Fluid recovery tank for use in cleaning device

Abstract

A fluid recovery tank for use in a cleaning device is provided. In one embodiment, the 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 may employ a vacuum assembly including a motor, a conduit, and a fluid recovery tank to draw debris and waste into the fluid recovery tank. The wet cleaning mode may further employ fluid supply tanks, pumps, and conduits to supply fluid to the brush rollers to assist the cleaning process.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 140,313, filed on April 27, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] A cleaning device operable in a wet mode and a dry mode is provided. Background Art

[0004] Conventional cleaning devices such as dry vacuums and wet vacuums use suction to pick up debris and waste to perform a cleaning operation. Dry vacuums operate by using suction and may employ a brush roll or agitator to help remove debris and waste from a surface. Wet vacuums operate by using suction and a brush roll or pad, but they also supply a fluid to the surface to be cleaned to help remove debris and waste. The supply of fluid can occur directly, where the fluid is sprayed onto the surface, or indirectly, where the fluid is sprayed onto an applicator, such as a brush roll. When fluid is sprayed onto a brush roll, the application of the fluid may be uneven, resulting in inconsistent cleaning of the surface.

[0005] When fluid is applied to a surface, it can occasionally mix with debris and waste, and the resulting slurry can be drawn into the device using suction. Once in the cleaning device, the fluid may need to be separated from the debris for disposal. Disposal may require the complete removal of the fluid recovery tank and disassembly of the tank.

[0006] Therefore, there remains a need to provide a better fluid application method that improves consistent fluid application and allows for easier disposal of waste after it has been drawn into the vacuum cleaning device. Utility Model Content

[0007] A fluid recovery tank is provided for use in a cleaning apparatus operable in a dry cleaning mode and a wet cleaning mode.

[0008] In one embodiment, a fluid recovery tank for use in a cleaning apparatus includes a container having a bottom wall and side walls defining an interior chamber therein, the container having an open top and an open bottom wall including a fluid inlet. 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 arranged to retain solid debris within the upper portion while allowing liquid to pass therethrough into the bottom portion. The fluid recovery tank also includes a removable lid disposed within the open top, a hollow riser extending from the fluid inlet in the bottom wall toward the lid and through an opening in the separator for delivering fluid and debris to the upper portion of the chamber.

[0009] In another embodiment, the bottom wall of the fluid recovery tank includes a removable portion. In another embodiment, the hollow riser is secured to the removable portion and is removable together with the removable portion.

[0010] In another embodiment, the separator includes a lower surface spaced from the lid and the bottom wall of the container, the lower surface of the separator having an opening formed therein to allow fluid to pass therethrough while substantially preventing solid debris from passing therethrough.

[0011] In another embodiment, the fluid recovery tank further comprises a pouring spout in the lid, the pouring spout being configured to allow fluid from the lower portion to pass therethrough. In another embodiment, the separator comprises a sidewall having a channel formed therein aligned with the pouring spout to allow fluid from the container to flow out of the pouring spout. In another embodiment, the pouring spout is arranged to be in an open position when the lid is in both the open and closed positions.

[0012] In another embodiment, the cover includes a removable filter disposed therein to allow suction to be applied therethrough.

[0013] In another embodiment, the fluid recovery tank further comprises a spring biased latch movably mounted on an exterior surface of the container.

[0014] In another embodiment, the container is transparent.

[0015] In another aspect, a fluid recovery tank for use in 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 interior chamber together with the bottom wall, and a separator secured to the at least one side wall and extending across the interior chamber such that the separator divides the interior chamber into an upper portion and a lower portion. The fluid recovery container also includes a lid removably disposed within the open top portion of the container and a base removably disposed within the bottom wall and having a hollow riser extending upwardly therethrough, wherein when the base is disposed within the bottom wall, the hollow riser extends through an opening in the separator.

[0016] In another embodiment, the separator is integral with the container.In another embodiment, the separator includes a lower surface spaced from the lid and the bottom wall of the container, the lower surface of the separator having an opening formed therein to allow fluid to pass therethrough while substantially preventing solid debris from passing therethrough.

[0017] In another embodiment, the fluid recovery tank further comprises a pouring spout in the lid to allow fluid from the lower portion to pass therethrough. In another embodiment, the separator comprises a sidewall having a channel formed therein aligned with the pouring spout to allow fluid from the container to flow out of the pouring spout. In another embodiment, the pouring spout is arranged to be in an open position when the lid is in both the open and closed positions.

[0018] In another embodiment, the cover includes a removable filter disposed therein to allow suction to be applied therethrough.

[0019] In another embodiment, the fluid recovery tank further comprises a spring biased latch movably mounted on an exterior surface of the container.

[0020] In another embodiment, the container is transparent.

[0021] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1A is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a cleaning device;

[0024] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A front view of a cleaning device;

[0025] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A right side view of the cleaning device;

[0026] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A a cross-sectional right side view of the cleaning device;

[0027] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of a head assembly of a cleaning device;

[0028] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A a right side view of the head assembly;

[0029] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A front view of the head assembly;

[0030] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A a bottom view of the head assembly;

[0031] Figure 2E yes Figure 2A a cross-sectional side view of a head assembly;

[0032] Figure 2F yes Figure 2A a front perspective view of the head assembly with the connecting assembly removed;

[0033] Figure 2G yes Figure 2F A front perspective view of the head assembly of FIG, with the brush roller removed and the right support structure shown;

[0034] Figure 2H yes Figure 2F A front perspective view of the head assembly of FIG, with the brush roller removed and the left support structure shown;

[0035] Figure 3A is Figure 1A A right front perspective view of a brush roller used in a cleaning device;

[0036] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A left rear perspective view of the brush roller;

[0037] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A Right side view of the brush roller;

[0038] Figure 3D yes Figure 3A Left side view of the brush roller;

[0039] Figure 4Ais a top perspective view of another embodiment of a brush roller;

[0040] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Right side view of the brush roller;

[0041] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A partial left perspective view of the brush roller;

[0042] Figure 4D yes Figure 4A A partial cross-sectional view of a brush roller;

[0043] Figure 5A is with Figure 2A a front perspective view of a brush roller cover for use with a head assembly;

[0044] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Right side view of the brush roller cover;

[0045] Figure 6A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of the main assembly of the cleaning device;

[0046] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A a right side view of the main assembly of FIG.

[0047] Figure 6C yes Figure 6A A front view of the main assembly;

[0048] Figure 6D yes Figure 6A a cross-sectional side view of a main body assembly;

[0049] Figure 7A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of a handle assembly of a cleaning device;

[0050] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A a right side view of the handle assembly;

[0051] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A A front view of the handle assembly;

[0052] Figure 7D yes Figure 7A a cross-sectional side view of a handle assembly;

[0053] Figure 8A yes Figure 6A a front perspective view of the body assembly of FIG. 1 with the fluid supply tank and the recovery tank removed from their respective holding areas;

[0054] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A A front view of the main assembly;

[0055] Figure 8C yes Figure 8A a right side view of the main assembly of FIG.

[0056] Figure 8D yes Figure 8A a bottom perspective view of the main assembly of FIG.

[0057] Figure 9A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of a motor assembly of a cleaning device;

[0058] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A a right side view of the motor assembly;

[0059] Figure 9C yes Figure 9A A front view of the motor assembly;

[0060] Figure 9D yes Figure 9A a top view of a motor assembly;

[0061] Figure 9E yes Figure 9A a cross-sectional side view of a motor assembly;

[0062] Figure 10A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of a fluid recovery tank of a cleaning device;

[0063] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A Right side view of the fluid recovery tank;

[0064] Figure 10C yes Figure 10A A front view of a fluid recovery tank;

[0065] Figure 10D yes Figure 10A a cross-sectional side view of a fluid recovery tank;

[0066] Figure 10E yes Figure 10A A front perspective view of a separator of a fluid recovery tank;

[0067] Figure 10F yes Figure 10E A rear perspective view of a separator;

[0068] Figure 10G yes Figure 10E A bottom view of the separator;

[0069] Figure 10H yes Figure 10EA partial cross-sectional view of a separator;

[0070] Figure 10I yes Figure 10A A perspective view of a lid of a fluid recovery tank;

[0071] Figure 10J yes Figure 10I Exploded view of the lid;

[0072] Figure 10K yes Figure 10A a rear perspective view of a latch of a fluid recovery tank;

[0073] Figure 10L yes Figure 10A Exploded view of the fluid recovery tank;

[0074] Figure 11A is a right side view of another embodiment of a fluid recovery tank;

[0075] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A A partial left perspective view of a separator of a fluid recovery tank;

[0076] Figure 11C yes Figure 11B A partial front view of a separator;

[0077] Figure 11D yes Figure 11A a front perspective view of a fluid recovery tank installed in a main assembly of a cleaning device; Figure 11E yes Figure 11D a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid recovery tank showing the upper end engaged in the body assembly;

[0078] Figure 11F yes Figure 11D a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid recovery tank showing the lower end engaged in the body assembly;

[0079] Figure 11G is based on Figure 11A A front perspective view of a filter engaged with a body assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] Figure 11H yes Figure 11G A partial cross-sectional view of the filter engaged in the body assembly;

[0081] Figure 11I yes Figure 11G A front perspective view of the filter separated from the main body assembly;

[0082] Figure 12A yes Figure 1A a front perspective view of a fluid supply tank for a cleaning device;

[0083] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A A front view of a fluid supply tank;

[0084] Figure 12C yes Figure 12A a right side view of the fluid supply tank;

[0085] Figure 12D yes Figure 12A a cross-sectional side view of a fluid supply tank;

[0086] Figure 12E yes Figure 12A a front perspective cross-sectional view of a fluid supply tank;

[0087] Figure 12F yes Figure 12A Exploded view of the fluid supply tank;

[0088] Figure 13A is a top view of the head assembly without the upper housing and showing components used in wet vacuum mode;

[0089] Figure 13B yes Figure 13A a top view of the piping, fluid pump, and nozzle shown;

[0090] Figure 13C yes Figure 13A A front view of the application surface of the head assembly;

[0091] Figure 13D yes Figure 13A a partial front perspective view of the right side of the head assembly with the brush roller removed;

[0092] Figure 13E yes Figure 13A a partial front perspective view of the right side of the head assembly with the application surface removed;

[0093] Figure 13F yes Figure 13A a partial cross-sectional view of the right side of the head assembly;

[0094] Figure 13G yes Figure 13A a partial front perspective view of the left side of the head assembly;

[0095] Figure 13H yes Figure 13A a partial front perspective view of the left side of the head assembly with the application surface removed;

[0096] Figure 13I yes Figure 13A A partial cross-sectional view of the head assembly.

[0097] Figure 14A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of a spray nozzle of a cleaning device;

[0098] Figure 14B yes Figure 14A Right side view of the spray nozzle;

[0099] Figure 14C yes Figure 14A A front view of a spray nozzle;

[0100] Figure 14D is included Figure 14A a partial cross-sectional view of a head assembly of a spray nozzle;

[0101] Figure 15A is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an application surface;

[0102] Figure 15B yes Figure 15A a rear perspective view of the application surface;

[0103] Figure 15C yes Figure 15A a partial cross-sectional view of the application surface;

[0104] Figure 15D is included Figure 15A a partial cross-sectional view of the head assembly of the application surface;

[0105] Figure 16A yes Figure 1A A front view of the cleaning device placed on the charging mat;

[0106] Figure 16B yes Figure 16A A front perspective view of the charging pad;

[0107] Figure 16C yes Figure 16A A front perspective view of the charging pad;

[0108] Figure 16D yes Figure 16A Front view of the charging pad;

[0109] Figure 16E yes Figure 16A Right side view of the charging pad;

[0110] Figure 16F yes Figure 16A a top view of the charging pad; and

[0111] Figure 16G yes Figure 1A A rear perspective view of the cleaning device without the charging pad;

[0112] Figure 17A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid supply tank;

[0113] Figure 17B yes Figure 17A A partial perspective view of a separator of a fluid supply tank;

[0114] Figure 17C yes Figure 17B Another partial perspective view of the separator;

[0115] Figure 17D yes Figure 17B Another partial perspective view of the separator;

[0116] Figure 18A yes Figure 12A A left side view of a fluid supply tank having a hollow riser according to another embodiment;

[0117] Figure 18B yes Figure 12A A left side view of a fluid supply tank having a hollow riser according to another embodiment;

[0118] Figure 18C yes Figure 12A A left side view of a fluid supply tank having a hollow riser according to another embodiment;

[0119] Figure 18D yes Figure 12A A left side view of a fluid supply tank having a hollow riser according to another embodiment;

[0120] Figure 19A is a rear right perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid supply tank having an external hollow riser;

[0121] Figure 19B yes Figure 19A a right side view of the fluid supply tank;

[0122] Figure 20 is a right side view of another embodiment of a fluid supply tank having a fixed separator and a pivoting bottom;

[0123] Figure 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of a head assembly having a passive brushroll according to another embodiment;

[0124] Figure 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of a head assembly having a brush roller cover with an arcuate inner extension;

[0125] Figure 23 is a partial perspective view of a fluid application surface according to another embodiment;

[0126] Figure 24Ais a perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid supply tank with its removable bottom in a removed configuration;

[0127] Figure 24B Is its removable bottom in the attached configuration Figure 24A A perspective view of a fluid supply tank;

[0128] Figure 24C Is its removable bottom in the removed configuration Figure 24A a cross-sectional view of a fluid supply tank; and

[0129] Figure 24D Is its removable bottom in the attached configuration Figure 24B a cross-sectional view of a fluid supply tank;

[0130] It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0131] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the present invention is limited 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 present invention.

[0132] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, components of the same name in the embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, in a particular embodiment, it is not necessary to fully describe every feature of each component of the same name. In addition, if linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the equivalents of such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined for any geometric shape.

[0133] Provided is a cleaning device comprising a fluid delivery and recovery system that can be combined with or replace a conventional vacuum mode operation to improve the cleaning power of the device. In certain exemplary embodiments, the cleaning device includes features that help deliver fluid in a more uniform manner to improve cleaning, as well as features that help recycle and dispose of fluid and debris (waste). For example, the cleaning device may include features located within the cleaning head assembly that evenly distribute the fluid onto the brush roller, thereby allowing the fluid to be evenly applied to the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning device 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 and features that facilitate the disposal of waste. For example, the fluid recovery tank may include a pouring spout for easy disposal of the fluid while keeping debris in the tank. The fluid recovery tank may also include a unique latch mechanism that helps remove the fluid recovery tank from the device without interfering with the suction delivery to the tank and the waste collection in the tank.

[0134] Now refer to Figures 1A-1D , an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 10 is shown. The cleaning device 10 shown 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 as being disposed above a charging pad 700, which will be discussed below. As will be explained in detail below, the device 10 also includes a fluid delivery assembly and a fluid recovery assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle assembly 300 includes a handle 310 and a handle rod 320, and the body assembly 200 includes a body housing 210 coupled to the handle rod 320. The head assembly 100 can be coupled to the body housing 210 opposite the handle rod 320. The head assembly 100 may include a head housing 110 and rotatable 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, as well as a brush roller ( Figures 1A-1D not shown).

[0135] The vacuum assembly 400 (not shown) is disposed within the head assembly 100 and the body assembly 200 and is capable of sucking in fluids, dirt, debris, and other waste by suction and storing it within the cleaning device 10. In certain 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 completely contained within a motor housing disposed within the body assembly 200. As will be discussed in more detail below, a hose (not shown) may be coupled to the motor fan and may be disposed through the body assembly 200 to the head assembly 100 to allow the motor to generate suction to draw waste into the device 10. Waste absorbed by the vacuum assembly 400 through the hose (not shown) may be deposited into a recovery tank removably disposed within the body assembly, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0136] The cleaning device 10 may further include a fluid supply tank 610 that can supply fluid to the area to be cleaned to assist in the cleaning process. The fluid may mix with dirt and debris, and the waste may be drawn back into the cleaning device 10 by suction generated by the motor and deposited in the recovery tank 420.

[0137] Figures 2A-2H The head assembly 100 is depicted in greater detail. More specifically, Figures 2A-2E The head assembly 100 is depicted including an articulator 250, which will be described in greater detail below, and Figures 2F-2H The head assembly 100 is depicted without the hinge 250. As shown, the head assembly 100 includes a head housing 110, such as Figure 2D As shown, when viewed from the bottom, the head housing is substantially T-shaped. The head assembly 100 may include wheels disposed on the head housing 110 to facilitate movement of the cleaning device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, a set of left small wheels 112L and right small wheels 112R are disposed below the left and right portions of the bottom side 110a of the head housing 110, respectively, and a set of left large wheels 114L and right large wheels 114R are disposed 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 the cleaning device 10 to be maneuvered across a surface.

[0138] Figure 2E A cross section of the head assembly 100 is shown with a hose 230 extending from the front of the head assembly and up through the hinge. The hose 230 will be discussed in more detail below with respect to the vacuum assembly and dry and wet cleaning operations.

[0139] Figure 2G and Figure 2HThe head assembly 100 is shown with the brush roll cover 140 and brush roll 150 removed, thereby providing a more detailed view of the interior of the head housing 110. On an upper portion of the front side 110e of the head housing 110 is a cover support 116 that can removably receive the brush roll cover 140. Located behind the cover support 116 on the top side 110b of the head housing 110 is a cover button 118 that can be actuated to release the brush roll cover 140 from being mounted to the head housing 110, thereby enabling the brush roll cover 140 to be removed. Figure 2G and Figure 2H As shown, extending from the front side 110e of the head housing 110 are left and right supports 120L, 120R for the brush roller, which are capable of holding the brush roller 150 for use during cleaning operations. The left and right supports 120L, 120R for the brush roller extend from the front side 110e of the head housing 110. The left and right supports 120L, 120R each have a rounded top edge 120La, 120Ra and a substantially flat bottom edge 120Lb, 120Rb. The left and right support structures 122L, 122R for the brush roller are located on the inner surfaces 120Lc, 120Rc of the left and right supports 120L, 120R. As shown Figure 2G As shown, the left support structure 122L includes a circular cutout portion 122La capable of receiving a complementary structure on the brushroll 150 , and the right support structure 122R includes a rotatably coupled extension 122Ra having a geometric interface capable of engaging a corresponding geometric indentation on the brushroll 150 .

[0140] The head assembly may further include a light source 119 disposed on the front of the left support 120L and the right support 120R, which may be used to illuminate the surface to be cleaned to assist in the cleaning process. The light source 119 may be any type of light source, including light emitting diodes and the like.

[0141] Likewise 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 so 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 outer surface 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 spray nozzles 630 and a deflector 640 may be provided on the fluid application surface 624. Figures 13A-14C The spray nozzles 630 and the deflector 640 are discussed in greater detail.

[0142] Below the fluid application face 624 and occupying the lower half of the front side 110e of the head housing 110 is the inlet face 124. The inlet face includes a concave surface that opens into a central inlet 126 therein. The left and right sides 124L, 124R of the inlet face 124 can be angled inward and open into the central inlet 126 itself. The central inlet 126 forms a suction inlet that generally allows dirt, debris, and waste to be drawn into the cleaning device 10, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0143] At the lower edge of the front side 110e of the head housing 110 below the inlet face 124 is a flexible guide 128. The flexible guide 128 may gradually slope upward from the front side 110e toward the rear and may 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 so that in an intermediate position, the guide 128 extends below the bottom side 110a of the head housing 110, which is particularly useful in Figure 2B and Figure 2E Thus, when the cleaning device 10 is placed on a surface, the flexible guide 128 is biased against the surface, thereby allowing waste to be fed towards the inlet face 124 without leaving gaps for the waste to avoid the cleaning device 10.

[0144] Figures 3A-3D An embodiment of a brush roll 150 is shown, which may be received in Figure 2A -H between the left support member 120L and the right support member 120R. During 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 can also direct the waste into the cleaning device. While the configuration 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 locating pin 152 and a cleaning material 154 surrounding the central locating pin 152. The central locating pin 152 can be cylindrical with a right end 152R and a left end 152L and can be made of a rigid material such as hard plastic, metal, rubber, or a combination thereof to provide some support for the brush roller 150. The cleaning material 154 is attached to the outer surface of the central locating pin 152 along its entire length and can be made of a variety of cleaning materials, such as microfiber, bristles, or other materials known in the art, either alone or in some combination. Furthermore, the cleaning material 154 may be disposed on the outer surface of the central locating pin 152 in various configurations, and it may be formed of one or more materials that may intermix or segregate into specific regions.

[0145] As previously described, the brushroll 150 includes structures that can be held by the left and right supports 120L, 120R of the head assembly 100. These structures can be located on or extend from the right and left ends 152R, 152L of the central locating pin 152. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The right end 152R of the center locating pin 152 is shown in greater detail. The right end 152R of the center locating pin 152 includes an indentation 156 having a geometric pattern corresponding to the geometric interface of the protrusion 122Ra on the right support 120R. The geometric design provides a friction fit between the protrusion 122Ra and the brush roller 150 so that during cleaning operation, when the protrusion 122Ra is rotatably driven, the brush roller 150 will also rotate. Figure 3C and Figure 3D The left end 152L of the center locating pin 152 is shown in greater detail. The left end 152L of the center locating pin 152 includes an extension or tab 158 rotatably coupled thereto and configured to be received within the circular cutout portion 122La of the left support 120L of the head assembly 100. When not in use, the tab 158 can be grasped by a user and the brushroll 150 can be removed from the left and right supports 120L, 120R, for example, for inspection and maintenance or replacement.

[0146] Figures 4A-4D Another embodiment of a brush roller is depicted. Figure 4A As shown, the brush roller 160 has Figures 3A-3D The brush roll 150 depicted is of similar construction, and therefore elements having similar construction and operation will not be described in detail. Generally, the brush roll 160 is generally cylindrical in shape, and it includes a central locating pin 162 surrounded by a cleaning material 164. The brush roll 160 also includes a spiral flat bar 166 secured to the central locating pin 162 and wrapped around its outer surface. As shown in FIG. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As can be seen in FIG, the flat strips 166 extend radially beyond the cleaning material 164. The flat strips 166 can be made of any suitable material and can include, for example, rubber, plastic, or another similar material, and with this configuration, in operation, the flat strips 166 can flex and bend upon impacting the cleaning surface to drive dirt, debris, and waste into the cleaning device 10.

[0147] Similar to brushroll 150, on the outer surface of brushroll 160 are structures that can engage with corresponding structures on head assembly 100' (not shown). For example, Figure 4B Depicted is a right side 162R having a geometric interface that may be similar to that described above in Figure 3A and Figure 3BOn the left side 162L, the brushroll 160 includes a circular protrusion 168 that can be received by corresponding structure on the brushroll support (not shown). Figure 4D A partial cross-sectional view of the projection 168 is depicted, which is biased to an extended position by a spring 170. The end of the projection 168 is shaped to mate with the brush support and secure the brushroll 160 so that during cleaning operation, the brushroll 160 can rotate to drive dirt, debris, and waste toward the cleaning device 10.

[0148] As mentioned above, the head assembly 100 further includes a brushroll cover 140 that is removably attached to the top side 110 b of the head housing 110 . Figures 5A-5B An embodiment of a brushroll cover 140 is shown that may be secured to the head assembly 100 to cover the brushrolls 150 , 160 in order to prevent the brushrolls 150 , 160 from splashing and spraying during operation thereof.

[0149] The brush roll cover 140 is shaped to extend the entire width of the head housing 110 between the left and right sides 110c, 110d and extends from the top side 110b of the head housing 110, above the rounded top edges 120La, 120Ra of the left and right supports 120L, 120R and terminates just above the surface on which the cleaning device 10 is placed. Figure 2A 、 Figure 2C and Figure 2F 1. The brush roll cover 140 extends to be nearly flush with the bottom side 110a of the head housing 110, thereby creating a small gap to allow waste to be introduced into the cleaning device 10 during the cleaning process. As explained above, the brush roll cover 140 can be removably attached to the head housing 110 at the top side 110b via the cover support 116. The brush roll cover 140 can also be attached to the head housing 110 via a hinge (not shown) so that the cover 140 can easily access the brush roll 160.

[0150] Referring now to 6A-8D , various views and components of an embodiment of a body assembly 200 of the cleaning device 10 are shown.

[0151] The body assembly 200 can be operably coupled to the head assembly 100 via a hinge 250. Figures 2A-2D Introduced and as Figures 6A-6D1 and 2. A hinge 250, also shown coupled to the body assembly 200, is coupled to the bottom of the body assembly 200 and may be at least partially disposed within the head assembly 100. The hinge 250 is shown configured to articulate with approximately two degrees of freedom. The hinge 250 has a housing 252 having a substantially elliptical cross-section that tapers in an upward direction to become larger, ultimately conforming to the size of the body assembly 200. A first hinge point 254, which allows articulation about a first degree of freedom, is mounted within the head assembly 100. The first hinge point 254 allows the body assembly 200 to pivot between a forward direction and a rearward direction, as determined by Figures 6A-6B The second hinge point 256 located above the first hinge point 254 allows the main body assembly 200 to pivot between the left and right directions, as indicated by the arrow AA in FIG. Figure 6A BB in FIG. One or both of hinge points 254, 256 can be hinged at a given time. Additionally, in other embodiments, body assembly 200 can be hinged around any number of hinge points with any number of degrees of freedom.

[0152] The body assembly 200 includes a body housing 210 having a substantially cylindrical form with an elliptical cross-section. The body housing 210 includes a housing base 210a coupled to the hinge 250, a rounded front side 210b, 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 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 body housing 210 is coupled to the handle assembly 300, which extends from the body assembly 200 in a direction opposite to the head assembly 100.

[0153] Figures 7A-7D The handle assembly, including a handle 310 coupled to a shaft 320, is shown in greater detail. The illustrated handle 310 has a substantially trapezoidal handle frame 312 surrounding an internal handle aperture 314. The illustrated handle frame 312 has a substantially flat bottom section 312a, and a front section 312b and a rear section 312c extending upward from the bottom section 312a at substantially right angles 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 and rear sections 312b, 312c are connected by a top section 312d. The top section 312d is angled downward toward the front section 312b due to the height difference between the front and rear sections 312b, 312c. The handle 312 further includes a power button 330 disposed on the upper exterior of the front section 312b and a small rug button 340 disposed on the front exterior of the top section 312d. The functions of these buttons will be described in more detail below.

[0154] The illustrated handle assembly 300 further includes a handle bar 320 disposed between the underside of the bottom section 312a of the handle 312 and the top side 210d of the main body housing 210. The handle bar 320 is substantially linear and has a nearly flat back surface 322 and a rounded front surface 324, such that the handle bar 320 has a substantially semicircular cross-section. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the handle assembly can have various other configurations.

[0155] Referring again to the main assembly 200, the main housing 210 includes a first cavity 210e and a second cavity 210f for receiving components of the cleaning device 10. Figures 8A-8D As shown, the first cavity 210e and the second cavity 210f are sized to receive the recovery tank 420 and the fluid supply tank 610, respectively, such that when retained in their respective cavities, the recovery tank 420 and the fluid supply tank 610 are formed to conform to the overall cylindrical shape of the body assembly 200.

[0156] Figures 8A-8D The main body assembly 200 is shown with the recovery tank 420 and the fluid supply tank 610 removed from the first chamber 210e and the second chamber 210f, respectively. The first chamber 210e, located in the lower portion of the front side 210b of the main body housing 210, is sized to removably receive the recovery tank 420, such that when retained in the first chamber 210e, the recovery tank 420 occupies the entire lower section of the front side 210b of the main body housing 210. The first chamber 210e may include a seal 214 disposed on its upper side and configured to seal against the upper portion of the retained recovery tank 420. Adjacent to the seal 214 is a divider 216. The divider 216 may be porous to allow air to flow through the system during dry and wet cleaning operations, as described in more detail below. The recovery tank 420 can be removed from the main body housing 210 upon actuation of a latch assembly 470 (not shown) extending outward from the upper extent of the recovery tank 420. This releases the recovery tank 420 from engagement with the complementary retaining groove 218, which is positioned toward the front of the first cavity 210e. A second cavity 210f, located in the upper portion of the front side 210b of the main body housing and occupying a substantial portion of the top side 210d, receives a fluid supply tank 610 for use during a wet cleaning process. A fluid tank switch 212 is disposed in the top side 210d of the main body housing 210 between the second cavities 210f. When the fluid tank switch 212 is actuated, the tank engagement feature 211 retracts into the main body 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 with respect to cleaning processes that can be performed by the cleaning device 10.

[0157] As previously indicated, the cleaning device 10 can operate in a wet cleaning mode and a dry cleaning mode. The dry cleaning mode generally includes a mode related to traditional vacuum suction operation, such as vacuum suction on hard surfaces or softer surfaces such as carpets. The dry cleaning mode relies on suction to bring dirt and debris into the cleaning device for easy disposal. In some dry cleaning modes, the brush roller can rotate to agitate the debris and waste on the cleaning surface. The brush roller can loosen the dirt and debris while guiding it toward the suction inlet of the cleaning device. In other dry cleaning modes, the brush roller does not rotate, but relies solely on suction to force dirt and debris into the cleaning device. The wet cleaning mode generally may include a cleaning device that directly or indirectly supplies a fluid to the surface to assist in cleaning. The supplied fluid can be used to loosen dirt and debris adhering to the surface, and the dirty fluid can be sucked into the cleaning device by suction or other means. In some wet cleaning modes, similar to some dry cleaning modes described above, the brush roller can further help loosen dirt and debris from the surface and direct it toward the suction inlet. In these wet cleaning modes, fluid can be supplied directly to the brush roller so that the fluid is simultaneously applied to the surface while agitating dirt and debris found on the surface. In other wet cleaning modes, fluid can be supplied directly to the surface, and the brush roller can agitate and wet the surface. In still other modes, fluid can be supplied directly to the surface, and the brush roller can remain stationary, thereby cleaning the surface using only fluid and suction.

[0158] The wet and dry cleaning modes may rely on a vacuum assembly 400. In the exemplary embodiment, the vacuum assembly 400 includes a motor assembly 410, a recovery tank 420, and a hose 230 coupled to an inlet such as the center inlet 126 that operate together to draw waste into the cleaning apparatus 10.

[0159] Figures 9A-9EDepicted is a motor assembly 410 according to an exemplary embodiment. The motor assembly 410 is configured to be disposed within the main housing 210, below the fluid supply tank 610 and the handle stem 320 and above the recovery tank 420. The motor assembly 410 shown includes a motor 412 and a fan 414 enclosed in a motor housing 416. The motor housing 416 is divided into a lower motor housing portion 416a and an upper motor housing portion 416b, the upper motor housing portion being coupled to or integrally formed with the lower motor housing 416a, with the motor 412 and the motor fan 414 being housed between the upper motor housing portion and the lower motor housing. At the upper extent of the upper motor housing portion 416b are left and right air vents 418L and 418R, which allow air drawn into the cleaning device 10 to exit the rear side 210c of the main housing 210. When coupled together, the lower motor housing 416a and the upper motor housing 416b substantially surround the motor 412 and the fan 414 and isolate the motor and the fan from the rest of the cleaning device 10. The motor assembly 410 is located above the divider 216 disposed within the body assembly 200. In particular, Figure 8D The divider 216 is seen in FIG. 2 and includes a plurality of apertures that allow air to flow through the divider 216 to facilitate various cleaning operations that rely on suction. Additionally, the divider 216 forms an upper extent of the first chamber 210 e that receives the fluid recovery tank 420.

[0160] Now refer to Figures 10A-10L , shows an exemplary embodiment of a recovery tank 420. As explained above, the recovery tank 420 can be removably retained within the main housing 210 in the first cavity 210e. The recovery tank 420 shown generally includes a container 422, a separator 440, a lid 460, and a latch assembly 470.

[0161] Figures 10A-10D10L depicts the relationship of container 422 to the rest of recovery tank 420. Container 422 has a bottom surface 422a and a sidewall 422b extending upward from bottom surface 422a. As previously described, container sidewall 422b may have a rounded front face 422c to conform to the generally cylindrical shape of main housing 210. A rear face 422d of sidewall 422b may be substantially flat. Within its upper portion, the container may have an open top end 422e capable of receiving separator 440 therein. Top end 422e may be angled from the front and extend downward toward rear face 422d of sidewall 422b. Container 422 may also include an inlet on the bottom surface in the form of a hollow riser 424 extending substantially the entire height of container 422. The upper portion of the hollow riser is open to allow fluid to enter container 422. The hollow riser 424 may be disposed behind the center of the bottom surface 422a, closer to the rear face 422d of the side wall 422b.

[0162] Figures 10E-10H The separator 440 is shown separated from the rest of the recovery tank 420. The separator 440 can be received within the top end 422e of the container and can extend downwardly from the top end 422e into the container 422 such that the lower end 440a of the separator 440 extends downwardly beyond the upper end of the standpipe 424 a distance above the bottom surface 422a of the container 422. The lower end 440a of the separator 440 can be shaped to allow the standpipe 424 to extend through the opening 440b while surrounding the standpipe 424. Similar to the top end 422e of the container 422, the lower end 440a of the separator 440 can also be sloped, however, the lower end 440a of the separator 440 can slope downwardly from the rear face 422d of the container sidewall 422b to the front face 422c, bottoming out at the discharge pipe 442 a distance from the front face 422c. A secondary slope 444 can extend from the front face 422c of the sidewall 422b to the discharge pipe 442. As shown in FIG. Figure 10G As shown in the bottom view in FIG, the drain tube 442 itself can be in the form of a slot in the lower end 440a of the separator 440, extending substantially its entire width. On either side of the drain tube 442 are a plurality of ridges 446 defining channels 447 therebetween, which can act to capture and retain large debris while still allowing fluid to pass through the drain tube 442. Figure 10H is a cross-sectional view of separator 440, with the plane of the cross section located within drain tube 442 to provide a view of the plurality of ridges 446. In this view, it can be seen that the ridges 446 form a wave pattern so that larger debris will not completely block the path to the drain tube, as fluid and smaller particles will still be able to enter channel 447. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drain tube and ridges can have various other configurations, and that any number of drain holes can be included in the separator.

[0163] The separator 440 shown also includes a first deflector 448a and a second deflector 448b extending downwardly within the container 422. The first deflector 448a extends downwardly to partially cover the upper portion of the riser 424. The first deflector 448a is curved and shaped like a quarter pipe, extending forward, above the riser 424 and beyond the upper extent of the riser 424. The second deflector 448b extends from the front side of the riser 424 at a downward angle and extends outwardly above the discharge pipe 442. The first deflector 448a and the second deflector 448b are configured to mitigate the effects of splashing and prevent fluid and debris from approaching the top end 422e of the container 422. In other embodiments, the deflectors 448a and 448b may take other forms and may extend at different angles, shapes, or in different areas of the container 422 as needed.

[0164] On the underside of separator 440 are first and second fluid level detectors 449a, 449b extending downwardly from separator 440. First and second fluid level detectors 449a, 449b are configured to sense when the fluid has reached a predetermined threshold and, when the fluid level reaches the predetermined threshold, send a signal to cleaning apparatus 10 to display an alarm. In an exemplary embodiment, first and second level detectors 449a, 449b have exposed electrical contacts that, when immersed in fluid, complete an electrical circuit and send a signal to cleaning apparatus 10 to display an alarm message indicating that recovery tank 420 may be emptied. In other embodiments, other level detector arrangements may be used, such as floats, shifters, or other arrangements.

[0165] The separator 440 near the top end 422e of the container 422 may also include two openings, a spout 450 and a lid opening 452. The spout 450 is shown disposed in the rearmost region of the separator 440 and has a curved lid 454 in its rear region to allow for controlled disposal of fluid captured by the recovery tank 420. Figure 10DThe channel 451 shown in FIG is aligned with the channel 451 shown in FIG. , formed in the rear side of the separator so that a fluid flow path is defined between the rear portion of the separator 440 and the container 422, allowing fluid to flow therethrough. When the recovery tank 420 is retained within the main housing 210, the spout 450 presses against the seal 214 located on the main housing 210 adjacent to the divider 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 spout 450 is open, allowing the user to invert the container 422 to pour the fluid from the spout. A lid opening 452 is located adjacent to the spout 450, closer to the front sidewall 422b of the container 422. The lid opening 452 is sized to securely receive a lid 460, which can be removed from the lid opening 452 when the recovery tank 420 is not retained within the main housing 210.

[0166] exist Figure 10I and Figure 10JThe lid 460, most clearly shown in FIG. , can be shaped to fit within the lid opening 452. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 460 is shaped roughly like a semi-ellipse and is angled to align with the slope of the lid opening 452. The lid 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 body of the frame 462 includes a plurality of grooves 464 that align with the ridges 452a of the lid opening 452 and prevent the lid 460 from being over-inserted into the lid opening 452. A mesh structure 466 can be hinged above 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 lid 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 a variety of materials, including metal, rubber, or other materials known in the art. Contained within frame 462 is a filter material 467 sized to fill the entire frame 462. In the exemplary embodiment, filter material 467 is made of a foam-like material having a second porosity smaller than the first porosity of mesh 466. In other embodiments, filter material 467 can be made of other materials useful as filters, such as various pulps, plastics, sponges, or other materials known in the art. Filter material 467 can also have a different porosity, which can be less than, greater than, or equal to the porosity of mesh 466, and this porosity can vary depending on the type of material being filtered. In the illustrated embodiment, the smaller porosity of filter material 467 prevents other particles from escaping recovery tank 420 that might not be stopped by mesh 466. Covering the top of frame 462 is a top support 462a, which, in the exemplary embodiment, serves as a bracket that prevents filter material 467 from becoming misaligned within frame 462. The center portion of top support 462a includes a handle 463 to facilitate removal of lid 460 from lid opening 452. Surrounding the perimeter of the top support 462a and extending beyond the confines of the frame is a gasket 468 that helps seal the lid 460 into the lid opening 452. In this way, when fluid is located in the lid opening 452, the fluid cannot pass around the lid 460, but must instead pass through the mesh 466 and filter material 467. When the recovery tank 420 is retained within the main housing 210, for example Figures 6A-6D 、 Figure 8D 、 Figure 9E 、 Figures 10A-10B As shown, the lid 460 is pressed against the divider 216 such that the container 422 and the motor assembly 410 are in fluid communication with each other.

[0167] The latch assembly 470 extends from the front side wall 422b of the recovery tank 420 and forms part of the top end 422e of the container. The latch assembly 470 is used to secure the recovery tank 420 within the main housing 210 and can be actuated to allow the recovery tank 420 to be removed from the first area 410e of the main housing 210. The latch assembly 470 shown includes a latch seat 472 serving as a housing, which extends from the container side wall 422b in the form of an arcuate protrusion. In this way, the latch is completely disposed on the outside of the container 422. The latch seat 472 is hollow and defines a recessed portion 472a, as shown in FIG. Figure 10D As can be seen, the latch seat receives the latch 474 and the spring 475. The spring 475 is centrally located in the latch seat 472, and the latch 474 is located in the latch seat 472 above the spring 475 so that the latch 474 is biased to a raised position lifted by the spring force of the spring 475.

[0168] like Figures 10A-10D and Figures 10K-10L shown, and especially Figure 10K As shown, the latch 474 itself has an upper curved protrusion 476 that extends from the latch seat 472 and extends above the upper extent of the container 422 and the separator 440. An engagement feature 478 extends inwardly from the curved protrusion 476 and also extends from the latch 474 out of the latch seat 472, which can be received in a complementary groove 218 on the main body housing 210 to enable retention of the recovery tank 420. Both the latch 474 and the latch seat 474 are curved in shape to align with the contours of the container 422 and, in turn, with the cleaning device 10. Actuation of the latch 474 counteracts the spring force and drives the latch 474 in a downward direction into the latch seat 472. When the latch 474 is no longer actuated, the spring force returns the latch 474 to an upward position to extend above the latch seat 472 and above the container 422, thereby also extending the engagement feature 478 into the complementary groove 218. Therefore, the latch is spring-biased to a locked position. In this way, the latch 474 moves vertically up and down without moving laterally in the latch seat 472 while remaining parallel or substantially parallel to the top of the container 422. In addition, 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 to secure the recovery tank 420 to the main body housing 210, such as a sliding mechanism, a clip, a knob, or another device known in the art.

[0169] When the recovery tank 420 is installed within the main body housing 210, a hose 230 extending between the main body assembly and the head assembly can allow fluid and debris to be delivered to the recovery tank 420. Specifically, the hose 230 can be located in the lower portion of the main body housing, centrally located below the recovery tank 420, and can be configured to fluidically couple to the exterior of the standpipe 424 and provide a fluid communication path between the container 422 and the central inlet 126 in the head assembly 100. The hose 230 is flexible so as not to inhibit the complete articulation of the head and main body assemblies at the articulation joint. When the recovery tank 420 is retained within the main body housing 210, the upper end of the hose 230 contacts the lower end of the container 422 and forms a substantial seal around the inlet. Thus, the central inlet 126 is in fluid communication with the recovery tank 420 while the recovery tank 420 is retained within the main body housing 210.

[0170] When the recovery tank 420 is retained within the main body housing 210, the cover is aligned with the divider 216 and is therefore in fluid communication with the motor and the suction path via an aperture contained within the divider.

[0171] When operating in dry cleaning mode, the subassemblies of the vacuum assembly 400 work together to enable 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 through the central inlet 126 located in the head assembly 100. The air flows into the central inlet 126 in the head assembly 100, upwardly through the Figure 2E The airflow then flows through the hose 230 and into the container 422 of the recovery tank 420. When the cleaning device 10 passes near waste and debris, the suction generated by the motor assembly 410 draws the waste and debris through the vacuum assembly, where it enters the container 422 in the recovery tank 420. The airflow then exits the recovery tank 420 through the lid 460, passing through the mesh 466 and filter material 467, where it enters the motor assembly 410. However, the mesh 466 and filter material 467 of the lid 460 do not allow the waste and debris to pass through, so the waste and debris are trapped in the container 422 before being disposed of. Finally, the airflow exits the motor assembly 410 through the rear side 210c of the main body housing 210 and exits the left and right vents 418L and 418R.

[0172] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the recovery tank may have various other configurations. Figures 11A-11H and Figure 17A-20 Embodiments of recovery tanks having various configurations, features, and arrangements are described. Figures 10A-10L Those features described in the embodiments.

[0173] Figures 11A-11C Shown is a recovery tank 520 that generally comprises a container 522 and a separator 540. Recovery tank 520 can remain in the main assembly 210 ' of cleaning device 10 so that it can be used during the cleaning process, as explained above. In this embodiment, the size of separator 540 is set to be placed around standpipe 524 when occupying the whole width of container 522. Standpipe 524 is received in the central axis 540b that is built into separator 540 itself, and described central axis leads to the upper guide plate 548 that is a quarter pipe structure form. Be positioned on the opposite side of central axis be similar to those fluid detection electrodes 549a, 549b described previously. Separator 540 comprises flat bottom 540a and allows fluid and smaller particles to pass through while keeping the porous back side 540c of larger particles.

[0174] In other aspects, the recovery tank 520 may lack a built-in cover or filtration system, and indeed, those components may be retained directly within the body assembly 210′ ​​of the cleaning device 10. When the recovery tank 520 is retained in the body assembly 210′, the components may interact to enable the capture of dirt, debris, and waste while allowing air to flow freely through the system and facilitate suction.

[0175] During the cleaning process, when the fluid level within the recovery tank 510 rises to a predetermined threshold value contacting the electrodes 549a, 549b, the cleaning device 10 can measure the drop in resistance across the electrodes 549a, 549b and alert the user to the detected fluid level. The cleaning device 10 can also interrupt the cleaning process and prevent further cleaning until the electrodes 549a, 549b no longer detect that the fluid level exceeds the predetermined threshold value. Similar to the above description of Figures 10A-10L In the depicted embodiment, when the captured dirt, debris, and waste are disposed of, the separated liquid slurry can be emptied through a built-in dump spout 550 located at the top of the recovery tank 520. The separator 540 can then be removed, and captured particles that are too large to pass through the separator 540 can be easily disposed of.

[0176] Figure 11D The recovery tank 520 is shown retained within the main body assembly 210'. A handle 570 extends outwardly from the container 522 to allow the recovery tank 520 to be pulled out and removed from its retained position. When retained, the upper end of the separator 540 of the recovery tank 520 engages a retaining feature located within the main body assembly 210', such as Figure 11E At the lower end of the separator 540, the body assembly 210' interacts with the container 522 to create a fluid path into the container 522 through the riser 524, as shown. Figure 11F shown.

[0177] Figures 11G-11I The filter 560 is shown as being held and removed. The filter 560 is shown held in the tank 552 so as to be positioned above the retained recovery tank 520. Figure 11H The depicted filter retaining features 562 are connected to secure it in place. The filter 560 further includes a front edge 564 to aid in removal, which is blocked by an extension 521 on the recovery tank 520 when the recovery tank 520 is retained in the body assembly 210'. Figure 11D When the recovery tank 520 is not being held, this slot 552 is accessible to the user and can be used to remove the filter 560, as shown. Figure 11I shown.

[0178] Figures 17A-17D Another embodiment of a recovery tank 810 having the same configuration as recovery tank 520 is depicted, but it includes a peripheral seal 814 extending around the outer perimeter of a separator 812. Peripheral seal 814 can be made of a variety of materials, such as rubber, plastic, elastic, or other materials. When placed in a container 816 having a lid 815, peripheral seal 814 can close any gaps remaining between separator 812 and the sidewalls of container 816, thereby preventing fluid and / or debris from passing around separator 812. In other words, a watertight seal is formed. During operation, fluid and debris drawn into container 816 must pass through separator 812 via discharge pipe 818, rather than avoiding the separation process. Similar to the above embodiment, separator 812 also includes a deflector 819 in the form of a wedge-shaped protrusion. Although deflector 819 can have any form or orientation, deflector 819 is shown as being angled downward toward the area of ​​discharge pipe 818. As fluid and debris are drawn into the recovery tank 810 , the deflector 819 may help prevent this fluid and debris from impacting unwanted areas of the recovery tank 810 , such as the lid 815 .

[0179] Figures 18A-18D Other embodiments of recovery tanks 820a-d are shown, each having a configuration similar to recovery tank 420, but with hollow risers positioned at various locations. When coupled to a cleaning apparatus (e.g., cleaning apparatus 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 apparatus (not shown). In this configuration, fluid and debris can still enter the recovery tanks via the hollow risers, and the overall operation of the recovery assemblies 820a-d can proceed in a substantially similar manner to that described in detail above with respect to the various embodiments.

[0180] Figure 18AA recovery tank 820a is depicted having a sloped lower sidewall 824a. A hollow riser 822a extends upwardly from the sloped sidewall 824a. Figure 18B A recovery tank 820b is depicted having a rear cutout portion in its rear sidewall 824b. A hollow riser 822b extends laterally from the rear sidewall 824b and projects in an upward manner into the container 826b, curving to compensate for the initial lateral extension. Figure 18C A recovery tank 820c is depicted having an irregularly shaped hollow riser 822c. Hollow riser 822c is shown extending from its bottom surface 824c into a container 828c before bending backward at an approximately right angle. Hollow riser 822c extends along a rear sidewall 826c of container 828c and is then depicted as bending forward before extending upward into the center portion of container 828c. Figure 18D Depicts the Figure 18A Recovery tank 820d is similarly configured to recovery tank 820a depicted in FIG, except that instead of a sloped lower sidewall, recovery tank 820d has a curved lower sidewall 824d from which a hollow riser 822d extends.

[0181] Figures 19A-19B Another embodiment of a recovery tank 830 is depicted having an external hollow standpipe 832. The hollow standpipe 832 is shown extending upward at a rear portion of the recovery tank 830 and then curving laterally so that it extends adjacent the rearward side of the lid 834. The hollow standpipe 832, like those previously described, can be in fluid communication with the interior of the recovery tank 830 so that fluid and debris can be drawn therethrough to be deposited within the container 836. Although Figures 19A-19B Not shown, the recovery tank 830 may include a separator (eg, separator 812), and the hollow riser 832 may be configured to deposit the ingested fluid and debris onto the separator to allow the ingested debris to separate from the fluid.

[0182] Figure 20Another embodiment of a recovery tank 840 is depicted. In this embodiment, a separator 842 is fixedly coupled to a container 844 (e.g., integral or monolithic with the container) so that it cannot be removed from the container. As with the previous embodiment, a hollow standpipe 846 may extend through the separator 842. However, the hollow standpipe 846 may be fixed to or integral with the separator 842. In this manner, the container 844, separator 842, and hollow standpipe 846 are integral with one another. The recovery tank 840 may also include a spout 845 disposed in the rear portion of the container 844, which allows captured fluid and small debris to be disposed of from the container 844. A lid 848 may be removably coupled to the container 844 and may include a lower extension 848a extending downwardly above the hollow standpipe 846. The extension 848a may redirect fluid and debris drawn into the container 844 toward the hollow standpipe 846, thereby preventing the fluid and debris from flowing through the lid 848. The container 844 may also include a removable bottom 847 that allows access to the area of ​​the container 844 below the separator 842. The removable bottom 847 can be attached to the container 844 in any number of ways, including a friction fit, a hinge, etc. The removable bottom 847 may include an inlet port 847a having an upwardly extending collar 847b. The collar 847b may receive the hollow standpipe 846 therein and allow fluid and debris to be introduced into the container through the collar.

[0183] Figures 24A-24D Another embodiment 900 of a recovery tank 905 for use in a cleaning apparatus is depicted. In this embodiment, the recovery tank 905 has a container 915, a removable bottom 910, a removable lid 935, and a latch 905a for attaching the recovery tank 905 to the cleaning apparatus.

[0184] The container can have a configuration as described above with respect to the previous embodiments. However, in this embodiment, the container 915 has a separator 920 that is fixedly coupled to the container 915 (e.g., integrally or unitarily therewith) such that the separator cannot be removed from the container 915. Like the separators described above, 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 having a slit opening 920a or other opening extending therethrough that is configured to allow fluid and small debris to pass from the upper portion 915a of the container 915 into the lower portion 915b of the container 915 while capturing and retaining large debris within the upper portion 915a. The container 915 may also include a pouring spout 940 extending upward from the lower portion 915b of the container 915 and having an opening near the removable lid 935 to allow fluid from the lower portion 915b to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the separator 920 includes a sidewall 920b, and the pouring spout 940 may be formed between the sidewall 920b of the separator and the sidewall of the container 915. In some embodiments, the opening of the pouring spout 940 may be configured to be always open.

[0185] The container 915 may also include one or more baffles, such as Figure 24C and Figure 24D A first deflector 945a and a second deflector 945b are shown extending downwardly from the upper portion 915a of the container 915 and are configured to reduce the effects of splashback and prevent fluid and debris from approaching the top of the container 915. The first deflector 945a is shown extending downwardly from the top rear portion of the container near the pouring spout 940. In some embodiments, the first deflector 945a is curved to extend forward toward the middle of the container. The second deflector 945b is shown extending downwardly from the front side of the upper portion 915a of the container and extending above the separator 920. In some embodiments, the first deflector 945a and / or the second deflector 945b can be removable for cleaning operations. For example, the deflectors 945a, 945b can be fixedly attached to the lid 935 and can be removed together with the lid. In other embodiments, the baffles 945a and 945b may take other forms, and the baffles may extend at different angles, shapes, or in different areas of the container 915 as desired.

[0186] The container 915 may further include an opening 925 disposed at a bottom surface 915c of the container 915 for receiving the removable bottom portion 910. As shown, the opening 925 has an outer edge 925a configured to contact a gasket 910d disposed within a top surface 910a of the removable bottom portion 910 when the removable bottom portion 910 is in the attached configuration, thereby forming a seal between the container 915 and the removable bottom portion 910.

[0187] Figure 24A and Figure 24C The removable bottom 910 is shown in a removed configuration. As shown, the removable bottom 910 includes a hollow riser 930 fixedly coupled to (e.g., integral with or integral with) a top surface 910a thereof and extending upwardly therefrom. The hollow riser 930 may have an inlet 930a adjacent to or in the bottom surface 910b of the removable bottom 910. When the removable 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 positioned offset from the center of the removable bottom 910. This may position the riser offset from the separator 920, as shown in FIG. Figure 24B and Figure 24D To mate the removable bottom 910 to the container 915, the top surface 910a of the removable bottom 910 may include one or more coupling mechanisms 910c configured to engage an outer edge 925a of the opening 925 when the removable bottom 910 is in the attached configuration. Figure 24C As shown in FIG, the coupling mechanism 910c is in the form of a bayonet locking mechanism.

[0188] The recovery tank 905 may also include a removable lid 935 disposed on top of the container 915, the removable lid being configured to allow cleaning of an upper portion 915a of the container 915. In some embodiments, the lid 935 may include a removable filter 935a disposed therein and configured to allow suction to be applied therethrough, similar to the previous embodiments.

[0189] As with the previous embodiments, the recovery tank 905 may also include a spring-biased latch 905a movably mounted on an outer surface of the recovery tank 905. Similar to the previous embodiments, the recovery tank 905 may be removed from the cleaning apparatus (not shown) by biasing the latch 905a downward to unlock the recovery tank 905 from the cleaning apparatus.

[0190] In use, the removable bottom 910 can be attached to the container 915 by inserting the hollow riser 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 removable bottom 910 about the direction C until the coupling mechanism 910c locks onto the outer edge 925a, as shown. Figure 24D . 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 can be attached to the container 915 using a friction fit, a hinge, or other mating features. When the removable bottom 910 is in the attached configuration, the hollow riser 930 extends substantially the entire height of the container 915, and the first baffle 945a extends downward to partially cover the upper portion of the riser 930, including the outlet 930b.

[0191] During the cleaning operation, a suction force can be applied to a removable filter 935a disposed within the lid 935. The applied suction force can allow the fluid (including large and small debris) to enter the inlet 930a of the hollow standpipe 930 and exit the outlet 930b thereof and enter the container 915. After 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 the liquid and small debris to enter the lower portion 915b through the slit opening 920a. After the cleaning operation is completed, the recovery tank 905 can be removed from the cleaning apparatus 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 spout 940.

[0192] To perform a deep cleaning operation of the recovery tank 905 after a cleaning operation, the user can unlock the removable bottom 910 from the container 915 by rotating the removable bottom 910 about direction C (opposite to the direction used for locking) until the coupling mechanism 910c detaches from the outer edge 925a. The user can remove the removable bottom 910 - including the hollow riser 930 - and rinse the lower portion 930. In addition, the user can remove the lid 935 to remove large debris from the separator 920 and the upper portion 915a of the container. In some embodiments, the second deflector 945b can also be removed with or after the lid 935 is removed to simplify the deep cleaning operation.

[0193] In addition to the dry cleaning mode, the cleaning apparatus may also operate in a wet cleaning mode that employs a fluid supply tank, a fluid pump, a spray nozzle, and a deflector in addition to the vacuum assembly having the previously described subassemblies. Figures 12A-15D Components of the fluid assembly used in wet cleaning mode and operation are shown, such as a fluid supply tank 610 , piping 620 , a fluid pump 622 , a fluid application surface 624 , and a spray nozzle 630 .

[0194] As explained above, the main body housing 210 includes a second cavity on the upper portion of the front side 210b that is shaped to receive and hold the fluid supply tank 610. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figures 12A-12F As shown, the fluid supply reservoir 610 includes a valve cover 612 that is removably screwed to a fluid reservoir 614. The fluid reservoir 614 is divided into an upper layer 614a and a lower layer 614b, and each of the layers 614a, 614b has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. The upper layer 614a is shaped to conform to the overall form of the main body shell 210, thereby providing an external limit to the upper portion of the front side 210b of the main body shell 210. The lower layer 614b is smaller than the upper layer 614a and is internally received within the main body shell 210, thereby occupying a portion of the second area. The fluid reservoir 614 further defines a hollow interior that receives the fluid supplied by the cleaning device 10 during wet cleaning operations. The valve cover 612 of the fluid supply reservoir 610 is screwably coupled to the lower layer 614a and allows one-way flow of fluid from the hollow interior of the fluid reservoir 614 to its exterior. The valve cover 612 is sized to be received with a complementary recess in the second cavity 210f of the main body housing 210. When the valve cover 612 is properly seated in the second cavity, fluid can flow therethrough, and when the valve cover 612 is not properly seated in the second cavity, the valve cover 612 can serve to seal the fluid within the fluid supply tank 610.

[0195] 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 storage tank 614 is emptied of fluid, the drain valve 616 can allow the pressure in the hollow interior to equalize 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 provided in the lower layer 614b that is shaped to receive the fluid described above and Figure 8A and Figure 8B6. As explained above, actuation of the fluid tank switch 212 allows removal of the fluid supply tank 610 from the second area, and specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, actuation of the fluid tank switch 212 retracts the tank engagement feature 211 into the main body housing 210 such that it no longer engages the retaining recess 618.

[0196] Figures 13A-13I and Figure 23 Various components used in the wet cleaning mode are depicted, including conduit 620, a fluid pump 622, a fluid application surface 624, and a spray nozzle 630. During the wet cleaning mode, fluid contained within the fluid supply tank 610 is discharged from the cleaning device 10 and discharged onto the surface to be cleaned. As the fluid leaves the fluid supply tank 610, it is transported through the cleaning device 10 in conduit 620. Conduit 620 is connected to the fluid supply tank 610, travels along the body assembly 200, and then enters the head assembly 100.

[0197] Figure 13A An interior view of the head assembly 100 is depicted without the top side 110b of the head housing 110. Figure 13B Only the conduit 620, fluid pump 622 and spray nozzle 630 that are all contained in head assembly 100 are depicted.Fluid pump 622 is configured to pump fluid from fluid supply reservoir 610 through cleaning device 10.Conduit 620 connects fluid supply reservoir 610 to fluid pump 622, and then leaves fluid pump 622 before splitting, and is finally connected to left spray nozzle 630L and right spray nozzle 630R that are arranged on the fluid application face 624 of head assembly 100, as discussed above.Therefore, in this configuration, fluid supply reservoir 610 is in fluid communication with left spray nozzle 630L and right spray nozzle 630R through fluid pump 622 and conduit 620.Hereinafter, the operation of cleaning device 10 during wet cleaning mode will be described in more detail.

[0198] As explained previously 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 spans a substantial width of the head housing between the left spray nozzle 630L and the right spray nozzle 630R. The surface 624 is substantially cylindrical and concave in shape, with a slight bulge toward the middle of the surface 624. When viewed from a side perspective, for example Figure 13I As shown in the partial cross-sectional view of , face 624 is sufficiently concave to allow left and right spray nozzles 630L, 630R to be fully contained within the resulting recess.

[0199] Also included on the fluid application face 624 are a left deflector 640L and a right deflector 640R. Each deflector may be in the form of a protrusion extending generally perpendicular to the application face 624. The left deflector 640L and the right deflector 640R are shown as having a curved configuration, curving away from the left and right spray nozzles 630L and 630R, however, in other embodiments, the deflectors may be planar or have alternative shapes and orientations. In the illustrated embodiment, the left deflector 640L and the right deflector 640R are molded directly onto the fluid application face 624. In other embodiments, these deflectors may be removably attached to the fluid application face 624, or may be so molded or removably attached to another feature. The left and right deflectors 640L, 640R are at least partially disposed in the spray paths of the left and right spray nozzles 630L, 630R, respectively, such that during cleaning operations, the deflectors 640L, 640R are affected by the sprayed fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, the deflectors 640L, 640R are positioned a distance from each of the left and right spray nozzles 630L, 630R that is sufficient to allow the fluid spray from the spray nozzles to encounter the deflectors and be deflected rearwardly toward the end of the brush roll, thereby facilitating delivery of the fluid to the end of the brush roll.

[0200] The left and right spray nozzles 630L, 630R protrude from the fluid application face 624 and are aimed generally inwardly toward each other while also being aimed toward the brushroll 150. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the left and right spray nozzles 630L, 630R are substantially similar, and therefore, only one spray 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 spray nozzle 630R and the conduit 620, while Figures 13G-13I The left side of the head assembly is shown.

[0201] 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 624 by cooperating with a right spray nozzle 630R′ and a right deflector 640R′, but the fluid application surface 624′ can include a secondary right deflector 640R′ mounted thereon. The secondary right deflector 641R′ is located at Figure 23 640R′ and is further depicted as being positioned closer to the right spray nozzle 630R′ than the right deflector 640R′. However, the specific form and location of the secondary right spray nozzle 640R′ may vary. In operation, the right spray nozzle 630R′ and the secondary right spray nozzle 641R′ may be used to redirect fluid sprayed by the right spray nozzle 630R′. The secondary right spray nozzle 641R′ may be configured to direct additional fluid to the periphery of the brushroll.

[0202] Figures 14A-14D A spray nozzle 630 according to an embodiment is depicted. Spray nozzle 630 has a generally cylindrical form and includes an outlet port 632 that is in fluid communication with a fluid supply tank 610 and through which fluid is ejected. The outlet port 632 itself is wedge-shaped with a central aperture 634, and this arrangement produces a flat, fan-shaped spray pattern when fluid is ejected from the outlet port 632. In some embodiments, this flat, fan-shaped pattern can be between 5° and 60°. In other embodiments, the fan-shaped pattern can be between 10° and 50°. In still other embodiments, the fan-shaped pattern can be between 15° and 45°.

[0203] In some embodiments, the discharge port 632 can be rotated so that the spray angle θ is offset by several degrees from the vertical axis. This offset can be anywhere between 1°-30° in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In some embodiments, the offset is between 5°-25°. While in other embodiments, the offset is between 10°-20°. In the exemplary embodiment, the discharge port of the left spray nozzle is shown rotated approximately 15° counterclockwise from a vertical orientation. The spray nozzle 630 can also be aligned with a plane tangential to the surface of the brush roller 150 at the point on the brush roller 150 closest to the spray nozzle 630 so that the offset angle and the tangential plane will be substantially parallel in order to maximize fluid coverage on the brush roller 150. Offset Angle Variations of several degrees in either direction are also possible, and in some embodiments may vary by as much as 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, or 5° from the tangential plane. Figure 14D An exemplary view of the spray angle of the spray nozzle 630 tilted from the tangential plane is shown.

[0204] Figures 15A-15D A fluid application surface 650 with a built-in spray nozzle 652 is depicted according to another embodiment. Figure 15A 654 that extends almost the entire width of the face. On the back side of the fluid application face 650 is a port 656 that can be connected to a conduit (not depicted) to fluidically couple the fluid application face 650 to a fluid path. The spray nozzles 652 located within the outlet 654 on the front side are evenly spaced at the outlet 654 and are arranged along the Figure 15C654. The fluid is output along the path shown. In the exemplary embodiment, four spray nozzles 652 are evenly dispersed across the width of the outlet, however, in other embodiments, the number of spray nozzles 652 and their positions may vary so that they are evenly or unevenly spaced. The spray nozzles 652 introduce fluid into the outlet, and the fluid flows in a path defined by the circular profile of the outlet 654 before being ejected in the direction of the brush roller 150. The volume of fluid supplied can be large enough so that the fluid flows laterally within the outlet 654 and is therefore applied to the brush roller 150 from the entire width of the outlet 654 so as to evenly coat the brush roller 150 with fluid, thereby preventing streaks during cleaning operations.

[0205] Figure 15D A partial cross-section of the head assembly is depicted having a fluid application face 650 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, a comb 658 is disposed proximate to the brush roll 150. During cleaning operations, as the brush roll 150 rotates, the brush roll 150 may capture and pick up fibrous material. As the brush roll 150 rotates, if allowed to, fibrous material may become entangled around the brush roll 150 and interfere with the cleaning ability of the cleaning system 10. The presence of the comb 658 helps capture fibrous material to prevent entanglement with the brush roll 150, which in turn allows the operator to remove the captured material. Also in Figure 15D Depicted in FIG is another embodiment of a rubber guide 660 similar to the above embodiment. Although not shown, the comb 658 may be provided Figure 5A and Figure 5B , or on any embodiment presented herein.

[0206] In another embodiment, the head assembly 100 may include at least one passive brushroll. Figure 21 A first passive brush roller 161a and a second passive brush roller 161b are shown, but one or the other may be used in place of both passive brush rollers 161a, 161b. The first passive brush roller 161a, the second passive brush roller 161b are substantially cylindrical and can freely rotate about their central axes. The first passive brush roller 161a and / or the second passive brush roller 161b can be configured to remove fluid from a surface and redirect the fluid to a location where it can be drawn into the head assembly 100. The first passive brush roller 161a and / or the second passive brush roller 161b can also be configured to remove excess fluid from the brush roller 160. The first passive brush roller 161a is shown as being positioned close to the floor surface, while the second passive brush roller 161b is shown as being positioned close to the center inlet 126. However, these positions can vary depending on the various arrangements of components as described herein.

[0207] In another embodiment, a brushroll cover may help remove excess fluid from the brushroll. Figure 22The head assembly 100 is depicted as including a brush roll cover 140' having a curved inner wall extension 141. The extension 141 can extend toward the brush roll 160 and contact the brush roll to help remove excess fluid and debris captured by the brush roll 160 itself during cleaning operations. Although the extension 141 is Figure 22 143a and a rear edge 143b, but the extension 141 may also taper gradually away from the brushroll 160.

[0208] In operation employing a fluid mode, such as the wet vacuum mode mentioned above, fluid is applied to elements of the device, the surface to be cleaned, or a combination thereof, to aid in the removal of dirt and waste.

[0209] The wet cleaning mode can be activated by actuating a wet cleaning switch 662, which in one embodiment can be located on the top side of the main body housing 210. To prepare for cleaning in such a mode, the fluid supply reservoir 610 is filled with fluid and retained within the main body housing 210. The cleaning device 10 can operate normally in a dry cleaning mode in which the vacuum assembly 400 is used to vacuum dirt and debris, but upon actuation of the wet cleaning switch 662, the cleaning device 10 will also begin spraying fluid to assist in the cleaning process.

[0210] In an exemplary embodiment, fluid is pumped out of the fluid supply tank 610 by a fluid pump 622 and is forced through a conduit 620 and out of the left and right spray nozzles 630L, 630R. The left and right spray nozzles 630L, 630R are directed toward the brush roller 150 so as to spray the central area of ​​the brush roller 150 with the fluid. Some of the sprayed fluid is also directed toward a deflector, as indicated above, which deflects the sprayed fluid to different areas of the brush roller 150, such as outer areas on the left and right sides adjacent to the central area. In this way, the brush roller 150 can be substantially evenly coated with the fluid sprayed from the left and right spray nozzles 630L, 630R. When the coated brush roller 150 rotates on the cleaning surface, the rotation of the brush roller 150 and the sprayed fluid can work together to loosen dirt and debris from the surface. Once the dirt and debris are loosened, they mix with the sprayed fluid and create a slurry that can then be pumped into the cleaning apparatus 10 through the central inlet 126. From the central inlet 126, the slurry travels upward to the hose 230 and into the container 422 of the recovery tank 420 via the standpipe 424, where it can then be separated into its basic components using the separator 440. The slurry will travel along the inclined portion of the separator and pass through the drain pipe 442. The ridges of the drain pipe 442 will capture larger debris, while smaller debris and fluid will fall to the bottom of the container 422. As the slurry enters the container 422 through the standpipe 424, any particles and liquid entering at too high a speed will strike the deflector 640 and be redirected toward the rear of the container 422 and ultimately flow into the drain pipe 442. The slurry will undergo separation, with the fluid and smaller particles passing through the drain pipe 442 and the larger particles being retained by the ridges 446.

[0211] When the fluid level detectors 449a, 449b sense that the fluid in the container 422 has reached the maximum level, an indicator indicating that the fluid must be drained will appear on the main body assembly 200. In one embodiment, the cleaning device 10 can indicate that the fluid level has reached the maximum level by providing a red water drop on the cleaning device 10. The indicator can appear anywhere on the cleaning device 10, and for example, can appear on the top side 210d of the main body housing 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 chamber within the main body housing 210. Without removing the lid, any waste in the bottom of the container 422 can be drained through the spout 450 in the top of the recovery tank 420. The container 422 can be tilted to direct the retained fluid toward the rear of the container 422, making it closer to the channel 451. To proceed with disposal, container 422 can be tilted further to allow the fluid to flow through channel 451 and out spout 450, while larger particles and debris held by separator 440 remain within container 422 and cannot be disposed of 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 that are too large to enter the bottom of container 422 will be removed using separator 440. These larger particles can then be disposed of.

[0212] During a wet cleaning operation, the fluid supply tank 610 may become too low or run out of fluid. When the fluid supply reaches a low point, for example when the fluid supply tank 610 is empty, the cleaning device 10 will be prevented from operating in a wet cleaning operation. If this happens, an alarm can be sounded on the device 10, indicating that the fluid supply tank 610 must be refilled before the wet cleaning operation can begin, or if a wet cleaning operation is in progress, it can continue. In some embodiments, the alarm can use the same water droplets used to indicate that the maximum fluid level has been reached. In other embodiments, when indicating that the fluid supply tank 610 is exhausted, the water droplets can pulse blue, 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 before, or it can start a new wet cleaning operation.

[0213] In other embodiments, Figures 16A-16GAs shown, a charging pad 700 for use with the cleaning device 10 can be provided. The charging pad 700 shown includes a generally square bottom 710 with a recessed area 720 in the center. The recessed area 720 can be sized to correspond to the bottom of the head assembly 100, and it can support the cleaning device 10 therein. The recessed area 720 can also include areas for receiving the large wheel 112 and the small wheel 114, a brush roll in use, such as brush roll 150 or brush roll 160, and the entire head housing 110. The charging pad 700 can also include an accessory holder 730 at its rear portion, which can be used as a receptacle to receive accessories for the cleaning device 10. These accessories can vary and can include replacement brush rolls such as brush roll 150 and brush roll 160, as well as other tools for cleaning. In some embodiments, the accessory holder 730 may not be included.

[0214] Also located at the rear end of the charging pad 700 is a charging port 740 extending upward from the bottom 710. The charging port 740 is configured to electrically couple to the electrical contacts 220 located on the cleaning device 10. The contacts 220 on the cleaning device 10 can be seen on the rear portion of the main housing 210, as shown. Figure 16G Extending from the back of the charging pad 700 is a plug 750 that can be plugged into an outlet to provide power to the entire charging pad 700 and, in turn, the cleaning device 10. When connected to the charging pad 700, the cleaning device 10 can turn on a battery life indicator to represent a simplified charge level. In an 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 charge 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.

[0215] While cleaning device 10 is in use, the same battery indicator may be depleted as device 10 is powered off. The battery indicator light during use may indicate the same level of charge as during charging, displaying the stages in reverse order as cleaning device 10 uses power. In some embodiments, cleaning device 10 may rely on a separate indicator for use during operation of device 10, in addition to the indicator used during charging.

[0216] Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the structure, function, manufacture and use principles of the systems, devices and methods 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, devices and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims. Features shown 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 present invention. In addition, in this disclosure, components of the same name in embodiments generally have similar features, so in a particular embodiment, it is not necessary to fully elaborate on every feature of each component of the same name.

[0217] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximating language may be used to modify any quantitative representation that is permissible to vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Thus, a numerical value modified by one or more terms, such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially," should not be limited to the precise numerical value specified. Approximate language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring a numerical value, at least in some cases. Herein and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, and unless context or language indicates otherwise, such ranges are identified and include all subranges contained therein.

[0218] Based on the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand the other features and advantages of the present invention. Therefore, except as indicated by the appended claims, this application is not limited by the contents specifically shown and described. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A fluid recovery tank used in a cleaning device, characterized in that: The fluid recovery tank comprises: a container having a bottom wall and side walls defining an interior chamber therein, said container being open at a top, said bottom wall including a fluid inlet therein; a separator fixedly and immovably disposed within the interior chamber, the separator dividing the interior chamber into an upper portion and a lower portion, and the separator being arranged to retain solid debris within the upper portion while allowing liquid to pass therethrough into the bottom portion; a removable cover disposed within the open top; and A hollow standpipe extends from the fluid inlet in the bottom wall toward the lid and through the opening in the separator for delivering fluid and debris to the upper portion of the interior chamber.

2. The fluid recovery tank according to claim 1, wherein: The bottom wall includes a removable portion.

3. The fluid recovery tank according to claim 2, wherein: The hollow riser is secured to the removable portion and is removable therewith.

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

5. The fluid recovery tank according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid recovery tank also includes a pour spout in the lid configured to allow fluid from the lower portion to pass therethrough.

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

7. The fluid recovery tank according to claim 5, wherein: The pouring spout is configured to be in an open position when the lid is in both the open position and the closed position.

8. The fluid recovery tank according to claim 1, wherein: The cover includes a removable filter disposed therein and configured to allow suction to be applied therethrough.

9. The fluid recovery tank according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid recovery tank also includes a spring-biased latch movably mounted on an exterior surface of the container.

10. The fluid recovery tank according to claim 1, wherein: The container is transparent.

11. A fluid recovery tank, characterized in that: The fluid recovery tank comprises: a container having a bottom wall having a fluid inlet therein, at least one side wall extending from the bottom wall and defining, together with the bottom wall, an interior chamber, and a separator secured to the at least one side wall and extending across the interior chamber such that the separator divides the interior chamber into an upper portion and a lower portion; a lid removably disposed within the open top of the container; and A base is removably disposed within the bottom wall and has a hollow riser extending upwardly therethrough, the hollow riser extending through the opening in the separator when the base is disposed within the bottom wall.

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

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

14. The fluid recovery tank according to claim 11, wherein: The fluid recovery tank also includes a pour spout in the lid configured to allow fluid from the lower portion to pass therethrough.

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

16. The fluid recovery tank of claim 14, wherein: The pouring spout is configured to be in an open position when the lid is in both the open position and the closed position.

17. The fluid recovery tank of claim 11, wherein: The cover includes a removable filter disposed therein and configured to allow suction to be applied therethrough.

18. The fluid recovery tank of claim 11, wherein: The fluid recovery tank also includes a spring-biased latch movably mounted on an exterior surface of the container.

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

Images