleaner 10 is shown as an upright device. However, it should be understood that the scrubbing mode as described herein can be performed by other floor cleaners 10, and the functional systems of the floor cleaner 10 can be arranged in any desired configuration, such as an upright device having a base and an upright body for guiding the base across the surface to be cleaned, a portable device adapted to be held by a user, a canister device having a cleaning tool connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose, an attachment tool configured to be attached to a vacuum hose, an autonomous or robotic device having an autonomous drive system and an autonomously movable housing, or a commercial device. Accordingly, the present disclosure encompasses any of the foregoing floor cleaners that have a base 14 as a surface engaging portion of the cleaner according to any of the embodiments described herein, have a brush roll 46 within the surface engaging portion of the cleaner according to any of the embodiments described herein, and / or have a brush roll motor 64 for driving an agitator of the floor cleaner according to any of the embodiments described herein, or any combination thereof. Any of the foregoing cleaners can include a flexible vacuum hose that can form part of the conduit between the nozzle and the suction source.

[0185] While the various aspects shown herein are shown on a multi-surface wet / dry vacuum cleaner, aspects of the present disclosure can be used on other types of surface cleaning devices, including but not limited to, "wet" cleaners that transport liquid but do not use suction to collect debris and / or liquid, extraction cleaners that transport a greater volume of liquid for deep cleaning of soft floor surfaces, and steam cleaners that generate steam by heating the liquid to boiling for delivery to the surface to be cleaned. As used herein, the term "wet / dry vacuum cleaner" or "wet / dry multi-surface cleaner" includes a vacuum cleaner that can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood, soft floor surfaces such as small rugs and carpets, and other soft surfaces such as upholstery.

[0186] The term "comprising" or "comprises" is used herein in its broadest sense to denote and encompass the concepts of "including", "includes", "consisting essentially of", and "consisting of". The use of "for example", "e.g.", "such as", and "including" to enumerate illustrative embodiments is not limited to the embodiments so enumerated. Thus, "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 embodiments.

[0187] The foregoing description relates to general and specific embodiments of the present disclosure. However, various changes and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which will be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Thus, the present disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be construed 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 connection with these embodiments. Any reference to a singular element, such as the use of the articles "a," "an," "the," or "said," should not be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

[0188] Similarly, it should also be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the expressions and specific compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, and such expressions and specific compounds, compositions, or methods may vary between specific embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush group relied upon herein for describing various embodiments, different, special, and / or unexpected results can be obtained from each member of the corresponding 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 adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning device, comprising: A housing including a suction inlet for sucking in liquid, debris, and air, the housing being movable on a surface to be cleaned; An agitator positioned within the housing and adjacent to the suction inlet, the agitator being configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction to agitate the surface to be cleaned; A fluid delivery system configured to deliver a cleaning fluid towards at least one of the agitator and the surface to be cleaned; A motor operatively coupled to the agitator, the motor being configured to rotate the agitator in the first direction and the second direction; And A controller configured to operate the surface cleaning device in each of a standard cleaning mode and a scrubbing mode; Wherein the controller responds to activation of the scrubbing mode by initiating a plurality of bidirectional cleaning cycles for removing debris, and Wherein each of the plurality of bidirectional cleaning cycles includes: Rotating the agitator in the first direction for at least a first plurality of revolutions, followed by a first braking interval, and Rotating the agitator in the second direction in reverse for at least a second plurality of revolutions, followed by a second braking interval, and Wherein the controller is operable to change at least one of the fluid delivery parameters and the suction parameters of the standard cleaning mode in response to activation of the scrubbing mode for providing agitation, cleaning fluid, and suction at the surface to be cleaned.

2. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid delivery system includes a fluid dispenser and a pump in fluid communication with the fluid dispenser, wherein the fluid delivery parameter includes the flow rate of the cleaning fluid, and wherein changing the fluid delivery parameter includes increasing the flow rate of the cleaning fluid during operation of the scrubbing mode to be greater than the flow rate of the cleaning fluid in the standard cleaning mode.

3. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, comprising a vacuum motor in fluid communication with the suction inlet, wherein, The suction parameter includes the suction force at the suction inlet, and wherein changing the suction parameter includes reducing the suction force at the suction inlet during operation of the scrubbing mode to be less than the suction force in the standard cleaning mode.

4. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein, Changing the fluid delivery parameter and changing the suction parameter includes increasing the fluid flow rate of the cleaning fluid and reducing the suction force at the suction inlet.

5. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid delivery parameter includes the flow rate of the cleaning fluid, and the suction parameter includes the suction force at the suction inlet; And In response to activation of the scrubbing mode, the controller is operable to increase the dwell time of the cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned by at least one of the following: Increasing the flow rate by at least 2 times; and Reducing the suction force by at least 2 times.

6. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein, The motor is a brushless DC motor, and the brushless DC motor is mechanically coupled to the agitator.

7. The surface cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The controller is operable to rotate the agitator in the first direction for a first time interval and rotate the agitator in the second direction in reverse for a second time interval, and wherein the first time interval is different from the second time interval such that different portions of the agitator engage the surface to be cleaned at the start of each successive bidirectional cleaning cycle.

8. The surface cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The controller is operable to rotate the agitator in the first direction at a first speed and to rotate the agitator in the second direction in reverse at a second speed, and wherein the magnitude of the first speed is different from the magnitude of the second speed such that different portions of the agitator engage the surface to be cleaned at the start of each successive two-way cleaning cycle.

9. The surface cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The controller is operable to rotate the agitator in the first direction for a first time interval and to rotate the agitator in the second direction in reverse for a second time interval, and wherein: the first time interval and the second time interval are less than 0.5 seconds; and / or the ratio of the first time interval to the second time interval is from 3:1 to 1.5:

1.

10. The surface cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein, The agitator is allowed to passively come to a stop during the first braking interval and the second braking interval, the first braking interval and the second braking interval being between 10 milliseconds and 200 milliseconds.

11. The surface cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a fluid-cooled radiator coupled to an outer surface of the motor.

12. The surface cleaning device according to claim 11, wherein, The fluid-cooled radiator is an air-cooled radiator, the air-cooled radiator comprising a plurality of fins extending from an arcuate sleeve on the outer surface of the motor.

13. The surface cleaning device according to claim 11, comprising a cooling fan for circulating air over the fluid-cooled radiator.

14. The surface cleaning device according to claim 11, wherein, The motor is housed in a cavity within the housing, the housing comprising vents for an open-loop circulation of air into the cavity.

15. The surface cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a height setter configured to adjust the height of the agitator relative to the surface to be cleaned in response to activation of the scrubbing mode for increasing the engagement of at least a portion of the agitator with the surface to be cleaned.

16. A method of cleaning a surface using a surface cleaning device, comprising: providing a surface cleaning device operable in a standard cleaning mode and a scrubbing mode, the surface cleaning device comprising: a suction inlet; a fluid dispenser; a bidirectionally rotatable agitator for agitating a surface to be cleaned; and a motor operably coupled to the agitator; and in response to detecting activation of the scrubbing mode, performing a plurality of two-way cleaning cycles and changing at least one of a fluid delivery parameter and a suction parameter to provide agitation, cleaning fluid and suction at the surface to be cleaned; wherein each of the plurality of two-way cleaning cycles comprises: rotating the agitator in the first direction for at least a first plurality of revolutions, followed by a first braking interval, and rotating the agitator in the second direction in reverse for at least a second plurality of revolutions, followed by a second braking interval.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising passively braking the motor during the first braking interval and during the second braking interval.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein: rotating the agitator in the first direction comprises rotating the agitator for a first time interval; Rotating the agitator in the reverse direction along the second direction includes rotating the agitator for a second time interval; and the first time interval is different from the second time interval such that different portions of the agitator engage the surface to be cleaned at the start of each successive two-way cleaning cycle.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein: rotating the agitator in the first direction includes rotating the agitator at a first speed; rotating the agitator in the reverse direction along the second direction includes rotating the agitator at a second speed; and the magnitude of the first speed is different from the magnitude of the second speed such that different portions of the agitator engage the surface to be cleaned at the start of each successive two-way cleaning cycle.

20. The method according to claim 16, including directing a cooling fluid to the motor.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The cooling fluid is air, and the surface cleaning device includes a radiator coupled to an outer surface of the motor.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, A cooling fan circulates air over the radiator, and the cooling fan is physically coupled to the motor.

23. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, including: measuring the temperature of the motor; and deactivating the scrubbing mode in response to the measured temperature exceeding a temperature threshold.

24. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein Detecting activation of the scrubbing mode includes detecting a user input at a user interface.

25. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, including reducing the height of the agitator relative to the surface to be cleaned in response to detecting activation of the scrubbing mode.

26. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein The surface cleaning device includes a fluid dispenser and a pump in fluid communication with the fluid dispenser, and in response to detecting activation of the scrubbing mode, changes the fluid delivery parameters by increasing the flow rate of the cleaning fluid to be greater than the flow rate in the standard cleaning mode.

27. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein The surface cleaning device includes a vacuum motor in fluid communication with the suction inlet, and in response to detecting activation of the scrubbing mode, changes the suction parameters by reducing the suction force at the suction inlet to be less than the suction force in the standard cleaning mode.

28. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein, Changing at least one of the fluid delivery parameters and the suction parameters includes increasing the flow rate of the cleaning fluid reaching the surface to be cleaned and reducing the suction force at the suction inlet.

29. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein: the surface cleaning device includes a vacuum motor in fluid communication with the suction inlet; and in response to detecting activation of the standard cleaning mode: rotate the agitator only in the first direction; and operate the vacuum motor to draw in debris and / or fluid at the suction inlet.

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