Cleaning device

Abstract

A wet / dry cleaner may include a supply tank configured to receive a cleaning fluid; a recycling box; a cleaning tool having a suction inlet; a flexible conduit configured to fluidly couple the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank; and a tool cleaner coupled to the supply tank, the tool cleaner configured to cooperate with a cleaning tool to draw cleaning fluid from the supply tank into the cleaning tool.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to surface cleaning apparatus, and more specifically to wet / dry cleaners. Background Technology

[0002] Surface cleaning equipment is configured to clean one or more surfaces (e.g., floors) within an environment. Exemplary surface cleaning equipment includes wet / dry cleaners. A wet / dry cleaner is configured to apply at least one liquid (e.g., water) to the surface to be cleaned and to recover at least a portion of the applied liquid from the surface to be cleaned. At least a portion of any debris (e.g., liquid or solid debris) on the surface to be cleaned is entrained within the applied liquid, such that the debris-laden liquid (or dirty liquid) can be collected within the wet / dry cleaner for later disposal. Attached Figure Description

[0003] These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0004] Figure 1 A schematic example of a wet / dry cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0005] Figure 2 A schematic example of an upright extraction cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0006] Figure 3 A schematic example of a handheld extractor cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0007] Figure 4 A perspective view of a supply box for a wet / dry cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 5 Embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the supply box relative to cleaning tools and multiple cleaning accessories.

[0009] Figure 6A The following is illustrated along the path of an embodiment according to this disclosure. Figure 5 The line VI-VI cut Figure 4 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the supply box.

[0010] Figure 6B An example cross-section of a supply box having a box pipe including a flexible material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0011] Figure 7 The embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 6A Region VII Figure 4 An enlarged three-dimensional view of the supply box.

[0012] Figure 8 Embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 4 A partial exploded view of the supply box.

[0013] Figure 9 A perspective view shows an example of a handheld extraction cleaner body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0014] This disclosure generally relates to a wet / dry cleaner. The wet / dry cleaner includes a supply tank, a recovery tank, and cleaning tools fluidly connected to the supply tank and the recovery tank via flexible conduits. During a cleaning operation, the cleaning tools are configured to apply cleaning fluid (e.g., water) from the supply tank to a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor), and to recover at least a portion of the delivered cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned for storage in the recovery tank for later disposal. The supply tank includes a tool cleaner configured to clean the cleaning tools after the cleaning operation is completed.

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic example of a wet / dry cleaner 100 is shown. As illustrated, the wet / dry cleaner 100 includes a supply tank 102, a recovery tank 104, a cleaning tool 106, and a tool cleaner 108. The cleaning tool 106 is configured to deliver cleaning fluid (e.g., water and / or water combined with cleaning chemicals) from the supply tank 102 to a surface 110 to be cleaned (e.g., a floor) and to recover at least a portion of the delivered cleaning fluid from the surface 110 to be cleaned. The recovered cleaning fluid is deposited in the recovery tank 104 for later disposal by the user.

[0016] The wet / dry cleaner 100 may also include a flexible conduit 112 having a supply line 114 and a return line 116. The supply line 114 fluidly connects the supply tank 102 to the cleaning tool 106, and the return line 116 fluidly connects the return tank 104 to the cleaning tool 106. In other words, the flexible conduit 112 can generally be described as being configured to fluidly connect the cleaning tool 106 to the supply tank 102 and the return tank 104. During cleaning operations, a fluid pump 118 drives cleaning fluid from the supply tank 102 through the supply line 114 and to the cleaning tool 106 to deliver it to the surface 110 to be cleaned. A suction motor 120 drives air and the delivered cleaning fluid into the cleaning tool 106 and deposits it along the return line 116 into the return tank 104. During cleaning operations, debris may adhere to the cleaning tool 106 and / or the return line 116.

[0017] Tool cleaner 108 is configured to cooperate with cleaning tool 106 to remove at least a portion of any debris adhering to cleaning tool 106 and / or recovery line 116. Tool cleaner 108 is fluidly coupled to supply tank 102 via cleaning line 124, which is separate from supply line 114. During cleaning operation, cleaning tool 106 (e.g., by a user) is positioned on tool cleaner 108 such that recovery line 116 is fluidly coupled to cleaning line 124. When suction motor 120 is activated, cleaning fluid is drawn from supply tank 102 into cleaning tool 106 along cleaning line 124, along recovery line 116, and into recovery tank 104. As cleaning fluid is drawn from supply tank 102, at least a portion of any debris adhering to cleaning tool 106 and / or recovery line 116 can be removed and deposited in recovery tank 104. In other words, the tool cleaner 108 can generally be described as being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool 106 to draw cleaning fluid from the supply tank 102 into the cleaning tool 106 to remove at least a portion of any debris adhering to the cleaning tool 106 and / or the recovery line 116. This configuration can mitigate (e.g., prevent) the generation of odors within the cleaning tool 106 and / or the recovery line 116.

[0018] The wet / dry cleaner 100 may include one or more sensors 126 communicatively coupled to the controller 128. The one or more sensors 126 may include level detection sensors for the supply tank 102 and / or recovery tank 104, a turbidity sensor within the recovery line 116, and / or any other type of sensor. For example, when the one or more sensors 126 include a turbidity sensor, the turbidity sensor may be located at the outlet of the recovery line 116 and configured to detect the turbidity of the cleaning fluid entering the recovery tank 104. In this example, the turbidity sensor may be configured to measure the turbidity of the recovered cleaning fluid during a cleaning operation. The controller 128 may use the output of the turbidity sensor to generate a cleaning operation completion indication on the user interface 130. In some cases, the one or more sensors 126 may include a cleaning tool presence sensor configured to detect (e.g., direct or indirect) engagement of the cleaning tool 106 with the tool cleaner 108. For example, in response to detecting engagement, the controller 128 may activate the suction motor 120 to begin the cleaning operation. Alternatively, the user may manually start the suction motor 120 to begin the cleaning operation.

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic example of an upright extraction cleaner 200 is shown. The upright extraction cleaner 200 is... Figure 1An example of a wet / dry cleaner 100. As shown, the upright extraction cleaner 200 includes a surface cleaning head 202, an upright section 204 pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head 202, and a cleaning tool 106. The upright section 204 is configured to pivot between an over-floor cleaning position (e.g., an upright position) and a floor cleaning position (e.g., an inclined position). The upright section 204 can be configured to be selectively held in the over-floor cleaning position (e.g., using an upright lock 206).

[0020] As shown in the figure, the upright section 204 may include a supply box 102, a recycling bin 104, and a tool cleaner 108. For example, the tool cleaner 108 may be connected to the supply box 102. As a further example, the tool cleaner 108 may be connected to a surface cleaning head 202. (See also: Regarding...) Figure 1 The tool cleaner 108 discussed is configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool 106 to at least partially clean the cleaning tool 106 and / or the recycling line 116.

[0021] As also shown in the figure, the surface cleaning head 202 may include: one or more wheels 208 configured to movably support the upright suction cleaner 200 on the surface 209 to be cleaned (e.g., a floor); a front suction inlet 210; and an agitator chamber 212 disposed between the one or more wheels 208 and the front suction inlet 210. The agitator chamber 212 includes an agitator 214 rotatably disposed therein. The agitator chamber 212 may or may not be configured to be subject to suction (e.g., the agitator chamber 212 may be selectively subject to suction using a valve 213).

[0022] The flexible conduit 112 can be configured to be removably coupled to one or more of the surface cleaning head 202 and / or the upright section 204. For example, the upright section 204 may include a connection port 216 configured to fluidly connect each of the supply line 114 and the return line 116 of the flexible conduit 112 to the supply tank 102 and the return tank 104, respectively. When the flexible conduit 112 is coupled to the surface cleaning head 202 and / or the upright section 204, switching the upright section 204 from a floor cleaning position to an over-floor cleaning position can fluidly connect each of the supply line 114 and the return line 116 of the flexible conduit 112 to the supply tank 102 and the return tank 104, respectively. When the flexible conduit 112 is connected to the surface cleaning head 202 and / or the upright section 204, switching the upright section 204 from the upper floor cleaning position to the floor cleaning position can fluidly separate each of the supply line 114 and the recovery line 116 of the flexible conduit 112 from the supply tank 102 and the recovery tank 104, respectively.

[0023] Figure 3A schematic example of a handheld extraction cleaner 300 is shown, which is Figure 1 Another example of a wet / dry cleaner 100. As shown, a handheld extractor cleaner 300 includes a body 302, a handle 304 extending from the body 302, and a tool cleaner 108. The handle 304 is configured to support the body 302 in the user's hand. The body 302 includes a supply receiver 306 and a recycling receiver 308. The supply receiver 306 is configured to receive a supply box 102, and the recycling receiver 308 is configured to receive a recycling box 104. The supply box 102 can be removably received within the supply receiver 306 (e.g., for refilling purposes), and the recycling box 104 can be removably received within the recycling receiver 308 (e.g., for emptying purposes). As shown, the handle 304 can extend between the supply receiver 306 and the recycling receiver 308.

[0024] Flexible conduit 112 is configured to connect to body 302 such that supply line 114 is fluidly connected to supply tank 102, and recovery line 116 is fluidly connected to recovery tank 104. Body 302 and handle 304 are configured such that when a user grips handle 304 with one hand, supply tank 102 and recovery tank 104 move together with body 302. This configuration allows the user to grip cleaning tool 106 with one hand while carrying body 302 with the other.

[0025] As shown in the figure, the tool cleaner 108 can be disposed together with the supply box 102. However, the tool cleaner 108 can be disposed in other locations, such as with the main body 302. (See also: Regarding...) Figure 1 The tool cleaner 108 discussed is configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool 106 to at least partially clean the cleaning tool 106 and / or the recycling line 116.

[0026] Figure 4 A perspective view shows an example of a supply box 400 with a tool cleaner 402. The supply box 400 is... Figure 1 Example of supply box 102, and tool cleaner 402 is Figure 1 Example of a tool cleaner 108.

[0027] As shown, the supply tank 400 includes a supply tank body 406 configured to contain cleaning fluid. A removable refill cap 408 is removably coupled to the supply tank body 406. The removable refill cap 408 is configured to be removed so that cleaning fluid can be added to the supply tank body 406. The removable refill cap 408 may also include a fluid outlet 409 with a valve through which cleaning fluid within the supply tank body 406 exits during cleaning operations. The removable refill cap 408 may be coupled to the supply tank body 406 at a bottom side 410.

[0028] Tool cleaner 402 is coupled to supply tank body 406. As shown, tool cleaner 402 can be coupled to the top side 412 of supply tank body 406. Top side 412 is opposite to bottom side 410. One or more sidewalls 414 connect top side 412 and bottom side 410. Tool cleaner 402 includes tool platform 416, which includes one or more fluid holes 418 through which cleaning fluid within supply tank body 406 can flow (e.g., when the one or more fluid holes 418 are subjected to suction).

[0029] Figure 5 A top perspective view shows a supply box 400 and a cleaning tool 500 configured to cooperate with a tool cleaner 402. The cleaning tool 500 is... Figure 1 Example of cleaning tool 106.

[0030] As shown in the figure, the cleaning tool 500 includes a tool body 502 with a tool suction inlet 504, a fluid dispenser 506, and a tool agitator 508. The tool agitator 508 is arranged between the fluid dispenser 506 and the tool suction inlet 504 relative to the longitudinal axis 511 of the tool body 502. As shown, the tool suction inlet 504 has a maximum tool inlet width 510. The maximum tool inlet width 510 (e.g., at a vertical or non-vertical angle) extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 511 of the body. The cleaning tool 500 may include a first cleaning attachment 512 and / or a second cleaning attachment 514 configured to be removably coupled to the tool body 502.

[0031] The first cleaning attachment 512 includes a first attachment agitator 516, a first attachment suction inlet 518, and a first fluid distributor notch 520. The first attachment agitator 516 is disposed between the first attachment suction inlet 518 and the first fluid distributor notch 520. The first fluid distributor notch 520 is configured to allow fluid to be dispensed from the fluid distributor 506 to the surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor) through the first fluid distributor notch 520. The first attachment suction inlet 518 is configured to be fluidly connected to the tool suction inlet 504 and has a first attachment inlet maximum width 522. When connected to the tool body 502, the first attachment inlet maximum width 522 (e.g., at a vertical or non-vertical angle) extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 511 of the tool body 502. The first attachment inlet maximum width 522 is greater than the tool inlet maximum width 510.

[0032] The second cleaning attachment 514 includes a second attachment agitator 524, a second attachment suction inlet 526, and a second fluid distributor notch 528. The second attachment agitator 524 is disposed between the second attachment suction inlet 526 and the second fluid distributor notch 528. The second fluid distributor notch 528 is configured to allow fluid to be dispensed from the fluid distributor 506 to the surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor) through the second fluid distributor notch 528. The second attachment suction inlet 526 is configured to be fluidly connected to the tool suction inlet 504 and has a second attachment inlet maximum width 530 that, when connected to the tool body 502, extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 511 of the tool body 502 (e.g., at a vertical or non-vertical angle). The second attachment inlet maximum width 530 is greater than the tool inlet maximum width 510. The tool suction inlet 504, the first attachment suction inlet 518, and the second attachment suction inlet 526 may have substantially the same inlet area (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10%).

[0033] At least one of the tool agitator 508, the first accessory agitator 516, and / or the second accessory agitator 524 may have characteristics different from at least another of the tool agitator 508, the first accessory agitator 516, and / or the second accessory agitator 524. For example, the tool agitator 508 may include bristles 532 (e.g., in the form of tufts), the first accessory agitator 516 may include one or more curved wipers 534, and the second accessory agitator 524 may include one or more agitation protrusions 536 (e.g., flexible protrusions).

[0034] As shown in the figure, the one or more fluid holes 418 include a plurality of fluid holes 418 forming a central hole group 538, a first transverse hole group 540 disposed on one side of the central hole group 538, and a second transverse hole group 542 disposed on the other (e.g., opposite) side of the central hole group 538. Each of the central hole group 538, the first transverse hole group 540, and the second transverse hole group 542 includes one or more fluid holes from the plurality of fluid holes 418. The central hole group 538, the first transverse hole group 540, and the second transverse hole group 542 can be configured such that a common hole axis 544 passes through at least a portion (e.g., a central portion) of each fluid hole from the plurality of fluid holes 418 forming the central hole group 538, the first transverse hole group 540, and the second transverse hole group 542.

[0035] The central orifice group 538 has a central group width 546. The central group width 546 may be less than or equal to the maximum tool inlet width 510. Thus, when the cleaning tool 500 moves to engage with the tool cleaner 402, the tool suction inlet 504 extends over and surrounds each fluid orifice 418 forming the central orifice group 538. This configuration allows cleaning fluid to be drawn through the central orifice group 538 and into the cleaning tool 500 via the tool suction inlet 504.

[0036] As shown, the tool cleaner 402 may include one or more tool alignment walls 548 configured to engage with the cleaning tool 500 to facilitate positioning of the tool suction inlet 504 over each fluid orifice 418 forming a central orifice group 538. The tool alignment walls 548 may extend from the tool platform 416. The one or more tool alignment walls 548 may at least partially define (e.g., surround) a tool alignment region 550, within which at least a portion of the tool suction inlet 504 may be positioned. In some cases, the one or more tool alignment walls 548 may be configured to selectively engage with a portion of the cleaning tool 500 (e.g., using press-fit, pawl, and / or any other selective engagement). Such a configuration helps the user maintain the tool suction inlet 504 over the central orifice group 538.

[0037] The first transverse hole group 540 has a first transverse group width 552, and the second transverse hole group 542 has a second transverse group width 554. The central group width 546, the first transverse group width 552, and the second transverse group width 554 can all be less than or equal to the first accessory maximum inlet width 522 and the second accessory maximum inlet width 530. Therefore, when the cleaning tool 500 moves to engage with the tool cleaner 402, with the first cleaning accessory 512 or the second cleaning accessory 514 connected to the tool body 502, the first accessory suction port 518 or the second accessory suction port 526 extends above and surrounds each fluid hole 418 forming the central hole group 538, the first transverse hole group 540, and the second transverse hole group 542. This configuration allows cleaning fluid to be drawn through the central hole group 538, the first transverse hole group 540, and the second transverse hole group 542, and enter the first cleaning accessory 512 or the second cleaning accessory 514 via the first accessory suction port 518 or the second accessory suction port 526.

[0038] As shown, the tool cleaner 402 may include one or more attachment alignment walls 556 configured to engage with one or more of a first cleaning attachment 512 and / or a second cleaning attachment 514 to facilitate positioning a first attachment suction inlet 518 and / or a second attachment suction inlet 526 over each fluid port 418 from a central orifice group 538, a first transverse orifice group 540, and a second transverse orifice group 542. The one or more attachment alignment walls 556 may extend from a tool platform 416. The one or more attachment alignment walls 556 may at least partially define (e.g., surround) an attachment alignment region 558, within which at least a portion of the first attachment suction inlet 518 and / or the second attachment suction inlet 526 may be positioned. In some cases, the one or more attachment alignment walls 556 may be configured to selectively engage with a portion of the first cleaning attachment 512 and / or the second cleaning attachment 514 (e.g., using press-fit, pawl, and / or any other selective engagement). This configuration helps the user maintain the first accessory suction inlet 518 and / or the second accessory suction inlet 526 above the central hole group 538, the first transverse hole group 540, and the second transverse hole group 542.

[0039] Figure 6A It shows along Figure 5 The figure shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the supply tank 400 taken along line VI-VI. As shown, the supply tank body 406 includes a fluid chamber 600 configured to receive cleaning fluid. The fluid chamber 600 is fluidly connected to a valved fluid outlet 409 and a tool cleaner 402. The valved fluid outlet 409 is configured to selectively fluidly connect the fluid chamber 600 to a fluid dispenser 506. Figure 5This allows clean fluid within the fluid chamber 600 to be delivered to the fluid distributor 506. In other words, the valved fluid outlet 409 can generally be described as forming part (e.g., the beginning section) of the supply line 602. The supply line 602 is... Figure 1 Example of supply line 114.

[0040] As shown, the tool cleaner 402 includes a fluid passage 604 fluidly coupled to one or more fluid orifices 418 and a conduit 606 fluidly coupled to a fluid cavity 600. In other words, the one or more fluid orifices 418 can generally be described as fluidly coupled to the conduit 606 via the fluid passage 604, such that the one or more fluid orifices 418 are fluidly coupled to the fluid cavity 600. The fluid passage 604 is arranged between a tool platform 416 and a portion of the supply box body 406. In some cases, the tool platform 416 may define at least a portion of at least one sidewall of the fluid passage 604. At least a portion of the conduit 606 extends into the fluid cavity 600, such that at least a portion of the conduit 606 extends between a bottom side 410 and a top side 412 of the supply box body 406. For example, the conduit 606 may extend into the fluid cavity 600 such that a distal end 614 of the conduit 606 is positioned closer to the bottom side 410 than to the top side 412 of the supply box body 406.

[0041] The fluid channel 604 and the conduit 606 are configured such that when the one or more fluid holes 418 are subjected to suction, the cleaning fluid within the fluid chamber 600 is drawn into the conduit 606 and the fluid channel 604 and through at least one of the one or more fluid holes 418. Therefore, the fluid channel 604 and the conduit 606 can generally be described as forming at least a portion of the cleaning line 608. The cleaning line 608 is... Figure 1 Example of cleaning line 124.

[0042] Tool cleaner 402 may also include tool cleaner valve 610. Tool cleaner valve 610 is configured to selectively switch between an open state and a closed state. When in the open state, cleaning fluid is allowed to pass freely through tool cleaner valve 610. When in the closed state, cleaning fluid is substantially prevented from passing through tool cleaner valve 610 (e.g., preventing at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 99%, or 100% of the cleaning fluid from passing through tool cleaner valve 610). When in the open state, cleaning fluid is allowed to freely enter tank conduit 606 (e.g., in the presence of suction), pass through fluid passage 604, and exit tool cleaner 402 via at least one of the one or more fluid orifices 418. In some cases, tool cleaner valve 610 is forced toward the closed position (e.g., using spring 612) and is configured such that when cleaning tool 500 ( Figure 5 ), First cleaning accessory 512 ( Figure 5 ), or the second cleaning accessory 514 ( Figure 5 When one of them is positioned on tool cleaner 402, tool cleaner valve 610 is switched to the open position.

[0043] The conduit 606 may comprise a flexible material or may be rigid. When the conduit 606 comprises a flexible material (e.g., silicone), at least a portion of the conduit 606 may deform significantly (e.g., undergo a shape change of at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 40%, 50%, or 75% relative to its undeformed rest state) when subjected to a force substantially equal to or greater than its own weight. When comprising a flexible material, at least a portion of the conduit 606 may be buoyant, such that the distal end 614 is spaced apart from the bottom side 410 of the supply box body 406 due to buoyancy. For example, Figure 6B An example is shown of a tank conduit 650 comprising flexible material and a float 652 connected to the tank conduit 650. The inclusion of flexible material in the tank conduit 606 also prevents residual cleaning fluid from entering the tank conduit 606 when the supply tank 400 is inverted for refilling via a refill opening 616 surrounded by a removable refill cap 408.

[0044] When the conduit 606 is rigid, the distal end 614 may be spaced apart from the bottom side 410, allowing cleaning fluid to enter the conduit 606. Alternatively, the distal end 614 may contact the bottom side 410, and the conduit 606 may include a fluid inlet at the distal end through which cleaning fluid enters the conduit 606.

[0045] Figure 7 It shows roughly corresponding to Figure 6AAn enlarged perspective view of region VII. As shown, tool platform 416 includes a valve actuator 700 coupled to tool cleaner valve 610. Valve actuator 700 includes an actuation platform 702 and an actuator body 704 extending from the actuation platform 702. Actuator body 704 includes a coupling end 706 configured to be coupled to tool cleaner valve 610. For example, coupling end 706 may be configured to be received within coupling cavity 708 of tool cleaner valve 610 (e.g., to form a press fit with tool cleaner valve 610, a fastener connection, an adhesive connection, and / or any other form of connection).

[0046] In operation, a force applied to the actuation platform 702 causes the tool cleaner valve 610 to disengage from the channel inlet 710 of the fluid passage 604. The tool cleaner valve 610 may include a seal 712 that moves in response to a force applied to the actuation platform 702 to disengage from a portion of the channel inlet 710. For example, the actuation platform 702 may be moved in response to a force applied when the cleaning tool 500 is engaged with the tool platform 416 (e.g., directly or indirectly) with one of the first cleaning attachments 512 or the second cleaning attachment 514, whether or not it is engaged with the tool body 502. When the tool cleaner valve 610 disengages from the channel inlet 710, the fluid passage 604 is fluidly connected to the fluid chamber 600, such that cleaning fluid can be drawn through the tank conduit 606 and into the fluid passage 604 in the presence of suction.

[0047] In operation, when force is removed from the actuation platform 702, the spring 612 drives the tool cleaner valve 610 toward the closed position. The spring 612 extends between at least a portion of the actuation platform 702 and at least a portion of the housing conduit 606. For example, a first end 713 of the spring 612 may engage (e.g., directly or indirectly) a portion of the actuation platform 702, and a second end 714 of the spring 612 may engage (e.g., directly or indirectly) a portion of the fluid passage 604 (e.g., the inner surface 716 of the fluid passage 604). In some cases, the spring 612 may extend around the passage inlet 710 such that at least a portion of the spring 612 is exposed to cleaning fluid passing through the tool cleaner valve 610.

[0048] As shown in the figure, the channel inlet 710 can be arranged inside the box pipe 606. For example, the inner surface 709 of the box pipe 606 can be configured to form a snap-fit ​​connection 711 with the fluid channel 604. However, other configurations are also possible.

[0049] The fluid passage 604 can be configured to facilitate the flow of air and cleaning fluid therethrough, such that the cleaning fluid exits from at least one of the one or more fluid orifices 418. For example, the fluid passage 604 may include a flared region 717 that transitions into planar regions 718 and 720. The passage height 722 of the fluid passage 604 may decrease as the flared region 717 transitions into the planar region 718.

[0050] A significant portion (e.g., at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or at least 100%) of planar regions 718 and 720 may be disposed below a corresponding one of the first lateral bore group 540 and the second lateral bore group 542. The actuation platform 702 may include one or more fluid orifices 418 of the central bore group 538. In other words, the valve actuator 700 can generally be described as including one or more fluid orifices 418 of the central bore group 538. In some cases, the central bore group 538 may be included within an alignment protrusion 724 extending from the actuation platform 702. The alignment protrusion 724 is configured to be received in the tool suction port 504 ( Figure 5 The alignment protrusion 724 can be received within the tool suction port 504 to facilitate the alignment of the tool suction port 504 with the central hole assembly 538.

[0051] Figure 8 A perspective view of a tool cleaner 402 removed from a supply box body 406 is shown. As shown, the supply box body 406 includes a cleaner opening 800 through which at least a portion of the tool cleaner 402 can pass. For example, the cleaner opening 800 may be configured to receive at least a portion of a box conduit 606. The cleaner opening 800 may be configured to sealably engage with a portion of the outer surface 802 of the box conduit 606. The supply box body 406 may include (e.g., molded therein) one or more retainers 804 for attaching the tool cleaner 402 (e.g., removably or non-removably) to the supply box body 406.

[0052] The box handle 806 is pivotally connected to the supply box body 406. The box handle 806 includes pivot arms 808 and gripping portions 809 extending between the pivot arms 808. The pivot arms 808 are pivotally connected to the supply box body 406. A cleaner opening 800 can be arranged between the pivot arms 808. Therefore, when the tool cleaner 402 is connected to the supply box body 406, the tool cleaner 402 can be arranged between the pivot arms 808.

[0053] In some cases, the tool cleaner 402 may also include a connection latch 810. The connection latch 810 may be configured to connect the supply box 400 to the cleaner (e.g., Figure 1 100 wet / dry cleaners Figure 2 Vertical extraction cleaner 200 and / or Figure 3 The handheld extractor cleaner 300 is removably connected. The connection latch 810 may include a force-applied pawl 812 configured to engage with a corresponding retainer. For example, Figure 9 A perspective view of a handheld extractor body 900 is shown, which has a retainer 902 configured to engage with a connecting latch 810 to selectively retain the supply box 400 on the handheld extractor body 900.

[0054] return Figure 8 One or more tool alignment walls 548 may include a retaining groove 814. The retaining groove 814 is configured to slidably receive a portion of the actuation platform 702. The retaining groove 814 may be configured to induce movement of the actuation platform 702 in response to a force applied thereto.

[0055] Examples of wet / dry cleaners according to this disclosure may include: a supply tank configured to receive cleaning fluid, the supply tank having a top side and a bottom side opposite to the top side; a recovery tank; a cleaning tool having a suction inlet; a flexible conduit fluidly connecting the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank; and a tool cleaner connected to the top side of the supply tank, the tool cleaner being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw cleaning fluid from the supply tank into the cleaning tool.

[0056] In some cases, a tool cleaner may include a tool platform having one or more fluid orifices, a fluid passage, and a tank conduit, the one or more fluid orifices being fluidly connected to the tank conduit via the fluid passage, the tank conduit extending into a fluid chamber of a supply tank. In some cases, the one or more fluid orifices may include a central orifice group, a first transverse orifice group disposed on one side of the central orifice group, and a second transverse orifice group disposed on the other side of the central orifice group. In some cases, a common orifice axis may pass through at least a portion of each orifice forming the central orifice group, the first transverse orifice group, and the second transverse orifice group. In some cases, the tool cleaner may include a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively switch between an open and a closed state. In some cases, the tool platform may include a valve actuator configured to switch the tool cleaner valve from a closed state to an open state, the valve actuator including at least one orifice in the central orifice group. In some cases, one or more tool alignment walls may extend from the tool platform. In some cases, a flexible conduit may include a supply line and a retrieval line, the supply line fluidly connecting the supply tank to the cleaning tool, and the retrieval line fluidly connecting the retrieval tank to the cleaning tool.

[0057] Examples of upright extraction cleaners according to this disclosure include: a surface cleaning head; an upright section pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head; a supply tank configured to receive cleaning fluid, the supply tank having a fluid cavity, a top side, and a bottom side opposite the top side; a recovery tank; a cleaning tool having a suction inlet; a flexible conduit fluidly connecting the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank; and a tool cleaner coupled to the top side of the supply tank, the tool cleaner being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw cleaning fluid from the supply tank into the cleaning tool. The tool cleaner includes a tool platform having one or more fluid orifices, a fluid channel, and a tank conduit, the one or more fluid orifices being fluidly connected to the tank conduit via the fluid channel, the tank conduit extending into the fluid cavity of the supply tank.

[0058] In some cases, the one or more fluid orifices may include a central orifice group, a first transverse orifice group disposed on one side of the central orifice group, and a second transverse orifice group disposed on the other side of the central orifice group. In some cases, a common orifice axis may pass through at least a portion of each orifice forming the central orifice group, the first transverse orifice group, and the second transverse orifice group. In some cases, the tool cleaner may include a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively switch between an open and a closed state. In some cases, the tool platform may include a valve actuator configured to switch the tool cleaner valve from a closed state to an open state, the valve actuator including at least one orifice in the central orifice group. In some cases, the one or more tool alignment walls may extend from the tool platform.

[0059] Examples of portable extraction cleaners according to this disclosure may include: a body having a supply receiving portion and a recovery receiving portion; a handle extending from the body; a supply tank removably received in the supply receiving portion and configured to receive cleaning fluid, the supply tank having a fluid cavity, a top side, and a bottom side opposite the top side; a recovery tank removably received within the recovery receiving portion; a cleaning tool having a suction inlet; a flexible conduit fluidly connecting the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank; and a tool cleaner connected to the top side of the supply tank, the tool cleaner being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw cleaning fluid from the supply tank into the cleaning tool. The tool cleaner includes a tool platform having one or more fluid orifices, a fluid channel, and a tank conduit, the one or more fluid orifices being fluidly connected to the tank conduit via the fluid channel, the tank conduit extending into the fluid cavity of the supply tank.

[0060] In some cases, the one or more fluid orifices may include a central orifice group, a first transverse orifice group disposed on one side of the central orifice group, and a second transverse orifice group disposed on the other side of the central orifice group. In some cases, a common orifice axis may pass through at least a portion of each orifice forming the central orifice group, the first transverse orifice group, and the second transverse orifice group. In some cases, the tool cleaner may include a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively switch between an open and a closed state. In some cases, the tool platform may include a valve actuator configured to switch the tool cleaner valve from a closed state to an open state, the valve actuator including at least one orifice in the central orifice group. In some cases, one or more tool alignment walls may extend from the tool platform.

[0061] Another example of a wet / dry cleaner according to this disclosure may include: a supply tank configured to receive cleaning fluid; a recovery tank; a cleaning tool having a suction inlet; a flexible conduit configured to fluidly connect the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank; and a tool cleaner connected to the supply tank, the tool cleaner being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw cleaning fluid from the supply tank into the cleaning tool.

[0062] In some cases, the tool cleaner may include a tool platform and a tank conduit having one or more fluid orifices fluidly connected to the tank conduit, which extends into a fluid chamber of a supply tank. In some cases, the one or more fluid orifices may include a central orifice group, a first transverse orifice group disposed on one side of the central orifice group, and a second transverse orifice group disposed on the other side of the central orifice group. In some cases, a common orifice axis may pass through at least a portion of each orifice forming the central orifice group, the first transverse orifice group, and the second transverse orifice group. In some cases, the tool cleaner may include a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively switch between an open and a closed state. In some cases, the tool platform may include a valve actuator configured to switch the tool cleaner valve from a closed state to an open state, the valve actuator including at least one orifice in the central orifice group. In some cases, one or more tool alignment walls may extend from the tool platform. In some cases, the flexible conduit may include a supply line and a retrieval line, the supply line fluidly connecting the supply tank to the cleaning tool, and the retrieval line fluidly connecting the retrieval tank to the cleaning tool.

[0063] Another example of an upright extraction cleaner according to this disclosure may include: a surface cleaning head; an upright section pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head; a supply tank configured to receive cleaning fluid, the supply tank having a fluid cavity; a recovery tank; a cleaning tool having a suction inlet; a flexible conduit configured to fluidly connect the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank; and a tool cleaner coupled to the supply tank, the tool cleaner being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw cleaning fluid from the supply tank into the cleaning tool. The tool cleaner includes a tool platform having one or more fluid orifices and a tank conduit fluidly coupled to the tank conduit, the tank conduit extending into the fluid cavity of the supply tank.

[0064] In some cases, the one or more fluid orifices may include a central orifice group, a first transverse orifice group disposed on one side of the central orifice group, and a second transverse orifice group disposed on the other side of the central orifice group. In some cases, a common orifice axis may pass through at least a portion of each orifice forming the central orifice group, the first transverse orifice group, and the second transverse orifice group. In some cases, the tool cleaner may include a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively switch between an open and a closed state. In some cases, the tool platform may include a valve actuator configured to switch the tool cleaner valve from a closed state to an open state, the valve actuator including at least one orifice in the central orifice group. In some cases, one or more tool alignment walls may extend from the tool platform.

[0065] Another example of a portable extraction cleaner according to this disclosure may include: a body having a supply receiving portion and a recovery receiving portion; a handle extending from the body; a supply tank removably received in the supply receiving portion and configured to receive cleaning fluid, the supply tank having a fluid cavity; a recovery tank removably received within the recovery receiving portion; a cleaning tool having a suction inlet; a flexible conduit configured to fluidly connect the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank; and a tool cleaner connected to the supply tank, the tool cleaner being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw cleaning fluid from the supply tank into the cleaning tool. The tool cleaner includes a tool platform having one or more fluid orifices and a tank conduit fluidly connected to the tank conduit, the tank conduit extending into the fluid cavity of the supply tank.

[0066] In some cases, the one or more fluid orifices may include a central orifice group, a first transverse orifice group disposed on one side of the central orifice group, and a second transverse orifice group disposed on the other side of the central orifice group. In some cases, a common orifice axis may pass through at least a portion of each orifice forming the central orifice group, the first transverse orifice group, and the second transverse orifice group. In some cases, the tool cleaner may include a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively switch between an open and a closed state. In some cases, the tool platform may include a valve actuator configured to switch the tool cleaner valve from a closed state to an open state, the valve actuator including at least one orifice in the central orifice group. In some cases, one or more tool alignment walls may extend from the tool platform.

[0067] While the principles of the invention have been described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that this description is by way of example only and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of the invention, which is not limited except by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wet / dry cleaner comprising: a supply tank configured to receive a cleaning fluid; a recovery tank; a cleaning tool having a suction inlet; a flexible conduit configured to fluidly couple the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank; and a tool cleaner coupled to the supply tank, the tool cleaner configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw the cleaning fluid from the supply tank into the cleaning tool. The tool cleaner includes a tank conduit and a tool platform having one or more fluid apertures fluidly coupled to the tank conduit, the tank conduit extending into a fluid cavity of the supply tank.

2. The wet / dry cleaner of claim 1, wherein, The one or more fluid apertures include a central aperture set, a first lateral aperture set disposed on one side of the central aperture set, and a second lateral aperture set disposed on another side of the central aperture set.

3. The wet / dry cleaner of claim 2, wherein, A common aperture axis passes through at least a portion of each aperture forming the central aperture set, the first lateral aperture set, and the second lateral aperture set.

4. The wet / dry cleaner of claim 3, wherein, The tool cleaner includes a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively transition between an open state and a closed state.

5. The wet / dry cleaner of claim 3, wherein, The tool platform includes a valve actuator configured to transition the tool cleaner valve from the closed state to the open state, the valve actuator including at least one aperture of the central aperture set.

6. The wet / dry cleaner of claim 5, wherein, One or more tool alignment walls extend from the tool platform.

7. The wet / dry cleaner of claim 2, wherein, The flexible conduit includes a supply line fluidly coupling the supply tank to the cleaning tool and a recovery line fluidly coupling the recovery tank to the cleaning tool.

8. The wet / dry cleaner of claim 1, wherein, 9. An upright extraction cleaner comprising: a surface cleaning head; an upright section pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head; a supply tank configured to receive a cleaning fluid, the supply tank having a fluid cavity; a recovery tank; a cleaning tool having a suction inlet; a flexible conduit configured to fluidly couple the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank; and a tool cleaner coupled to the supply tank, the tool cleaner configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw the cleaning fluid from the supply tank into the cleaning tool, the tool cleaner including: a tool platform having one or more fluid apertures; and a tank conduit, the one or more fluid apertures fluidly coupled to the tank conduit, the tank conduit extending into the fluid cavity of the supply tank. The one or more fluid apertures include a central aperture set, a first lateral aperture set disposed on one side of the central aperture set, and a second lateral aperture set disposed on another side of the central aperture set. A common aperture axis passes through at least a portion of each aperture forming the central aperture set, the first lateral aperture set, and the second lateral aperture set.

10. The upright extraction cleaner of claim 9, wherein, The tool cleaner includes a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively transition between an open state and a closed state.

11. The upright extraction cleaner of claim 10, wherein, ​ 12. The upright extraction cleaner of claim 10, wherein, ​ 13. The upright extraction cleaner of claim 12, wherein, The tool platform includes a valve actuator configured to transition the tool cleaner valve from the closed state to the open state, the valve actuator including at least one hole of the central set of holes.

14. The upright extraction cleaner of claim 9, wherein, One or more tool alignment walls extend from the tool platform.

15. A portable extraction cleaner, comprising: a body having a supply receptacle and a recovery receptacle; a handle extending from the body; a supply tank removably received in the supply receptacle and configured to receive a cleaning fluid, the supply tank having a fluid cavity; a recovery tank removably received within the recovery receptacle; a cleaning tool having a suction inlet; a flexible conduit configured to fluidly couple the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank; and a tool cleaner coupled to the supply tank, the tool cleaner configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw the cleaning fluid from the supply tank into the cleaning tool, the tool cleaner including: a tool platform having one or more fluid holes; and a tank conduit to which the one or more fluid holes are fluidly coupled, the tank conduit extending into the fluid cavity of the supply tank. The one or more fluid holes include a central set of holes, a first lateral set of holes disposed on one side of the central set of holes, and a second lateral set of holes disposed on another side of the central set of holes.

16. The portable extraction cleaner of claim 15, wherein, A common hole axis passes through at least a portion of each hole forming the central set of holes, the first lateral set of holes, and the second lateral set of holes.

17. The portable extraction cleaner of claim 16, wherein, The tool cleaner includes a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively transition between an open state and a closed state.

18. The portable extraction cleaner of claim 16, wherein, The tool platform includes a valve actuator configured to transition the tool cleaner valve from the closed state to the open state, the valve actuator including at least one hole of the central set of holes.

19. The portable extraction cleaner of claim 18, wherein, One or more tool alignment walls extend from the tool platform.

20. The portable extraction cleaner of claim 15, wherein, ​

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