EXTRACTION CLEANER

An extraction cleaner may include an upright body, a cleaning head pivotally coupled to the upright body, a supply tank coupled to the upright body and fluidly coupled to the cleaning head, a recovery tank coupled to the upright body and fluidly coupled to the cleaning head, and an agitator rotatably coupled to the cleaning head. The agitator may include a main body and a bristle strip extending helically around the main body and forming an acute attack angle with the main body that opens in a direction of rotation of the agitator during a cleaning operation of the extraction cleaner.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally directed to an extraction cleaner and more specifically to a surface cleaning head for an extraction cleaner.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Surface cleaning apparatuses are configured to clean one or more surfaces within an environment (e.g., a floor). An example surface cleaning apparatus includes an extraction cleaner. An extraction cleaner is configured to apply at least one liquid (e.g., water) to a surface to be cleaned and to suction the applied liquid from the surface to be cleaned. At least a portion of any debris (e.g., liquid debris or solid debris) on the surface to be cleaned becomes entrained within the applied liquid such that debris laden liquid (or dirty liquid) can be collected within the extraction cleaner for later disposal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to an extraction cleaner. The extraction cleaner includes a cleaning head and an upright portion pivotally coupled to the cleaning head. The cleaning head includes a debris inlet, an agitator chamber separate from the debris inlet, and an agitator disposed within the agitator chamber. The agitator chamber may include a first spray nozzle and a second spray nozzle configured to deliver cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor) at a location between the agitator and the debris inlet without substantially intersecting the agitator or the agitator chamber. The agitator may include one or more cleaning elements that include an acute attack angle that opens in a direction of rotation of the agitator during a cleaning operation of the extraction cleaner.

FIG.1shows a schematic example of an extraction cleaner100. The extraction cleaner100includes a cleaning head102, an upright body104pivotally coupled to the cleaning head102, a supply tank106(e.g., coupled to the upright body104) fluidly coupled to the cleaning head102, a recovery tank108(e.g., coupled to the upright body104) fluidly coupled to the cleaning head102, a supply pump110(shown in hidden lines) fluidly coupled to the supply tank106and the cleaning head102, and a suction motor112(shown in hidden lines) fluidly coupled to the recovery tank108and the cleaning head102. The supply pump110is configured to urge a cleaning fluid (e.g., water, a cleaning chemical, and/or any other cleaning fluid) from the supply tank106along a supply path114to a spray nozzle116(shown in hidden lines) of the cleaning head102. The spray nozzle116is configured to spray the cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned115(e.g., a floor). The suction motor112is configured to draw dirty air (e.g., air with cleaning fluid and/or debris entrained therein) along a recovery path118extending from a debris inlet120of the cleaning head102to the recovery tank108, wherein the recovery tank108is configured such that at least a portion of any entrained fluid and/or debris is deposited within the recovery tank108for later disposal.

The cleaning head102includes an agitator122(e.g., a brush roll) configured to agitate the surface to be cleaned115. For example, the agitator122may be configured to dislodge debris from the surface to be cleaned115and/or to cleaning agitate cleaning fluid sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned115by the spray nozzle116. The agitator122may be further configured to be rotated by an agitator motor123. In these instances, the agitator122may be generally described as being rotatably coupled to the cleaning head102. For example, the agitator122may be rotated about a rotation axis that extends substantially (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% of) parallel to the surface to be cleaned115.

The cleaning head102may further include one or more wheels124rotatably coupled to the cleaning head102and configured to, at least partially, support the extraction cleaner100on the surface to be cleaned115. As shown, the one or more wheels124and the agitator122may be at opposing sides of the cleaning head102(e.g., on opposing sides of a center line of the cleaning head102that extends substantially parallel to a rotation axis of the one or more wheels124and/or the agitator122).

FIG.2shows a cross-sectional schematic view of an example of the cleaning head102ofFIG.1. As shown, the spray nozzle116is configured to generate a spray pattern200that extends between the agitator122and the debris inlet120. Such a configuration may allow the agitator122to work a cleaning fluid emitted from the spray nozzle116into the surface to be cleaned115when the cleaning head102is moved in a first direction (e.g., a push stroke) and applied cleaning fluid to be suctioned into the debris inlet120when the cleaning head102is moved in a second direction (e.g., a pull stroke), the second direction being opposite the first direction. In some instances, a flow rate at which the cleaning fluid is delivered to the surface to be cleaned115may be based, at least in part, on a direction of movement of cleaning head102on the surface to be cleaned115. For example, on a push stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid may be different (e.g., greater than) the flow rate of cleaning fluid on a pull stroke. Changing the flow rate at which cleaning fluid is delivered to the surface to be cleaned115may improve the longevity of the supply pump110(FIG.1).

In some instances (e.g., on a push stroke), the spray nozzle116and/or the supply pump110may be configured to atomize cleaning fluid passing therethrough. An atomized fluid may generally be described as having a plurality of droplets which collectively form a spray pattern, wherein an average diameter of the plurality of droplets is less than 0.4 millimeters (mm) but greater than 0 mm. For example, an atomized fluid may have an average droplet size of about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 0.25 mm, about 0.27 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.32 mm, or about 0.34 mm.

Atomizing the cleaning fluid may encourage a uniform distribution of cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned115(e.g., when compared to a non-atomized application of cleaning fluid). A more uniform distribution of cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned115may allow less cleaning fluid to be used to obtain a desired surface coverage. Atomization of the cleaning fluid may further encourage a wicking of the cleaning fluid along fibers (e.g., carpet fibers) of the surface to be cleaned115. Wicking of the cleaning fluid along the fibers may allow the cleaning fluid to better penetrate into the surface to be cleaned115. Larger droplets of the cleaning fluid may have a tendency to rest on the surface of the fibers, discouraging penetration of the cleaning fluid, and may, in some instances, result in the cleaning fluid running down an exterior surface of the fibers and to a substrate from which the fibers extend (e.g., a backing of a carpet), potentially soaking into and/or through the substrate of the surface to be cleaned115.

In some instances, the spray nozzle116and the agitator122may be disposed within an agitator chamber202, the agitator chamber202being separate from the debris inlet120. The agitator chamber202includes an open end204facing the surface to be cleaned115and through which a portion of the agitator122extends. The open end204is spaced apart from the debris inlet120. The spray nozzle116may be configured such that a substantial portion (e.g., at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, at least 99.9%, or 100%) of the spray pattern200does not intersect with the agitator122and/or the agitator chamber202.

The debris inlet120may be formed, at least in part, by a suction cover203and an agitator cover205. The suction cover203may be removably coupled to a cleaning head body207of the cleaning head102(e.g., such that the suction cover203may be cleaned by a user and subsequently reattached to the cleaning head body207). The agitator cover205may define at least a portion of the agitator chamber202. The agitator cover205may be pivotally coupled to the cleaning head body207such that the agitator cover205may be pivoted between an open and a closed position (e.g., for removal and/or cleaning of the agitator122).

The agitator122includes a main body206and one or more cleaning elements208extending from the main body206. The one or more cleaning elements208are configured to engage (e.g., contact) the surface to the cleaned115. Each of the one or more cleaning elements208define an attack angle β that is formed at the intersection between a respective cleaning element208and the main body206of the agitator122. The attack angle β may be an acute angle that opens in a direction of rotation210(e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise) of the agitator122. The direction of rotation210may generally be described as the direction in which the agitator122rotates during a cleaning operation of the extraction cleaner100(FIG.1). When the attack angle β is an acute angle that opens in the direction of rotation210, the cleaning performance of the agitator122on a fibrous (e.g., carpeted) surface to be cleaned115may be improved relative to, for example, a perpendicular (or upright) and/or an obtuse attack angle β (e.g., which may be a result of an acute attack angle β encouraging a better penetration of the cleaning elements208into a fibrous surface to be cleaned115, better agitation of cleaning fluid within a fibrous surface to be cleaned115, and/or a better distribution of the cleaning fluid within fibers forming a fibrous surface to be cleaned115). An acute attack angle β may also increase a perceived stiffness of the one or more cleaning elements by encouraging an engagement force between the one or more cleaning elements208and the surface to be cleaned115to be better aligned with a longitudinal length of the one or more cleaning elements208. An acute attack angle β may also encourage the insertion of the cleaning elements208into a fibrous surface to be cleaned115(e.g., encouraging insertion into and/or between carpet tufts) while remaining in contact with the fibrous surface to be cleaned115for a greater period of time (e.g., when compared to upright cleaning elements). Cleaning elements having a perpendicular or an obtuse attack angle β may bend fibers of a fibrous surface to be cleaned115, which may reduce a contact time and/or area between the cleaning elements and the fibrous surface to be cleaned115. The one or more cleaning elements208may include one or more of bristle tufts, bristle strips, flaps (e.g., elastomeric and/or fabric flaps), and/or any other cleaning element.

FIG.2Ashows a cross-sectional schematic view of another example of the cleaning head102ofFIG.1. As shown, the spray nozzle116is configured to generate a spray pattern250that extends between the agitator122and the one or more wheels124. A substantial portion of the spray pattern250does not intersect with the agitator122and/or the agitator chamber202. As such, the cleaning fluid is applied to the surface to be cleaned115rearward of the agitator122when the cleaning head102is moved in a first direction (e.g., a push stroke). Such a configuration may allow the cleaning fluid to dwell on the surface to be cleaned115(e.g., to better penetrate into fibers of the surface to be cleaned115). When the cleaning head102is moved in a second direction (e.g., a pull stroke), the agitator122works the cleaning fluid into the surface to be cleaned115through agitation and, after the agitator122works the cleaning fluid into the surface to be cleaned115, the cleaning fluid is suctioned into the debris inlet120. The second direction is opposite the first direction.

In some instances, the cleaning head102may include a plurality of spray nozzles116. For example, the cleaning head102may include a first spray nozzle116that is configured to generate the spray pattern200that extends between the agitator122and the debris inlet120(as shown inFIG.2) and a second spray nozzle116that is configured to generate the spray pattern250that extends between the agitator122and the one or more wheels124(as shown inFIG.2A). In this example, the first and second spray nozzles116may be configured to generate the respective spray patterns200and250based on a direction of movement of the cleaning head102. For example, when the cleaning head102moves in a first direction (e.g., a push stroke), the first spray nozzle116may generate the first spray pattern200and the second spray nozzle116may not generate the second spray pattern250(or may generate the second spray pattern250at a reduced flow rate when compared to the flow rate generated during movement of the cleaning head102in a second direction) and, when the cleaning head102moves in a second direction (e.g., a pull stroke), the second spray nozzle116may generate the second spray pattern250and the first spray nozzle116may not generate the first spray pattern200(or may generate the first spray pattern200at a reduced flow rate when compared to the flow rate generated during movement of the cleaning head102in the first direction). In another example, when the cleaning head102moves in a first direction (e.g., a push stroke), the first spray nozzle116may generate the first spray pattern200and the second spray nozzle116may generate the second spray pattern250and, when the cleaning head102moves in a second direction (e.g., a pull stroke) the first spray nozzle116and the second spray nozzle116may not generate the first and second spray patterns200and250(or may generate the first and second spray patterns200and250at a reduced flow rate when compared to the flow rate generated during movement of the cleaning head102in the first direction).

FIG.2Bshows a cross-sectional schematic view of another example of the cleaning head102ofFIG.1having a plurality of agitators122. The agitators122may have substantially the same or a different configuration. The spray nozzle116may be configured to generate a spray pattern275that extends between the agitators122, wherein a substantial portion of the spray pattern275does not intersect with either agitator122.

The spray patterns200,250, and275, as described in relation toFIGS.2,2A, and2B, may generally be described as being bounded between two or more components of the cleaning head102that are separate from the debris inlet120such that a substantial portion of the spray patterns200,250, and/or275do not insect the bounding components. In other words, the spray patterns200,250, and275may generally be described as being bounded by components outside of a suction path of the cleaning head102and extend between the bounding components.

FIG.3is a perspective view of an extraction cleaner300, which is an example of the extraction cleaner100ofFIG.1. The extraction cleaner300includes a cleaning head302and an upright body304pivotally coupled to the cleaning head302. The upright body304includes a handle306and a cleaning assembly308. The cleaning assembly308includes a supply tank310, an additive tank312, a recovery tank314, a suction motor316(shown schematically in hidden lines), and a pump318(shown schematically in hidden lines). The pump318is configured to urge cleaning fluid from one or more of the supply tank310and/or the additive tank312to the cleaning head302for application to a surface to be cleaned320. The suction motor316is configured to be fluidly coupled to the cleaning head302and the recovery tank314such that the suction motor316urges applied cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned320to the recovery tank314for later disposal. The recovery tank314may be configured to encourage debris and/or cleaning fluid to fall out of entrainment from air urged into the cleaning head302by the suction motor316.

In some instances, the pump318may be configured to deliver cleaning fluid, as obtained from the supply tank310and/or the additive tank312, to the cleaning head302at two or more different flow rates. The pump318may be configured to vary the flow rate of the cleaning fluid, as obtained from the supply tank310and/or the additive tank312, based, at least in part, on a direction of movement of the cleaning head302along the surface to be cleaned320. For example, in a push stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid delivered to the cleaning head302may be in a range of 550 milliliters per minute (ml/min) to 750 ml/min and in a pull stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid delivered to the cleaning head302may be in a range of 20 ml/min to 150 ml/min. By way of further example, in a push stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid delivered to the cleaning head302may be in a range of 500 milliliters per minute (ml/min) to 800 ml/min and in a pull stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid delivered to the cleaning head302may be in a range of 10 ml/min to 200 ml/min. By way of still further example, on a push stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid delivered to the cleaning head302may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% of) 650 ml/min and on a pull stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid delivered to the cleaning head302may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% of) 90 ml/min or about 85 ml/min.

A suction hose322may be configured to be selectively fluidly coupled to the cleaning assembly308. The suction hose322may be selectively fluidly coupled to the cleaning assembly308based, at least in part, on a pivotal position of the upright body304. For example, when the upright body304is in an upright position, the suction hose322is fluidly coupled to the cleaning assembly308and, when the upright body304is in a reclined position, the suction hose322is fluidly decoupled from the cleaning assembly308. Such a configuration may allow a user to more easily use the suction hose322to clean a surface that is positioned above the surface to be cleaned320.

FIG.4shows a perspective bottom view of the cleaning head302. As shown, the cleaning head302includes a debris inlet400fluidly coupled to the suction motor316(FIG.3) and the recovery tank314(FIG.3), an agitator chamber402having an agitator404rotatably disposed therein, and a plurality of wheels406configured to rotate about a wheel axis408. As shown, the agitator chamber402and the agitator404are disposed between the debris inlet400and the wheels406. The agitator chamber402includes an open end410through which a portion of the agitator404extends. The open end410of the agitator chamber402is separated from the debris inlet400. In other words, the agitator chamber402may be separate from the debris inlet400. As such, in some instances, the agitator chamber402may generally be described as being fluidically isolated from the debris inlet400within the cleaning head302.

The agitator404is configured to rotate within the agitator chamber402about an agitator axis412. The agitator axis412is substantially parallel to the wheel axis408. The agitator404and the wheels406are disposed on opposing sides of a first centerline414of the cleaning head302, wherein the first centerline414is substantially parallel to the agitator axis412and/or the wheel axis408.

The agitator chamber402further includes at least a first spray nozzle416and a second spray nozzle418. The first and second spray nozzles416and418are disposed on opposing sides of a second centerline420of the cleaning head302, the second centerline420extending perpendicular to the first centerline414(or substantially perpendicular to the agitator axis412and/or the wheel axis408). The first and second spray nozzles416and418are configured to generate a fan-shaped spray pattern that extends between the agitator404and a chamber sidewall422of the agitator chamber402, wherein at least a portion of the chamber sidewall422extends between the agitator404and the debris inlet400. As such, in some instances, the first and second spray nozzles416and418may generally be described as being configured to generate spray patterns that extend between the agitator404and the debris inlet400. In some instances, the first and second spray nozzles416and418may be configured to generate a fan-shaped spray pattern, wherein a substantial portion (e.g., at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%, at least 99.9%, or 100%) of each spray pattern does not intersect with the agitator404and/or the agitator chamber402(e.g., the chamber sidewall422). The first and second spray nozzles416and418may have substantially the same configuration (e.g., substantially the same spray patterns, substantially the same structures, and/or the like) or may have a different configuration (e.g., a different spray pattern, a different structure, and/or the like).

FIG.5is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cleaning head302taken along the line V-V ofFIG.4. As shown, the first spray nozzle416includes a nozzle body500and a spray deflector502. The first spray nozzle416is spaced apart from a bottom surface503of the cleaning head302by a first spray nozzle separation distance505. The first spray nozzle separation distance505may be in a range of, for example, 30 millimeters (mm) to 90 mm. By way of further example, the first spray nozzle separation distance505may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 60.5 mm.

Cleaning fluid is configured to exit the nozzle body500under pressure and be incident on the spray deflector502. In some instances, the spray deflector502may be configured to encourage the atomization of cleaning fluid incident thereon. For example, the pump318(FIG.3) may be configured to deliver fluid to the first spray nozzle416at a pressure in a range of 69 kilopascals (kPa) to 138 kPa. By way of further example, the pump318may be configured to deliver fluid to the first spray nozzle416at a pressure of about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 100 kPa. By way of still further example, the pump318may be configured to deliver fluid to the first spray nozzle416at a pressure of about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 105 kPa. The resulting average velocity of cleaning fluid exiting the first spray nozzle416may be, for example, in a range of 3 meters-per-second (m/s) to 8 m/s. By way of further example, the average velocity of fluid exiting the first spray nozzle416may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 5 m/s. In some instances, the pump318and/or the first spray nozzle416may be configured such that fluid passing through the first spray nozzle416is atomized.

The spray deflector502is configured to redirect incident fluid towards the surface to be cleaned320according to a first fan shaped pattern504. The first fan shaped pattern504is configured to extend along the agitator axis412of the agitator404and between the agitator404and the chamber sidewall422of the agitator chamber402. As shown, the first fan shaped pattern504extends to the surface to be cleaned320without substantially overlapping (e.g., an overlap of 0%, less than 0.1%, less than 1%, less than 5%, less than 10%, or less than 15%) with the agitator404and/or the chamber sidewall422. Such a configuration may result in a substantial portion of the cleaning fluid exiting the first spray nozzle416being directly incident on the surface to be cleaned320. For example, a first fan shaped pattern thickness508of the first fan shaped pattern504, when measured at the point incidence between the first fan shaped pattern504and the surface to be cleaned320, may be in a range of 1 mm to 15 mm. By way of further example, the first fan shaped pattern thickness508of the first fan shaped pattern504, when measured at the point incidence between the first fan shaped pattern504and the surface to be cleaned320, may be in a range of 4 mm to 11 mm.

FIG.6is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cleaning head302taken along the line VI-VI ofFIG.4. As shown, the second spray nozzle418includes a nozzle body600and a spray deflector602and is spaced apart from a bottom surface603of the cleaning head302by a second spray nozzle separation distance605. The second spray nozzle separation distance605may be in a range of, for example, 30 millimeters (mm) to 90 mm. By way of further example, the second spray nozzle separation distance605may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 60.5 mm.

Cleaning fluid is configured to exit the nozzle body600under pressure and be incident on the spray deflector602. In some instances, the spray deflector602may be configured to encourage the atomization of cleaning fluid incident thereon. For example, the pump318(FIG.3) may be configured to deliver fluid to the second spray nozzle418at a pressure in a range of 69 kilopascals (kPa) to 138 kPa. By way of further example, the pump318may be configured to deliver fluid to the second spray nozzle418at a pressure of about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 100 kPa. By way of still further example, the pump318may be configured to deliver fluid to the second spray nozzle418at a pressure of about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 105 kPa. The resulting average velocity of cleaning fluid exiting the second spray nozzle418may be, for example, in a range of 3 meters-per-second (m/s) to 8 m/s. By way of further example, the average velocity of fluid exiting the second spray nozzle418may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 5 m/s. In some instances, the pump318and/or the second spray nozzle418may be configured such that fluid passing through the second spray nozzle418is atomized.

The spray deflector602is configured to redirect incident fluid towards the surface to be cleaned320according to a second fan shaped pattern604. The second fan shaped pattern604is configured to extend along the agitator axis412of the agitator404and between the agitator404and the chamber sidewall422of the agitator chamber402. As shown, the second fan shaped pattern604extends to the surface to be cleaned320without substantially overlapping (e.g., an overlap of 0%, less than 0.1%, less than 1%, less than 5%, less than 10%, or less than 15%) with the agitator404and/or the chamber sidewall422. Such a configuration may result in a substantial portion of the cleaning fluid exiting the second spray nozzle418being directly incident on the surface to be cleaned320. For example, a second fan shaped pattern thickness608of the second fan shaped pattern604, when measured at the point incidence between the second fan shaped pattern604and the surface to be cleaned320, may be in a range of 1 mm to 15 mm. By way of further example, the second fan shaped pattern thickness608of the second fan shaped pattern604, when measured at the point incidence between the second fan shaped pattern604and the surface to be cleaned320, may be in a range of 4 mm to 11 mm.

FIG.7is a partial exploded view of the cleaning head302, with one or more components omitted from the view for the purposes of clarity. As shown, the first spray nozzle416is spaced apart from the second spray nozzle418by a spray nozzle separation distance700. The spray nozzle separation distance700may be configured such that first fan shaped pattern504generated by the first spray nozzle416overlaps with the second fan shaped pattern604generated by the second spray nozzle418, forming an overlap region702. For example, the first spray nozzle416may be configured such that the first fan shaped pattern504has a first fan angle θ in a range of 90° to 120° and the second spray nozzle418may be configured such that the second fan shaped pattern604has a second fan angle μ in a range of 90° to 120°. By way of further example, the first spray nozzle416may be configured such that the first fan angle θ is about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 105° and the second spray nozzle418may be configured such that the second fan angle μ is about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 105°. In some instances, the first and second fan angles θ and u are about the same.

In some instances, the first fan angle θ may be configured such that, for example, a first fan shaped pattern width703(as measured at the open end410of the agitator chamber402) of the first fan shaped pattern504is in a range of 100 mm to 155 mm and the second fan angle μ may be configured such that, for example, a second fan shaped pattern width705(as measured at the open end410of the agitator chamber402) of the second fan shaped pattern604is in a range of 100 mm to 155 mm. By way of further example, the first fan angle θ may be configured such that the first fan shaped pattern width703(as measured at the open end410of the agitator chamber402) is in a range of 115 mm to 125 mm and the second fan angle μ may be configured such that the second fan shaped pattern width705(as measured at the open end410of the agitator chamber402) is in range of 115 mm to 125 mm.

The overlap region702may be located forward of a central region704of the agitator404, the central region704being disposed between opposing end regions706and708of the agitator404. A central region length710may be substantially the same as a first and a second end region length712and714of the first and second end regions706and708, respectively. An overlap region length of the overlap region may be less than the central region length710. A sum of the central region length710, the first end region length712, and the second end region length714may be, for example, about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 257 mm. The spray nozzle separation distance700may be, for example, about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 130 mm.

As also shown, the first and second spray nozzles416and418have first and second tilt angles ε and λ, respectively. The first and second tilt angles ε and λ are configured to orient the first and second spray nozzles416and418to at least partially face in a direction of the central region704of the agitator404. The first and second tilt angles ε and λ are measured from a corresponding vertical plane716and718, wherein the agitator axis412of the agitator404intersects the vertical planes716and718to form a substantially perpendicular angle with each of the vertical planes716and718. The first and second tilt angles ε and λ may be, for example, in a range of 5° to 15°. By way of further example, the first and second tilt angles ε and λ may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 10°.

The first spray nozzle416may include a first nozzle mount720and the second spray nozzle418may include a second nozzle mount722. The first and second nozzle mounts720and722are configured to couple the first and second spray nozzles416and418to the cleaning head302. As shown, the first nozzle mount720includes a first mount outer boss724and a first mount inner boss726. The first mount outer boss724and the first mount inner boss726may be configured to couple the first spray nozzle416to the cleaning head302(e.g., using a threaded fastener, such as a screw or bolt, an adhesive, and/or any other form of coupling). The first mount outer boss724and the first mount inner boss726may be configured to introduce the first tilt angle & into the first spray nozzle416. For example, the first mount outer boss724may be different from the first mount inner boss726.

As shown, the second nozzle mount722includes a second mount outer boss728and a second mount inner boss730. The second mount outer boss728and the second mount inner boss730may be configured to couple the second spray nozzle418to the cleaning head302(e.g., using a threaded fastener, such as a screw or bolt, an adhesive, and/or any other form of coupling). The second mount outer boss728and the second mount inner boss730may be configured to introduce the second tilt angle λ into the second spray nozzle418. For example, the second mount outer boss728may be different from the second mount inner boss730. The first mount inner boss726and the second mount inner boss730may have a similar configuration and the first mount outer boss724and the second mount outer boss728may have a similar configuration.

FIG.8shows a cross-sectional view of a spray nozzle800, which may be an example of one or more of the first and/or second spray nozzles416and/or418ofFIG.4. As shown, the spray nozzle800includes a nozzle body802and a spray deflector804. The nozzle body802defines a fluid passageway806that tapers to an outlet orifice808having an outlet orifice diameter810that is less than a passageway diameter812. For example, the outlet orifice diameter810may be in a range of 0.6 mm to 1 mm. By way of further example, the outlet orifice diameter810may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 0.8 mm.

The outlet orifice808is configured to direct cleaning fluid passing therethrough to be incident on the spray deflector804. The spray deflector804includes an incident surface814that forms a deflection angle α with an orifice central axis816. The deflection angle & may influence a spray angle σ of a spray pattern801and/or an evenness of cleaning fluid distribution. The deflection angle α may be, for example, in a range of 90° to 125°. By way of further example, the deflection angle α may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 107°. In this example, the deflection angle α may generally be described as introducing a direction change of about 73° to the cleaning fluid incident on the incident surface814.

As shown, the spray deflector804includes an upper portion818that is positioned above the outlet orifice808and a lower portion820that is positioned at and below the outlet orifice808. The incident surface814extends along the upper and lower portions818and820of the spray deflector and faces the outlet orifice808. As such, the incident surface814can be generally described as introducing a direction change to the cleaning fluid exiting the outlet orifice808. As shown, the incident surface814includes an arcuate region822that transitions the upper portion818to the lower portion820.

The arc radius of the arcuate region822may influence the spray angle σ and/or an evenness of cleaning fluid distribution. The arc radius of the arcuate region822may be, for example, in a range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. By way of further example, the arc radius of the arcuate region822may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 1.5 mm. By way of still further example, the arc radius of the arcuate region822may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 0.75 mm.

The portion of the incident surface814extending along the upper portion818may be spaced apart from the orifice central axis816by an upper portion separation distance824. The upper portion separation distance824may, for example, be in a range of 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm. By way of further example, the upper portion separation distance824may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 0.5 mm. Increasing the upper portion separation distance824may increase the spray angle σ.

The portion of the incident surface814extending along the lower portion820may be spaced apart from the outlet orifice808by a lower portion separation distance826(e.g., as measured at the intersection between the orifice central axis816and the incident surface814). The lower portion separation distance826may be, for example, in a range of 2 mm to 4 mm. By way of further example, the lower portion separation distance826may be about 3.1 mm. As the lower portion separation distance826increases, the spray angle σ may decrease.

FIG.9shows a bottom view of a portion of the spray nozzle800. As shown, the spray deflector804has a deflector width900. A ratio of the deflector width900to the lower portion separation distance826may be, for example in a range of, 1:1 to 4:1. By way of further example, a ratio of the deflector width900to the lower portion separation distance826may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 2:1.

FIG.10shows perspective view of an agitator1000which may be an example of the agitator404ofFIG.4. As shown, the agitator1000includes a main body1002and a plurality of (e.g., at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, or at least six) cleaning elements1004in the form of bristle strips extending helically around the main body1002. A bristle strip may generally correspond to a plurality of bristles arranged in a row that extends for at least a quarter of the length of the main body1002, wherein base regions of each the plurality of bristles forming the bristle strip are spaced apart from immediately adjacent base regions by a distance less than two times a maximum average width of an individual bristle. The base regions of each of the bristles forming the bristle strip are opposite cleaning regions of the each of the bristles and may not come into contact with the surface to be cleaned320(FIG.3). In some instances, a bristle strip may be formed by coupling a plurality of bristles, at the base regions, to a substrate that is received within the main body1002. Bristles strips when compared to, for example, bristle tufts may result in more consistent and/or greater contact with the surface to be cleaned320.

The agitator1000may further include a driven end1006and a non-driven end1008. The driven end1006is configured to rotate with the main body1002and the non-driven end1008is configured such that the main body1002rotates relative to the non-driven end1008. The driven end1006may include a drive cap1010having a drive flange1012that extends beyond perimeter of the main body1002and a drive cavity1014. The non-driven end1008may include a bearing cap1016and a cap flange1018that extends beyond perimeter of the main body1002, the cap flange1018may rotate with the main body1002and rotate relative to the bearing cap1016. The plurality of cleaning elements1004extend helically about the main body1002between the driven end1006and the non-driven end1008. For example, the plurality of cleaning elements1004may extend from the drive flange1012of the driven end1006to the cap flange1018of the non-driven end1008, wherein a separation distance between the plurality of cleaning elements1004that are immediately adjacent a respective one of the drive flange1012and the cap flange1018is less than 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% of a main body length1020of the main body1002as measured along an agitator axis1022about which the main body1002rotates. In this example, at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of cleaning elements1004may contact one or both of the drive flange1012and/or cap flange1018.

In some instances, the main body1002of the agitator1000may include one or more fibrous debris (e.g., hair) removal grooves1024. For example, the fibrous debris removal grooves1024may be configured to receive a cutting implement (e.g., scissors) for cutting fibrous debris wrapped on the agitator1000.

FIG.11is a cross-sectional view of the agitator1000taken along the line XI-XI ofFIG.10. As shown, the plurality of cleaning elements1004include a substrate1100and a plurality of bristles1102extending from the substrate1100to form a bristle strip1103, wherein a base region1101of each bristle1102is coupled to the substrate1100, a respective base region1101being opposite a corresponding cleaning region1105of a corresponding bristle1102along a longitudinal length (e.g., a bristle length1106) of the corresponding bristle1102. The substrate1100is configured to couple a respective cleaning element1004to the main body1002of the agitator1000. Each of the bristles1102, for example, may, on average, have a bristle diameter1104of about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 0.2 mm. Each of the bristles1102, for example, may be spaced from immediately adjacent bristles1102such that a bristle density, on average, of the respective cleaning element1004is about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of)432bristles per centimeter (cm) (e.g., as measured in a longitudinal direction along a corresponding cleaning element1004). The bristle length1106of each of the bristles1102, for example, may be, on average, about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 14 mm, which may, on average, result in about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 2 mm of engagement (e.g., contact) between the bristles and the surface to be cleaned320(FIG.3).

The substrate1100may have a substrate width1108that is wider than a strip width1110of the bristle strip1103. Such a configuration may allow the main body1002to include a plurality of T-shaped slots1112for receiving the substrate1100, coupling the cleaning elements1004to the main body1002. The substrate width1108may be, for example, about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 8 mm and the strip width1110may be, for example, about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 5 mm.

As shown, each of the bristles1102extend from the main body1002of the agitator1000according to an attack angle Ω. The attack angle Ω may generally be described as extending from a side1114of a corresponding cleaning element1004that faces in a direction of rotation1116to an outer surface1118of the main body1002at location where the cleaning element1004exits the main body1002. The attack angle Ω may be an acute angle. In these instances, the cleaning element1004may generally be described as forming an acute attack angle Ω that opens in a direction of rotation of the agitator1000during a cleaning operation. The attack angle Ω may be, for example, in a range of 65° to 85°. By way of further example, the attack angle Ω may be in a range of 70° to 80°. By way of still further example, the attack angle Ω may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 75° (or about 15° from upright). The direction of rotation1116may be counter-clockwise or clockwise and may generally be described as the direction in which the agitator1000rotates during a cleaning operation. The agitator1000may be rotated in the direction of rotation1116at a rotation speed in a range of, for example, 2,000 rotations-per-minute (RPM) to 4,000 RPM. By way of further example, the rotation speed may be in a range of 2,000 RPM to 3,000 RPM. By way of still further example, the rotation speed may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 2,600 RPM.

An example of an extraction cleaner, consistent with the present disclosure, may include an upright body, a cleaning head pivotally coupled to the upright body, a supply tank coupled to the upright body and fluidly coupled to the cleaning head, a recovery tank coupled to the upright body and fluidly coupled to the cleaning head, and an agitator rotatably coupled to the cleaning head. The agitator may include a main body and a bristle strip extending helically around the main body and forming an acute attack angle with the main body that opens in a direction of rotation of the agitator during a cleaning operation of the extraction cleaner.

In some instances, the acute attack angle may be about 75°. In some instances, the cleaning head may include an agitator chamber for rotatably receiving the agitator and a debris inlet separate from the agitator chamber. In some instances, the agitator chamber may include a first spray nozzle and a second spray nozzle, each spray nozzle fluidly coupled to the supply tank. In some instances, each of the spray nozzles may be configured to generate a spray pattern that extends between the agitator and a sidewall of the agitator chamber. In some instances, a substantial portion of each spray pattern may not intersect with the agitator and the sidewall of the agitator chamber. In some instances, the first spray nozzle may be configured to generate a first spray pattern and the second spray nozzle may be configured to generate a second spray pattern, the first and second spray patterns overlapping to form an overlap region. In some instances, the overlap region may be forward of a central region of the agitator. In some instances, each of the first spray nozzle and the second spray nozzle may include a nozzle body and a spray deflector configured to direct cleaning fluid towards a surface to be cleaned. In some instances, the agitator may include a driven end and a non-driven end and the bristle strip extends from the driven end to the non-driven end.

Another example of an extraction cleaner, consistent with the present disclosure, may include an upright body, a cleaning head pivotally coupled to the upright body, the cleaning head including a debris inlet and an agitator chamber, a suction motor fluidly coupled to the debris inlet, a supply tank coupled to the upright body and fluidly coupled to the cleaning head, a recovery tank coupled to the upright body and fluidly coupled to the debris inlet and the suction motor, an agitator rotatably coupled to the cleaning head within the agitator chamber, a first spray nozzle configured to generate a first spray pattern that extends between the agitator and the debris inlet, and a second spray nozzle configured to generate a second spray pattern that extends between the agitator and the debris inlet, wherein a substantial portion of each of the first and second spray patterns does not intersect with the agitator and the agitator chamber.

In some instances, the first and second spray patterns may overlap to form an overlap region. In some instances, the overlap region may be forward of a central region of the agitator. In some instances, each of the first spray nozzle and the second spray nozzle may include a nozzle body and a spray deflector configured to direct cleaning fluid towards a surface to be cleaned. In some instances, the agitator may include a main body and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the main body. In some instances, each of the cleaning elements may form an acute attack angle with the main body that opens in a direction of rotation of the agitator during a cleaning operation of the extraction cleaner. In some instances, at least one of the cleaning elements may be a bristle strip. In some instances, at least one of the cleaning elements may be a bristle tuft. In some instances, the agitator may include a driven end and a non-driven end and the bristle strip extends from the driven end to the non-driven end. In some instances, the acute attack angle may be about 75°.