Recycle tank

Abstract

Cleaning devices and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a cleaning device includes a head assembly, a body assembly, and a handle assembly. The cleaning device also includes components that enable the cleaning device to operate in a dry cleaning mode and a wet cleaning mode. The dry cleaning mode can employ a vacuum assembly, including a motor, a duct, and a fluid recovery tank, to draw debris and waste into the fluid recovery tank. The wet cleaning mode can also employ a fluid supply tank, a pump, and a duct to supply fluid to the brushroll to aid in the cleaning process.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on April 11, 2024, with application number 202480040179.5 (corresponding PCT application number PCT / US2024 / 024011) and entitled "Recycling Tank".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 140,313, filed April 27, 2023, entitled “Recycling Tank,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 950,942, filed September 22, 2022, entitled “Wet Drying Appliance,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 832,136, filed June 3, 2022, and published November 1, 2022, entitled “Wet Drying Appliance,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 285,867, filed December 3, 2021, entitled “Extraction Cleaner.” The entire contents of these patent applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] A cleaning device is provided that can operate in both wet and dry modes. Background Technology

[0005] Conventional cleaning devices, such as dry and wet vacuum cleaners, use suction to bring in debris and waste to perform cleaning operations. Dry vacuum cleaners operate by using suction and may employ brush rollers or agitators to assist in removing debris and waste from the surface. Wet vacuum cleaners operate by using suction and brush rollers or pads, but they also supply fluid to the surface to be cleaned to assist in removing debris and waste. Fluid supply can occur directly (where fluid is sprayed onto the surface) or indirectly (where fluid is sprayed onto an applicator such as a brush roller). When fluid is sprayed onto a brush roller, the application of fluid can be uneven, resulting in inconsistent surface cleaning.

[0006] When the fluid is applied to the surface, it mixes with debris and waste, and the resulting slurry is drawn into the device using a suction system. Once inside the cleaning device, the fluid may need to be separated from the debris for disposal. Disposal may require complete removal of the fluid recovery tank, as well as disassembly of the tank.

[0007] Therefore, there is still a need to provide a better fluid application method to improve consistent fluid application and to facilitate easy disposal of waste after it has been drawn into a vacuum cleaning device. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A fluid recovery tank is provided for a cleaning device that can operate in both dry and wet cleaning modes.

[0009] In one embodiment, a fluid recovery tank for a cleaning device includes a container having a bottom wall and side walls defining an inner chamber therein, the top of the container being open, and a fluid inlet included in the bottom wall. The fluid recovery tank also includes a separator fixedly and immovably disposed within the chamber, the separator dividing the chamber into an upper portion and a lower portion, and the separator being configured to retain solid debris within the upper portion while allowing liquid to flow through it into the lower portion. The fluid recovery tank also includes a removable hood disposed within the open top, and a hollow riser extending from the fluid inlet in the bottom wall toward the hood and through an opening in the separator for conveying fluid and debris to the upper portion of the chamber.

[0010] In another embodiment, the bottom wall of the fluid recovery tank includes a removable portion. In yet another embodiment, a hollow riser is attached to the removable portion and can be removed together with it.

[0011] In another embodiment, the separator includes a lower surface spaced apart from the bottom wall of the shroud and container, the lower surface of the separator having openings formed therein to allow fluid to pass through while substantially preventing solid debris from passing through.

[0012] In another embodiment, the fluid recovery tank further includes a pouring port in the hood, the pouring port being configured to allow fluid from the lower portion to pass through therethrough. In another embodiment, the separator includes a sidewall having channels formed therein and aligned with the pouring port to allow fluid to flow from the container out of the pouring port. In another embodiment, the pouring port is configured to be in the open position when the hood is in both the open and closed positions.

[0013] In another embodiment, the shroud includes a removable filter disposed therein to allow suction to be applied through the removable filter.

[0014] In another embodiment, the fluid recovery tank also includes a spring-biased latch movably mounted on the outer surface of the container.

[0015] In another implementation, the container is transparent.

[0016] In another aspect, a fluid recovery tank for a cleaning device is provided. In one embodiment, the fluid recovery tank includes a container having: a bottom wall having a fluid inlet therein; at least one side wall extending from the bottom wall and defining an inner chamber together with the bottom wall; and a separator fixed to the at least one side wall and extending across the inner chamber such that the separator divides the inner chamber into an upper portion and a lower portion. The fluid recovery container also includes a cover removably disposed within an open top of the container and a base removably disposed within the bottom wall and having a hollow riser extending upward therethrough, the hollow riser extending through an opening in the separator when the base is disposed within the bottom wall.

[0017] In another embodiment, the separator is integral with the container. In yet another embodiment, the separator includes a lower surface spaced apart from the bottom wall of the shroud and the container, the lower surface of the separator having openings formed therein to allow fluid to pass through while substantially preventing solid debris from passing through.

[0018] In another embodiment, the fluid recovery tank further includes a pouring port in the hood to allow fluid from the lower portion to pass through. In another embodiment, the separator includes a sidewall having a channel formed therein and aligned with the pouring port to allow fluid to flow from the container out of the pouring port. In another embodiment, the pouring port is configured to be in the open position when the hood is in the open and closed positions.

[0019] In another embodiment, the shroud includes a removable filter disposed therein to allow suction to be applied through the removable filter.

[0020] In another embodiment, the fluid recovery tank also includes a spring-biased latch movably mounted on the outer surface of the container.

[0021] In another implementation, the container is transparent.

[0022] Details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Further features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0023] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1A This is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the cleaning device;

[0025] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Front view of the cleaning device;

[0026] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A Right side view of the cleaning device;

[0027] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the cleaning device from the right side;

[0028] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of the head assembly of the cleaning device;

[0029] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A The right-hand view of the header component;

[0030] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A The front view of the header component;

[0031] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A The bottom view of the header component;

[0032] Figure 2E yes Figure 2A A sectional side view of the head component;

[0033] Figure 2F yes Figure 2A A front 3D view of the header component, in which the connecting components have been removed;

[0034] Figure 2G yes Figure 2F A front perspective view of the head assembly, in which the brush roller has been removed and the right support structure is shown;

[0035] Figure 2H yes Figure 2F A front perspective view of the head assembly, in which the brush roller has been removed and the left support structure is shown;

[0036] Figure 3A Is Figure 1A A right front perspective view of the brush rollers used in the cleaning device;

[0037] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A three-dimensional view of the left rear of the brush roller;

[0038] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A Right side view of the brush roller;

[0039] Figure 3D yes Figure 3A Left side view of the brush roller;

[0040] Figure 4A This is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the brush roller;

[0041] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Right side view of the brush roller;

[0042] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A partial left-side 3D view of the brush roller;

[0043] Figure 4D yes Figure 4A A partial cross-sectional view of the brush roller;

[0044] Figure 5A Is with Figure 2A A front perspective view of the brush roller cover used together with the head assembly;

[0045] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Right side view of the brush roller cover;

[0046] Figure 6A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of the main components of the cleaning device;

[0047] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A The right-side view of the main component;

[0048] Figure 6C yes Figure 6A The front view of the main component;

[0049] Figure 6D yes Figure 6A A sectional side view of the main components;

[0050] Figure 7A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of the handle assembly of the cleaning device;

[0051] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A The right side view of the handle component;

[0052] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A Front view of the handle assembly;

[0053] Figure 7D yes Figure 7A A sectional side view of the handle assembly;

[0054] Figure 8A yes Figure 6A A front perspective view of the main components, in which the fluid supply tank and the recovery tank are removed from their respective holding areas;

[0055] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A The front view of the main component;

[0056] Figure 8C yes Figure 8A The right-side view of the main component;

[0057] Figure 8D yes Figure 8A A 3D view of the bottom of the main components;

[0058] Figure 9A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of the motor assembly of the cleaning device;

[0059] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A Right side view of the motor assembly;

[0060] Figure 9C yes Figure 9A Front view of the motor assembly;

[0061] Figure 9D yes Figure 9A Top view of the motor component;

[0062] Figure 9E yes Figure 9A A sectional side view of the motor assembly;

[0063] Figure 10A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of the fluid recovery tank of the cleaning device;

[0064] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A Right side view of the fluid recovery tank;

[0065] Figure 10C yes Figure 10A Front view of the fluid recovery tank;

[0066] Figure 10D yes Figure 10A A cross-sectional side view of the fluid recovery tank;

[0067] Figure 10E yes Figure 10A A front perspective view of the separator in a fluid recovery tank;

[0068] Figure 10F yes Figure 10E A three-dimensional view of the rear side of the separator;

[0069] Figure 10G yes Figure 10E Bottom view of the separator;

[0070] Figure 10H yes Figure 10E A partial cross-sectional view of the separator;

[0071] Figure 10Iyes Figure 10A A three-dimensional view of the cover of the fluid recovery tank;

[0072] Figure 10J yes Figure 10I An exploded view of the cover;

[0073] Figure 10K yes Figure 10A A rear perspective view of the latch of the fluid recovery tank;

[0074] Figure 10L yes Figure 10A Exploded view of the fluid recovery tank;

[0075] Figure 11A This is a right-side view of another embodiment of the fluid recovery tank;

[0076] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A A partial left perspective view of the separator in the fluid recovery tank;

[0077] Figure 11C yes Figure 11B A partial front view of the separator;

[0078] Figure 11D It is already installed in the main component of the cleaning device. Figure 11A A front perspective view of the fluid recovery tank;

[0079] Figure 11E yes Figure 11D A partial cross-sectional view of the fluid recovery tank, showing the upper end joined in the main assembly;

[0080] Figure 11F yes Figure 11D A partial cross-sectional view of the fluid recovery tank, showing the lower end joined in the main assembly;

[0081] Figure 11G It is based on Figure 11A A front perspective view of the filter integrated into the main body component in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] Figure 11H It is joined in the main component Figure 11G A partial cross-sectional view of the filter;

[0083] Figure 11I It is detached from the main component. Figure 11G A front perspective view of the filter;

[0084] Figure 12A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of the fluid supply tank of the cleaning device;

[0085] Figure 12B yes Figure 12AFront view of the fluid supply tank;

[0086] Figure 12C yes Figure 12A Right side view of the fluid supply tank;

[0087] Figure 12D yes Figure 12A A cross-sectional side view of the fluid supply tank;

[0088] Figure 12E yes Figure 12A Front perspective sectional view of the fluid supply tank;

[0089] Figure 12F yes Figure 12A Exploded view of the fluid supply tank;

[0090] Figure 13A This is a top view of the head assembly without the upper housing, and shows the components used in wet vacuum mode;

[0091] Figure 13B yes Figure 13A The illustration shows a top view of the pipes, fluid pump, and nozzle;

[0092] Figure 13C yes Figure 13A The front view of the applied surface of the head component;

[0093] Figure 13D yes Figure 13A A partial front 3D view of the right side of the head assembly, where the brush roller has been removed;

[0094] Figure 13E yes Figure 13A A partial front stereoscopic view of the right side of the head component, where the applied surface has been removed;

[0095] Figure 13F yes Figure 13A A partial cross-sectional view of the right side of the head component;

[0096] Figure 13G yes Figure 13A A partial frontal 3D view of the left side of the head assembly;

[0097] Figure 13H yes Figure 13A A partial front stereoscopic view of the left side of the head component, where the applied surface has been removed;

[0098] Figure 13I yes Figure 13A A partial cross-sectional view of the head component;

[0099] Figure 14A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of the nozzle of the cleaning device;

[0100] Figure 14B yes Figure 14A The right-side view of the nozzle;

[0101] Figure 14C yes Figure 14A Front view of the nozzle;

[0102] Figure 14D It includes Figure 14A A partial cross-sectional view of the nozzle head assembly;

[0103] Figure 15A This is a front perspective view of an alternative implementation of the application surface;

[0104] Figure 15B yes Figure 15A The post-solid view of the applied surface;

[0105] Figure 15C yes Figure 15A A partial cross-sectional view of the applied surface;

[0106] Figure 15D It includes Figure 15A A partial cross-sectional view of the head component of the applied surface;

[0107] Figure 16A It is placed on the charging pad Figure 1A Front view of the cleaning device;

[0108] Figure 16B yes Figure 16A A 3D view of the front of the charging pad;

[0109] Figure 16C yes Figure 16A A 3D view of the front of the charging pad;

[0110] Figure 16D yes Figure 16A Front view of the charging pad;

[0111] Figure 16E yes Figure 16A Right side view of the charging pad;

[0112] Figure 16F yes Figure 16A Top view of the charging pad; and

[0113] Figure 16G There is no charging pad. Figure 1A Rear perspective view of the cleaning device;

[0114] Figure 17A This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fluid supply tank;

[0115] Figure 17B yes Figure 17AA partial perspective view of the separator in the fluid supply tank;

[0116] Figure 17C yes Figure 17B Another partial perspective view of the separator;

[0117] Figure 17D yes Figure 17B Another partial perspective view of the separator;

[0118] Figure 18A It has a hollow vertical tube according to another embodiment. Figure 12A Left side view of the fluid supply tank;

[0119] Figure 18B It has a hollow vertical tube according to another embodiment. Figure 12A Left side view of the fluid supply tank;

[0120] Figure 18C It has a hollow vertical tube according to another embodiment. Figure 12A Left side view of the fluid supply tank;

[0121] Figure 18D It has a hollow vertical tube according to another embodiment. Figure 12A Left side view of the fluid supply tank;

[0122] Figure 19A This is a right rear perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid supply tank with an external hollow vertical pipe;

[0123] Figure 19B yes Figure 19A Right side view of the fluid supply tank;

[0124] Figure 20 This is a right-side view of another embodiment of a fluid supply tank with a fixed separator and a pivoting bottom;

[0125] Figure 21 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a head assembly with a passive roller according to another embodiment.

[0126] Figure 22 It is a partial cross-sectional view of a head assembly having a brush roller cover with an arcuate inner extension;

[0127] Figure 23 This is a partial perspective view of the fluid application surface according to another embodiment;

[0128] Figure 24A This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fluid supply tank, wherein the removable bottom of the fluid supply tank is in a removable configuration;

[0129] Figure 24B yes Figure 24AA perspective view of a fluid supply tank, wherein the removable bottom of the fluid supply tank is in an attachment configuration;

[0130] Figure 24C yes Figure 24A A cross-sectional view of a fluid supply tank, wherein the removable bottom of the fluid supply tank is in a removable configuration; and

[0131] Figure 24D yes Figure 24B A cross-sectional view of a fluid supply tank, wherein the removable bottom of the fluid supply tank is in an attachment configuration;

[0132] Note that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0133] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0134] Furthermore, in this disclosure, components with similar names in different embodiments generally have similar features; therefore, in a particular embodiment, the features of components with similar names are not necessarily fully described. Additionally, if linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, apparatus, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, apparatus, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that equivalents of such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined for any geometry.

[0135] A cleaning apparatus is provided, comprising a fluid delivery and recovery system that can be combined with or operate in place of a conventional vacuum mode to improve the cleaning capability of the apparatus. In some exemplary embodiments, the cleaning apparatus includes features that help deliver fluid more uniformly to improve cleaning and aid in the recovery and disposal of fluid and debris (waste). For example, the cleaning apparatus may include features located within a cleaning head assembly that uniformly distribute fluid onto brush rollers, allowing fluid to be applied evenly to the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning apparatus may also include a fluid recovery tank for collecting waste from the surface to be cleaned, and it may include features that help separate debris from the fluid, as well as features that facilitate waste disposal. For example, the fluid recovery tank may include a pouring spout to facilitate the disposal of fluid while retaining debris within the tank. The fluid recovery tank may also include a unique latching mechanism that facilitates removal of the fluid recovery tank from the apparatus without interfering with the suction delivery of the tank and the collection of waste within the tank.

[0136] Now for reference Figures 1A-1D The illustrated cleaning device 10 is an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device 10. The illustrated cleaning device 10 generally includes a head assembly 100, a body assembly 200, a handle assembly 300, and a vacuum assembly 400 (not shown). The cleaning device is shown arranged on top of a charging pad 700, which will be discussed below. As will be explained in detail below, the device 10 also includes a fluid delivery and fluid recovery assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle assembly 300 includes a handle 310 and a lever 320, and the body assembly 200 includes a body housing 210 coupled to the lever 320. The head assembly 100 may be coupled to the body housing 210 opposite to the lever 320. The head assembly 100 may include a head housing 110 and small wheels 112L, 112R (not shown) and large wheels 114L, 114R rotatably coupled to the head housing 110 and configured to allow the cleaning device 10 to roll along a surface, and a brush roller arranged in the head assembly 100 and configured to rotate during operation of the cleaning device 10. Figures 1A-1D (Not shown in the image).

[0137] A vacuum assembly 400 (not shown) is disposed within the head assembly 100 and the main assembly 200, and is capable of sucking in fluids, dirt, debris, and other waste by suction and storing them within the cleaning device 10. In some embodiments, the vacuum assembly 400 may include a motor and a motor fan, as will be discussed in more detail below. The motor and motor fan may be fully housed in a motor housing disposed within the main assembly 200. As will be discussed in more detail below, a hose (not shown) may be coupled to the motor fan and may be arranged to extend through the main assembly 200 to the head assembly 100 to allow the motor to generate suction to draw waste into the device 10. Waste sucked in by the vacuum assembly 400 through the hose (not shown) may be deposited into a removable collection tank disposed within the main assembly, which will also be discussed in more detail below.

[0138] The cleaning device 10 may also include a fluid supply tank 610, which is capable of supplying fluid to the area to be cleaned to aid in the cleaning process. The fluid may be mixed with dirt and debris, and waste may be pumped back into the cleaning device 10 and deposited in the recovery tank 420 by a suction generated by a motor.

[0139] Figures 2A-2H The head component 100 is described in more detail. More specifically, Figures 2A-2E The head assembly 100 includes an articulator 250, which will be described in more detail below, and... Figures 2F-2H A head assembly 100 without the articulated connector 250 is depicted. As shown, the head assembly 100 includes a head housing 110, which is substantially T-shaped when viewed from the bottom, as... Figure 2D As shown. The head assembly 100 may include wheels arranged on the head housing 110 to aid in the movement of the cleaning device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, a set of small wheels 112L, 112R are arranged on the bottom side 110a of the head housing 110 below the left and right portions, respectively, and a set of large wheels 114L, 114R are arranged on the left and right rear sides of the head housing 110, respectively. The small wheels 112L, 112R and the large wheels 114L, 114R all rotate to allow manipulation of the cleaning device 10 on surfaces.

[0140] Figure 2E A cross-section of the head assembly 100 is shown, in which the hose 230 extends from the front of the head assembly and passes upward through the articulated connector. The hose 230 will be discussed in more detail below regarding the vacuum assembly and dry and wet cleaning operations.

[0141] Figure 2G and Figure 2HA head assembly 100 is shown with the brush roller cover 140 and brush roller 150 removed, providing a more detailed view of the internal form of the head housing 110. A cover support 116 is located on the upper portion of the front side 110d of the head housing 110, and the cover support can removably receive the brush roller cover 140. A cover button 118 is located behind the cover support 116 on the top side 110b of the head housing 110, and the cover button can be actuated to release the brush cover 140 mounted to the head housing 110, thereby enabling the removal of the brush cover 140. Brush roller supports 120L, 120R extend from the front side 110e of the head housing 110, particularly as... Figure 2G and Figure 2H As seen, the brush roller supports hold the brush roller 150 in place for use during cleaning operations. The left brush roller support 120L and the right brush roller support 120R extend from the front side 120e of the head housing 110. The left support 120L and the right support 120R each have rounded top edges 120La, 120Ra and substantially flat bottom edges 120Lb, 120Rb. Brush roller support structures 122L, 122R are located on the inner surfaces 120Lc, 120Rc of both the left support 120L and the right support 120R. Figure 2G As shown, the left support structure 122L includes a circular notch portion 122La capable of receiving a complementary structure on the brush roller 150, and the right support structure 120R includes a rotatably coupled extension 122Ra having a geometric interface capable of engaging with a corresponding geometric notch on the brush roller 150.

[0142] The head assembly may also include a light source 119 disposed at the front of the left support structure 120L and the right support structure 120R, which can be used to illuminate the surface to be cleaned to aid in the cleaning process. The light source 119 can be any known type of light source, including light-emitting diodes, etc.

[0143] Similarly, Figure 2G and Figure 2H As depicted, the fluid application surface 624 is located on the front side 110e of the head housing 110. The fluid application surface 624 has a generally semi-cylindrical concave shape such that when the brush roller 150 is mounted between the left support 120L and the right support 120R, the fluid application surface 624 at least partially surrounds the outside of the brush roller 150. The fluid application surface 624 occupies the upper half of the front side 110e of the head housing 110. One or more nozzles 630 and deflectors 640 may be arranged on the fluid application surface 624. The following will discuss... Figures 13A-14C The nozzle 630 and deflector 640 will be discussed in more detail.

[0144] The air intake surface 124 is located below the fluid application surface 624 and occupies the lower half of the front side 110e of the head housing 110. The air intake surface includes a recessed front surface leading to a central air intake 126. The left side 124L and right side 124R of the air intake surface 124 may be angled inward and lead to the central air intake 126 itself. The central air intake 126 forms a suction inlet, which generally allows dirt, debris, and waste to be brought into the cleaning device 10, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0145] The flexible guide 128 is located at the lower edge of the front side 110e of the head housing 110 below the air intake surface 124. The flexible guide 128 can gradually slope upwards and backwards from the front side 110e, and it can extend the entire width of the front side 110e between the left support 120L and the right support 120R. The flexible guide 128 is formed such that in the neutral position, the guide 128 is located on the bottom side 110a of the head housing 110 (this is especially true in...). Figure 2B and Figure 2E (See below) As a result, when the cleaning device 10 is placed on the surface, the flexible guide 128 is biased against the surface, thereby allowing waste to be supplied toward the air intake surface 124 without leaving a gap for waste to avoid the cleaning device 10.

[0146] Figures 3A-3D An embodiment of the brush roller 150 is shown, which can be received in... Figures 2A-2H The left support structure 120L and the right support structure 120R are depicted in the image. In various cleaning operations, the brush roller 150 is configured to rotate to loosen waste deposited on the surface to be cleaned. The brush roller 150 is also capable of guiding waste into the cleaning apparatus. While the construction of the brush roller 150 can vary, in one embodiment, the brush roller 150 can have a substantially elongated cylindrical shape and can include a central pin 152 and cleaning material 154 surrounding the pin 152. The pin 152 can be cylindrical, having a right end 152R and a left end 152L, and can be made of a rigid material (e.g., hard plastic, metal, rubber, or combinations thereof) to provide some support to the brush roller 150. The cleaning material 154 is attached to the outer surface of the pin 152 along its entire length and can be made individually or in some combination of various cleaning materials such as microfibers, bristles, or other materials known in the art. Furthermore, the cleaning material 154 can be arranged on the outer surface of the pin 152 in various configurations, and it can be formed from one or more materials that can be mixed or separated into specific areas.

[0147] As previously described, the brush roller 150 includes structures that can be held by the left support structure 120L and the right support structure 120R of the head assembly 110. These structures may be located on or extend from the right end 152R and the left end 152L of the pin 152. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The right end 152R of pin 152 is shown in more detail. The right end 152 of pin 152 includes a notch 156 with a geometric pattern corresponding to the geometric interface of the protrusion 122Ra on the right support structure 120R. This geometric design provides a frictional engagement between the protrusion 122Ra and the brush roller 150, such that during cleaning operations, when the protrusion 122Ra is rotatably driven, the brush roller 150 will also rotate. Figure 3C and Figure 3D The left end 152L of pin 152 is shown in more detail. The left end 152L of pin 152 includes an extension or tab 158 rotatably coupled to the left end 152L and configured to be received within a circular notch 122La of the left support structure 120L of the head assembly 110. When not in use, the tab 158 can be gripped by the user, and the brush roller 150 can be removed from the left support structure 120L and the right support structure 120R, such as for inspection, maintenance, or replacement.

[0148] Figures 4A-4D Another embodiment of the brush roller is described. For example... Figure 4A As shown, the brush roller 160 has the same... Figures 3A-3D The brush roller 150 depicted has a similar structure, therefore elements having similar structure and operation will not be described in detail. Typically, the brush roller 160 is substantially cylindrical in shape and includes a central pin 162 surrounded by cleaning material 164. The brush roller 160 also includes a propeller 166, which is fixed to the central pin 162 and wound around the outer surface of the pin 162. The propeller 166 extends radially beyond the cleaning material 164, as shown in... Figure 4A and Figure 4B As can be seen in the image. The paddle 164 may be made of any suitable material and may include, for example, rubber, plastic or other similar materials, and with this structure, in operation, the paddle 164 can bend and flex upon impact with the cleaning surface in order to drive dirt, debris and waste into the cleaning device 10.

[0149] A structure that can mate with a corresponding structure on the head assembly 100' (not shown) is located on the outer surface of the brush roller 160, similar to the brush roller 150. For example, Figure 4B The right side 162R is depicted with a geometric interface that can connect to the top. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The structure seen in the image operates similarly. On the left side 162L, the brush roller 160 includes a circular protrusion 168, which can be received by a corresponding structure located on the brush roller support (not shown). Figure 4DA partial cross-sectional view of a protrusion 168 is depicted, which is biased to an extended position by a spring 170. The end of the protrusion 168 is shaped to mate with a brush support and secure the brush roller 160, such that during cleaning operations, the brush roller 160 can rotate to drive dirt, debris, and waste into the cleaning device 10.

[0150] As described above, the head assembly 100 also includes a brush roller cover 140 that is removably attached to the top side 110b of the head housing 110. Figures 5A-5B An embodiment of a brush roller cover 140 is shown, which can be fixed to the head assembly 110 to cover the brush rollers 150, 160 in order to prevent splashing and spraying from the brush rollers 150, 160 during operation.

[0151] The brush roller cover 140 is shaped to extend the entire width of the head housing 110 between the left side 110c and the right side 110d, and it extends from the top side 110b of the head housing 110 above the rounded top edge 120La of the left support structure 120L and the rounded top edge 120Ra of the right support structure 120R, and terminates directly above the surface on which the cleaning device 10 rests. This configuration of the brush roller cover 140 allows for... Figure 2A , Figure 2C and Figure 2F As seen in the image, the brush roller cover 140 extends almost flush with the bottom side 110a of the head housing 110, creating a small gap to allow waste to be introduced into the cleaning device 10 during cleaning. As described above, the brush roller cover 140 can be removably attached to the head housing 110 at the top side 110b via a cover support 116. The brush roller cover 140 can also be attached to the head housing 110 via a hinge (not shown), allowing the cover 140 to provide easy access to the brush roller 160.

[0152] Now refer to 6A- Figure 8D It shows various views and components of an embodiment of the main component 200 of the cleaning device 10.

[0153] The main body assembly 200 can be operatively connected to the head assembly 100 via a joint connector 250. (See also:) Figures 2A-2D Introduced and as in Figures 6A-6DThe articulated connector 250, shown again, is attached to the bottom of the body assembly 200 and can be at least partially disposed within the head assembly 100. The illustrated articulated connector 250 is configured to articulate about two degrees of freedom. The articulated connector 250 has a housing 252 having a generally elliptical cross-section that tapers upwards to become larger, ultimately conforming to the dimensions of the body assembly 200. A first articulated connection point 254, allowing articulation about the first degree of freedom, is mounted within the head assembly 100. The first articulated connection point 254 allows the body assembly 200 to pivot between a forward and a rearward direction, as... Figures 6A-6D As indicated by arrow AA. The second articulated connection point 256, located above the first articulated connection point 254, allows the main body assembly 200 to pivot between the left and right directions, as shown in the image. Figure 2A As indicated by arrow BB in the diagram. One or two articulated connection points 254, 256 can be articulated at a given time. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the body assembly 200 can articulate about any number of articulated connection points with any number of degrees of freedom.

[0154] The main body assembly 200 includes a main body housing 210 having a generally cylindrical shape with an elliptical cross-section. The main body housing 210 includes a housing base 210a coupled to the articulated connector 250, a rounded front side 210b and a rounded rear side 210c extending upward from the housing base 210a, and a top side 210d. In the illustrated embodiment, the top side 210d of the main body housing 210 is substantially flat and slopes downward at an angle from the rear side 210c to the front side 210b. The top side 210d of the main body housing 210 is coupled to a handle assembly 300, which extends from the main body assembly 200 in a direction opposite to that of the head assembly 100.

[0155] Figures 7A-7DThe handle assembly is shown in more detail, including a handle 310 coupled to a lever 320. The illustrated handle 310 has a generally trapezoidal handle frame 312 surrounding an internal handle hole 314. The illustrated handle frame 312 has a generally flat bottom section 312a, and a front section 312b and a rear section 312c extending upwards from the bottom section 312a at a generally right angle relative to the bottom section 312a. The front section 312b is shorter than the rear section 312c, and the tops of each of the front section 312b and the rear section 312c are connected by a top section 312d. Due to the height difference between the front section 312b and the rear section 312c, the top section 312d is angled downwards toward the front section 312b. The handle 312 also includes a power button 330 located on the upper exterior of the front section 312b and an area blanket button 340 located on the front exterior of the top section 312d. The functions of these buttons will be described in more detail below.

[0156] The illustrated handle assembly 300 also includes a rod 320 disposed between the lower side of the bottom section 312a of the handle 312 and the top side 210d of the main body housing 210. The rod 320 is substantially linear and has a nearly flat back surface 322 and a rounded front surface 324, such that the rod 320 has a substantially semi-circular cross-section. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the handle assembly can have a variety of other configurations.

[0157] Referring again to the main body assembly 200, the main body housing 210 includes a first cavity 210e and a second cavity 210f for receiving components of the cleaning device 10. Figures 6A-6D As shown, the dimensions of the first cavity 210e and the second cavity 210f are set to receive the recovery tank 420 and the fluid supply tank 610 respectively, such that when held in their respective cavities, the recovery tank 420 and the fluid supply tank 610 are shaped into an integral cylindrical shape conforming to the main body assembly 200.

[0158] Figures 8A-8DThe main body assembly 200 is shown, wherein the recovery tank 420 and the fluid supply tank 610 are removed from the first chamber 210e and the second chamber 210f, respectively. The first chamber 210e, located in the lower front side 210b of the main body housing 210, is sized to removably receive the recovery tank 420 such that, when held in the first chamber 210e, the recovery tank 420 occupies the entire lower region of the front side 210b of the main body housing 210. The first chamber 210e may include a seal 214 disposed on the upper side of the first chamber 210e and configured to partially seal against the upper portion of the held recovery tank 420. A separator 216 is located adjacent to the seal 214. The separator 216 may be porous to allow air to flow through the system during dry and wet cleaning operations, as will be described in more detail below. After actuation of the latch assembly 460 (not shown) extending outward from the upper portion of the recovery tank 420, the recovery tank 420 can be removed from the main housing 210, releasing the recovery tank 420 from engagement with the retaining slot 218 positioned towards the front of the first cavity 210e. A second cavity 210f, located in the upper front portion 210b of the main housing and occupying most of the top side 210d, receives the fluid supply tank 610 for wet cleaning processes. A fluid tank switch 212 is arranged in the top side 210d of the main housing 210 between the second cavities 210f. When the fluid tank switch 212 is actuated, the tank engagement feature 211 retracts into the main housing 210, and the fluid supply tank 610 can be removed from the second cavity 210f. The recovery tank 420 and the fluid supply tank 610 will be described in more detail below regarding the cleaning processes that the cleaning device 10 can perform.

[0159] As previously described, the cleaning device 10 can operate in both wet and dry cleaning modes. Dry cleaning modes typically include those associated with conventional vacuuming operations, such as vacuuming on hard surfaces or softer surfaces like carpets. Dry cleaning modes rely on suction to bring dirt and debris into the cleaning device for disposal. In some dry cleaning modes, brush rollers may rotate to agitate debris and waste on the cleaning surface. The brush rollers loosen dirt and debris while directing them toward the suction inlet of the cleaning device. In other dry cleaning modes, the brush rollers do not rotate; instead, suction alone forces dirt and debris into the cleaning device. Wet cleaning modes typically include a cleaning device that supplies fluid directly or indirectly to the surface to aid in cleaning. The supplied fluid can loosen dirt and debris adhering to the surface, and the soiled fluid can be brought into the cleaning device via suction or other means. In some wet cleaning modes, similar to some of the dry cleaning modes described above, brush rollers may further assist in loosening dirt and debris from the surface and directing it toward the suction inlet. In these wet cleaning modes, fluid can be supplied directly to the brush rollers to apply fluid to the surface while agitating dirt and debris found on it. In other wet cleaning modes, fluid can be supplied directly to the surface and the brush rollers can agitate and wet the surface. In other modes, fluid can be supplied directly to the surface and the brush rollers can remain stationary, thus cleaning the surface using only fluid and suction.

[0160] Wet and dry cleaning modes may rely on the vacuum assembly 400. In an exemplary embodiment, the vacuum assembly 400 includes a motor assembly 410, a recovery tank 420, and a hose 230 connected to an air inlet (e.g., a central air inlet 126), which together can operate to draw waste into the cleaning device 10.

[0161] Figures 9A-9EA motor assembly 410 according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted. The motor assembly 410 is configured to be disposed within a main housing 210, below the fluid supply tank 610 and the handle lever 320, and above the recovery tank 420. The illustrated motor assembly 410 includes a motor 412 and a fan 414 encapsulated within a motor housing 416. The motor housing 416 is divided into a lower motor housing portion 416a and an upper motor housing portion 416b coupled to or integrally formed with the lower motor housing 416a, and the motor 412 and motor fan 414 are housed between them. A left vent 418L and a right vent 418R are located in the upper portion of the upper motor housing portion 416b, allowing air drawn into the cleaning device 10 to exit from the rear side 210c of the main housing 210. When joined together, the lower motor housing 416a and the upper motor housing 416b substantially surround the motor 412 and fan 414 and isolate them from the rest of the cleaning device 10. The motor assembly 410 is located on top of the partition 216 arranged within the main body assembly 200. Especially in Figure 8D The separator 216 can be seen, and it includes multiple holes that allow air to flow through the separator 216 to facilitate various cleaning operations that rely on suction. Furthermore, the separator 216 forms the upper portion of the first chamber 210e of the receiving fluid recovery tank 420.

[0162] Now for reference Figures 10A-10L An exemplary embodiment of a recycling tank 420 is shown. As described above, the recycling tank 420 can be removably held in a first cavity 210e within the main housing 210. The illustrated recycling tank 420 typically includes a container 422, a separator 440, a cover 460, and a latch assembly 470.

[0163] Figures 10A-10D and Figure 10L A container 422 is depicted relative to the rest of the recovery tank 420. Container 422 has a bottom surface 422a and sidewalls 422b extending upward from the bottom surface 422a. As previously described, the container sidewalls 422b may have a rounded front face 422c to conform to the generally cylindrical shape of the main body shell 210. The back face 422d of the sidewalls 422b may be generally flat. At the upper extent, the container may have a top end 422e, which is open and capable of receiving a separator 440 therein. The top end 422e may slope from the front and extend downward toward the back face 422d of the sidewalls 422b. Container 422 may also include an inlet on the bottom surface in the form of a hollow riser 424 extending almost the entire height of container 422. The upper extent of the hollow riser is open to allow fluid to enter container 422. The hollow vertical tube 424 can be arranged behind the center of the bottom surface 422a, closer to the back side 422d of the side wall 422b.

[0164] Figures 10E-10H A separator 440, separate from the rest of the recycling tank 420, is shown. The separator 440 can be received within the top 422e of the container and can extend downwards from the top 422e into the container 422 such that the lower end 440a of the separator 440 extends downwards beyond the upper end of the riser 424 to above the bottom surface 422a of the container 422. The lower end 440a of the separator 440 can be shaped to allow the riser 424 to extend through the opening 440b while surrounding the riser 424. The lower end 440a of the separator 440 can also be inclined, similar to the top 422e of the container 422; however, the lower end 440a of the separator 440 can slope downwards from the back 422d of the container sidewall 422b towards the front 422c, reaching its lowest point at the discharge port 442, a distance from the front 422c. A secondary ramp 444 can extend from the front 422c of the sidewall 422b to the discharge port 442. Figure 10G As shown in the bottom view, the discharge port 442 itself can be in the form of a slot in the lower end 440a of the separator 440, which extends substantially the entire width of the separator. Multiple ridges 446 defining a channel 447 on either side of the discharge port 442 can be used to capture and retain large debris, but still allow fluid to pass through the discharge port 442. Figure 10H This is a cross-sectional view of separator 440, with the plane of the cross-section located within discharge port 442 to provide a view of the plurality of ridges 446. In this view, it can be seen that the ridges 446 form a wavy pattern, so larger debris will not completely block the path to the discharge port, as fluid and smaller particles can still enter the channel 447. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the discharge port and ridges can have a variety of other configurations, and the separator can include any number of discharge ports.

[0165] The illustrated separator 440 also includes a first deflector 448a and a second deflector 448b extending downward within the container 422. The first deflector 448a extends downward to partially cover the upper portion of the riser 424. The first deflector 448a is curved and shaped like a quarter tube to extend forward above and across the upper portion of the riser 424. The second deflector 448b extends downward at a downward angle from the front side of the riser 424 and extends above the discharge port 442. The first deflector 448a and the second deflector 448b are configured to mitigate the effects of backsplashing and prevent fluid and debris from approaching the top 422e of the container 422. In other embodiments, the deflectors 448a, 448b may take other forms, and they may extend at different angles, in different shapes, or in different regions of the container 422 as needed.

[0166] A first level detector 449a and a second level detector 449b, extending downwards from the separator 440, are located on the lower side of the separator 440. The level detectors 449a and 449b are configured to sense when the fluid level reaches a predetermined threshold and, when the predetermined threshold is reached, send a signal to the cleaning device 10 to display an alarm. In an exemplary embodiment, the first level detector 449a and the second level detector 449b have exposed electrical contacts that, when immersed in the fluid, form a circuit and send a signal to the cleaning device 10 to display an alarm message indicating that the recovery tank 420 can be emptied. In other embodiments, other level detector configurations, such as floats, displacers, or others, may be used.

[0167] The separator 440 near the top 422e of the container 422 may also include two openings: a nozzle 450 and a shroud opening 452. The illustrated nozzle 450 is arranged in the rear region of the separator 440 and has a curved lip 454 in its rear region to allow controlled disposal of the fluid captured by the recovery tank 420. The nozzle 450 is connected to the shroud opening formed on the rear side of the separator. Figure 10D The illustrated channel 451 is aligned such that a fluid flow path is defined between the rear of the separator 440 and the container 422 to allow fluid to flow through it. When the recovery tank 420 is held within the main housing 210, the nozzle 450 is pressed against a seal 214 disposed on the main housing 210 near the separator 216 to prevent premature discharge of fluid from the recovery tank 420. When the recovery tank 420 is removed from the main housing 210, the nozzle 450 opens and allows the user to invert the container 422 to pour fluid out of the nozzle. A shroud opening 452 is positioned adjacent to the nozzle 450, closer to the front sidewall 422b of the container 422. The shroud opening 452 is sized to securely receive a shroud 460, which can be removed from the shroud opening 452 when the recovery tank 420 is not held within the main housing 210.

[0168] exist Figure 10I and Figure 10JThe shroud 460, most clearly shown, can be formed to fit within a shroud opening 452. In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud 460 is generally semi-elliptical in shape and angled to align with the slope of the shroud opening 452. The shroud 460 includes a frame 462 having a top support 462a, an open bottom 462b, an inner surface 462c, and an outer surface 462d. The outer surface 462d of the main frame 462 includes a plurality of grooves 464 that align with the ridge 452a of the shroud opening 452 and prevent the shroud 460 from being over-inserted into the shroud opening 452. A mesh structure 466 can be hinged to the open bottom 462b of the frame 462. The mesh structure 466 can have a first porosity that can be used to prevent large particles from passing through the shroud 460 while still allowing air to pass through. The mesh 466 can be made of plastic, but in other embodiments, the mesh 466 can be made of various materials, including metals, rubber, or other materials known in the art. Filter material 467 is housed within frame 462, and the size of the filter material is configured to fill the entire frame 462. In an exemplary embodiment, filter material 467 is made of a foam-like material having a second porosity that is less than the first porosity of mesh 466. In other embodiments, filter material 467 may be made of other materials that can be used as filters, such as various pulps, plastics, sponges, or other materials known in the art. Filter material 467 may also have a different porosity, which may be less than, greater than, or equal to the porosity of mesh 466, and this porosity may vary depending on the type of substance to be filtered. In the illustrated embodiment, the smaller porosity of filter material 467 prevents other particles that may not be blocked by mesh 466 from escaping from the recovery tank 420. Top support 462a covers the top of frame 462, and in an exemplary embodiment, top support 462a is a support to prevent misalignment of filter material 467 within frame 462. The central portion of top support 462a includes a handle 463 to assist in removing hood 460 from hood opening 452. Gasket 468 surrounds the periphery of the top support 462a and extends beyond the frame boundary, facilitating the sealing of hood 460 into hood opening 452. In this way, when the hood is positioned in hood opening 462, fluid cannot pass around hood 460 but must instead pass through mesh 466 and filter material 467. When recovery tank 420 is held within the main housing 210, such as... Figures 6A-6D As depicted, the cover 460 presses against the partition 216, allowing the container 422 and the motor assembly 410 to be in fluid communication with each other.

[0169] A latch assembly 470 extends from the front sidewall 422b of the recycling tank 420 and forms part of the container top 422e. The latch assembly 470 is used to secure the recycling tank 420 within the main housing 210, and it can be actuated to allow removal of the recycling tank 420 from a first region 410e of the housing body 410. The illustrated latch assembly 470 includes a latch seat 472 serving as a housing, which extends from the container sidewall 422b in the form of an arcuate projection. In this way, the latch is completely disposed outside the container 422. The latch seat 472 is hollow and defines a recess 472a, as... Figure 10D As shown, it receives a latch 474 and a spring 475. The spring 475 is centrally positioned in the latch seat 472, and the latch 474 is positioned above the spring 475 in the latch seat 472, such that the latch 474 is biased to an elevated position and lifted by the spring force of the spring 475.

[0170] Latch 474 itself (in) Figures 10A-10D and 10K- Figure 10L As shown in the text, especially Figure 10K The device has an upper arcuate protrusion 476 that extends from the latch seat 472 and over the upper portion of the container 422 and the separator 440. An engagement feature 478 extends inward from the arcuate protrusion 476 and also from the latch seat 472. The engagement feature can be received in a complementary slot 218 on the main housing 210 to retain the recovery container 420. Both the latch 474 and the latch seat 474 are curved to align with the contour of the container 422 and, consequently, with the contour of the cleaning device 10. Actuation of the latch 474 counteracts a spring force and drives the latch 474 downward into the latch seat 472. When the latch 474 is no longer actuated, the spring force returns the latch 474 to an upward position, extending over the latch seat 472 and over the container 422, thereby also extending the engagement feature 478 into the complementary slot 218. Thus, the latch is spring-biased to a locked position. In this way, the latch 474 moves vertically upward and downward without moving laterally within the latch seat 472, while remaining parallel to or substantially parallel to the top of the container 422. Furthermore, in the upward or downward position, the latch 474 extends above the top of the container 422. Although the exemplary embodiment depicts the latch 474 as described above, other embodiments may use alternative structures (such as sliding mechanisms, clips, knobs, or other devices known in the art) to secure the recycling can 420 within the main housing 210.

[0171] When the recovery tank 420 is installed within the main housing 210, a hose 230 extending between the main assembly and the head assembly allows fluid and debris to be delivered to the recovery tank 420. Specifically, the hose 230 may be located in the lower portion of the main housing, centrally positioned below the recovery tank 420, and may be configured to fluidly connect to the outside of the riser 424 and provide a fluid communication path between the container 422 and the central air inlet 126 in the head assembly 100. The hose 230 is flexible so as not to impede the fully articulated connection between the head assembly and the main assembly at the articulated connector. When the recovery tank 420 is held within the main housing 210, the upper end of the hose 230 contacts the lower end of the container 422 and forms a substantially sealed area around the inlet. Therefore, when the recovery tank 420 is held within the main housing 210, the central air inlet 126 is in fluid communication with the recovery tank 420.

[0172] When the recovery tank 420 is held within the main housing 210, the cover is aligned with the partition 216 and is thus in fluid communication with the motor and the suction path by means of the holes contained in the partition.

[0173] When operating in dry cleaning mode, the sub-components of the vacuum assembly 400 work together to allow debris to be drawn into the cleaning device 10 for disposal. In dry cleaning mode, the motor assembly 410 rotates via the motor fan 414 to draw air in through the central air inlet 126 located in the head assembly 100. The air flows into the central air inlet 126 in the head assembly 100 and upwards through the hose 230, as described above. Figure 2E As described above, the airflow enters container 422 of the recycling tank 420. When the cleaning device 10 passes near the waste and debris, the suction generated by the motor assembly 410 draws the waste and debris into the vacuum assembly, where they enter container 422 within the recycling tank 420. The airflow then passes through mesh 466 and filter material 467, exiting the recycling tank 420 through hood 460, where it enters the motor assembly 410. However, the mesh 466 and filter material 467 of hood 460 do not allow waste and debris to pass through, thus retaining them in container 422 until disposal. Finally, the airflow exits from the rear exhaust ports 418L and 418R of the motor assembly 410 through the rear side 210c of the main housing 210.

[0174] Those skilled in the art will understand that recycling tanks can have a variety of other configurations. Figures 11A-11H and Figures 17A-20 Embodiments of recycling tanks with various constructions, features, and configurations are described. (This is in contrast to the above-mentioned...) Figures 10A-10L Features similar to those described in the implementation methods will not be described again.

[0175] Figures 11A-11CA recovery tank 520 is shown, which typically includes a container 522 and a separator 540. The recovery tank 520 can be held within the main body assembly 210' of the cleaning device 10, making it usable in cleaning processes as described above. In this embodiment, the separator 540 is sized to be positioned around a riser 524 while occupying the entire width of the container 522. The riser 524 is received within a central shaft 540b built into the separator 540 itself, which leads to an upper deflector 548 in the form of a quarter-tube structure. Similar to those previously described, fluid detection electrodes 549a, 549b are located on opposite sides of the central shaft. The separator 540 includes a flat bottom 540a and a porous rear side 540c, which allows fluid and smaller particles to pass through while retaining larger particles.

[0176] In other respects, the recovery tank 520 may not have a built-in shroud or filter system; instead, these components can be held directly within the main assembly 210' of the cleaning device 10. When the recovery system 520 is held within the main assembly 210', the components can interact to capture dirt, debris, and waste while allowing air to flow freely through the system and facilitating suction.

[0177] During the cleaning process, when the liquid level in the recovery tank 510 rises to a predetermined threshold to contact electrodes 549a and 549b, the cleaning device 10 can measure the decrease in resistance across electrodes 549a and 549b and warn the user of the detected liquid level. The cleaning device 10 can also interrupt the cleaning process and prevent further cleaning until electrodes 549a and 549b no longer detect a liquid level exceeding the predetermined threshold. Similar to the above regarding... Figures 10A-10L In the described implementation, when the captured dirt, debris, and waste are disposed of, the separated liquid slurry can be emptied through a built-in pouring nozzle 550 located at the top of the recovery tank 520. The separator 540 can then be removed, and consequently, particles that are too large to pass through the separator 540 can be easily disposed of.

[0178] Figure 11D A recycling can 520 is shown held within the main body assembly 210'. A handle 570 extends outward from the container 522 to allow the recycling can 520 to be pulled and removed from its held position. When held, the upper end of the separator 540 of the recycling can 520 abuts against a holding feature located within the main body assembly 210', as shown. Figure 11E As shown. At the lower end of separator 540, main assembly 210' interacts with container 522 to create a fluid path into container 522 through riser 524, as... Figure 11F As shown.

[0179] Figures 11G-11IThe retention and removal process of filter 560 is illustrated. The illustrated filter 560 is held in a slot 552 such that it is arranged above a retaining recovery tank 520. Figure 11H As depicted, filter 560 mates with filter retainer feature 562 to secure it in place. Filter 560 also includes a leading edge 564 to aid in removal; when recycling tank 520 is held within body assembly 210', the leading edge 564 is blocked by an extension 521 located on recycling tank 520, as... Figure 11D As shown. When the recycling tank 520 is not held, the slot 552 is accessible to the user and can be used to remove the filter 560, as shown. Figure 11I As shown.

[0180] Figures 17A-17D Another embodiment of the recovery tank 810 is depicted, having the same construction as the recovery tank 520, but including a peripheral seal 814 extending around the outer peripheral region of the separator 812. The peripheral seal 814 can be made of various materials, such as rubber, plastic, elastic, or other materials. When placed within a container 816 with a cover 815, the peripheral seal 814 can close any gaps left between the separator 812 and the sidewalls of the container 816, thereby preventing fluid and / or debris from passing around the separator 812. In other words, a watertight seal is formed. In operation, fluid and debris drawn into the container 816 must pass through the separator 812 via the discharge port 818, rather than being prevented from being separated. Similar to the embodiment described above, the separator 812 also includes a deflector 819 in the form of a wedge-shaped protrusion. While the deflector 819 can have any form or orientation, it is shown angled downwards towards the region facing the discharge port 818. When fluid and debris are pumped into the recovery tank 810, the deflector 819 can help prevent the fluid and debris from impacting unwanted areas of the recovery tank 810, such as the hood 815.

[0181] Figures 18A-18D Other embodiments of the recovery tanks 820a-d are shown, each having a similar construction to recovery tank 420, but with hollow risers positioned at various locations. When coupled to a cleaning device (e.g., cleaning device 10) for various cleaning operations (such as those described herein), the recovery tanks 820a-d can be received by complementary structures located on the cleaning device (not shown). In this configuration, fluids and debris can still enter the recovery tank via the hollow risers, and the overall operation of the recovery assembly 820a-d can occur in a substantially similar manner to that described previously with respect to the various embodiments detailed above.

[0182] Figure 18A A recycling tank 820a with an inclined lower sidewall 824a is depicted. A hollow vertical tube 822a extends upward from the inclined sidewall 824a. Figure 18B A recycling tank 820b with a rear-cut portion in its rear sidewall 824b is depicted. A hollow vertical tube 822b extends laterally from the rear sidewall 824b and protrudes upward into the container 826b, curving to compensate for the initial lateral extension. Figure 18C A recycling tank 820c is depicted with a hollow vertical tube 822c of irregular shape. The hollow vertical tube 822c is shown extending from the bottom surface 824c of the container 828c into the container 828c before bending backward at an approximately right angle. The hollow vertical tube 822c extends along the rear sidewall 826c of the container 828c and is then depicted bending forward before extending upward in the central portion of the container 828c. Figure 18D Depicting having with Figure 18A The recycling tank 820d, which has a similar structure to the recycling tank 820a depicted in the figure, except that instead of an inclined lower sidewall, the recycling tank 820d has a hollow vertical tube 822d extending from it and a curved lower sidewall 824d.

[0183] Figures 19A-19B Another embodiment of a recovery tank 830 with an external hollow riser 832 is depicted. The hollow riser 832 is shown extending upward at the rear of the recovery tank 830, then curving laterally such that it extends adjacent to the rear side of the shroud 834. The hollow riser 832 (as described previously) can be in fluid communication with the interior of the recovery tank 830, allowing fluid and debris to be drawn in through the hollow riser for deposition within the container 836. Although in Figures 19A-19B Although not shown, the recovery tank 830 may include a separator (e.g., separator 812), and the hollow riser 832 may be configured to deposit the pumped fluid and debris onto the separator to allow the pumped debris to be separated from the fluid.

[0184] Figure 20Another embodiment of the recovery tank 840 is depicted. In this embodiment, the separator 842 is fixedly coupled to the container 844 (e.g., unified or integrated with the container 844) such that it cannot be removed from the container. As in the previous embodiment, a hollow riser 846 may extend through the separator 842. However, the hollow riser 846 may be fixed to or integrated with the separator 842. In this way, the container 844, the separator 842, and the hollow riser 846 are integrated with each other. The recovery tank 840 may also include a nozzle 845 disposed in the rear of the container 844, which may allow the disposal of captured fluid and small debris from the container 844. A shroud 848 may be removably coupled to the container 844 and may include a lower extension 848a extending downward above the hollow riser 846. The extension 848a may deflect fluid and debris drawn into the container 844 toward the hollow riser 846, thereby preventing fluid and debris from flowing through the shroud 848. Container 844 may also include a removable bottom 847 that allows access to the area of ​​container 844 below separator 842. The removable bottom 847 can be attached to container 844 in any number of ways, including friction fit, hinge, etc. The removable bottom 847 may include an inlet port 847a with an upwardly extending collar 847b. The collar 847b can receive a hollow riser 846 therein and allow fluid and debris to be introduced into the container through the hollow riser.

[0185] Figures 24A-24D Another embodiment 900 of a recycling can 905 for a cleaning device is depicted. In this embodiment, the recycling can 905 has a container 915, a removable bottom 910, a removable cover 935, and a latch 905a for attaching the recycling can 905 to the cleaning device.

[0186] The container can have the construction described above with respect to the foregoing embodiments. However, in this embodiment, the container 915 has a separator 920, which is fixedly coupled to the container 915 (e.g., unified or integrated with the container 915) such that it cannot be removed from the container 915. Like the aforementioned separator, the separator 920 can be configured to separate the container into an upper portion 915a and a lower portion 915b. The separator 920 can have a funnel shape with a slit opening 920a or other opening extending therethrough, which is configured to allow fluid and small debris to enter the lower portion 915b of the container 915 from the upper portion 915a, while capturing and retaining large debris within the upper portion 915a. Container 915 may also include a pouring port 940 extending upward from the lower portion 915b of container 915 and having an opening near the removable shroud 935 for allowing fluid from the lower portion 915b to pass through. In some embodiments, separator 920 includes a sidewall 920b, and pouring port 940 may be formed between the sidewall 920b of the separator and the sidewall of container 915. In some embodiments, the opening of pouring port 940 may be configured to always be open.

[0187] Container 915 may also include one or more deflectors, such as Figure 24C and Figure 24D The illustrated first deflector 945a and second deflector 945b extend downward in the upper portion 915a of container 915 and are configured to mitigate backsplashing and prevent fluid and debris from approaching the top of container 915. The illustrated first deflector 945a extends downward from the rear top of the container, near the pouring spout 940. In some embodiments, the first deflector 945a is arc-shaped, extending forward toward the center of the container. The illustrated second deflector 945b extends downward at a downward angle from the front side of the upper portion 915a of the container and extends above the separator 920. In some embodiments, the first deflector 945a and / or the second deflector 945b may be removable for cleaning operations. For example, deflectors 945a and 945b may be fixedly attached to a cover 935 and may be removed together with the cover. In other embodiments, deflectors 945a and 945b may take other forms, and they may extend at different angles, in different shapes, or in different areas of container 915 as needed.

[0188] The container 915 may also include an opening 925 disposed on the bottom surface 915c of the container 915 for receiving a removable bottom 910. As shown, the opening 925 has an outer edge 925a configured to contact a gasket 910d disposed within the top surface 910a of the removable bottom 910 when the removable bottom 910 is in an attached configuration, forming a seal between the container 915 and the removable bottom 910.

[0189] Figure 24A and Figure 24C A removable bottom 910 in a removable configuration is shown. As shown, the removable bottom 910 includes a hollow riser 930 fixedly coupled to (e.g., uniformly or integrally with) the top surface 910a of the removable bottom and extending upward from the top surface of the removable bottom. The hollow riser 930 may have an inlet 930a adjacent to or within the bottom surface 910 of the removable bottom 910. When the bottom 910 is attached to the bottom surface 915c of the container, the hollow riser 930 may be received within the opening 925 of the container 915. In some embodiments, the hollow riser 930 may be arranged off-center from the center of the removable bottom 910. This can position the riser off-center from the filter 920, such as... Figure 24B and Figure 24D As shown. To mate the bottom 910 with the container 915, the top surface 910a of the removable bottom 910 may include one or more engagement mechanisms 910c, which are configured to engage the outer edge 925a of the opening 925 when the removable bottom 910 is in the attachment configuration. Figure 24C As shown, the connecting mechanism 910c is in the form of a bayonet locking mechanism.

[0190] The recycling tank 905 may also include a removable hood 935 disposed on top of the container 915, which is configured to allow cleaning of the upper portion 915a of the container 915. In some embodiments, similar to the foregoing embodiments, the hood 935 may include a removable filter 935a disposed therein and configured to allow suction to be applied therethrough.

[0191] As in the previous embodiments, the recycling tank 905 may also include a spring-biased latch 905a movably mounted on the outer surface of the recycling tank 905. Similar to that described in the foregoing embodiments, the recycling tank 905 can be removed from the cleaning device (not shown) by downward biasing the latch 905a to unlock the recycling tank 905 from the cleaning device.

[0192] In use, the removable bottom 910 can be attached to the container 915 by inserting the hollow vertical tube into the opening 925 until the top surface 910a of the removable bottom 910 contacts the bottom surface 915c of the container 915. The user can then lock the removable bottom 910 to the container 915 by aligning the coupling mechanism 910c with the outer edge 925a and rotating the bottom 910 about direction C until the coupling mechanism 910c is locked onto the outer edge 925a, as shown below. Figure 24D As shown. When the removable bottom 910 is in the attached configuration, the outer edge 925a can compress the gasket 910d of the removable bottom to form an airtight seal between the opening 925 of the container 915 and the top surface 910a of the removable bottom 910. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the removable bottom 910 may be attached to the container 915 using a friction fit, hinge, or other mating feature. When the removable bottom 910 is in the attached configuration, the hollow riser 930 extends almost the entire height of the container 915, and the first deflector 945a extends downward to partially cover the upper portion of the riser 930, including the outlet 930b.

[0193] During the cleaning operation, a suction force can be applied to the removable filter 935a arranged within the shroud 935. The applied suction force allows fluid (including large and small debris) to flow upward into the inlet 930a of the hollow riser 930 and out through its outlet 930b into the container 915. Once the fluid is in the container, the separator 920 can be configured to retain all large debris in the upper portion 915a of the container while allowing liquid and small debris to enter the lower portion 915b through the slit opening 920a. Once the cleaning operation is complete, the recovery tank 905 can be removed from the cleaning device using the spring-biased latch 905a, and the liquid retained in the lower portion 915b of the container can be poured out from the pouring port 940.

[0194] To perform a deep cleaning operation on the recycling tank 905 after the initial cleaning operation, the user can unlock the removable bottom 910 from the container 915 by rotating the bottom 910 in direction C (opposite to the direction used for locking) until the coupling mechanism 910c separates from the outer edge 925a. The user can then remove the removable bottom 910, including the hollow riser 930, and clean the lower portion 930. Additionally, the user can remove the cover 935 to remove large debris from the filter 920 and the upper portion 915a of the container. In some embodiments, the second deflector 945b can also be removed, either with or after removing the cover 935, to simplify the deep cleaning operation.

[0195] In addition to the dry cleaning mode, the cleaning device can also operate in the wet cleaning mode. In addition to the vacuum assembly with the aforementioned sub-components, the wet cleaning mode also uses a fluid supply tank, a fluid pump, a nozzle, and a deflector. Figures 12A-15D The illustration shows components of a fluid assembly for wet cleaning mode and operation, such as a fluid supply tank 610, a pipe 620, a fluid pump 622, a fluid application surface 624, and a nozzle 630.

[0196] As described above, the main housing 210 includes a second cavity on the upper front surface 210b, which is shaped to receive and retain the fluid supply tank 610. In an exemplary embodiment, such as Figures 12A-12F As shown, the fluid supply tank 610 includes a valve cap 612 removably threadedly connected to the fluid tank 614. The fluid tank 614 is divided into an upper layer 614a and a lower layer 614b, and each of the layers 614a and 614b has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. The upper layer 614a is shaped to conform to the overall form of the body housing 210, thereby providing external constraint to the upper front surface 210b of the body housing 210. The lower layer 614b is smaller than the upper layer 614a and is internally received within the body housing 210, occupying a portion of a second region. The fluid tank 614 also defines a hollow interior that receives fluid supplied by the cleaning device 10 during wet cleaning operations. The valve cap 612 of the fluid supply tank 610 is threadedly connected to the lower layer 614a, and it allows unidirectional flow of fluid from the hollow interior of the fluid tank 614 to its exterior. The valve cap 612 is sized to be received in a complementary recess within a second cavity 210f of the main body housing 210. When the valve cap 612 is properly positioned in the second cavity, fluid can flow through it, and when the valve cap 612 is not properly positioned, the valve cap 612 can be used to seal the fluid within the fluid supply tank 610.

[0197] like Figure 12E and Figure 12F As shown, the lower layer 614b may further include a drain valve 616 and a retaining recess 618. When the fluid tank 614 is emptied, the drain valve 616 allows for pressure equalization within the hollow interior to facilitate a continuous supply of fluid to the cleaning device 10 without creating a vacuum within the hollow interior. In an exemplary embodiment, the retaining recess 618 is a recess disposed in the lower layer 614b, shaped to receive the tank engagement feature 211 on the body housing 210, as described above and... Figure 8A and Figure 8B As depicted in the diagram. As described above, actuation of the fluid tank switch 212 will allow the fluid supply tank 610 to be removed from the second region, and specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, actuation of the fluid tank switch 212 will retract the tank engagement feature 211 into the body housing 210, so that it no longer engages the retaining recess 618.

[0198] Figures 13A-13I and Figure 23Various components for the wet cleaning mode are depicted, including a conduit 620, a fluid pump 622, a fluid application surface 624, and a nozzle 630. During the wet cleaning mode, fluid contained in the fluid supply tank 610 is discharged from the cleaning device 10 and applied to the surface to be cleaned. As the fluid leaves the fluid supply tank 610, it is conveyed through the cleaning device 10 in the conduit 620. The conduit 620 connects to the fluid supply tank 610, travels downward along the body assembly 200, and then enters the head assembly 100.

[0199] Figure 13A An internal view of the head assembly 100 is depicted with the top side 110b of the head housing 110 absent. Figure 13B Only the conduit 620, fluid pump 622, and nozzle 630, all contained within the head assembly 100, are depicted. The fluid pump 630 is configured to pump fluid from the fluid supply tank 610 through the cleaning device 10. The conduit 630 connects the fluid supply tank 610 to the pump 622 and then exits the pump 622 before separating and ultimately connecting to the left nozzle 630L and right nozzle 630R, which are arranged as described above on the fluid application surface 624 of the head assembly 100. Thus, in this configuration, the fluid supply tank 610 is in fluid communication with the left nozzle 630L and right nozzle 630R via the fluid pump 622 and the conduit 620. The operation of the cleaning device 10 during wet cleaning mode will be described in more detail below.

[0200] As mentioned above and as Figure 13C As shown, the head assembly 100 includes a fluid application surface 624 disposed on its front side 110e. The fluid application surface 624 is mounted to the upper portion of the front side 110e of the head housing 110, and it spans a considerable width of the head housing between the left nozzle 630L and the right nozzle 630R. The surface 624 is substantially cylindrical and concave, slightly protruding towards its center. When viewed from a side view, such as in… Figure 13I As seen in the partial cross-sectional view, face 624 is recessed enough to allow the left nozzle 630L and the right nozzle 630R to be fully contained within the resulting recess.

[0201] Left deflector 640L and right deflector 640R are also included on the fluid application surface 624. Each deflector may be in the form of a protrusion extending generally perpendicular to the application surface 624. Both left deflector 640L and right deflector 640R are shown as having a curved configuration, curving away from nozzles 630L, 630R; however, in other embodiments, the deflectors may be planar or they may have alternative shapes and orientations. In the illustrated embodiment, left deflector 640L and right deflector 640R are directly molded onto the fluid application surface 624. In other embodiments, these deflectors may be removably attached to the fluid application surface 624, or may be molded to or removably attached to another feature. Left deflector 640L and right deflector 640R are arranged at least partially in the spray paths of left nozzle 630L and right nozzle 630R, respectively, such that deflectors 640L, 640R are impacted by the sprayed fluid during cleaning operations. In an exemplary embodiment, deflectors 640L, 640R are positioned at a distance from each nozzle 630L, 630R, such distance that fluid spray from the nozzles encounters the deflector and deflects back toward the end of the brush roller, thereby helping to deliver fluid to the end of the brush roller.

[0202] The left nozzle 630L and the right nozzle 630R protrude from the fluid application surface 624 and are generally aimed inwards at each other and also toward the brush roller 150. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the left nozzle 630L and the right nozzle 630R is substantially similar, and therefore, only one nozzle 630 will be described in a general manner. Figures 13D-13F The right side of the head assembly 100 is shown, including the fluid application surface 624, the right nozzle 630R, and the conduit 620. Figure 13G-Figure 13I The left side of the head component is shown.

[0203] Figure 23 A portion of a fluid application surface 624' according to another embodiment is depicted. The fluid application surface 624' can function similarly to the fluid application surface 640 through the cooperation of the right nozzle 630R' and the right deflector 640R'; however, the fluid application surface 624' may include a secondary right deflector 640R' mounted thereon. The secondary right deflector 641R' in... Figure 23 The secondary right nozzle 640R' is depicted as larger than the right deflector 640R' and is also depicted as being positioned closer to the right nozzle 630R' than the right deflector 640R'. However, the specific form and position of the secondary right nozzle 640R' can vary. In operation, the right nozzle 630R' and the secondary right nozzle 641R' can be operated to change the direction of the fluid discharged from the right nozzle 630R'. The secondary right nozzle 641R' can be configured to direct additional fluid to the periphery of the brush roller.

[0204] Figures 14A-14DA nozzle 630 according to an embodiment is depicted. The nozzle 630 has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a discharge port 632 in fluid communication with a fluid supply tank 610, through which fluid is discharged. The discharge port 632 itself is wedge-shaped with a central aperture 634, and this configuration produces a planar fan-shaped spray pattern when fluid is discharged from the discharge port 632. In some embodiments, this planar fan-shaped pattern can be between 5° and 60°. In other embodiments, the fan-shaped pattern can be between 10° and 50°. In other embodiments, the fan-shaped pattern can be between 15° and 45°.

[0205] In some embodiments, the discharge port 632 can be rotated such that the spray angle θ is offset by a certain number of degrees from the vertical axis. This offset can be any position from 1° to 30° in a clockwise or counterclockwise orientation. In some embodiments, the offset is between 5° and 25°. In other embodiments, the offset is between 10° and 20°. In an exemplary embodiment, the discharge port of the left nozzle is shown rotated approximately 15° counterclockwise from the vertical orientation. The nozzle 630 can also be aligned with a plane tangent to the surface of the brush roller 150 at the point on the brush roller 150 closest to the nozzle 630, such that the offset angle and the tangential plane will be substantially parallel to maximize fluid coverage on the brush roller 150. The offset angle φ can also vary by a few degrees in either direction, and in some embodiments can vary from the tangential plane by as much as 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, or 5°. Figure 14D An exemplary view of a nozzle 630 having a spray angle deflected from the tangential plane is shown.

[0206] Figures 15A-15D A fluid application surface 650 with a built-in nozzle 652 is depicted according to another embodiment. The fluid application surface 650 is in... Figure 15A As shown, it includes a single outlet 654 extending almost the entire width of the surface. A port 656 is located on the rear side of the fluid application surface 650 and is capable of connecting to a conduit (not shown) to fluidly connect the fluid application surface 650 to a fluid path. Nozzles 652, evenly spaced at the outlet 654, are nested within the front outlet 654 and are configured to run along... Figure 15CThe illustrated path outputs fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, four nozzles 652 are evenly distributed across the width of the outlet; however, in other embodiments, the number and position of the nozzles 652 may vary, such that they are evenly or unevenly spaced. The nozzles 652 introduce fluid into the outlet, and the fluid flows in a path defined by the circular profile of the outlet 654 before exiting in a direction aimed toward the brush roller 150. The supplied fluid volume may be large enough that the fluid flows laterally within the outlet 654 and is thus applied to the brush roller 150 across the entire width of the outlet 654 to uniformly coat the brush roller 150 with fluid, thereby preventing streaks during cleaning operations.

[0207] Figure 15D A partial cross-section of the head assembly having a fluid application surface 650 is depicted. In the illustrated embodiment, a comb 658 is arranged near the brush roller 150. During cleaning operations, as the brush roller 150 rotates, it can capture and pick up fibrous material. When the brush roller 150 rotates, fibrous material may become entangled around it and interfere with the cleaning capabilities of the cleaning system 10, if permitted. The presence of the comb 658 helps capture fibrous material to prevent entanglement with the brush roller 150, which then allows the operator to remove the captured material. Figure 15D Another embodiment of the rubber guide 660, similar to the embodiment described above, is also depicted. Although not shown, the comb 658 can be arranged in... Figure 5A and Figure 5B On the brush roller cover 140, or arranged on any embodiment presented herein.

[0208] In another embodiment, the head assembly 100 may include at least one passive roller. Figure 21 The illustration shows a first passive roller 161a and a second passive roller 161b, but one or the other can be used instead of both passive rollers 161a and 161b. The passive rollers 161a and 161b are substantially cylindrical and can rotate freely about their central axis. The first passive roller 161a and / or the second passive roller 161b can be configured to remove fluid from a surface and deflect the fluid to a position where it can be drawn into the head assembly 100. The first passive roller 161a and / or the second passive roller 161b can also be configured to remove excess fluid from the brush roller 160. The first passive roller 161a is shown positioned near the floor surface, while the second passive roller 161b is shown positioned near the central air inlet 126. However, these positions can vary depending on various configurations of the components described herein.

[0209] In another implementation, the brush roller cover can help remove excess fluid from the brush roller. Figure 22A head assembly 100 is depicted including a brush roller cover 140' with an arcuate inner wall extension 141. The extension 141 can extend toward and contact the brush roller 160 to assist in removing excess fluid and debris trapped by the brush roller 160 itself during cleaning operations. Although the extension 141 is in Figure 22 The brush roller 141 is shown to have a leading edge 143a and a trailing edge 143b, but the extension 141 may also taper gradually away from the brush roller 160.

[0210] In fluid-mode operations, such as the wet vacuum mode mentioned above, fluid is applied to the components of the device, the surface to be cleaned, or a combination thereof, to help remove dirt and waste.

[0211] The wet cleaning mode can be activated by actuating the wet cleaning switch 662, which in one embodiment may be located on the top side of the main housing 210. To prepare for cleaning in this mode, the fluid supply tank 610 is filled with fluid and held within the main housing 210. The cleaning device 10 can operate normally in dry cleaning mode, where the vacuum assembly 400 is used to remove dirt and debris; however, when the wet cleaning switch 662 is actuated, the cleaning device 10 will also begin to discharge fluid to aid in the cleaning process.

[0212] In an exemplary embodiment, fluid is pumped from fluid supply tank 610 by fluid pump 622 and forced through conduit 620 and exits from left nozzle 630L and right nozzle 630R. Nozzles 630L and 630R are directed at brush roller 150 to spray fluid onto the central area of ​​brush roller 150. Some of the sprayed fluid is also deflected at a deflector, which, as described above, deflects the sprayed fluid onto different areas of brush roller 150, such as the outer areas to the left and right of the central area. In this way, brush roller 150 can be substantially and uniformly coated with the fluid discharged from nozzles 630L and 630R. As the coated brush roller 150 rotates above the cleaning surface, the rotation of brush roller 150 and the discharged fluid can work together to loosen dirt and debris from the surface. Once the dirt and debris are loosened, they mix with the discharged fluid to create a slurry, which can then be drawn into cleaning device 10 through central air inlet 126. The slurry travels upward from the central inlet 126 to the hose 230 and through the riser 424 into the container 422 of the recovery tank 420, where it is separated into its basic components by the separator 440. The slurry travels downward along the inclined section of the separator and through the discharge port 442. Larger debris is captured by the ridge of the discharge port 442, while smaller debris and fluid fall to the bottom of the container 422. As the slurry enters the container 422 through the riser 424, any particles and fluid entering at excessive velocity will impact the deflector 640 and be redirected toward the rear of the container 422 and eventually toward the discharge port 442. The slurry undergoes separation, where fluid and smaller particles pass through the discharge port 442, and larger particles are retained by the ridge 446.

[0213] When level detectors 449a and 449b sense that the fluid in container 422 has reached its maximum level, an indicator will appear on the main body assembly 200, indicating that the fluid must be emptied. In one embodiment, the cleaning device 10 can indicate that the maximum level has been reached by providing red water droplets on the cleaning device 10. The indicator can appear anywhere on the cleaning device 10, and for example, on the top side 210d of the housing body 210. At this time, the latch assembly 470 of the recovery tank 420 can be actuated, and the recovery tank 420 can be removed from the first cavity within the main body housing 210. Without needing to remove the hood, any waste at the bottom of container 422 can be emptied through the nozzle 450 in the top of the recovery tank 420. Container 422 can be tilted to direct the retained fluid toward the rear of container 422 (closer to channel 451). To continue processing, container 422 can be tilted further to allow fluid to flow through channel 451 and out of nozzle 450, while larger particles and debris retained by separator 440 remain inside container 422 and cannot be processed with the fluid. Once the waste in the bottom of container 422 has been emptied, separator 440 can be removed from container 422. Larger particles captured by separator 440 (those too large to terminate at the bottom of container 422) will be removed by separator 440. These larger particles can then be processed.

[0214] During a wet cleaning operation, the fluid supply tank 610 may operate at a low level or run out of fluid. When the fluid supply reaches a low point, such as when the fluid supply tank 610 is empty, the cleaning device 10 will be prevented from operating during the wet cleaning operation. If this occurs, an alarm can be presented on the device 10 indicating that the fluid supply tank 610 must be refilled before a wet cleaning operation can begin, or that if it is in progress, it can continue. In some embodiments, the alarm can use the same water droplet used to indicate that the maximum fluid level has been reached. In other embodiments, the water droplet may appear as a blue pulse to indicate that the fluid supply tank 610 is operating at a low level, indicating that the fluid supply tank needs additional fluid. Once the fluid supply tank 610 is refilled, the cleaning device 10 can continue the wet cleaning operation as described above, or it can begin a new wet cleaning operation.

[0215] In other implementations, such as Figures 16A-16GAs shown, a charging pad 700 can be provided for use with the cleaning device 10. The illustrated charging pad 700 includes a generally square base 710 having a recessed area 720 at its center. The recessed area 720 can be sized to correspond to the bottom of the head assembly 100 and can support the cleaning device 10 therein. The recessed area 720 may also include an area for receiving the large wheel 112 and the small wheel 114, the brush rollers in use (such as brush roller 150 or brush roller 160), and the entire head housing 110. The charging pad 700 may also include an attachment holder 730 at its rear, which can serve as a receiver for receiving attachments of the cleaning device 10. These attachments vary and may include replacement brush rollers (such as brush roller 150 and brush roller 160) and other tools for cleaning. In some embodiments, the attachment holder 730 may not be included.

[0216] A charging port 740 extending upward from the base 710 is also located at the rear end of the charging pad 700. The charging port 740 is configured to electrically connect to electrical contacts 220 located on the cleaning device 10. Contacts 220 on the cleaning device 10 can be found at the rear of the main body assembly 210, such as... Figure 16G As shown. A plug 750 extends from the back of the charging pad 700 and can be inserted into a socket to provide power to the entire charging pad 700 and, consequently, to the cleaning device 10. When connected to the charging pad 700, the cleaning device 10 can activate a battery life indicator to show simplified charging levels. In one embodiment, the battery life indicator is a battery image. As the cleaning device 10 charges to various levels, such as 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% capacity, the battery life indicator can proportionally indicate the relative charging level of the cleaning device. In other embodiments, the battery life indicator can be a different image, such as a pie chart or a simple percentage indicator.

[0217] When the cleaning device 10 is used, the same battery indicator may be blank when the device 10 loses power. The battery indicator may indicate the same level during use as it is during charging, and then display the stages in reverse order when the cleaning device 10 is using power. In some embodiments, in addition to the indicator used during charging, the cleaning device 10 may also rely on a separate indicator used during operation of the device 10.

[0218] Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the methods and systems, apparatuses disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments have been shown in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, apparatuses, and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims. Features shown or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, in this disclosure, components with similar names in embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, within a particular embodiment, it is not necessary to describe every feature of every component with a similar name in detail.

[0219] The approximate language used throughout the specification and claims may be applied to modify any quantitative expression that may permissibly vary without altering its associated essential function. Accordingly, values ​​modified by one or more terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” are not limited to the specified precise values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Scope limitations may be combined and / or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims, such scopes being identified and including all subscopes contained herein, unless otherwise indicated by context or language.

[0220] Those skilled in the art will understand further features and advantages of the invention based on the above embodiments. Therefore, this application is not limited to what is specifically shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated in their entirety by reference.

Claims

1. A fluid recovery tank for a cleaning device, comprising: A container having a bottom wall and side walls defining an inner chamber therein, the top of the container being open, and the bottom wall including a fluid inlet; A separator, which is fixedly and immovably arranged in the chamber, divides the chamber into an upper part and a lower part, and is configured to retain solid debris in the upper part while allowing liquid to flow through into the lower part; A removable cover, the removable cover being arranged inside an open top; as well as A hollow riser extends from the fluid inlet in the bottom wall toward the shroud and through an opening in the separator for conveying fluid and debris to the upper portion of the chamber.

2. The fluid recovery tank of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall includes a removable portion.

3. The fluid recovery tank according to claim 2, wherein the hollow vertical tube is fixed to the removable portion and can be removed together with the removable portion.

4. The fluid recovery tank of claim 1, wherein the separator includes a lower surface spaced apart from the bottom wall of the shroud and the container, the lower surface of the separator having an opening formed therein to allow fluid to pass through while substantially preventing solid debris from passing through.

5. The fluid recovery tank of claim 1, further comprising a pouring port in the shroud, the pouring port being configured to allow fluid from the lower portion to pass through therethrough.

6. The fluid recovery tank of claim 5, wherein the separator includes a sidewall having a channel formed therein and aligned with the pouring port to allow fluid to flow from the container out of the pouring port.

7. The fluid recovery tank of claim 5, wherein the pouring port is configured to be in the open position when the hood is in the open position and the closed position.

8. The fluid recovery tank of claim 1, wherein the shroud includes a removable filter disposed within the shroud and configured to allow suction to be applied through the removable filter.

9. The fluid recovery tank of claim 1, further comprising a spring-biased latch movably mounted on the outer surface of the container.

10. The fluid recovery tank of claim 1, wherein the container is transparent.

11. A fluid recovery tank, comprising: A container having a bottom wall in which a fluid inlet is provided; At least one sidewall, the at least one sidewall extending from the bottom wall and defining an interior chamber together with the bottom wall; And a separator, the separator being fixed to the at least one sidewall and extending across the inner chamber, such that the separator divides the inner chamber into an upper portion and a lower portion; A cover, which is removably disposed inside the open top of the container; as well as A base, which is removably disposed within the bottom wall and has a hollow vertical tube extending upward through the base, wherein when the base is disposed within the bottom wall, the hollow vertical tube extends through an opening in the separator.

12. The fluid recovery tank of claim 11, wherein the separator is integral with the container.

13. The fluid recovery tank of claim 11, wherein the separator includes a lower surface spaced apart from the bottom wall of the shroud and the container, the lower surface of the separator having an opening formed therein to allow fluid to pass through while substantially preventing solid debris from passing through.

14. The fluid recovery tank of claim 11, further comprising a pouring port in the shroud, the pouring port being configured to allow fluid from the lower portion to pass through therethrough.

15. The fluid recovery tank of claim 14, wherein the separator includes a sidewall having a channel formed therein and aligned with the pouring port to allow fluid to flow from the container out of the pouring port.

16. The fluid recovery tank of claim 14, wherein the pouring port is configured to be in the open position when the hood is in the open and closed positions.

17. The fluid recovery tank of claim 11, wherein the shroud includes a removable filter disposed within the shroud and configured to allow suction to be applied through the removable filter.

18. The fluid recovery tank of claim 11, further comprising a spring-biased latch movably mounted on the outer surface of the container.

19. The fluid recovery tank of claim 11, wherein the container is transparent.

Images