Wet dry appliance

Abstract

Cleaning devices operable in dry and wet cleaning modes are provided. A cleaning device includes a recovery tank having a tank body defining a hollow interior. The tank body includes an inlet leading to the hollow interior and an outlet leading from the hollow interior. The inlet is configured to receive debris and fluid during a cleaning operation. The recovery tank further includes a strainer coupled to an internal sidewall of the tank body and a lid removably disposed within the outlet of the tank body. The lid includes at least one filter material configured to prevent egress of the debris from the hollow interior.

Description

WET DRY APPLIANCECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 660,366, filed on June 14, 2024, and entitled “Detecting Tank Fill Level.” The entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] A cleaning device operable in wet and dry modes is provided.BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional cleaning devices, such as dry vacuums and wet vacuums, perform cleaning operations using suction to take in debris and waste. Dry vacuums operate through the use of suction and may employ a brushroll or agitator to assist in freeing the debris and waste from a surface. Wet vacuums operate through the use of suction and a brushroll or pad, but they also supply fluid to the to-be-cleaned surface in order to assist in removal of debris and waste.

[0004] When fluid is applied to the surface, the fluid will, incidentally, mix with the debris and waste, and the resulting slurry is drawn into the device using suction. The slurry can clog the airways of the device and can damage components such as the vacuum motor of the device. Precautions should be taken to prevent the slurry from unintentionally becoming clogged or reaching such components of the device. Once inside the cleaning device, different types of waste (such as fluid and debris) may need to be separated from one another in order to ease in disposal. For example, fluid can be separated from debris via a separator of the fluid recovery tank. If different types of waste are not thoroughly separated, the disposal and cleaning process may be long and arduous.

[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need to provide a better waste intake and separation method to improve vacuum longevity by preventing waste from damaging the device, as well as to make waste disposal easier by separating different types of waste more thoroughly.SUMMARY

[0006] A cleaning device operable in dry and wet cleaning modes is provided. Related apparatuses and techniques are also provided.

[0007] In one embodiment, a recovery tank includes a tank body defining a hollow interior. The tank body includes an inlet leading to the hollow interior and an outlet leading from the hollow interior. The inlet can receive debris and fluid during a cleaning operation. The recovery tank further includes a strainer coupled to an internal sidewall of the tank body and a lidremovably disposed within the outlet of the tank body. The lid includes at least one filter material configured to prevent egress of the debris from the hollow interior.

[0008] One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the recovery tank can further include at least one fluid level sensor embedded in a sidewall of the tank body at a predetermined height. The at least one fluid level sensor can detect fluid level within the tank body at the predetermined height. In some examples, the at least one fluid level sensor includes a plurality of fluid level sensors each embedded in a sidewall of the tank body at the predetermined height. The recovery tank can further include at least one baffle disposed on the sidewall of the tank body over the at least one fluid level sensor. The at least one baffle can prevent fluid spray from contacting the at least one fluid level sensor. In some examples, a portion of the sidewall is overmolded over top of a portion of the at least one fluid level sensor.

[0009] In some examples, the inlet of the recovery tank includes a standpipe extending upward from a base of the tank body. The standpipe has an exit at an upper region thereof, the exit introducing the debris and fluid to the hollow interior. In some examples, the strainer is displaced from the standpipe. In some examples, the strainer is coupled to a region of the tank body between the exit of the standpipe and the outlet of the tank body. The standpipe can have a substantially round cross-section, and the strainer can be substantially parallel to a line tangential to the standpipe. In some examples, the recovery tank further includes at least one baffle disposed between the exit of the standpipe and the outlet of the tank body. The at least one baffle can deflect debris and fluid entering the hollow interior away from the outlet. In some examples, the strainer includes a mesh that can retain a first portion of the debris (e.g., large solid debris) and to transmit fluid and a second portion of the debris e.g., fine solid debris).

[0010] In another embodiment, a cleaning device includes a cleaning body including a cleaning head that can move across a surface and a suction source disposed within the cleaning body and can draw large solid debris, fine solid debris, and fluid into the cleaning body. The cleaning device also includes a recovery tank removably coupled to the cleaning body. The recovery tank can receive the drawn-in solid debris and fluid via an inlet thereof. The recovery tank includes a tank body including an opening leading to a hollow interior therein. The tank body includes a standpipe extending into the hollow interior, and the standpipe defines an inlet to the hollow interior. The recovery tank also includes a strainer displaced laterally from the standpipe, the strainer being configured to separate large solid debris from fluid, and a lid removably disposed from the opening.

[0011] One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, a distance from the strainer to a base of the tank body is less than a distance from a top of the standpipe to the base of the tank body. In some examples, the strainer is located on an internal wall of the tank body. The standpipe can have a substantially round cross-section, and the strainer can be substantially parallel to a line tangential to the standpipe. In some examples, the lid includes at least one filter material that can prevent the egress of fine debris from the hollow interior.

[0012] In some examples, during operation of the suction source, a working flow path is defined between the inlet and the opening. In such examples, the recovery tank includes at least one baffle that can deflect the drawn-in solid debris and fluid from the working flow path. In some examples, the recovery tank includes at least one fluid level sensor embedded in a sidewall of the tank body or the standpipe of the tank body at a predetermined height. The at least one fluid level sensor can detect fluid level within the tank body at the predetermined height. In some examples, the at least one fluid level sensor includes a plurality of fluid level sensors each embedded in a sidewall of the tank body or the standpipe of the tank body at the predetermined height. In some examples, the cleaning device further includes at least one baffle disposed on a sidewall of the tank body or the standpipe of the tank body over the at least one fluid level sensor. The at least one baffle can prevent fluid spray from contacting the at least one fluid level sensor. In some examples, a portion of the sidewall or the standpipe of the tank body is overmolded over top of a portion of the at least one fluid level sensor.

[0013] In some examples, the at least one sensor includes a capacitive sensor. In some examples, the at least one sensor comprises a first sensor disposed on a bottom surface of the recovery tank and a second sensor disposed on a sidewall of the recovery tank. In some examples, the first sensor is centrally disposed on the bottom surface and the second sensor is disposed at a substantial midpoint of the sidewall. In some examples, the second sensor is disposed about halfway between a front wall and a back wall of the recovery tank on the sidewall. In some examples, the first sensor and the second sensor are overmolded into internal walls of the recovery tank. In some examples, the first sensor and the second sensor are in electronic communication with a controller disposed within the cleaning body. In some examples, the recovery tank includes a first electrical contact in direct electronic communication with the first sensor and a second electrical contact in direct electronic communication with the second sensor. In some examples, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can electrically communicate with corresponding electrical contacts disposed on the cleaning body.

[0014] In another embodiment, a recovery tank includes a tank body defining a hollow interior, the tank body including an inlet that can receive large solid debris, fine solid debris, and fluid and an outlet. The recovery tank also includes a strainer including a first strainer region that can retain large solid debris and transmit fine solid debris and fluid, and a second strainer region that can retain fine solid debris. The recovery tank also includes a tank lid disposed in the outlet of the tank body.

[0015] One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the first strainer region can include a cage that can retain the received large solid debris and transmit the received fine solid debris and fluid. A bottom of the cage can be hinged to a body of the cage such that the bottom can be pivoted relative to the body. In some examples, the cage can open via the bottom thereof. In some examples, the first strainer region is disposed proximate the inlet and upstream of the second strainer region. The opening to the first strainer region proximate to the inlet can be larger than the inlet. In some examples, the second strainer region can route the fine solid debris into a chamber adjacent to the second strainer region, such that the fine solid debris collects at a bottom of the chamber. The second strainer region can include one or more of a cyclonic separator, a momentum separator, a filter, and a strainer. In some examples, the second strainer region includes a cyclonic separator lid distinct from the tank lid. An inlet to the second strainer region can be front-facing. In some examples, the second strainer region is disposed directly above the first strainer region. In some examples, the strainer defines a channel along an internal wall of the tank body that can allow fluid captured in the recovery tank to be poured via the channel through the outlet. The first strainer region can include a cage that can retain hair, and the second strainer region can include a cyclonic separator that can retain the fine solid debris. The strainer can be removable from the tank body as a single structure.

[0016] In another embodiment, a cleaning device includes a cleaning body including a cleaning head that can move across a surface, and a suction source disposed within the cleaning body that can draw large solid debris, fine solid debris, and fluid into the cleaning body. The cleaning device also includes a recovery tank removably coupled to the cleaning body. The recovery tank can receive the drawn-in solid debris and fluid via an inlet thereof. The recovery tank includes a first filter region that can retain large solid debris and transmit fine solid debris and fluid, and a second filter region that can retain fine debris.

[0017] One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the inlet of the recovery tank can include a standpipe extending upward from a base thereof, the standpipe registering with the first filter region to supply the large solid debris, thefine solid debris, and the fluid thereto. The standpipe can have a curved top. The opening of the standpipe can have a substantially horizontal trajectory and lead to the first filter region.

[0018] In some examples, the first filter region includes a cage that can retain the large solid debris and to transmit the fine solid debris and the fluid. A bottom of the cage is hinged to a body of the cage such that the bottom is pivotable relative to the body. The first filter region is disposed proximate to the inlet and upstream of the second filter region. An opening to the first filter region proximate to the inlet is larger than the inlet. In some examples, the second filter region includes one or more of a cyclonic separator, a momentum separator, a filter, and a strainer that can retain the fine solid debris. The second filter region includes a cyclonic separator lid distinct from the tank lid. An inlet to the second filter region can be front-facing. In some examples, the second filter region is disposed directly above the first filter region. The first filter region can retain hair, and the second filter region can retain dust. The first and second filter regions can be removable from the tank body as a single structure.

[0019] In another embodiment, a recovery tank includes a tank body including an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path defined between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet can receive air, liquid, large solid debris, and fine solid debris, and the outlet can emit air. A first strainer region is disposed in the tank body on the flow path and in register with the inlet. The first strainer region includes a cage that can capture and retain large solid debris received via the inlet and can transmit air, liquid, and fine solid debris received via the inlet. A second separator region is in series with the first strainer region on the flow path and can retain fine solid debris and transmit air flowing along the flow path to the outlet. A lid is disposed in the outlet. The liquid entering the tank body via the inlet can leave the flow path after the first strainer region and settle in a bottom of the tank body.

[0020] One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the cage includes at least one mesh wall and a solid base. The solid base can be hinged to the at least one mesh wall. In some examples, the second separator region includes a cyclonic separator. The second separator region can be distinct from the lid of the tank body. In some examples, the second separator region is disposed directly above the first separator region. In some examples, the inlet comprises a standpipe disposed in a rear of the tank body, an end of the standpipe aiming in a forward direction.

[0021] In another embodiment, a recovery container for a cleaning device includes a housing defining an internal chamber that can receive and store debris during a cleaning operation. The housing includes an inlet that can fluidly couple to a suction nozzle of a suction cleaning device and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet defining a flow path therebetween. The inlet can receivelarge debris, fluid, and small debris. The recovery container also includes a hair cage removably coupled to the housing and disposed within the internal chamber in the flow path and in fluid communication with the inlet. The hair cage includes a hair cage body and a hair cage base coupled to a bottom of the hair cage body. The hair cage base defines a plurality of slots that can retain the received large debris and to strain the received fluid and small debris received within the internal chamber via the inlet.

[0022] One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the hair cage base is pivotally coupled to the hair cage body. In some examples, the hair cage base is pivotable relative to the hair cage body between an open position and a closed position. In such examples, the hair cage further includes an actuator that can, upon actuation, move the hair cage base from the closed position to the open position. In some examples, the hair cage base is removably coupled to the hair cage body. In some examples, the hair cage body and the hair cage base have a clamshell-like design. In some examples, the hair cage base includes a peripheral rim, and the plurality of slots is defined in the peripheral rim.

[0023] In another embodiment, a recovery container for a cleaning device includes a tank body including an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path defined between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet can receive air, liquid, large solid debris, and fine solid debris, and the outlet can emit air. The recovery container also includes a hair cage disposed within the tank body and in fluid communication with the inlet. The hair cage can receive the air, liquid, large solid debris, and fine solid debris, and can retain the large solid debris. The hair cage includes a hair cage body and a hair cage base pivotably coupled to the hair cage body. The hair cage defines a plurality of slots that can transmit the air, liquid, and fine solid debris.

[0024] One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the hair cage base is pivotable relative to the hair cage body between an open position and a closed position. In some examples, the hair cage includes an actuator that can, upon actuation, move the hair cage base from the closed position to the open position. In some examples, the hair cage base is removably coupled to the hair cage body. In some examples, the hair cage body and the hair cage base have a clamshell-like design. In some examples, the hair cage includes a peripheral rim, and the plurality of slots is defined in the peripheral rim.

[0025] 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.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 A is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a cleaning device;

[0028] FIG. IB is a cross-sectional side view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1A;

[0029] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a two-stage separator of a fluid recovery tank (not pictured) of a cleaning device;

[0030] FIGS. 2B-2C are perspective views of a cyclone inlet of the two-stage separator of FIG. 2A;

[0031] FIGS. 2D-2E are perspective views of the two-stage separator of the two-stage separator of FIG. 2 A suspended inside of a fluid recovery tank;

[0032] FIG. 2F is a side view of the two-stage separator and fluid recovery tank of FIGS. 2D- 2E;

[0033] FIG. 2G is a cross-sectional view of the fluid recovery tank of FIGS. 2D-2E having a hair collection cage;

[0034] FIGS. 2H-2I are perspective views of the hair collection cage of FIG. 2G;

[0035] FIG. 2J is a schematic view of another embodiment of a hair collection cage with the bottom surface hinged open;

[0036] FIG. 2K is a perspective view of the fluid recovery tank of FIGS. 2D-2E having water sensors;

[0037] FIG. 2L is a perspective view of the baffles to protect the water sensors of FIG. 2K;

[0038] FIG. 3 A is a front view of a single-stage separator of a fluid recovery tank of a cleaning device;

[0039] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the single-stage separator of FIG. 3 A;

[0040] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the fluid recovery tank of FIG. 3A having fluid detecting electrodes;

[0041] FIG. 3D is a schematic view of another embodiment of a cleaning device and a recovery tank coupled to the cleaning device;

[0042] FIG. 3E is a schematic view of the recovery tank of FIG. 3D in an upright position;

[0043] FIG. 3F is a schematic view of the recovery tank of FIG. 3D in a reclined position;

[0044] FIG. 3G is another schematic view of the recovery tank of FIG. 3D in an upright position;

[0045] FIG. 3H is a schematic view of an additional embodiment of a cleaning device and a recovery tank coupled to the cleaning device;

[0046] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a cleaning device and water level sensors positioned within the cleaning device;

[0047] FIG. 3J is a perspective view of an embodiment of the water level sensors of FIG. 31;

[0048] FIG. 3K is a perspective view of another embodiment of the water level sensors of FIG. 3I;FIG. 4A illustrates a generalized cross-sectional view of a containment system;

[0049] FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a containment system formed as part of an upright vacuum system;

[0050] FIGS. 4C-4D illustrate a front view and a side perspective view, respectively, of a separator compatible with the containment system of FIGS. 4A-4B;

[0051] FIGS. 4E-4F illustrate further example embodiments of fins of the separator illustrated in FIGS. 4C-4D;

[0052] FIGS. 4G-4K illustrate various embodiments of separators compatible with the containment system of FIGS. 4A-4B; and

[0053] FIG. 5 is a side view of a processor that is cooled via airflow from a vacuum motor of a cleaning device.

[0054] It is noted that the drawings are not necessarily 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

[0055] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the 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 defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0056] Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent that 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. A person skilled in the art will recognize that an equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can easily be determined for any geometric shape.

[0057] A cleaning device is provided that includes fluid recovery systems that can be operated in combination with, or in place of, traditional vacuum modes. In some embodiments, the cleaning device can include features that more thoroughly separate types of waste, thus streamlining the waste disposal process. For example, the cleaning device can include separators located within the fluid recovery tank that separate fluid from debris (e.g., wet waste from dry waste), as well as debris by size and shape (e.g., larger particles from smaller particles, and / or hair from other types of debris), thus allowing for waste to be categorized and disposed appropriately. Further, in some embodiments, the cleaning device includes features that improve vacuum longevity by preventing waste from damaging sensitive components of the cleaning device. For example, the cleaning device can include baffles and / or sensors that prevent backsplash of fluid, thereby protecting vacuum motors from damage. Described herein are various examples of cleaning devices that streamline the waste disposal process and improve vacuum longevity via the separation and protection features described herein.

[0058] With reference now to FIGS. 1 A-1B, an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 10 is shown. The illustrated cleaning device 10 generally includes a head assembly 100, a body assembly 200 coupled to the head assembly 100, a handle assembly 300 coupled to the body assembly 200, and a vacuum assembly 400 (not shown) that is disposed within the head and body assemblies 100, 200. As will be explained in detail below, the device 10 also includes fluid delivery and fluid recovery assemblies. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle assembly 300 includes a handle 310 and a stem 320, and the body assembly 200 includes a body housing 210 coupled to the stem 320. The head assembly 100 can be coupled to the body housing 210 opposite the stem 320. The head assembly 100 can include a head housing 110, wheels rotatably coupled to the head housing 110 and configured to allow the cleaning device 10 to roll along a surface, and a brushroll (not shown) disposed in the head assembly 100 and configured to rotate during operation of the cleaning device 10.

[0059] The cleaning device 10 can operate in both wet and dry cleaning modes. Dry cleaning modes generally include modes related to traditional vacuuming operations, such as vacuuming on hard surfaces or on softer surfaces, such as carpet. Dry cleaning modes rely on suction to take dirt and debris into the cleaning device 10 for convenient disposal. In some dry cleaning modes, a brushroll can rotate to agitate debris and waste on a cleaning surface. The brushroll can loosen the dirt and debris while simultaneously directing it toward a suction intake of a cleaning device 10. In other dry cleaning modes, a brushroll does not rotate, and instead, suction is relied on alone to force dirt and debris into a cleaning device 10. Wet cleaning modes can generally include a cleaning device 10 supplying fluid either directly or indirectly to a surface to aid in cleaning. The supplied fluid can act to loosen dirt and debris stuck to the surface, and the dirtied fluid can be taken into the cleaning device 10 through suction or other means. In some wet cleaning modes, like some dry cleaning modes described above, a brushroll can further assist in loosening dirt and debris off the surface and directing it toward a suction intake. In these wet cleaning modes, the fluid can be supplied directly to the brushroll in order to simultaneously apply the fluid to the surface while agitating the dirt and debris found on the surface. In other wet cleaning modes, fluid can be supplied directly to the surface and the brushroll can agitate the wetted surface. In still other modes, fluid can be supplied directly to the surface and a brushroll can remain stationary, thereby cleaning the surface with fluid and suction alone.

[0060] The wet and dry cleaning modes can rely on a vacuum assembly 400 (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the vacuum assembly 400 is disposed within the head and body assemblies 100, 200 and is capable of taking in fluid, dirt, debris, and other waste through suction and storing it within the cleaning device 10. In some embodiments, the vacuum assembly 400 can include a motor and a motor fan. The motor and motor fan can be entirely contained in a motor housing disposed within the body assembly 200. As will be discussed in more detail below, hosing can be coupled to the motor fan and can be disposed to run through the body assembly 200 to the head assembly 100 to allow the motor to generate a suction force to draw waste into the device 10. Waste taken in by the vacuum assembly 400 through the hosing can be deposited into a recovery tank of the fluid recovery assembly removably disposed within the body assembly 200.

[0061] The cleaning device 10 can further rely on a fluid delivery assembly (not shown) and a fluid recovery assembly (not shown). The fluid delivery and recovery assemblies enable the cleaning device 10 to dispense fluid to mix with waste in the area, then suck in the mixture of liquid waste and solid waste to remove it from the surface. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery assembly can include a fluid supply tank capable of supplying fluid to an area to becleaned in order to aid in a cleaning process. In some embodiments, the fluid recovery assembly can include a fluid recovery tank capable of intaking waste from the area, including both liquid and solid waste. When entering a wet cleaning mode, fluid (e.g., water and / or detergent) from the fluid supply tank can first be supplied to the surface via the head assembly 100 of the cleaning device 10. The fluid can be mixed with dirt and debris, and the waste can be drawn back into the cleaning device 10 via the head assembly 100 with suction generated by the vacuum motor. Waste can then be separated into different waste types (e.g., fluid, debris, etc.) and deposited in the recovery tank. In other embodiments, such as when entering a dry cleaning mode, the fluid supply step may be omitted, and the fluid delivery assembly and / or fluid recovery assembly may be unused.

[0062] In both wet and dry cleaning modes, the head assembly 100 of the cleaning device 10 can intake waste from the target area.

[0063] Once waste is removed from the surface and sucked into the cleaning device 10 via the head assembly 100, the waste may be transported to a fluid recovery tank of the fluid recovery assembly. The fluid recovery tank may be a removable tank disposed within the body assembly 200 that can be fluidly connected to the suction inlet of the of head assembly 100. In some embodiments, the fluid recovery tank includes a tank housing body, one or more inlets for receiving debris and fluid into a hollow interior of the tank housing body, and one or more outlets leading out of the hollow interior. The inlets are upstream of the outlets along a fluid flow path (also referred to herein as a “working flow path”) defined between the inlets and the outlets. In some embodiments, the fluid recovery tank includes one or more filter regions that can capture and retain solid debris and transmit fluid and / or air. In some embodiments, the fluid recovery tank includes a lid removably disposed within an outlet of the tank housing body. The lid may include one or more filter materials configured to prevent the passage of debris from the hollow interior while allowing air to pass through the lid.

[0064] Separation of waste types (e.g., liquid waste from solid waste) may be performed by a separator and / or strainer component within the fluid recovery tank. The separator may be coupled to an inlet of the fluid recovery tank. In some embodiments, the separator may be attached to an inlet at the top of the tank housing body. In some embodiments, the separator may be attached to an internal sidewall of the tank housing body. As will be described below, the fluid recovery tank can include a separator, such as a two-stage separator that separates waste via cyclonic airflow and / or a hair collection cage that separates hair from other types of waste.

[0065] In some embodiments, the fluid recovery tank may have one inlet, and the inlet may include a standpipe extending generally upward into the tank housing body. The standpipe mayhave any cross-sectional shape; however, curved shapes may be advantageous because they are less likely to trap debris that may clog up the standpipe. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the standpipe may have a substantially round cross-section that allows debris to pass through freely without obstruction. The standpipe may have an exit at an upper region of the tank housing body that introduces debris and fluid to the hollow interior of the tank. A separator comprising a filter material (e.g., mesh sized to capture large debris and to allow fluid and fine debris to pass through) can be attached to an internal sidewall of the tank body such that it is displaced from the standpipe. In some embodiments, the separator may be substantially parallel to a line tangential to the standpipe. In some embodiments, the distance from the separator to the base of the recovery tank is less than the distance from the top of the standpipe to the base of the recovery tank. In such examples, the separator may be attached to a sidewall of the recovery tank at a lower position than the exit of the standpipe. The separator may be substantially parallel to a line tangential to the standpipe.

[0066] In some embodiments, the fluid recovery tank may have one outlet at the top of the recovery tank, and the outlet may comprise an opening covered with a lid. The lid may include at least one filter material (e.g., foam configured to capture fine debris and to allow air to pass through). During operation of the vacuum motor to generate suction, a working flow path may be defined between the inlet(s) and the outlet of the fluid recovery tank. One or more baffles may deflect drawn-in solid debris and fluid from the working flow path. For example, at least one baffle may be disposed between the exit of the standpipe and the outlet to deflect debris and fluid away from the outlet.

[0067] At least one baffle may be disposed between the exit of the standpipe and the outlet of the recovery tank to deflect debris and fluid away from the outlet.

[0068] In some embodiments, the fluid recovery tank can include one or more fluid level sensors embedded within a sidewall of the tank. Each fluid level sensor can be positioned at a predetermined height within the sidewall (e.g., at a height corresponding to 50% of the tank’s volume) and can detect fluid level within the fluid recovery tank at the predetermined height. In some embodiments, the fluid level sensors may be positioned at different heights; alternatively, in some embodiments, the fluid level sensors may be placed at the same height. The fluid level sensors can be positioned on the same sidewall or on different sidewalls of the fluid recovery tank. Baffles and / or other liquid deflection features can be added to the sidewall (e.g., overmolded covers on the sidewall) may be positioned over top of at least a portion of a fluid level sensor to prevent fluid spray from accidentally contacting the sensor.

[0069] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 10 can have recovery tank with a multiplestage separator that separates waste by type (e.g., liquid waste from solid waste, larger particles from smaller particles, etc.) and stores waste of different types in different regions of a recovery tank. Having a multiple-stage separator is advantageous over having a single-stage separator from a cleanliness and waste disposal standpoint. For example, separating fine particulate waste from large and / or damp waste enables different types of waste to be disposed of separately in the appropriate waste receptacles (e.g., drain, trash can, etc.) without accidental cross-contamination and with minimal processing by the user. Further, because fine particulate waste can more easily enter airways and potentially spill out of the cleaning device 10 or damage the electromechanical components of the cleaning device 10, design precautions can be taken to separate and store the fine particulate waste in a chamber that prevents it from escaping before disposal. In general, preventing any type of waste (whether liquid or debris) from escaping the recovery tank and potentially damaging other components of the cleaning device 10 can ensure that waste disposal is easy and can improve the longevity of the cleaning device 10.

[0070] A multiple-stage separator having two separation components, such as a cyclonic separator and / or a momentum separator, can be referred to as a two-stage separator. With reference now to FIG. 2A, an exemplary schematic of a two-stage separator 220 configured to be installed within a recovery tank (not pictured) of a cleaning device 10 is illustrated. The two- stage separator 220 may be removably installed within an upper region of the recovery tank 230 (see FIGS. 2D-2E) so as to allow solid waste to be collected inside the two-stage separator 220 and for liquid waste to drip through and collect underneath the separator 220.

[0071] The two-stage separator 220 can also include a combination of internal components within the container, such as filter materials for filtering out waste of different types, baffles and deflectors for routing the flow of waste through the two-stage separator, waste storage chambers for storing waste, and lids for accessing the waste storage chambers to remove waste. The combination of internal components of the two-stage separator 220 can facilitate the separation of waste by type. As depicted in FIG. 2A, an exemplary layout of a two-stage separator 220 can include a momentum separator 222 and a cyclonic separator 224 within the same separator unit. Waste (e.g., liquid and debris) can enter the two-stage separator 220 from a separator inlet 231 that is fluidly connected to the suction inlet of the head assembly 100 (e.g., via a standpipe). In some embodiments, the separator inlet 231 may be positioned along a back wall and / or sidewall of the two-stage separator 220. The separator inlet 231 may be disposed anywhere along the wall, such as midway along the back wall and in-between the momentum separator 222 and the cyclonic separator 224, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, which depicts a two-stage separator 220 with amomentum separator 222 positioned underneath of a cyclonic separator 224. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the separator 220 can have variety of other configurations.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 2A, as waste enters the two-stage separator 220 via the separator inlet 231, it may first pass through the momentum separator 222, which separates waste based on its weight, as determined by the momentum of different types of waste as they are subjected to upward suction from the suction pump. Heavier waste (such as liquid and large particles) may not have sufficient momentum to flow through the momentum separator 222 and may instead fall downward due to gravity. The heavier waste may be further filtered by one or more filtration materials (e.g., a hair collection cage, filter foam, strainer, etc.) to separate liquid from large particles. Liquid waste may pass through the filtration materials due to gravity and may collect in the larger chamber of the recovery tank 230 (see FIGS. 2D-2E) in which the two-stage separator 220 is suspended. The large particles of waste may remain inside the momentum separator 222 and collect at the bottom of the two-stage separator 220. In some embodiments, the large particles of waste may be collected in a large waste storage chamber 223 located along a bottom surface 226 of the two-stage separator 220. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 226 of the two-stage separator 220 may include one or more drains through which liquid can pass but solid waste cannot pass. However, in order to remove solid waste from the momentum separator 222, it may be necessary to move aside the bottom surface 226 of the two-stage separator 220 and allow solid waste to be dispensed into a waste receptacle. For example, the bottom surface 226 may be a moveable door which can hinge, slide, and / or otherwise open to allow waste to fall through and be disposed of. The bottom surface 226 can thus be pivoted relative to the rest of the two-stage separator 220. Additional types of waste may be collected along the bottom surface 226 of the two-stage separator 220, such as fine particulate matter and / or hair, as will be discussed later.

[0073] Referring back to the movement of waste through the two-stage separator 220, lighter waste (such as fine particulate matter) may have sufficient momentum to be carried by airflow through the momentum separator 222 without falling onto the bottom surface 226 of the two- stage separator 220 and / or into the large waste storage chamber 223. The lighter waste may then flow into the cyclonic separator 224, which carries fine particulate matter upwards toward the top surface 227 of the two-stage separator 220 via cyclonic flow of air. The top surface 227 of the two-stage separator 220 may include one or more filtration materials that allow for air to pass through but not the fine particulate matter. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 A, the fine particulate matter rotates upward and around a roughly cylindrical filter extending downward from the top surface 227 of the two-stage separator 220. Suction from the suction pump drawsair upward through the cylindrical filter without drawing the fine particular matter into the suction pump. The flow of fine particulate matter is then routed into a passage disposed along one or more sides of the two-stage separator 220 that leads down to a fine waste storage chamber 228 located along a bottom surface 226 of the two-stage separator 220. In some embodiments, the fine waste storage chamber 228 may receive minimal upward airflow (the airflow bringing fine particulate matter into the fine waste storage chamber 228 is downward), so as to prevent the collected fine particulate matter from being unintentionally expelled into other regions of the cleaning device 10. The fine particulate matter may thus be trapped within the fine waste storage chamber 228 until the user is ready to dispose of the waste. As described previously, to remove waste, the bottom surface 226 of the two-stage separator 220 may be moved to allow the collected waste to fall downward into a waste receptacle. In some embodiments, moving the bottom surface 226 of the two-stage separator 220 can allow for both large particles of waste and fine particulate waste to be dispensed simultaneously. In other embodiments, one or more portions of the bottom surface 226 can be independently moved to allow for waste of different types and / or sizes to be dispensed independently. For example, a first portion of the bottom surface 226 may unhinge to allow for a user to empty the fine waste storage chamber 228, and a second portion of the bottom surface 226 may be removed to allow for a user to empty the large waste storage chamber 223.

[0074] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 2B-2C, lighter waste may enter the cyclonic separator 224 of the two-stage separator 220 via a uniflow inlet 232 that allows for air to flow in from only one direction (e.g., upward). The uniflow inlet 232 may be located on a bottom surface of the cyclonic separator 224. Fine particulate matter carried upward through the uniflow inlet 232 may then be directed into the cyclonic flow region of the cyclonic separator 224. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 2D-2E, the uniflow inlet 232 may be positioned toward the front of the recovery tank 230 rather than the rear of the recovery tank 230 to reduce unintentional liquid ingress. During regular operation of the cleaning device 10, the body 200 of the device (which contains the recovery tank 230) may be tilted backwards. When the recovery tank 230 is full of liquid waste and tilted backwards, liquid waste may enter the cyclonic separator 224, which would dampen the fine particulate matter contained within the cyclonic separator 224 and lead to poor separation of waste. Positioning the uniflow inlet 232 closer to the front of the recovery tank 230 reduces the potential ingress of liquid waste into the cyclonic separator 224 under such conditions, thereby enabling the cyclonic separator 224 to maintain its usual functionality.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 2F, the two-stage separator 220 may be installed within the recovery tank 230 such that the separator inlet 231 (obscured from view) is positioned toward the back of the recovery tank 230, the cyclonic separator 224 is positioned toward the top of the recovery tank 230, the momentum separator 222 is positioned underneath of the cyclonic separator 224, and there is space between the bottom of the two-stage separator 220 and the bottom of the recovery tank 230 such that fluid waste can collect underneath the two-stage separator 220. In some embodiments, the two-stage separator may also be installed such that the walls of the separator are flush against the walls of the recovery tank, with minimal space inbetween the walls. In other embodiments, the two-stage separator 220 may also be installed such that there is space between the walls of the separator 220 and the walls of the recovery tank 230. To ensure that the two-stage separator 220 does not wobble or become dislodged during operation of the cleaning device 10, spacers 233 may be placed between the walls of the separator 220 and the walls of the recovery tank 230. In some embodiments, the spacers 233 may be integrally formed on one or more outer surfaces of the separator 220 such that they may be removed together with the separator 220 when the separator 220 is removed from the recovery tank 230.

[0076] The two-stage separator 220 may be removably connected to the recovery tank 230 via a latching assembly 234 that enables the two-stage separator 220 to be disposed within an opening of the recovery tank 230 (e.g., a top opening). The latching assembly 234 can include one or more latches, clips, knobs, seals, channels, etc. that secure the two-stage separator 220 to the opening of the recovery tank 230. To remove the two-stage separator 220 from the recovery tank 230, a button, latch, switch, etc. of the latching assembly 234 can be actuated, and the separator 220 can be lifted out of the recovery tank 230. All components of the separator 220 (including the cyclonic separator 224, the momentum separator 222, the waste collection chambers, and / or the hair collection cage) can be simultaneously removed from the recovery tank 230 while remaining assembled to one another. In some embodiments, the top surface 227 of the two-stage separator 220 (e.g., a surface above the cyclonic separator that contains a filter) may function as the lid of the recovery tank 230. In other embodiments, the top surface 227 of the two-stage separator 220 may be separate from the lid of the recovery tank 230. In such embodiments, to remove the two-stage separator 220 from the recovery tank 230, the lid of the recovery tank 230 may be moved to allow for the two-stage separator 220 to be lifted out of the recovery tank 230. Removing the lid of the recovery tank 230 does not necessarily affect the top surface 227 of the two-stage separator 220. However, in some embodiments, the filtration material may be located on the lid of the recovery tank 230 instead of the top surface 227 of the two-stage separator 220, in which case the top surface 227 of the two-stage separator 220 mayhave one or more openings that allow airflow to reach and pass through the lid of the recovery tank 230.

[0077] In some embodiments, when the head assembly 100 of the cleaning device 10 is passed near waste and debris, the suction generated by the vacuum motor will draw the waste and debris through the vacuum assembly 400, where it will enter the separator 220 of the recovery tank 230. Afterward, airflow can leave the recovery tank 230 through the lid of the recovery tank 230, passing through one or more layers of filter material to prevent debris from exiting the recovery tank 230, before entering the vacuum motor. The airflow may then be vented out of one or more exhausts of the body assembly 200. To dispose of waste from the recovery tank 230, solid waste can be removed via one or more sealable openings of the separator 220, and liquid waste can be poured out of one or more sealable openings of the recovery tank 230. To make the disposal of liquid waste cleaner and faster, one or more channels of the recovery tank 230 can route liquid waste from the base of the recovery tank 230 (where liquid waste collects) to one or more outlets of the recovery tank 230 (e.g., a pour spout along the top opening). For example, in some embodiments, the separator 220 can define a channel along an internal sidewall of the body of the recovery tank 230 that is configured to allow fluid captured within the recovery tank 230 to be poured out of the recovery tank 230 via the channel.

[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 2G-2I, the recovery tank 230 can have various optional features that keep the recovery tank 230 clean and avoid debris build-up and / or clogs. In some embodiments, one or more ducts, pipes, airways, channels, etc. of the recovery tank may have one or more rounded curves instead of 90-degree and / or sharp turns, enabling waste to travel smoothly through the recovery tank 230 without building up and / or clogging. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2G, the connection between the standpipe 235 and the separator inlet 231 (through which waste enters the separator 220) may have a curved profile with no sharp edges or turns. The curved profile of the duct enables waste to travel smoothly upward through the standpipe 235 and directs it gradually into the separator inlet 231, which is oriented perpendicular to the standpipe 235.

[0079] Further, as shown in FIGS. 2G-2I, in some embodiments, the recovery tank 230 may further comprise a hair collection cage 240 that traps hair entering from the separator inlet 231. The hair collection cage 240 may be positioned within the two-stage separator 220 such that it is fluidly connected to and / or adjacent to the separator inlet 231. This allow for hair to be trapped by the hair collection cage 240 immediately as it enters the two-stage separator 220 and prevents hair from getting tangled in and / or clogging other components of the recovery tank 230. The hair collection cage 240 can include a container with one or more openings through which air and fineparticulate matter can pass, but hair strands and / or larger particles are trapped. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2H-2I, the hair collection cage 240 may include one or more channels and / or openings 244 that enable fluid to pass through the hair collection cage 240 (e.g., fluid that is being poured out of a spout along a top opening of the recovery tank 230) without dislodging the collected hair from the hair collection cage 240. In some embodiments, the channels and / or openings 244 can include slits, slots, circular holes, grids, grates, and / or other holes. In some embodiments, the channels and / or openings 244 of the hair collection cage 240 are sufficiently large to allow fluid to flow through while sufficiently small to retain hair. In some embodiments, an individual channel and / or opening 244 can have a maximum dimension of 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm.

[0080] An inlet 241 of the hair collection cage 240 can be positioned on a back wall of the hair collection cage 240 and can be coupled to the separator inlet 231, allowing the hair collection cage 240 to receive waste directly from the standpipe 235 as it enters the two-stage separator 220. In some embodiments, the inlet 241 of the hair collection cage 240 can be equal in size and / or larger than the outlet portion of the standpipe 235 that interfaces with the separator inlet 231. Similar to how the momentum separator 222 functions, the hair collection cage 240 can trap hair inside a container such that it falls against a bottom surface 242 (also referred to herein as a “hair cage base”) of the hair collection cage 240, which can then be moved aside to dispose of the collected waste hair (e.g., letting it fall downward into a waste receptacle). In some embodiments, the bottom surface 242 of the hair collection cage 240 can be the same as the bottom surface 226 of the two-stage separator 220 (see FIG. 2A), such that collected hair can be disposed of at the same time as other types of solid waste, such as fine particulate matter and large debris. In other embodiments, the bottom surface 242 of the hair collection cage 240 may be a separate component that is independent from the bottom surface 226 of the two-stage separator 220. The hair collection cage 240 can include a peripheral rim 245 disposed along a circumference thereof. As shown in FIG. 2J, the peripheral rim 245 is disposed adjacent the bottom surface 242. Alternatively or in addition, the peripheral rim 245 can be disposed in a different region of the hair collection cage 240. In some embodiments, slots 244 (previously described) that can filter hair and / or debris are disposed on the peripheral rim 245. For example, slots 244 can retain large debris (e.g., hair) against the bottom surface 242 while allowing fluid and small debris (e.g., dust) to pass through the slots 244 and flow out of the hair collection cage 240.

[0081] The bottom surface 242 of the hair collection cage 240 may be removably connected to the cage 240 via a hinge, a latch, and / or another other moveable connection. As shown in FIG.2J, a hinge 246 connects the bottom surface 242 to the hair collection cage 240 at one end. As shown, the hair collection cage 240 is cut away to reveal the hinge 246 positioned at a rear portion of the hair collection cage 240. The bottom surface 242 can swing away from the hair collection cage 240 while still remaining attached. This clamshell-like design of the hair collection cage 240 allows a user to easily clean hair from within the hair collection cage 240 without needing to hold the bottom surface 242 separately, thus making for a cleaner user experience and reducing the risk of misplacing the bottom surface 242. In some embodiments, a touchpoint, button, and / or other actuator 248 may be mechanically and / or electrically linked to the bottom surface 242 of the hair collection cage 240 and / or the bottom surface 226 of the two- stage separator 220 such that interacting with the actuator can release the bottom surface(s). The use of a touchpoint to open the hair collection cage 240 and / or two-stage separator 220 allows a user to more easily dispose of collected waste without needing to remove the bottom surface(s) by hand. FIG. 2J illustrates an example touchpoint 248 located on a surface of the hair collection cage 240 that, when depressed, allows the hinge 246 to actuate, thereby opening the bottom surface 242. However, it is to be understood that the touchpoint 248 can be positioned in any location and is not limited to the hair collection cage 240.

[0082] Referring now to FIGS. 2K-2L, the recovery tank 230 can have various optional features that improves vacuum longevity by preventing liquid waste from escaping the recovery tank 230 and potentially damaging other components of the cleaning device 10. In some embodiments, one or more fluid level detectors 250 may be placed inside of the recovery tank 230 and configured to sense when fluid has reached a predetermined threshold (e.g., when the recovery tank is full). The fluid level detectors 250 may be electrically connected to a processor of the cleaning device 10 such that, upon the fluid level reaching the predetermined threshold, the detectors send a signal to the processor to display an alert. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid level detectors 250 may have exposed electrical contacts which, when submerged in fluid, complete a circuit and send a signal to display an alert message signifying that the recovery tank 230 can be emptied. In other embodiments, other fluid level detector arrangements can be used, such as, for example, a float, a sensor, a displacer, etc. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts of the fluid level sensors 250 may be overmolded. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts of the fluid level sensors 250 may be integrated within the walls of the recovery tank 230 such that a majority of the electrically conductive region may be embedded within the walls, and only a portion of the electrical contacts e.g., an overmolded portion at an end of each fluid level sensor 250, as shown in FIG. 2L) is exposed to the fluid within the recovery tank 230. Additional embodiments of fluid level detectors are described herein with respect to FIGS. 3D- 3K.

[0083] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2L, one or more baffles and / or liquid deflectors 252 may be placed within the recovery tank 230 to reduce backsplash of liquid waste and to prevent liquid waste from flowing into certain areas of the recovery device 230. For example, baffles 252 may be placed near a fluid level detector 250 to prevent liquid waste from unintentionally splashing against the detector 250 until the fluid level within the recovery tank 230 is high enough to consistently submerge the detector 250. In another example, the walls of the recovery tank 230 can include one or more overmolded deflectors 252 that are positioned over top of at least a portion of an electrical contact of a fluid detector 250 to prevent fluid spray from accidentally contacting the contact. Further, baffles 252 may be positioned near the top surface of the recovery tank 230 to prevent liquid waste backsplash along the walls of the recovery tank 230 from escaping the recovery tank 230 and damaging other components of the cleaning device 10. The appropriate placement and usage of such baffles 252 can improve the longevity of the cleaning device 10 by preventing liquid damage and keeping liquid waste appropriately contained within the recovery tank 230.

[0084] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the recovery tank 230 can have variety of other configurations beyond the two-stage separator configuration described above. FIGS. 3A- 3C depict embodiments of recovery tanks 230 having various configurations, features, and arrangements. The recovery tanks 230 of FIGS. 3 A-3C can share any features similar to those described above for the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2L, and similar features will not be described again.

[0085] In some embodiments, the recovery tank 230 may have a single-stage separator configuration, which simplifies the separation process relative to the two-stage separator configuration previously described. Although the separation of waste may not be as thorough with single-stage separation as it is with multiple-stage separation, single-stage separation configurations may be advantageous in that they are typically cheaper to manufacture and easier to replace and / or repair than more complicated multiple-stage separators.

[0086] In some embodiments, the single-stage separator 220, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, can be received within the recovery tank opening 236 (e.g., at a top end of the recovery tank 230). As shown in FIG. 3A, the single-stage separator 220 can occupy a portion of the recovery tank 230 and filter solid waste from liquid waste that enters the recovery tank 230. The single-stage separator 220 may be fluidly connected to a standpipe 235 (see FIG. 3B) that provides waste to the recovery tank 230. A set of fluid detecting electrodes 250 can be positioned in the recovery tank 230, outside of the single-stage separator 220, to detect when the recovery tank 230 is full of liquid waste. In some embodiments, the single-stage separator 220 can include one or moreopenings and / or porous surfaces that allow for liquid waste to pass through the single-stage separator 220 while trapping solid waste inside of the separator 220. The single-stage separator 220 can also include a porous lid 229 (see FIG. 3B) through which air is drawn out by the vacuum motor of the cleaning device 10.

[0087] Referring now to FIG. 3B, the standpipe 235 may extend at least partially into an opening of the separator 220. Waste e.g., fluid and debris) taken in from the head assembly 100 may be delivered into the separator 220 via the standpipe 235. The separator 220 can include one or more surfaces configured to catch solid debris of various shapes and sizes while allowing fluid to pass through into the rest of the fluid recovery tank 230. For example, the lower surface and / or sidewalls of the separator 220 can include one or more openings that allow fluid to pass therethrough while substantially preventing solid debris from passing therethrough. The separator 220 can include one or more deflectors and / or baffles that redirect the movement of waste and / or prevent waste from moving in certain directions (e.g., baffles that redirect liquid delivered via the standpipe to reduce backsplash).

[0088] As shown in FIG. 3B, the single-stage separator 220 can extend downward into the recovery tank 230, such that a lower end 220a of the separator 220 extends downward beyond an upper end 235a of the standpipe 235 to a distance above the bottom surface of the recovery tank 230. The lower end 220a of the single-stage separator 220 can be shaped to receive waste from the standpipe 235. In some embodiments, the lower end 220a of the single-stage separator 220 can also be sloped and can be configured to fit within a recovery tank opening 236 that is also positioned at a slope. For example, the lower end 220a of the single-stage separator 220 can slope downward from a rear face 230a of the recovery tank 230 to the front face 230b, bottoming out to a drain 238 some distance from the front face of the recovery tank 230. The drain 238 itself can be in the form of a slot in the lower end 220a of the single-stage separator 220. In some embodiments, the drain 238 extends substantially along a portion of and / or the entire width of the single-stage separator 220. Alternatively or in addition, the drain 238 extends substantially along a portion of and / or the entire height of the single-stage separator 220. On one or more sides of the drain 238 can be a plurality of ridges 239a defining channels 239b therebetween, which can act to catch and hold large debris, yet still allow for fluids to pass through the drain 238. The ridges 239a can form a wave pattern, so larger debris would be unable to fully block a pathway to the drain as fluid and smaller particles remain able to pass into the channels 239b. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the drain 238 and the ridges 239a can have a variety of other configurations, and the separator 220 can include any number of drain holes 238 therein.

[0089] The illustrated single-stage separator 220 can include one or more filter chambers which extend downward in the container. For example, a filter chamber can at least partially cover the outlet of the standpipe 235 and receive waste from the standpipe 235. The filter chamber can include one or more curved surfaces, such as a deflector 237 shaped like a quarterpipe and configured to deflect waste and airflow downward through the filter chamber. The filter chamber can include one or more solid and / or porous surfaces (e.g., a porous bottom surface) along which solid waste is caught, as well as one or more openings (e.g., grates on a sidewall of the filter chamber) through which air can rise upward toward the suction motor and liquid waste can fall downward into the rest of the recovery tank 230.

[0090] The illustrated single-stage separator 220 can also include a lid 229 positioned at the top of the single-stage separator 220. The lid 229 can include a porous surface made of mesh, filter material, foam, etc. that allows air to pass through but substantially blocks particulate matter / solid debris from passing through. In an exemplary embodiment, suction generated by the vacuum motor draws solid waste and debris through the vacuum assembly and into the single- stage separator 220 of the recovery tank 230. Afterwards, the airflow leaves the recovery tank 230 through the lid 229, passing through the porous surface of the lid 229 and entering the vacuum motor. However, solid waste and debris cannot pass through the porous surface of the lid 229, so they instead become trapped inside the single-stage separator 220 until disposal.

[0091] In some embodiments, the lid 229 of the single-stage separator 220 can be a separate lid from the lid of the recovery tank 230, or the same lid can be used to cover both the single-stage separator 220 and the recovery tank 230. The example lid 229 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C functions as the lid of both the single-stage separator 220 and the recovery tank 230; however, it is to be understood that the lid 229 could be adapted to be separate from and compatible with a lid of the recovery tank 230. As shown in FIG. 3C, the lid 229 can be shaped to fit within an opening 236 at the top of the recovery tank. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 229 is shaped approximately like a half ellipse and is skewed to align with the slope of the opening 236. The lid 229 includes a frame having an open bottom, an inner surface (facing the hollow interior of the single-stage separator 220), and an outer surface (facing the airway leading to the suction motor). The frame can further include multiple grooves that align with ridges of the opening 236 of the recovery tank 230 and prevent the lid 229 from being over-inserted into the opening 236 of the recovery tank 230. A filter structure can be hinged over the open bottom of the frame and / or fixed to the inner surface and / or outer surface of the frame. The filter structure can have one or more porous layers which can prevent particles of various sizes from passing through the lid 229 while still allowing air to pass through the lid 229. The filter structure can be made of variousmaterials, including plastic, metals, rubbers, foam, pulps, sponges, or other materials known in the art. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated example of FIG. 3C, the filter structure may be sized to fill the entirety of the frame. In other embodiments, the filter structure may be sized to partially fill the frame.

[0092] Also shown in FIG. 3C are two sets of fluid detecting electrodes 250 which can be used to sense fluids level within the recovery tank 230. The electrodes 250 can share any features of the electrical contacts, fluid level sensors, and other liquid level detectors described herein. During a cleaning process, when a fluid level within the recovery tank 230 rises to contact one or more of the electrodes 250, the cleaning device 10 can measure a drop in resistance across the electrodes 250 and alert a user to the detected fluid level. The cleaning device 10 can also interrupt a cleaning process and prevent further cleaning until the electrodes 250 no longer detect a fluid level exceeding the predetermined threshold.

[0093] A user of the cleaning device 10 may not be aware when the tank becomes full and thus not be aware that the recovery tank 230 needs emptying or replacement to prevent overflow and / or to allow continued use of the cleaning device 10. For example, the recovery tank 230 may be opaque and thus have its fill level obscured from user view, the recovery tank 230 may be disposed within another component (e.g., a housing or other component) of the cleaning device 10 and thus have its fill level obscured from user view, and / or a user may forget to check the recover tank 230’s fill level before turning the cleaning device 10 on for cleaning. User experience may thus be degraded, such as by the recovery tank 230 overflowing and creating a mess and / or by the cleaning device 10 being locked out from use due to a full recovery tank 230 without the user necessarily knowing the reason for the lockout.

[0094] Thus, in some embodiments, the cleaning device 10 is configured to determine a fill level of a fluid tank using a sensor coupled to the fluid tank. In some embodiments, the fluid tank can be a recovery tank 230, and the sensor can be a fluid level detector and / or electrodes 250, as described above. However, it is to be understood that other types of fluid tanks and other types of sensors can be used in the determination of fill level. The cleaning device 10 is also configured to provide an alert to a user of the cleaning device 10 when the fluid tank is determined to be full. When the fluid tank becomes full, additional fluid cannot be collected in the fluid tank without the fluid tank overflowing and / or causing one or more operational problems for the cleaning device 10. The cleaning device 10 therefore cannot be used until the fluid tank is emptied (or replaced with another empty fluid tank) because, otherwise, the fluid tank may overflow and / or the cleaning device 10 may be locked out from operation due to the fluid tank being full. Thus, by determining a fill level of the fluid tank, a user of the cleaningdevice 10 may be made aware when the fluid tank becomes full and needs emptying (or replacement by another empty fluid tank). User experience may thus be improved by the user being informed when to empty the fluid tank and / or by allowing fluid to be collected in the fluid tank when the user desires to use the cleaning device 10.

[0095] Some traditional cleaning devices can monitor a fill level of a fluid tank. For example, some traditional cleaning devices can detect a fill level of a fluid tank using a float configured to float in fluid in the fluid tank. As the fluid rises in the fluid tank, the float correspondingly rises. At a certain point the float operates a switch or blocks airflow to indicate that the fluid tank has become full. However, using such a float has various disadvantages such as the float occupying space in the fluid tank that would otherwise be available for fluid collection, reliance on one or more moving parts (including at least the float) within the fluid tank for fill level detection, and / or the float being susceptible to becoming stuck in waste in the fluid tank that prevents the float from floating. Conversely, using a sensor coupled to an exterior of the fluid tank in detecting fluid tank fill level may not occupy space in the fluid tank and thus allow for more fluid to be held in the fluid tank than if a float were present in the fluid tank, may not rely on any moving parts in the fluid tank for fill level detection, and may not be located within the fluid tank so cannot become stuck at an undesirable position within the fluid tank.

[0096] For another example, some traditional cleaning devices can detect a fill level of a fluid tank using an electrode or an electrical probe that extends into a fluid tank. As water (or other liquid) is collected in the tank, the water (or other liquid) will eventually rise high enough to contact the electrode or the electrical probe. However, using such an electrode or an electrical probe has various disadvantages such as the electrode or the electrical probe being susceptible to damage over time as the electrode or the electrical probe repeatedly contacts and / or is submerged in liquid with the damage leading to fill level detection failure. Conversely, a sensor coupled to an exterior of the fluid tank for detecting fluid tank fill level as discussed herein may not come into contact with fluid in the recovery tank and thus not be susceptible to any damage from the fluid and does not require an electrode, an electrical probe, or any other electrical component(s) in the recovery tank to detect fill level.

[0097] Some traditional cleaning devices that can monitor a fill level of a fluid tank are usable in a variety of orientations. The fluid tank is thus not at a consistent orientation during use of the cleaning device, either in a same cleaning session or in successive cleaning sessions. Traditional techniques for monitoring a fill level of a fluid tank are ineffective in such situations because fluid in the tank will settle in the fluid tank according to gravity, not according to the fluid tank’s orientation, so the fill level will not be accurately detected by, e.g., a traditional float ortraditional electrical probes. For example, a body of an upright vacuum can be tilted back toward a user at a user-selected angle during use so that the fluid tank is also titled back. For another example, a handheld cleaning device, and thus the fluid tank thereof, can be held at different orientations as the device is moved over upholstery or other surface, such as by being moved over a couch seat cushion and over an upwardly-extending back of the couch. Conversely, using a sensor coupled to the fluid tank in detecting fluid tank fill level as discussed herein may account for any orientation of the cleaning device during use to allow for accurate fill level detection.

[0098] FIG. 3E illustrates another implementation of a device 1200 including a recovery tank 1202 configured to collect fluid therein. The device 1200 can be a cleaning device (e.g., the cleaning device 10) or other type of device. The recovery tank 1202 has a sensor 1204 coupled to the recovery tank 1202 to facilitate detection of tank fill level. Any of the tanks described herein (e.g., recovery tank 230) can have a sensor located therein to facilitate detection of tank fill level, similar to that discussed herein regarding the recovery tank 1202 of FIG. 3E.

[0099] In an exemplary implementation, the sensor 1204 is a capacitive sensor. Without fluid in the recovery tank 1202 reaching a maximum fill level, the capacitive sensor 1204 detects a first capacitance corresponding to air in the recovery tank 1202 since air in the recovery tank 1202 is at a level of the capacitive sensor 1204. With fluid in the recovery tank 1202 reaching the maximum fill level, the capacitive sensor 1204 detects a second, different capacitance corresponding to liquid in the recovery tank 1202 since the liquid is at the level of the capacitive sensor 1204.

[0100] In another exemplary implementation, the sensor 1204 is a light sensor. Without fluid in the recovery tank 1202 reaching the maximum fill level, the light sensor 1204 detects a first light level. With fluid in the recovery tank 1202 reaching the maximum fill level, the light sensor 1204 detects a second, different light level because instead of air in the recovery tank 1202 being adjacent to the light sensor 1204, liquid in the recovery tank 1202 is now adjacent to the light sensor.

[0101] The sensor 1204 is at a location corresponding to a maximum fill level of the recovery tank 1202. The sensor 1204 is thus located a distance above a bottom surface of the recovery tank 1202 corresponding to an amount of fluid in the recovery tank 1202 that reaches the maximum fill level. The maximum fill level of the recovery tank 1202 is less than a maximum volume capacity of the recovery tank 1202, which may help prevent fluid overflow and / or may help allow for accurate fill level detection regardless of an orientation of the device 1202 during use.

[0102] In some implementations, the sensor 1204 is coupled to an exterior wall of the recovery tank 1202. The sensor 1204 will thus not come into contact with fluid contained in the recovery tank 1202. The sensor 1204 can be coupled to the recovery tank’s exterior wall in any of a variety of ways, such as by being embedded in the exterior wall, adhered to the exterior wall using adhesive, or another way.

[0103] The sensor 1204 coupled to the exterior wall of the recovery tank 1202 can be fixedly attached to the recovery tank 1202, which may help ensure that the sensor 1204 remains at the desired fill level location. Alternatively, the sensor 1204 coupled to the exterior wall of the recovery tank 1202 can be removably attached to the recovery tank 1202, which may allow for replacement of the sensor 1204 and / or may help prevent the sensor 1204 from being damaged, such as during emptying and / or cleaning of the recovery tank 1202, since the sensor 1204 can be decoupled from the recovery tank 1202 during the emptying and / or the cleaning.

[0104] A cover, e.g., a polymer coating, a metal barrier, etc., can be positioned over at least a portion of the sensor 1204 coupled to the exterior wall of the recovery tank 1202. The cover is configured to help protect the sensor 1204 from damage, such as during attachment of the recovery tank 1202 to the device 1200 (in implementations in which the recovery tank 1202 is configured to removably couple to the device 1200), during removal of the recovery tank 1202 from the device 1200 (in implementations in which the recovery tank 1202 is configured to removably couple to the device 1200), during emptying of the recovery tank 1202, during cleaning of the recovery tank 1202, etc.

[0105] FIGS. 3E and 3F illustrate one implementation of the recovery tank 1202 and the sensor 1204 in which the sensor 1204 is coupled to an exterior wall of the recovery tank 1202. The exterior wall in this illustrated implementation is a side wall of the recovery tank 1202. FIGS. 3E and 3F show the sensor 1204 located at a maximum fill level L of the recovery tank 1202. FIG. 3E shows the recovery tank 1202 in an upright position with fluid F at the maximum fill level L with an arrow G indicating a direction of gravity downward. FIG. 3F shows the recovery tank 1202 in a maximum reclined position at a maximum layback angle a possible for the device 1200 with fluid F at the maximum fill level L with the arrow G indicating the direction of gravity downward. The sensor 1204 is incident with the fluid F level with the recovery tank 1202 in the upright position (layback angle is about zero) and in the maximum reclined position. At any layback angle between about zero and about the maximum layback angle a, the sensor 1204 is also incident with the fluid F level at the maximum fill level L. In some implementations, the maximum layback angle a is about 45 degrees, which is a typical maximum layback angle for upright cleaning devices. In some implementations, the maximum layback angle a is about 90degrees, which is a typical maximum layback angle for handheld cleaning devices. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a value may not be precisely at a value but nevertheless considered to be about that value due to any of one or more reasons, such as manufacturing tolerances and sensitivity of measurement equipment.

[0106] In some implementations, the device 1200 is configured to be moved between a negative angle and a positive angle, e.g., angled both forward and rearward of vertical (about zero degrees). For example, the device 1200 is configured to be moved between about -90 degrees and about 90 degrees. For another example, the device 1200 is configured to be moved between about -45 degrees and about 45 degrees. For yet another example, the device 1200 is configured to be moved between about -15 degrees and about 90 degrees.

[0107] As mentioned above, the sensor 1204 in the implementation of FIGS. 3E and 3F is coupled to an exterior wall of the recovery tank 1202. In some implementations, the exterior wall is an outermost side wall of the recovery tank 1202. In some implementations, when the device 1200 is a cleaning device that includes a recovery tank that includes a separator, the exterior wall can be an external surface of the recovery tank’s separator. The sensor 1204 being coupled to the separator may allow the sensor 1204 to be removed from a container of the recovery tank 1202 because, as discussed above, a separator can be configured to be removable from the container. The sensor 1204 may thus be less likely to be damaged during emptying and / or cleaning of the recovery tank’s container because the separator may not be coupled to the container during the emptying and / or the cleaning.

[0108] In some implementations, the sensor 1204 is coupled to a lid of the recovery tank 1202 via an arm extending downward from the lid external to a container of the recovery tank 1202 having a collection cavity in which fluid is configured to be collected. The sensor 1204 will thus not come into contact with fluid contained in the collection cavity. In this implementation sensor 1204 is configured to be removable from the recovery tank’s container, e.g., by being removed from the container along with the lid. The sensor 1204 can be coupled to the recovery arm in any of a variety of ways, such as by being embedded in the arm, adhered to the arm using adhesive, or another way.

[0109] FIG. 3G illustrates one implementation of the recovery tank 1202 and the sensor 1204 in which the sensor 1204 is at an end of an arm R having an opposite end attached to a lid 1202a of the recovery tank 1202 and extending downward in an area 1202c outside of the recovery tank’s collection cavity 1202b.

[0110] Referring again to FIG. 3D, the sensor 1204 can be a single sensor or can be multiple sensors. In implementations including multiple sensors 1204, the sensors 1204 can be atdifferent locations around a perimeter of the recovery tank 1202, such as on left side and right sides, on a rear side and a left side, on a rear side and a right side, on rear, left, and right sides, on front and rear sides, etc., so that fill level is monitored at different locations around the perimeter of the recovery tank 1202. In implementations including a single sensor 1204, the sensor 1204 can be at any of the left, right, front, and rear sides of the recovery tank 1202.

[0111] In implementations including multiple sensors 1204, all of the sensors 1204 can be located at a same fill level, which may yield more accurate fill level results than a single sensor at the fill level. Alternatively, in implementations including multiple sensors 1204, one or more of the sensors 1204 can be located at each one of a plurality of fill levels of the recovery tank 1202. Stages of fill level may thus be detected and be accordingly alerted to a user, who may then choose to empty the recovery tank 1202 before fluid in the recovery tank 1202 reaches the maximum fill level of the recovery tank 1202. For example, at least one of the sensors 1204 can be located at each one of low, medium, and full fill levels of the recovery tank 1202. An alert provided to a user based on the detected fill level is configured to indicate whether the fill level is low, medium, or full. For another example, at least one of the sensors 1204 can be located at 20% increment fill levels of the recovery tank 1202 up to 100%. An alert provided to a user based on the detected fill level is configured to indicate whether the fill level is 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100%. For yet another example, at least one of the sensors 1204 can be located at 25% increment fill levels of the recovery tank 1202 up to 100%. An alert provided to a user based on the detected fill level is configured to indicate whether the fill level is 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%. For another example, at least one of the sensors 1204 can be located at 10% increment fill levels of the recovery tank 1202 up to 100%. An alert provided to a user based on the detected fill level is configured to indicate whether the fill level is 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%.

[0112] The device 1200 also includes a power supply 1206, a user interface 1208, and a controller 1210. The power supply 1206 is configured to supply power to various components of the device 1200 requiring power to operate. In some implementations, the power supply 1206, e.g., a battery or other on-board power source, on board the device 1200 is the only power source for the device 1200. In other implementations, the device 1200 includes the power supply 1206 and is also configured to be plugged into a wall socket for power. In other implementations, the power supply 1206 is omitted and the device 1200 is configured to be plugged into a wall socket for power.

[0113] The controller 1210 is operatively coupled to the power supply 1206. The power supply 1206 is configured to receive commands from the controller 1210 that cause the powersupply 1206 to provide power to components as needed, e.g., in reply to a power button or a start button of the device 1200 being actuated, and to cease providing power to components as needed, e.g., in reply to the power button or the start button being actuated again.

[0114] The controller 1210 is operatively coupled to the user interface 1208. The user interface 1208 is configured to receive inputs from a user that cause the controller 1210 to perform one or more operations responsive to the received inputs, as described further herein. The user interface 1208 is also configured to provide information to the user about the device 1200, e.g., an indication of which cleaning mode is selected (in implementations in which multiple cleaning modes are available), a power on / off status indication, a battery level indication (in implementations in which the power supply 1206 includes a battery), supply tank empty indication (in implementations in which the device 1200 includes a supply tank), recovery tank 1202 fill level indication, etc.

[0115] In implementations in which the recovery tank 1202 is configured to removably couple to the device 1200, the controller 1210 is configured to be operatively coupled to the sensor 1204 with the recovery tank 1202 removably coupled to the device 1200. In implementations in which the recovery tank 1202 is non-removably coupled to the device 1200, the controller 1210 is operatively coupled to the sensor 1204.

[0116] As in this illustrated implementation, the controller 1210 can include a processor 1212 and a memory 1214 configured to store instructions which, when executed by the processor 1212, cause the processor 1212 to perform operations. The controller 1210 in this illustrated implementation also includes an input / output (I / O) interface 1216 that enables the processor 1212 to receive commands and / or data from other components of the device 1200 for use in performing the operations. For example, the controller 1210 can receive, through the I / O interface 1216, a signal from the recovery tank 1202 indicative of recovery tank 1202 fill level that the processor 1212 is configured to use, as described further below. For another example, the controller 1210 can receive, through the VO interface 1216, signals from the user interface 1208, a power button of the device 1200 (in implementations in which the device 1200 includes a power button), etc., that the processor 1212 is configured to use in performing various operations.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 3D, the device 1200 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 1218 including various components, which in this illustrated implementation include the controller 1210, configured to facilitate operation of the device 1200. The PCB 1218 can have a variety of configurations and, in some implementations, the controller 1210 can be included in the device 1200 without use of a PCB.

[0118] The PCB 1218 can be located at various locations of the device 1200. For example, for a cleaning device, the PCB 1218 can be located at a handle assembly of the device 1200, at a head assembly of the device 1200, or at a body assembly of the device 1200.

[0119] The recovery tank 1202 also includes one or more contacts (also referred to herein as “electrical contacts”) 1220 electrically coupled with the sensor 1204, such as via one or more wires or other conductive component(s). The recovery tank contacts 1220 are configured to operatively engage one or more contacts 1222 of the device 1200. A number of the recovery tank’s contacts equals a number of the device’s contacts such that each one of the recovery tank’s contacts is configured to operatively engage one of the device’s contacts. A dotted line extending between the contacts 1220, 1222 in FIG. 3D represents operative engagement of the contacts 1220, 1222. The device contact(s) 1222 are operatively coupled to the controller 1210, such as via one or more wires or other conductive component(s). The controller 1210 is thus configured to receive data from the sensor 1204 via the contacts 1220, 1222. Instead of electrical contacts 1220, 1222, the recovery tank 1202 and the device 1200 can include complementary pogo pins.

[0120] The contact(s) 1220 can each include a shield therearound to help prevent fluid leakage from the recovery tank 1200.

[0121] In implementations in which the recovery tank 1202 is non-removably coupled to the device 1200, the recovery tank 1202 contact(s) 1220 are operatively engaged with the device contact(s) 1222. In implementations in which the recovery tank 1202 is configured to removably couple to the device 1200, the recovery tank 1202 contact(s) 1220 are configured to be automatically operatively engaged with the device contact(s) 1222 with the recovery tank 1202 removably coupled to the device 1200.

[0122] For example, the recovery tank 1202 can include the contact(s) 1220 on a rear exterior wall of the recovery tank 1202, such as by being embedded in or otherwise secured to the recovery tank’s rear surface, and the device 1200 can include the contact(s) 1222 on an external surface of the device 1200 configured to face a rear side of the recovery tank 1202. By way of example with respect to the recovery tank 230 and the cleaning device 10, the recovery tank 230 can include contact(s) on the rear face of the sidewall of the recovery tank, and the cleaning device 10 can include contact(s) on an external surface of the body housing defining a cavity in which the recovery tank 230 is configured to be removably seated. The recovery tank 230 contact(s) are thus configured to automatically engage the cleaning device 10 contact(s) when the recovery tank 230 is seated in the cavity and removably coupled to the cleaning device 10. The recovery tank 230 is configured to be placed into the cavity by a user in a direction toward theexternal surface of the body housing defining the cavity, and thus in a direction toward the cleaning device 10 contact(s), which may help ensure that the contact(s) of the recovery tank 230 and the cleaning device 10 become operatively engaged.

[0123] For another example, the recovery tank 1202 can include the contact(s) 1220 on a left side surface and / or a right side surface of the recovery tank 1202, such as by being embedded in or otherwise secured to the left side surface and / or the right side surface, and the device 1200 can include the contact(s) 1222 on an external surface of the device 1200 configured to face the side surface(s) of the recovery tank 1202 that include the contact(s) 1220. By way of example with respect to the recovery tank 230 and the cleaning device 10, the recovery tank 230 can include contact(s) on a left face of the sidewall of the recovery tank 230 and / or a right face of the sidewall of the recovery tank 230, and the cleaning device 10 can include contact(s) on a left external side surface and / or a right external side surface of the body housing defining a cavity in which the recovery tank 230 is configured to be removably seated. The recovery tank 230 contact(s) are thus configured to automatically engage the cleaning device 10 contact(s) when the recovery tank 230 is seated in the cavity and removably coupled to the cleaning device.

[0124] During operation of the device 1200, an amount of fluid in the recovery tank 1202 increases as fluid is suctioned into or otherwise deposited into the recovery tank 1202. In the course of one or more uses of the device 1200, the amount of fluid in the recovery tank 1202 will reach the maximum fill level of the recovery tank 1202. (A user may choose to empty the recovery tank 1202 before fluid in the recovery tank 1202 reaches the maximum fill level.) The data received by the controller 1210 from the sensor 1204 will thus indicate a change in capacitance with the sensor 1204 being a capacitive sensor or a change in light with the sensor 1204 being a light sensor. Based on the change in capacitance or light, the controller 1210, e.g., the processor 1212, is configured to provide an audible, visual, and / or tactile alert to a user via the user interface 1208 indicating that the recovery tank 1202 is full. The user is therefore notified that the recovery tank 1202 should be emptied. The alert can include, for example, a water droplet or other symbol being shown on a display of the user interface 1208. For another example, the alert can include text shown on a display of the user interface 1208. For yet another example, the user notification can include a light illuminating (solid illumination or blinking illumination) via the user interface 1208. For still another example, the user notification can include an audible one or more beeps or other sounds provided via the user interface 1208.

[0125] Based on the change in capacitance or light, the controller 1210, e.g., the processor 1212, is also configured to prevent the device 1200 from operating to collect fluid in the recovery tank 1202, such as by preventing a wet cleaning operation in implementations in which thedevice 1200 is a cleaning device such as by causing a pump of the cleaning device stop pumping fluid (or not start if the pump was not already pumping fluid). The recovery tank 1202 may thus be prevented from overflowing.

[0126] FIG. 3H illustrates another implementation of a device 1300 including a recovery tank 1302 configured to collect fluid therein. The device 1300 can be a cleaning device (e.g., the cleaning device 10) or other type of device. The recovery tank 1302 has a sensor 1304 coupled thereto to facilitate detection of tank fill level. Any of the tanks described herein (e.g., recovery tank 230) can have a sensor located therein to facilitate detection of tank fill level, similar to that discussed herein regarding the fluid tank 1302 of FIG. 3H.

[0127] The recovery tank 1302 is the same as the device 1200 of FIG. 3D except that in addition to including a sensor 1304 and a contact 1322, the recovery tank 1302 includes a processor 1324. The device 1300 is otherwise the same as the device 1200 of FIG. 3D, e.g., includes a power supply 1306, a user interface 1308, device contact 1322, and a PCB 1318 including a controller 1310, a memory 1312, and an VO interface 1314.

[0128] The recovery tank’s processor 1324 is operatively coupled to the sensor 1304 and the recovery tank contact 1322. The device’s processor 1312 is therefore configured to receive a stronger signal than the device’s processor 1212 of FIG. 3D because the device’s processor 1312 can receive a signal from the sensor 1304 via the recovery tank’s processor 1324 instead of directly from the sensor 1304. In some implementations, the recovery tank’s processor 1324 is configured to process data from the sensor 1304 before the data is provided to the device’s processor 1312 via the engaged contacts 1320, 1322. The processing can include, for example, signal noise removal so that the device’s processor 1312 receives cleaner data. For another example, the processing can include the fill level determination performed by the device’s processor 1212 in the implementation of FIG. 3D. The device’s processor 1212 may thus be more free to perform other device-related processing.

[0129] FIGS. 3I-3K illustrate another implementation of a cleaning device 1400 including a recovery tank 1430 configured to collect fluid therein. The recovery tank 1430 includes a plurality of sensors 1450a, 1450b configured to detect the fill level of the recovery tank 1430. As shown in FIG. 31, the recovery tank 1430 can include at least two sensors 1450a, 1450b that are electrically coupled to a controller 1410 located elsewhere within the cleaning device 1400. The sensors 1450a, 1450b are overmolded into the internal walls of the recovery tank 1430 such that they can contact fluid within the recovery tank 1430. In some embodiments, one sensor 1450a is positioned on a bottom wall of the recovery tank 1430 and another sensor 1450b is positioned on a sidewall of the recovery tank 1430. As shown in FIGS. 3J-3K, the bottom sensor 1450a ispositioned roughly centrally along the bottom wall of the recovery tank 1430, and the sidewall sensor 1450b is positioned roughly halfway between a front wall and a back wall of the recovery tank 1430 (e.g., substantially along a midpoint of the sidewall), closer to the bottom wall than to the top wall of the recovery tank 1430. However, it is to be understood that the sensors 1450a, 1450b can be positioned on any suitable internal surface of the recovery tank 1430. In some embodiments, the placement of the sidewall sensor 1450b is driven by an expected fill height of the recovery tank 1430 when the cleaning device is upright vs. when the cleaning device is laid- back. The sidewall sensor 1450b can be placed at a distance away from the bottom wall corresponding to the fill height range under which the two conditions (upright vs. laid-back) overlap. The placement of the bottom sensor 1450a is driven by the placement of the corresponding sidewall sensor 1450b.

[0130] In some embodiments, the sensors 1450a, 1450b are not directly electrically coupled to the controller 1410, but are instead first electrically coupled to contacts 1460 located within the cleaning device 1400. In some embodiments, the contacts 1460 are contact-based electrodes that complete an electrical circuit when the recovery tank 1430 is installed within the body of the cleaning device 1400. This ensures that the sensors 1450a, 1450b are only powered when the recovery tank 1430 is installed. FIG. 3J illustrates one example in which the contacts 1460 are positioned toward the rear of the recovery tank 1430, and wiring extends between the sensors 1450a, 1450b and the contacts 1460. FIG. 3K illustrates another example in which the contacts 1460 are positioned directly behind the sensors 1450a, 1450b, which reduces the amount of wiring required to connect the sensors 1450a, 1450b and the contacts 1460. Placing the contacts 1460 close to the sensors 1450a, 1450b reduces the material cost and complexity of the overmolding process.

[0131] It is to be understood that the recovery tanks 230 and separators 220 described herein can be arranged in alternative configurations. For example, as described previously, in some embodiments, the separator 220 may be coupled to an internal sidewall of the recovery tank 230 instead of a top opening 236 of the recovery tank 230. In such embodiments, the separator 220 may comprise one or more layers of filter material that extend, partially or fully, over an interior region of the recovery tank 230. The filter material may resemble a net, mesh, and / or foam and may capture debris while allowing liquid to flow through. To remove liquid waste from the recovery tank 230 while filtering out solid debris, the liquid waste may be poured out of the top opening 236 of the recovery tank 230 such that it flows along the internal sidewall to which the separator 220 is attached. The separator 220 can then filter out debris while the mixture of liquid waste and solid debris passes through the separator 220. In some embodiments, the recoverytank 230 can include a pour spout formed in the separator 220, wherein the separator 220 is configured to allow fluid to be poured from the pour spout while retaining solid debris within the separator 220.

[0132] In some configurations, the recovery tank 230 may be referred to as a “container” (such as a “containment system” that includes a “wet container” and a “dry container”). Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4L, an exemplary containment system 100’ is described. The containment system may share any features of the previously-described recovery tanks 230 with reference to FIGS. 2A-2L and 3A-3C. In some embodiments, the containment system 100’ may include a plurality of fins on which liquid can accumulate (described below).

[0133] FIG. 4A illustrates a generalized cross-sectional view of a wet / dry containment system 100’ according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The wet / dry containment system 100’ may be part of a wet / dry vacuum system (not shown in this figure) such as an upright vacuum system, canister vacuum system, handheld vacuum system, battery powered vacuum system, central vacuum cleaner, etc. The containment system 100’ generally includes a wet container 102’ in fluid communication with a dry container 104’. The containment system 100’ is generally configured to separate out liquids in an airflow through the containment system 100’, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0134] The dry container 104’ is in fluid communication with a vacuum source 106’, shown at the top of the dry container 104’, thus drawing air through the dry container 104’. The dry container 104’ is in fluid communication with the wet container 102’, which is in fluid communication with a suction inlet 108’. In this embodiment, the suction inlet 108’ is generally defined at angle with respect to the vacuum source 106’, the wet container 102’, as illustrated. The suction inlet 108’ is in fluid communication with other portions of the vacuum system (not shown) such as a wet / dry cleaning head, wet / dry cleaning tools, etc., and generally delivers airflow to the wet container 102’ that may include a mixture of (drier) air 110 A’ (which may include fine dust / debris), heavy debris HOB’ and / or liquid 110C’ (which may include liquid and / or suspended liquid particles in the airflow). Thus, the airflow 110’ through the containment region 100’ flows first through the wet container 102’, and then through the dry container 104’.

[0135] The wet container 102’ includes a separator 112’ generally configured to separate liquids in the airflow 110’ so that a substantial portion of liquid in the airflow remains in the wet container 102’, thus reducing or eliminating an amount of liquid in the airflow that is passed through to the dry container 104’. As illustrated, in one embodiment the separator 112’ includes a generally horizontal arm section 114’ coupled to a generally vertical section 116’. In other embodiments, the separator 112’ may include just the horizonal arm section 114’, or just thevertical section 116’. The separator 112’ includes a plurality of fins or ribs (described below) that allow air to flow through the horizontal section 114’ and vertical section 116’ while causing liquid in the airflow 110’ to adhere to surfaces of the fins or ribs, thus being removed from the air flow. As liquid accumulates on the surfaces of the fins or ribs, gravity causes the liquid 110C’ to drain toward the bottom of the wet container 102’. The wet container 102’ may also include a fluid reservoir section 118’ to collect liquid 110C’ as it drips from the separator 112’.

[0136] The airflow path through the wet container 102 ‘generally provides for heavier solids to remain in the wet container, as illustrated by arrow HOB’, while drier air flows upward into the dry container 104’ so that dust and lighter debris become trapped in the dry container 104’. The dry container 104’ may include mesh 120’ disposed at an interface between the dry container 104’ and the wet container 102’, as illustrated. The mesh 120’ is generally dimensioned to permit air to flow into the dry container relatively unimpeded, while keeping large debris items in the wet container 102’. The dry container 102’ may also include a filter 122’ at an interface with the vacuum source 106’. The filter 122’ is generally dimensioned to filter out fine dirt / debris particles before the airflow enters the vacuum source 106’.

[0137] FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a containment system 200’ formed as part of an upright vacuum system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The containment system 200’ of FIG. 4B may be disposed, for example, in a handle region of an upright vacuum system, etc. As with the previous embodiment, the containment system 200’ of this embodiment includes a dry container 204’ disposed adjacent to, and in fluid communication with, a wet container 202’. A vacuum source 206’ is disposed over the dry container 204’, thus creating an airflow path 210’ from a suction inlet 208’ through the wet container 202’ and through the dry container 204’. The wet container 202’ includes a separator 212’ that includes a generally horizontal arm section 214’ coupled to a generally vertical section 216’. The separator 212’ includes a plurality of fins or ribs (described below) that allow air to flow through the horizontal section 214’ and vertical section 216’ while causing liquid in the airflow 210’ to adhere to surfaces of the fins or ribs, thus being removed from the air flow. As liquid accumulates on the surfaces of the fins or ribs, gravity causes the liquid in the airflow 210’ to drain toward the bottom of the wet container 202’. The wet container 202’ may also include a fluid reservoir section 218’ to collect liquid as it drips from the separator 212’. The wet container 202’ and the dry container 204’ may each be removable coupled to frame 230’, to permit a user to empty the liquid container 202’ and the dry container 204’.

[0138] FIGS. 4C-4D illustrate a front view and a side perspective view, respectively, of the separator 112 / 212’ illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the generally verticalsection 116 / 216’ of the separator 112 / 212’ includes a plurality of fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ disposed across a width (W) of the vertical portion 116 / 216’. In this example embodiment, the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ are disposed generally parallel to each other, and define gaps 304A’, 304B’,...,304N’ between the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ to permit air to flow through the vertical portion 116 / 216’. As air flows through the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’, liquid tends to adhere to the surfaces of the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ (for example, as may be caused by a meniscus effect). The liquid drains or drips downward and is thus collected at the bottom of the wet container 102 / 202’. The size of the gaps 304A’, 304B’,...,304N’ (e.g., the spacing between each fin 302A’, 302B’,...302N’) may be selected to provide sufficient surface contact with airflow (to remove liquid therefrom) while allowing large debris to pass through the gaps 304A’, 304B’,...304N’ (e.g., to reduce clogging of the gaps 304A’, 304B’,...304N’).

[0139] As illustrated in FIG. 4D, the generally vertical section 116 / 216’ of the separator 112 / 212’ has a depth (D) that may be selected to provide sufficient surface contact with airflow (to remove liquid therefrom). Each of the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ may have similar depths (D). The overall length (L) of the generally vertical section 116 / 216’ of the separator 112 / 212’ may likewise be selected to provide sufficient surface contact with airflow (to remove liquid therefrom). The separator 112 / 212’ may also include a transition region 306’, and the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ may extend across the transition region 306’. The fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ may also extend into the generally horizontal portion 114 / 214’. Airflow 110 / 210’ entering the wet container is exposed to the transition region 306’ of the separator 112 / 212’ which causes a substantial portion of liquid in the airflow to accumulate on the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ of the generally vertical portion 116 / 216’. As drier air moves upward (arrow 350’), the air is exposed to the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ of the substantially horizontal portion 114 / 214’, thus causing additional liquid removal before the air leaves the wet container 102 / 202’.

[0140] While the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ of this embodiment are depicted as generally parallel to one another, in other embodiments the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ may be disposed in other configurations. For example, the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ may be “fanned out” in a curved (e.g., radial) configuration, etc. In other embodiments, the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ may be more concentrated near the airflow inlet 108’ and less concentrated near the bottom of the container, etc. FIGS. 4E-4F illustrate still further example embodiments of the fins. FIG. 4E illustrates example fin arrangements showing an airflow path 110’ through fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’, and the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ are generally positioned parallel to one another and parallel to the airflow path 110’. FIG. 4F illustrates another example finarrangement showing an airflow path 110” through fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’, where the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’ are arranged parallel to one another but transverse to the airflow path 110”. Such an embodiment may operate to increase liquid adhesion to the fins 302A’, 302B’,...302N’.

[0141] FIGS. 4G-4K illustrate various embodiments of the separator of the present disclosure. In FIG. 4G, plurality of fins of the generally vertical portion of the separator 412 are disposed to span the width of the generally vertical portion of the separator 412. In FIG. 4H, the separator 412’ includes a center block 402’ that prevents airflow through the region of the generally vertical portion that is covered by the center block 402’. In FIG. 41, the separator 412” includes the center block 402’, and also has fins removed on the left and right side of the center block 402’, as illustrated. In FIG. 4J, the center block 402’ is removed from the separator 412’” (exposing fins in the center region) and fins are removed on the left and right side of the center region, as illustrated. In FIG. 4K, the separator 412”” includes an exposed center region, and blocks 402A’ and 402B’ are disposed over the fins on the left and right side, respectively, of the center region.

[0142] As described above, the containment system 100 / 200’ may be coupled to a variety of vacuum systems, depending on the types of cleaning tasks to be performed. For example, the containment system 100 / 200’ can be used with the cleaning device 10 of FIGS. 1A-1B. In some embodiments, the containment system 100 / 200’ is coupled to an upright extraction cleaner consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. The upright extraction cleaner includes a surface cleaning head, and an upright body including a handle. The upright body is pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head such that the upright body transitions between an in-use and a storage position in response to pivotal movement of the upright body. A user may interact with the handle to maneuver the surface cleaning head along a surface to be cleaned. The handle may also include one or more control switches (e.g., buttons, levers, etc.) to engage and disengage a motorized drive assembly associated with the cleaning head. The upright body may incorporate the containment system 100 / 200’, described above, for wet / dry cleaning tasks. Cleaning device 10 is an example upright extraction cleaner that is compatible with the containment system 100 / 200’.

[0143] Accordingly, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wet / dry containment system for a wet / dry vacuum, comprising: a dry container in fluid communication with a vacuum source; a wet container in fluid communication with the dry container and a vacuum inlet to receive airflow; and a separator disposed within the wet container, the separator being exposed to the airflow to permit liquid in the airflow to adhere to the separator.

[0144] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a wet / dry containment system for a wet / dry vacuum, comprising: a dry container in fluid communication with a vacuum source; a wet container in fluid communication with the dry container and a vacuum inlet to receive airflow; and a separator disposed within the wet container, the separator being exposed to the airflow to permit liquid in the airflow to adhere to the separator; wherein the separator includes a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion, wherein the substantially vertical portion causes removal of a substantial portion of the liquid in the airflow and the substantially horizontal portion further removes liquid from the airflow; wherein airflow through the substantially horizontal portion passes through to the dry container.

[0145] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a wet / dry containment system for a wet / dry vacuum, comprising: a dry container in fluid communication with a vacuum source; a wet container in fluid communication with the dry container and a vacuum inlet to receive airflow; and a separator disposed within the wet container, the separator being exposed to the airflow to permit liquid in the airflow to adhere to the separator; wherein the separator includes a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion, wherein the substantially vertical portion causes removal of a substantial portion of the liquid in the airflow and the substantially horizontal portion further removes liquid from the airflow; wherein airflow through the substantially horizontal portion passes through to the dry container; and wherein the substantially vertical portion includes a plurality of fins defining airflow gaps therebetween, wherein the plurality of fins of the substantially vertical portion causes removal of a substantial portion of the liquid in the airflow and the substantially horizontal portion further removes liquid from the airflow; wherein airflow through the substantially horizontal portion passes through to the dry container.

[0146] As described previously, in some embodiments, the recovery tank may have a built-in separator, lid, and / or other components capable of filtering solid and liquid debris. In other embodiments, the recovery tank may lack those filtering components, and instead, one or more filtering components can be retained directly within the body assembly of the cleaning device (e.g., on one or more areas of the body assembly external to the recovery tank). When the recovery tank is retained in the body assembly, the filtering components can interact with the input and / or output of waste from the recovery tank in order to enable the capture of dirt, debris, and waste, while allowing for air to flow freely through the system and facilitate suction.

[0147] In some embodiments, during extended operation of the cleaning device, one or more components of the device may need to be cooled to reduce the risk of overheating. To accomplish this, air from the vacuum motor may be routed to various parts of the device toprovide cooling. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning device 10 may include one or more airways leading to the processor 500 of the cleaning device to bring cool air to the processor 500, preventing it from overheating. The processor 500 may be a PCB that controls the motors, the nozzles, etc. of the cleaning device 10. Recycling and repurposing the air used by the vacuum motor into provides cooling to the processor 500 is energy-efficient and allows the cleaning device 10 to run for longer periods of time to clean difficult-to-remove debris.

[0148] The systems, devices, and methods described herein are not limited to cleaning devices. The systems, devices, and methods described herein can be similarly used with other types of devices having a tank configured to contain fluid.

[0149] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in analog electronic circuitry, digital electronic circuitry, and / or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structural means disclosed in this specification and structural equivalents thereof or in combinations of them. The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a machine-readable storage device), or embodied in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). A computer program (also known as a program, algorithm, software, software application, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code).

[0150] The processes and logic flows described in this specification, including the method steps of the subject matter described herein, can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions of the subject matter described herein by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0151] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processor of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from aread-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices). The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0152] The techniques described herein can be implemented using one or more modules. As used herein, the term “module” refers to computing software, firmware, hardware, and / or various combinations thereof. At a minimum, however, modules are not to be interpreted as software that is not implemented on hardware, firmware, or recorded on a non-transitory processor- readable recordable storage medium (e.g., modules are not software per se). Indeed “module” is to be interpreted to always include at least some physical, non-transitory hardware such as a part of a processor or computer. Two different modules can share the same physical hardware (e.g, two different modules can use the same processor). The modules described herein can be combined, integrated, separated, and / or duplicated to support various applications. Also, a function described herein as being performed at a particular module can be performed at one or more other modules and / or by one or more other devices instead of or in addition to the function performed at the particular module.

[0153] As used in this application and in the claims, a list of items j oined by the term “and / or” can mean any combination of the listed items. For example, the phrase “A, B and / or C” can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B and C. As used in this application and in the claims, a list of items joined by the term “at least one of’ can mean any combination of the listed terms. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B or C” can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B and C.

[0154] The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents. Various features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein. The features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptible to combination with one another as well as to variation and modification, as willbe understood by those having skill in the art. The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompass such combinations, variations, and modifications.

[0155] Certain exemplary implementations have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these implementations have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary implementations and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary implementation may be combined with the features of other implementations. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the implementations generally have similar features, and thus within a particular implementation each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon.

[0156] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

[0157] One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described implementations. Accordingly, the present application is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

What is claimed is:CLAIMS1. A recovery tank, comprising: a tank body defining a hollow interior, the tank body including an inlet leading to the hollow interior, the inlet being configured to receive debris and fluid during a cleaning operation, and the tank body including an outlet leading from the hollow interior; a strainer coupled to an internal sidewall of the tank body; and a lid removably disposed within the outlet of the tank body, the lid including at least one filter material configured to prevent egress of the debris from the hollow interior.

2. The recovery tank of claim 1, further comprising at least one fluid level sensor embedded in a sidewall of the tank body at a predetermined height, the at least one fluid level sensor configured to detect fluid level within the tank body at the predetermined height.

3. The recovery tank of claim 2, wherein the at least one fluid level sensor comprises a plurality of fluid level sensors each embedded in a bottom wall of the tank body at the predetermined height.

4. The recovery tank of claim 2, further comprising at least one baffle disposed on the sidewall of the tank body over the at least one fluid level sensor, the at least one baffle being configured to prevent fluid spray from contacting the at least one fluid level sensor.

5. The recovery tank of claim 2, wherein a portion of the sidewall is overmolded over top of a portion of the at least one fluid level sensor.

6. The recovery tank of claim 1, wherein the inlet comprises a standpipe extending upward from a base of the tank body, the standpipe having an exit at an upper region thereof, the exit introducing the debris and the fluid to the hollow interior.

7. The recovery tank of claim 6, wherein the strainer is displaced from the standpipe.

8. The recovery tank of claim 6, wherein the strainer is coupled to a region of the tank body between the exit of the standpipe and the outlet of the tank body.

9. The recovery tank of claim 6, wherein standpipe has a substantially round cross-section, and wherein the strainer is substantially parallel to a line tangential to the standpipe.

10. The recovery tank of claim 6, further comprising at least one baffle disposed between the exit of the standpipe and the outlet of the tank body, the at least one baffle being configured to deflect the debris and the fluid entering the hollow interior away from the outlet.

11. The recovery tank of claim 1, wherein the strainer comprises a mesh configured to retain a first portion of the debris and to transmit the fluid and a second portion of the debris.

12. A cleaning device, comprising: a cleaning body including a cleaning head configured to move across a surface and a suction source disposed within the cleaning body and configured to draw large solid debris, fine solid debris, and fluid into the cleaning body; and a recovery tank removably coupled to the cleaning body, the recovery tank configured to receive the solid debris and the fluid via an inlet thereof, the recovery tank comprising: a tank body including an opening leading to a hollow interior therein, the tank body including a standpipe extending into the hollow interior, the standpipe defining an inlet to the hollow interior, a strainer displaced laterally from the standpipe, the strainer configured to separate the large solid debris from the fluid, and a lid removably disposed in the opening.

13. The cleaning device of claim 12, wherein a distance from the strainer to a base of the tank body is less than a distance from a top of the standpipe to the base of the tank body.

14. The cleaning device of claim 12, wherein the strainer is located on an internal wall of the tank body.

15. The cleaning device of claim 14, wherein the standpipe has a substantially round crosssection, and wherein the strainer is substantially parallel to a line tangential to the standpipe.

16. The cleaning device of claim 12, wherein the lid comprises at least one filter material configured to prevent egress of the fine solid debris from the hollow interior.

17. The cleaning device of claim 12, wherein, during operation of the suction source, a working flow path is defined between the inlet and the opening, and wherein the recovery tank comprises at least one baffle configured to deflect the solid debris and the fluid from the working flow path.

18. The cleaning device of claim 12, wherein the recovery tank comprises comprising at least one fluid level sensor embedded in a sidewall of the tank body or the standpipe of the tank body at a predetermined height, the at least one fluid level sensor configured to detect fluid level within the tank body at the predetermined height.

19. The cleaning device of claim 18, wherein the at least one fluid level sensor comprises a plurality of fluid level sensors each embedded in a sidewall of the tank body or the standpipe of the tank body at the predetermined height.

20. The cleaning device of claim 18, further comprising at least one baffle disposed on a sidewall of the tank body or the standpipe of the tank body over the at least one fluid level sensor, the at least one baffle configured to prevent fluid spray from contacting the at least one fluid level sensor.

21. The cleaning device of claim 18, wherein a portion of the sidewall or a portion of the standpipe is overmolded over top of a portion of the at least one fluid level sensor.

22. The cleaning device of claim 18, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.

23. The cleaning device of claim 18, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a first sensor disposed on a bottom surface of the recovery tank and a second sensor disposed on a sidewall of the recovery tank.

24. The cleaning device of claim 23, wherein the first sensor is centrally disposed on the bottom surface and the second sensor is disposed at a substantial midpoint of the sidewall.

25. The cleaning device of claim 23, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are overmolded into internal walls of the recovery tank.

26. The cleaning device of claim 23, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are in electronic communication with a controller disposed within the cleaning body.

27. The cleaning device of claim 23, wherein the recovery tank comprises a first electrical contact in direct electronic communication with the first sensor and a second electrical contact in direct electronic communication with the second sensor.

28. The cleaning device of claim 27, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are configured to electrically communicate with corresponding electrical contacts disposed on the cleaning body.

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