Patent Description:
<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose examples of surface cleaning apparatus.

A surface cleaning apparatus is provided herein in accordance with claim <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus is a multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner that can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as carpet.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a storage tray that can be used during a self-cleaning mode of the surface cleaning apparatus and for drying a brushroll of the apparatus. The self-cleaning mode can be operable only when the apparatus is docked on the storage tray. Optionally, the apparatus can include a "cleanout" input control or mode selector, which, when selected when the apparatus is docked in the storage tray, initiates an automatic cleanout cycle for the self-cleaning mode. In certain embodiments, the storage tray can also recharge a battery of the apparatus and during the cleanout cycle, battery charging can be disabled.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a floor cleaning system comprising a surface cleaning apparatus and a cleaning tray is provided. The surface cleaning apparatus can include a fluid delivery system comprising at least a supply tank, a pump, and a fluid distributor, a recovery system comprising at least a recovery tank and a motor, a rechargeable battery selectively powering the pump and the motor, a battery charging circuit controlling the recharging of the rechargeable battery, a user interface comprising a self-cleaning mode input control which initiates an automatic cleanout cycle for a self-cleaning mode of operation in which at least the pump and the motor are energized, and a controller operably coupled with the user interface for receiving inputs from a user. The cleaning tray can be configured to dock the surface cleaning apparatus for recharging the battery of the surface cleaning apparatus and for self-cleaning of the surface cleaning apparatus. The battery charging circuit can be disabled during the automatic cleanout cycle.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, a method for self-cleaning a surface cleaning apparatus docked at a cleaning tray is provided. The surface cleaning apparatus can include at least a battery, a fluid delivery system, and a recovery system having a recovery pathway. The cleaning tray can be configured to recharge the battery of the surface cleaning apparatus. The method can include initiating a self-cleaning mode of operation for the surface cleaning apparatus, disabling a battery charging circuit that controls recharging of the battery during the cleanout cycle, and running an automatic cleanout cycle to self-clean at least a portion of the recovery pathway of the surface cleaning apparatus.

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components. Any reference to claim elements as "at least one of X, Y and Z" is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.

The invention generally relates to a surface cleaning apparatus, which may be in the form of a multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner.

The functional systems of the surface cleaning apparatus can be arranged into any desired configuration, such as an upright device having a base and an upright body for directing the base across the surface to be cleaned, a canister device having a cleaning implement connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose, a portable device adapted to be hand carried by a user for cleaning relatively small areas, or a commercial device. Any of the aforementioned cleaners can be adapted to include a flexible vacuum hose, which can form a portion of the working air conduit between a nozzle and the suction source. As used herein, the term "multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner" includes a vacuum cleaner that can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as carpet.

The cleaner can include a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a recovery system for removing the spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris.

The recovery system can include a suction nozzle, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating a working air stream, and a recovery container for separating and collecting fluid and debris from the working airstream for later disposal. A separator can be formed in a portion of the recovery container for separating fluid and entrained debris from the working airstream. The recovery system can also be provided with one or more additional filters upstream or downstream of the motor/fan assembly. The suction source, such as a motor/fan assembly, is provided in fluid communication with the recovery container and can be electrically coupled to a power source.

The suction nozzle can be provided on a base or cleaning head adapted to move over the surface to be cleaned. An agitator can be provided adjacent to the suction nozzle for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that the debris is more easily ingested into the suction nozzle. The agitator can be driven by the same motor/fan assembly serving as the suction source, or may optionally be driven by a separate drive assembly, such as a dedicated agitator motor as shown herein.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> according to one aspect of the present disclosure. As discussed in further detail below, the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> is provided with various features and improvements, which are described in further detail below. One example of a suitable surface cleaning apparatus in which the various features and improvements described herein can be used is disclosed in <CIT>.

As illustrated herein, the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> can be an upright multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner having a housing that includes an upright handle assembly or body <NUM> and a cleaning head or base <NUM> mounted to or coupled with the upright body <NUM> and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in <FIG> from the perspective of a user behind the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>, which defines the rear of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>.

The upright body <NUM> can comprise a handle <NUM> and a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> can comprise a main support section supporting at least a supply tank <NUM> and a recovery tank <NUM>, and may further support additional components of the body <NUM>. The surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> can include a fluid delivery or supply pathway, including and at least partially defined by the supply tank <NUM>, for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a recovery pathway, including and at least partially defined by the recovery tank <NUM>, for removing the spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris until emptied by the user.

The handle <NUM> can include a hand grip <NUM> and a trigger <NUM> mounted to the hand grip <NUM>, which controls fluid delivery from the supply tank <NUM> via an electronic or mechanical coupling with the tank <NUM>. The trigger <NUM> can project at least partially exteriorly of the hand grip <NUM> for user access. A spring (not shown) can bias the trigger <NUM> outwardly from the hand grip <NUM>. Other actuators, such as a thumb switch, can be provided instead of the trigger <NUM>.

The surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> can include at least one user interface <NUM>, <NUM> through which a user can interact with the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>. The at least one user interface can enable operation and control of the apparatus <NUM> from the user's end, and can also provide feedback information from the apparatus <NUM> to the user. The at least one user interface can be electrically coupled with electrical components, including, but not limited to, circuitry electrically connected to various components of the fluid delivery and recovery systems of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>, as described in further detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes a human-machine interface (HMI) <NUM> having one or more input controls, such as but not limited to buttons, triggers, toggles, keys, switches, or the like, operably connected to systems in the apparatus <NUM> to affect and control its operation. The surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> also includes a status user interface (SUI) <NUM> which communicates a condition or status of the apparatus <NUM> to the user. The SUI <NUM> can communicate visually and/or audibly, and can optionally include one or more input controls. The HMI <NUM> and the SUI <NUM> can be provided as separate interfaces or can be integrated with each other, such as in a composite use interface, graphical user interface, or multimedia user interface. As shown, the HMI <NUM> can be provided at a front side of the hand grip <NUM>, with the trigger <NUM> provided on a rear side of the hand grip <NUM>, opposite the HMI <NUM>, and the SUI <NUM> can be provided on a front side of the frame <NUM>, below the handle <NUM> and above the base <NUM>, and optionally above the recovery tank <NUM>. In other embodiments, the HMI <NUM> and SUI <NUM> can be provided elsewhere on the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>. One example of a suitable HMI and/or SUI is disclosed in <CIT>. Either user interface <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise a proximity-triggered interface, as described in the '<NUM> application.

The HMI <NUM> can include one or more input controls <NUM>, <NUM> in register with a printed circuit board (PCB, not shown) within the hand grip <NUM>. In one embodiment, one input control <NUM> is a power input control which controls the supply of power to one or more electrical components of the apparatus <NUM>, as explained in further detail below, one of which may be the SUI <NUM>. Another input control <NUM> is a cleaning mode input control which cycles the apparatus <NUM> between a hard floor cleaning mode and a carpet cleaning mode, as described in further detail below. One or more of the input controls <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise a button, trigger, toggle, key, switch, or the like, or any combination thereof. In one example, one or more of the input controls <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise a capacitive button.

The SUI <NUM> can include a display <NUM>, such as, but not limited to, an LED matrix display or a touchscreen. In one embodiment, the display <NUM> can include multiple status indicators which can display various detailed apparatus status information, such as, but not limited to, battery status, WiFi connection status, clean water level, dirty water level, filter status, floor type, self-cleaning, or any number of other status information. The status indicators can be a visual display, and may include any of a variety of lights, such as LEDs, textual displays, graphical displays, or any variety of known status indicators.

The SUI <NUM> can include at least one input control <NUM>, which can be adjacent the display <NUM> or provided on the display <NUM>. The input control <NUM> can comprise a self-cleaning mode input control which initiates a self-cleaning mode of operation, as described in further detail below. The input control <NUM> can comprise a button, trigger, toggle, key, switch, or the like, or any combination thereof. In one example, the input control <NUM> can comprise a capacitive button.

The surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> can include a controller <NUM> (<FIG>) operably coupled with the various functional systems of the apparatus, including, but not limited to, the fluid delivery and recovery systems, for controlling its operation. A user of the apparatus <NUM> can interact with the controller <NUM> via one or more of the user interfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can further be configured to execute a cleanout cycle for the self-cleaning mode of operation. The controller <NUM> can have software for executing the self-cleaning cycle.

Referring additionally to <FIG>, a moveable joint assembly <NUM> can be formed at a lower end of the frame <NUM> and moveably mounts the base <NUM> to the upright body <NUM>. In the embodiment shown herein, the upright body <NUM> can pivot up and down about at least one axis relative to the base <NUM>. The joint assembly <NUM> can alternatively comprise a universal joint, such that the upright body <NUM> can pivot about at least two axes relative to the base <NUM>. Wiring and/or conduits can optionally supply electricity, air and/or liquid (or other fluids) between the base <NUM> and the upright body <NUM>, or vice versa, and can extend though the joint assembly <NUM>.

The upright body <NUM> can pivot, via the joint assembly <NUM>, to an upright or storage position, an example of which is shown in <FIG>, in which the upright body <NUM> is oriented substantially upright relative to the surface to be cleaned and in which the apparatus <NUM> is self-supporting, , i.e. the apparatus <NUM> can stand upright without being supported by something else. A locking mechanism (not shown) can be provided to lock the joint assembly <NUM> against movement about at least one of the axes of the joint assembly <NUM> in the storage position, which can allows the apparatus <NUM> to be self-supporting. From the storage position, the upright body <NUM> can pivot, via the joint assembly <NUM>, to a reclined or use position, in which the upright body <NUM> is pivoted rearwardly relative to the base <NUM> to form an acute angle with the surface to be cleaned. In this position, a user can partially support the apparatus by holding the hand grip <NUM>. Another example of a reclined position is shown in <FIG>, in which the upright body <NUM> can pivot further to at least partially rest on a floor surface.

In one embodiment, a bumper <NUM> is provided on a rear side of the upright body <NUM>, for example at a lower rear side of the frame <NUM> and/or below the supply tank <NUM>, to prevent scratching the floor surface when the upright body <NUM> is reclined. The provision of the bumper <NUM> can also prevent damage to the apparatus <NUM> or the floor surface if the apparatus <NUM> tips backwards when in the storage position. The bumper <NUM> can be made from a softer or more pliable material than the material for the frame <NUM> or housing of the upright body <NUM>, i.e. a material that has a lower Young's modulus. In one example, the bumper <NUM> can be made from an elastomeric material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or nitrile rubber, while the frame <NUM> is made from a harder and/or stiffer plastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> through line III-III <FIG>. The supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided on the upright body <NUM>. The supply tank <NUM> can be mounted to the frame <NUM> in any configuration. In the present embodiment, the supply tank <NUM> can be removably mounted at the rear of the frame <NUM> such that the supply tank <NUM> partially rests in the upper rear portion of the frame <NUM> and is removable from the frame <NUM> for filling. The recovery tank <NUM> can be mounted to the frame <NUM> in any configuration. In the present embodiment, the recovery tank <NUM> can be removably mounted at the front of the frame <NUM>, below the supply tank <NUM>, and is removable from the frame <NUM> for emptying.

The fluid delivery system is configured to deliver cleaning fluid from the supply tank <NUM> to a surface to be cleaned, and can include, as briefly discussed above, a fluid delivery or supply pathway. The cleaning fluid can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning fluids, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example, the fluid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent.

The supply tank <NUM> includes at least one supply chamber <NUM> for holding cleaning fluid and a supply valve assembly <NUM> controlling fluid flow through an outlet of the supply chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, supply tank <NUM> can include multiple supply chambers, such as one chamber containing water and another chamber containing a cleaning agent. For a removable supply tank <NUM>, the supply valve assembly <NUM> can mate with a receiving assembly on the frame <NUM> and can be configured to automatically open when the supply tank <NUM> is seated on the frame <NUM> to release fluid to the fluid delivery pathway.

The recovery system is configured to remove spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and store the spent cleaning fluid and debris on the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> for later disposal, and can include, as briefly discussed above, a recovery pathway. The recovery pathway can include at least a dirty inlet <NUM> and a clean air outlet <NUM> (<FIG>). The pathway can be formed by, among other elements, a suction nozzle <NUM> defining the dirty inlet, a suction source <NUM> in fluid communication with the suction nozzle <NUM> for generating a working air stream, the recovery tank <NUM>, and at least one exhaust vent defining the clean air outlet <NUM>.

The suction nozzle <NUM> can be provided on the base <NUM> can be adapted to be adjacent the surface to be cleaned as the base <NUM> moves across a surface. A brushroll <NUM> can be provided adjacent to the suction nozzle <NUM> for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that the debris is more easily ingested into the suction nozzle <NUM>. While a horizontally-rotating brushroll <NUM> is shown herein, in some embodiments, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls, or a stationary brush can be provided on the apparatus <NUM>.

The suction nozzle <NUM> is further in fluid communication with the recovery tank <NUM> through a conduit <NUM>. The conduit <NUM> can pass through the joint assembly <NUM> and can be flexible to accommodate the movement of the joint assembly <NUM>.

The suction source <NUM>, which can be a motor/fan assembly including a vacuum motor <NUM> and a fan <NUM>, is provided in fluid communication with the recovery tank <NUM>. The suction source <NUM> can be positioned within a housing of the frame <NUM>, such as above the recovery tank <NUM> and forwardly of the supply tank <NUM>. The recovery system can also be provided with one or more additional filters upstream or downstream of the suction source <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a pre-motor filter <NUM> is provided in the recovery pathway downstream of the recovery tank <NUM> and upstream of the suction source <NUM>. A post-motor filter (not shown) can be provided in the recovery pathway downstream of the suction source <NUM> and upstream of the clean air outlet <NUM>.

The base <NUM> can include a base housing <NUM> supporting at least some of the components of the fluid delivery system and fluid recovery system, and a pair of wheels <NUM> for moving the apparatus <NUM> over the surface to be cleaned. The wheels <NUM> can be provided on rearward portion of the base housing <NUM>, rearward of components such as the brushroll <NUM> and suction nozzle <NUM>. A second pair of wheels <NUM> can be provided on the base housing <NUM>, forward of the first pair of wheels <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the base <NUM>. In one embodiment, the wheels <NUM>, or rear wheels, can comprise an outer edge or rim <NUM> which holds a tread <NUM>. The rim <NUM> has a width W1 and the tread <NUM> has a width W2, as shown in <FIG>. The tread <NUM> can be narrower than the rim <NUM>, i.e. W2 < W1, to reduce the contact width of the wheel <NUM> on the surface to be cleaned. The contact width of the wheel <NUM> can therefore be ≤W2. For example, a substantially flat tread <NUM> can provide a contact width substantially equal to the width of tread, i.e. substantially equal to W2, while a tread <NUM> with a curved or angled shape can provide a contact width somewhat less than the width of tread <NUM>, i.e. < W2. The narrow tread <NUM> therefore reduces the occurrence and appearance of streaks on a cleaned floor surface which are caused by the wheels <NUM> rolling on the wet floor surface. Optionally, the tread <NUM> can be overmolded onto a crown <NUM> of the rim <NUM>.

The wheels <NUM> can further include a hub <NUM> connected with the rim <NUM> and which receives an axle <NUM> on which the wheel <NUM> rotates. The axles <NUM> can be coupled with the base housing <NUM>, and can further be coupled with rear housing extensions <NUM> of the base housing <NUM>, to which a yoke <NUM> of the joint assembly <NUM> couples to pivot up and down relative to the base <NUM>. The axles <NUM> can couple to an outer side of the housing extensions <NUM>, while the yoke <NUM> couples to an inner side of the housing extensions <NUM>. Optionally, the flexible conduit <NUM> can pass between the housing extensions <NUM> can up through the yoke <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of the base <NUM>, with portion of the base <NUM> partially cut away to show some internal details of the base <NUM>. In addition to the supply tank <NUM> (<FIG>), the fluid delivery pathway can include a fluid distributor <NUM> having at least one outlet for applying the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the fluid distributor <NUM> can be one or more spray tips <NUM> on the base <NUM> configured to deliver cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned directly or indirectly by spraying the brushroll <NUM>. Other embodiments of fluid distributors <NUM> are possible, such as a spray manifold having multiple outlets or a spray nozzle configured to spray cleaning fluid outwardly from the base <NUM> in front of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>.

The fluid delivery system can further comprise a flow control system for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply tank <NUM> to the fluid distributor <NUM>. In one configuration, the flow control system can comprise a pump <NUM> which pressurizes the system. The trigger <NUM> (<FIG>) can be operably coupled with the flow control system such that pressing the trigger <NUM> will deliver fluid from the fluid distributor <NUM>. The pump <NUM> can be positioned within a housing of the base <NUM>, and is in fluid communication with the supply tank <NUM> via the valve assembly <NUM>. Optionally, a fluid supply conduit can pass interiorly to joint assembly <NUM> and fluidly connect the supply tank <NUM> to the pump <NUM>. In one example, the pump <NUM> can be a centrifugal pump. In another example, the pump <NUM> can be a solenoid pump having a single, dual, or variable speed.

In another configuration of the fluid supply pathway, the pump <NUM> can be eliminated and the flow control system can comprise a gravity-feed system having a valve fluidly coupled with an outlet of the supply tank <NUM>, whereby when valve is open, fluid will flow under the force of gravity to the fluid distributor <NUM>.

Optionally, a heater (not shown) can be provided for heating the cleaning fluid prior to delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. In one example, an in-line heater can be located downstream of the supply tank <NUM>, and upstream or downstream of the pump <NUM>. Other types of heaters can also be used. In yet another example, the cleaning fluid can be heated using exhaust air from a motor-cooling pathway for the suction source <NUM> of the recovery system.

The brushroll <NUM> can be operably coupled to and driven by a drive assembly including a dedicated brushroll motor or brush motor <NUM> in the base <NUM>. The coupling between the brushroll <NUM> and the brush motor <NUM> can comprise one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the vacuum motor <NUM> (<FIG>) can provide both vacuum suction and brushroll rotation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base housing <NUM> comprises a rear housing <NUM> which contains the pump <NUM> and the brush motor <NUM>. The flexible conduit <NUM> can pass between the pump <NUM> and the brush motor <NUM>, and can generally bisect the rear housing <NUM> into a pump cavity <NUM> and a brush motor cavity <NUM>. The rear housing extensions <NUM> can extend rearwardly from the rear housing <NUM>. A wiring conduit (not shown) can provide a passthrough for electrical wiring from the upright body <NUM> to the base <NUM> through j oint assembly <NUM>. For example, the wiring can be used to supply electrical power to the pump <NUM> and brush motor <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged view of section VI of <FIG>, showing a forward section of the base <NUM>. The brushroll <NUM> can be provided at a forward portion of the base <NUM> and received in a brush chamber <NUM> on the base <NUM>. The brushroll <NUM> is positioned for rotational movement in a direction R about a central rotational axis X. The brush chamber <NUM> can be forward of the rear housing <NUM>, and can be defined at least in part by the suction nozzle <NUM>, as described in more detail below. In the present embodiment the suction nozzle <NUM> is configured to extract fluid and debris from the brushroll <NUM> and from the surface to be cleaned.

An interference wiper <NUM> is mounted at a forward portion of the brush chamber <NUM> and is configured to interface with a leading portion of the brushroll <NUM>, as defined by the direction of rotation R of the brushroll <NUM>. The interference wiper <NUM> is below the fluid distributor <NUM>, such that the wetted portion brushroll <NUM> rotates past the interference wiper <NUM>, which scrapes excess fluid off the brushroll <NUM>, before reaching the surface to be cleaned. Optionally, the interference wiper <NUM> can be disposed generally parallel to the surface to be cleaned.

The wiper <NUM> can be rigid, i.e. stiff and non-flexible, so the wiper <NUM> does not yield or flex by engagement with the brushroll <NUM>. Optionally, the wiper <NUM> can be formed of rigid thermoplastic material, such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

A squeegee <NUM> is mounted to the base housing <NUM> behind the brushroll <NUM> and the brush chamber <NUM> and is configured to contact the surface as the base <NUM> moves across the surface to be cleaned. The squeegee <NUM> wipes residual fluid from the surface to be cleaned so that it can be drawn into the recovery pathway via the suction nozzle <NUM>, thereby leaving a moisture and streak-free finish on the surface to be cleaned. Optionally, the squeegee <NUM> can be disposed generally orthogonal to the surface to be cleaned, or vertically. The squeegee <NUM> can be smooth as shown, or optionally comprise nubs on the end thereof.

The squeegee <NUM> can be pliant, i.e. flexible or resilient, in order to bend readily according to the contour of the surface to be cleaned yet remain undeformed by normal use of the apparatus <NUM>. Optionally, the squeegee <NUM> can be formed of a resilient polymeric material, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a rubber copolymer such as nitrile butadiene rubber, or any material known in the art of sufficient rigidity to remain substantially undeformed during normal use of the apparatus <NUM>.

In the present example, brushroll <NUM> can be a hybrid brushroll suitable for use on both hard and soft surfaces, and for wet or dry vacuum cleaning. In one embodiment, the brushroll <NUM> comprises a dowel <NUM>, a plurality of bristles <NUM> extending from the dowel <NUM>, and microfiber material <NUM> provided on the dowel <NUM> and arranged between the bristles <NUM>. One example of a suitable hybrid brushroll is disclosed in <CIT>. The bristles <NUM> can be arranged in a plurality of tufts or in a unitary strip. Dowel <NUM> can be constructed of a polymeric material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene or styrene, or any other suitable material such as plastic, wood, or metal. Bristles <NUM> can be tufted or unitary bristle strips and constructed of nylon, or any other suitable synthetic or natural fiber. The microfiber material <NUM> can be constructed of polyester, polyamides, or a conjugation of materials including polypropylene or any other suitable material known in the art from which to construct microfiber.

<FIG> is a partially exploded, perspective view of the base <NUM>. In one embodiment, the base <NUM> can comprise a removable nozzle assembly <NUM> coupled to the base housing <NUM> and defining at least the suction nozzle <NUM>. In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly <NUM> can comprise a nozzle housing <NUM>. The nozzle housing <NUM> can define the brush chamber <NUM> which partially encloses the brushroll <NUM>. Optionally, the wiper <NUM> is mounted at an interior forward side of the nozzle housing <NUM>, and projects into the brush chamber <NUM>.

The nozzle assembly <NUM> can comprise a hand grip <NUM> on the nozzle housing <NUM> which can be used to lift the nozzle assembly <NUM> away from the base housing <NUM>. The nozzle assembly <NUM> can comprise a cover <NUM> on which the hand grip <NUM> is provided, or the hand grip <NUM> can be provided directly on the nozzle housing <NUM>. The nozzle housing <NUM> and/or cover <NUM> can be formed from a translucent or transparent material, such that the brushroll <NUM> is at least partially visible to a user through the suction nozzle assembly <NUM>. A bumper <NUM> can be provided on the nozzle assembly <NUM>, such as at a lower front edge of the nozzle housing <NUM>. A base conduit <NUM> of the recovery pathway can be provided in the base housing <NUM> and can couple the nozzle housing <NUM>, particularly the suction nozzle <NUM> and brush chamber <NUM> defined by the nozzle housing <NUM>, with the flexible conduit <NUM>.

The fluid distributor <NUM> can optionally be integrated with the removable nozzle assembly <NUM>. The nozzle housing <NUM> can include at least one outlet opening <NUM> in register with the fluid distributor <NUM> for delivering fluid to the surface to be cleaned, including to the brushroll <NUM> or directly to the surface to be cleaned.

In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly <NUM> can define a pair of fluid delivery channels <NUM> that are each fluidly connected to one of the spray tips <NUM> at a terminal end thereof. Each spray tip <NUM> can include at least one outlet to deliver fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and can be in fluid communication with the brush chamber <NUM> to delivery fluid directly to the brushroll <NUM>, or directly to the surface to be cleaned. The spray tips <NUM> can optionally be oriented to spray fluid inwardly onto the brushroll <NUM>.

The fluid delivery channels <NUM> can be defined by lower channel halves <NUM> and upper channel halves <NUM>, which can be provided on mating components of the nozzle assembly <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the lower channel halves <NUM> are provided on the nozzle housing <NUM> and the upper channel halves <NUM> are provided on a channel housing <NUM> which mates with the nozzle housing <NUM>, optionally beneath the cover <NUM>.

A fluid coupling can be provided between the nozzle assembly <NUM> and the base housing <NUM> in order to fluidly connect the pump <NUM> (<FIG>) with the fluid delivery channels <NUM> when the nozzle assembly <NUM> is seated on the base housing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, spray connectors <NUM> are provided on the base housing <NUM> and can comprise valves that are normally closed when the nozzle assembly <NUM> is removed from the base housing <NUM>. Installing the nozzle assembly <NUM> on the base housing <NUM> can automatically open the spray connectors <NUM> and permit fluid to flow into the delivery channels <NUM>. Optionally, a fluid supply conduit (not shown) can fluidly connect the pump <NUM> to the spray connectors <NUM>.

A nozzle latch <NUM> can be provided to releasably secure the nozzle assembly <NUM> on the base housing <NUM>. The nozzle latch <NUM> can be received in a latch receiver <NUM> provided on the base housing <NUM>, and be biased by a spring <NUM> to a latched position. The nozzle latch <NUM> can be configured to releasably latch or retain, but not lock, the nozzle assembly <NUM> to the base housing <NUM>, such that a user can conveniently apply sufficient force to the nozzle assembly <NUM> itself, such as via the hand grip <NUM>, to pull the nozzle assembly <NUM> off the base housing <NUM>. Optionally the latch <NUM> can be carried by the channel housing <NUM>.

The base <NUM> can have at least one indicator light <NUM> configured to activate in combination with the pump <NUM> (<FIG>) when trigger <NUM> (<FIG>) is depressed to deliver fluid. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator light <NUM> includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) or other illumination source provided on the base housing <NUM>, and more particularly provided on the rear housing <NUM>. The indicator light <NUM> can be positioned behind the nozzle cover <NUM>, which can be formed from a translucent or transparent material, such that the illumination from the indicator light <NUM> is at least partially visible to a user from the exterior of the base <NUM>. Electrical wiring for the indicator light <NUM> can be passed through the joint assembly <NUM> from the upright body <NUM> to the base <NUM> through joint assembly <NUM>.

Optionally, the brushroll <NUM> can be configured to be removed by the user from the base <NUM>, such as for cleaning and/or drying the brushroll <NUM>. The brushroll <NUM> can be removably mounted in the brush chamber <NUM> by a brushroll latch <NUM> which is coupled with the brushroll <NUM>. Accordingly, the nozzle assembly <NUM> may be removed from the base housing <NUM> prior to removing the brushroll <NUM>. In other embodiments, the brushroll <NUM> and latch <NUM> can be configured such that prior removal of the nozzle assembly <NUM> is not required.

The brushroll latch <NUM> can be received by a mating component <NUM> on the base housing <NUM>. In one embodiment, the base housing <NUM> can include spaced lateral sidewalls <NUM> which define a cavity <NUM> therebetween. The mating component <NUM> can be provided on an inner surface of one of the lateral sidewalls <NUM>. The lateral sidewalls <NUM> can extend forwardly from the rear housing <NUM>. Optionally, the lateral sidewalls <NUM> can form a portion of the brush chamber <NUM>, such as by enclosing open lateral ends <NUM> of the nozzle housing <NUM>.

The latch <NUM> can be provided on one end of the dowel <NUM> of the brushroll <NUM>. The opposite end of the dowel <NUM> can have a splined drive connection <NUM> with a drive head <NUM> of a transmission operably connecting the brush motor <NUM> (<FIG>) to the brushroll <NUM>. The drive head <NUM> can be provided at the lateral sidewall <NUM> opposite the mating component <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the brushroll latch <NUM> can have a latch body <NUM> that is received by a latch body receiver <NUM> of the mating component <NUM>. The latch body <NUM> can be complementary to or keyed with the receiver <NUM> to ensure proper installation of the brushroll <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch body <NUM> and the receiver <NUM> can have complementary U-shapes and can optionally taper in the insertion direction of the brushroll <NUM>, i.e. downwardly.

The brushroll latch <NUM> can comprise a protruding part <NUM> which is snap fit with the mating component <NUM> on the base housing <NUM>. In one embodiment, the protruding part <NUM> include at least one, and optionally two, cantilever part <NUM> having a hook, stud, lug, bead, or other engagement element <NUM> at an end thereof. The protruding part <NUM> is deflected briefly during the joining operation and catches in a depression or undercut <NUM> in the mating component <NUM>, optionally in the latch body receiver <NUM>. The depression or undercut <NUM> is shaped to allow separation of the brushroll <NUM> and from the base housing <NUM>.

The brushroll latch <NUM> can form part of an outer perimeter of the base housing <NUM>. which can improve edge cleaning by enabling the end of the brushroll <NUM> to extend closer to the lateral edge of the base <NUM>. For example, a portion of the brushroll latch <NUM> can form a portion of the lateral sidewall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> when the brushroll <NUM> is installed. When assembled, the brushroll latch <NUM> can form an exterior surface of the base <NUM>. Using the brushroll latch <NUM> to form a portion of the base housing <NUM>, rather than having the brushroll latch <NUM> abut up against an outer wall of the base housing <NUM>, eliminates bulk without sacrificing housing strength, allowing the brushroll <NUM> to be closer to the lateral edge of the base <NUM>.

The brushroll latch <NUM> can include a release tab <NUM>, which can be coupled with the latch body <NUM>, and which a user can grip to remove the brushroll <NUM>. The release tab <NUM> can form a portion of one of the lateral sidewalls <NUM> of the base housing <NUM>, which can improve edge cleaning by enabling the end of the brushroll <NUM> to extend closer to the lateral edge of the base <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the release tab has a top edge or surface <NUM> that is continuous with a top edge or surface <NUM> on the lateral sidewall <NUM> when the brushroll <NUM> is installed on the base housing <NUM>. When assembled, the top edge or surface <NUM>, and optionally only the top edge or surface <NUM>, of the release tab <NUM> is visible, and can form an exterior surface of the base <NUM>.

The release tab <NUM> can be captured by the removable nozzle assembly <NUM> upon installation of the brushroll <NUM> on the base housing <NUM>, which can prevent unintended release of the brushroll <NUM>. Optionally, a portion of the nozzle assembly <NUM> can overlie a tab or shoulder <NUM> on the latch <NUM> to prevent upward movement of latch <NUM>, and therefore the brushroll <NUM>, when the nozzle assembly <NUM> is installed. In the embodiment shown, the nozzle cover <NUM> overlies the shoulder <NUM>.

The release tab <NUM> can optionally include a gripping feature <NUM> to assist in lifting the brushroll <NUM>. The gripping feature <NUM> can be hidden by the nozzle assembly <NUM> when installed on the base housing <NUM> and revealed upon removal of the nozzle assembly <NUM> from the base housing <NUM>. The gripping feature <NUM> can be provided a portion of the latch <NUM> extending above the brushroll <NUM>.

The latch <NUM> and lateral sidewall <NUM> can include one or more additional mating surfaces or joints which help distribute the weight of the brushroll <NUM> supported by the lateral sidewall <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> on a lower side of the top surface <NUM> that receives a thin ridge <NUM> on the lateral sidewall <NUM>; the slot <NUM> and ridge <NUM> together form a tongue and groove joint between the latch <NUM> and the lateral sidewall <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the latch <NUM> can include a tab or shoulder <NUM> which rests on a ledge <NUM> of the mating component <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of a transmission <NUM> for the brushroll <NUM> (<FIG>) is shown. The transmission <NUM> connects the brush motor <NUM> to the brushroll <NUM> for transmitting rotational motion of a motor shaft <NUM> of the brush motor <NUM> to the brushroll <NUM>. The transmission <NUM> can include a V-belt <NUM> (or vee belt) and one or more gears, shafts, pulleys, or combinations thereof. The V-belt <NUM> is narrower than other types of belts conventionally used for surface cleaning apparatus, such as flat belts or cog belts, which can increase available space within the base <NUM> and improve edge cleaning by enabling the end of the brushroll <NUM> to extend closer to the lateral edge of the base <NUM>, for example closer to the lateral sidewall <NUM> on the transmission side. As an additional benefit, the V-belt <NUM> is quieter than other belts conventionally used for surface cleaning apparatus and reduces operational noise of the apparatus.

In addition to the V-belt <NUM>, the transmission <NUM> can, for example, include a pulley <NUM> coupled with the motor shaft <NUM> and a pulley <NUM> coupled with brushroll <NUM>, with the V-belt <NUM> coupling the motor pulley <NUM> with the brushroll pulley <NUM>. The V-belt <NUM> can be a multi-groove or polygroove belt with multiple "V" shape ribs <NUM> alongside each other, which track in mating grooves <NUM>, <NUM> in the motor and brushroll pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. Because the V-belt <NUM> tends to wedge into the mating grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, sufficient torque transmission can be provided with less belt width and tension, for example as compared to a flat belt.

The transmission <NUM> can further include the drive head <NUM> keyed to or otherwise fixed with the brush pulley <NUM> by an axle <NUM>. A bearing <NUM> may also be carried on the axle <NUM>. The brushroll pulley <NUM> can be keyed to or otherwise fixed with the motor shaft <NUM>, and secured thereon by a retaining ring <NUM>.

It is noted that in <FIG>, a portion of the base housing <NUM> has been removed in order to view the transmission <NUM> and an optional drive housing <NUM> for the transmission <NUM>. The drive housing <NUM> can be formed with or otherwise coupled to the lateral sidewall <NUM> on the transmission side.

Referring to <FIG>, the upright body <NUM> comprises tank sockets or receivers <NUM>, <NUM> for respectively receiving the supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown herein, in one embodiment the tank receivers <NUM>, <NUM> can be defined by portions of the frame <NUM>, and can be provided on opposing sides of the frame <NUM>, and more particularly on rear and front sides of the frame <NUM>, respectively. The supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM> can include externally-facing surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, which form external surfaces of the apparatus <NUM> when the tank <NUM>, <NUM> are seated in the receivers <NUM>, <NUM>. Optionally, the tank <NUM>, <NUM> can have hand grips <NUM>, <NUM> provided on the externally-facing surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown herein, the supply tank hand grip <NUM> comprises hand grip indentations formed in its externally-facing surface <NUM>, and the recovery tank hand grip <NUM> comprises a handle projecting from its externally-facing surface <NUM>, although other configurations are possible for each.

Referring to <FIG>, the supply tank receiver <NUM> include a latch <NUM> for securing the supply tank <NUM> to the upright body <NUM>. The latch <NUM> facilitates correct installation and better sealing of the supply tank <NUM>, which alleviates user error and misassembly. The latch <NUM> can be configured to releasably latch or retain, but not lock, the supply tank <NUM> to the upright body <NUM>, such that a user can conveniently apply sufficient force to the supply tank <NUM> itself to pull the supply tank <NUM> off the frame <NUM>. In one embodiment, the latch <NUM> for the supply tank <NUM> can comprise a biased latch configured to release the supply tank <NUM> upon application a sufficient force to overcome the biased latching force of the latch <NUM>. More specifically, the latch <NUM> can comprise a spring-biased latch. One example of a suitable latch is disclosed in <CIT>.

In the embodiment illustrated herein, the supply tank receiver <NUM> can include a support wall <NUM> and an overhanging wall <NUM> provided on the frame <NUM>, below the handle <NUM>. The overhanging wall <NUM> can extend outwardly to overhang at least a portion of the support wall <NUM>. The lower end of the supply tank <NUM> can comprise one or more internally-facing surfaces <NUM> adapted to rest on the support wall <NUM> of the receiver <NUM>. Optionally, the supply tank <NUM> can include an indent <NUM> in a sidewall thereof which rests on a platform <NUM> of the support wall <NUM>. The upper end of supply tank <NUM> can comprise one or more internally-facing surfaces <NUM> adapted to confront the overhanging wall <NUM> when the supply tank <NUM> is installed on the frame <NUM>. Optionally, the supply tank receiver <NUM> can have substantially open sides.

The latch <NUM> can be provided on the frame <NUM> of the upright body <NUM>. More specifically, as shown in the embodiment illustrated herein, the latch <NUM> can be provided on the overhanging wall <NUM> of the supply tank receiver <NUM>. When the supply tank <NUM> is seated within the supply tank receiver <NUM>, the supply tank <NUM> rests on the support wall <NUM> and is retained in place by the latch <NUM> on the overhanging wall <NUM>. Alternatively, the latch <NUM> can be provided elsewhere on the receiver <NUM>.

A valve seat <NUM> can be formed in the supply tank receiver <NUM>, such as in the support wall <NUM>, for receiving the supply valve assembly <NUM> controlling fluid flow through an outlet of the supply chamber <NUM> when the supply tank <NUM> is seated within the supply tank receiver <NUM>. The supply valve assembly <NUM> can be adapted to open upon the seating of the supply tank <NUM> within the supply tank receiver <NUM>, and to close upon removal of the supply tank <NUM> from the supply tank receiver <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated herein, the frame <NUM> includes a pocket <NUM> formed therein for mounting the latch <NUM>. More particularly, the pocket <NUM> can be provided in the overhanging wall <NUM> of the receiver <NUM>.

The latch <NUM> can include a latch member <NUM> and a biasing member <NUM> configured to bias the latch member <NUM> outwardly from the pocket <NUM>. In one embodiment, the latch member <NUM> can comprise a spring-biased latch and the biasing member <NUM> can specifically comprise a spring, such as a coil spring. As shown herein, the spring <NUM> can be retained between the latch member <NUM> and the pocket <NUM>. The latch member <NUM> is moveable relative to the pocket <NUM> and is constrained by the pocket <NUM> for axial movement along a latch axis, which can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upright body <NUM> or handle <NUM>.

The supply tank <NUM> includes a catch <NUM> for the latch <NUM>. The catch <NUM> is configured to be retained by the latch <NUM> to releasably hold the supply tank <NUM> in the receiver <NUM>. As shown herein, the catch <NUM> can be formed on one of the internally-facing surfaces of the supply tank <NUM> such that the catch <NUM> and latch <NUM> are hidden when the supply tank <NUM> is seated in the receiver <NUM>. More specifically, the catch <NUM> can be formed on the upper internally-facing surface <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM>, which confronts the overhanging wall <NUM>. The supply tank <NUM> can be shaped to facilitate movement of the latch <NUM> during installation, such as having an angled lead-in portion <NUM> on the upper internally-facing surface <NUM>. In an embodiment where the supply tank <NUM> comprise a blow-molded tank body <NUM>, the catch <NUM> can be formed integrally in an upper portion of the blow-molded tank body <NUM> forming the upper end of the tank <NUM>.

The supply tank <NUM> can be installed on the frame <NUM> in accordance with the following method. The bottom of the supply tank <NUM> is inserted into the receiver <NUM>, with the supply valve assembly <NUM> in register with the valve seat <NUM>, and the upper portion of the supply tank <NUM> is rotated toward the receiver <NUM> to seat the supply tank <NUM>. During installation, the angled lead-in portion <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM> rides under the latch <NUM> and causes the latch member <NUM> to compress the spring <NUM>, and retract into the pocket <NUM>. When the supply tank <NUM> is seated, the latch member <NUM> clears the angled lead-in portion <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM> and the spring <NUM> forces the latch member <NUM> to extend out of the pocket <NUM> and into the latched position shown in <FIG>.

To remove the supply tank <NUM>, the user can conveniently apply sufficient force to the supply tank <NUM> itself, such as by gripping the hand grips <NUM>, to pull the supply tank <NUM> off the frame <NUM>. Upon application a sufficient force via engagement of the catch <NUM> with the latch member <NUM> to overcome the biasing force of the spring <NUM>, the latch member <NUM> is forced deeper into the pocket <NUM> and clears the catch <NUM>, thereby releasing the supply tank <NUM> to be lifted away from the frame <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partially exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the recovery tank <NUM> and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the recovery tank <NUM>. The recovery tank <NUM> can include a recovery tank container <NUM>, which forms a collection chamber <NUM> for the fluid recovery system, with a hollow standpipe <NUM> therein. The standpipe <NUM> can be oriented such that it is generally coincident with a longitudinal axis of the tank container <NUM>. The standpipe <NUM> forms a flow path between a tank inlet <NUM> formed at a lower end of the tank container <NUM> and a tank outlet <NUM> at the upper end of the standpipe <NUM> within the interior of the tank container <NUM>. When the recovery tank <NUM> is mounted to the frame <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the inlet <NUM> is aligned with the flexible conduit <NUM> to establish fluid communication between the base <NUM> and the recovery tank <NUM>. The standpipe <NUM> can be integrally formed with the tank container <NUM>.

The recovery tank <NUM> further includes a lid <NUM> sized for receipt on the tank container <NUM>. The lid <NUM> at least partially encloses an open top of the tank container <NUM>. and can further define an air outlet <NUM> of the recovery tank <NUM> leading to the downstream suction source <NUM>. A gasket <NUM> is positioned between mating surfaces of the lid <NUM> and the tank container <NUM> and creates a seal therebetween for prevention of leaks.

A recovery tank latch <NUM> can optionally be supported by the lid <NUM> for securing the recovery tank <NUM> to the upright body <NUM> within the recovery tank receiver <NUM> (<FIG>). The latch <NUM> can be configured to releasably lock the recovery tank <NUM> to the upright body <NUM>, such that a user must actuate the latch <NUM> before pulling the tank <NUM> off the frame <NUM>. The hand grip <NUM> on the recovery tank <NUM> can be located below the latch <NUM> and can facilitate removal of the recovery tank <NUM> from the frame <NUM>.

The recovery tank <NUM> can further include a filter <NUM> provided at the air outlet <NUM>. The filter <NUM> can be supported by the lid <NUM> and can comprise a pleated filter. In one embodiment, the pleated filter is made of a material that remains porous when wet. A mesh screen <NUM> can be carried by the lid <NUM> and can support the filter <NUM> thereon.

The recovery tank <NUM> can further include a removable strainer <NUM> configured to strain large debris and hair out of the tank container <NUM> prior to emptying. The strainer <NUM> is configured to collect the large debris and hair while draining fluid (e.g. liquid) and smaller debris back into the tank container <NUM>. One example of a suitable strainer is disclosed in<CIT>.

For purposes of this description, large debris are any debris with a maximum dimension, such as a length or diameter, of greater than or equal to <NUM> to <NUM>, and preferably <NUM>, whereas small debris are any debris having a maximum dimension, such as a length or diameter, of less than that of the larger debris. An example of a piece of large debris includes a strand of hair with a length greater than <NUM>. Examples of small debris include coffee grounds and crumbs with diameters less than <NUM>.

The strainer <NUM> can comprises an elongated handle or grip <NUM> and a base <NUM>. The strainer <NUM> can be removably mounted within the tank container <NUM> such that the base <NUM> is at a bottom end of the tank container <NUM> and the grip <NUM> extends toward a top end of the tank container <NUM>. The base <NUM> can include a plurality of drain holes <NUM> for draining fluid when the strainer <NUM> is removed from the tank container <NUM>, and optionally a raised rim <NUM> around its perimeter for containing debris. An opening <NUM> can also be provided in the base <NUM> for accommodating the standpipe <NUM>. The base <NUM> can form a cup-shaped colander that retains large debris and hair.

The drain holes <NUM> can be circular or non-circular openings or apertures in the base <NUM>. In one example, the size of the drain holes <NUM> can range in diameter from <NUM> to <NUM>, and optionally from <NUM> to <NUM>. Other embodiments of drain holes <NUM> are possible, including the strainer <NUM> having a grid or mesh on the base <NUM> defining the drain holes <NUM>.

The base <NUM> can be configured to fit within the tank container <NUM> at a location spaced from a bottom wall <NUM> thereof. When the strainer <NUM> is inserted into the tank container <NUM>, fluid and small debris can pass through the drain holes <NUM> to the area of the collection chamber <NUM> below the base <NUM>, while large debris and hair is trapped above the base <NUM>. Optionally, a stop <NUM> can be provided on the standpipe <NUM> that limits the insertion of the strainer <NUM> into the tank container <NUM> to maintain the base <NUM> spaced above the bottom wall <NUM>.

As shown, the grip <NUM> can extends upwardly and/or vertically along the inner surface of the tank container <NUM> and can be oriented such that it is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tank container <NUM>, and optionally also to the standpipe <NUM>. The strainer <NUM> shown herein is further inserted and removed from the tank container <NUM> along a direction that is parallel to, or coincident with, the longitudinal axis of the tank container <NUM>.

The base <NUM> extends from a lower end of the grip <NUM> to substantially cover the bottom wall <NUM> of the tank container <NUM>, such that any large debris/hair is trapped by the base <NUM> above the bottom wall <NUM>. The grip <NUM> can be offset and relatively slender to maximize space available in the collection chamber <NUM> for collecting debris and fluid.

In typical recovery tanks, large debris and hair is not strained out and is disposed of together with the fluid waste (e.g. liquid waste), which can potentially result in clogged drains and pipes. Alternatively, large debris and hair can be manually picked out of the recovery tank, which is unsanitary and laborious. With the strainer <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein, a user can simply remove the lid <NUM> and lift the strainer <NUM> out. The strainer <NUM> separates out large debris and hair while fluid and smaller debris drains back into the tank container <NUM>. The long grip <NUM> prevents a user from contact with any of the collected debris or fluid. Thus, a user can easily and sanitarily dispose of any large debris and hair in the trash, prior to emptying the fluid waste down a sink, toilet, or other drain thereby avoiding the problems with prior recovery tanks. The strainer <NUM> can be particularly helpful for use with a multi-surface vacuum cleaner because these types of vacuum cleaners ingest wet and dry debris, including large dry debris, and deposit the debris mixture into a single recovery tank.

In one embodiment, the recovery tank <NUM> can have a liquid level sensing system <NUM> configured to detect liquid at one or more levels within the recovery tank <NUM> and determine when to shut-off or otherwise interrupt the recovery system. The sensing system <NUM> can include any suitable components for sensing liquid within the recovery tank <NUM>. With the provision of the sensing system <NUM>, the recovery tank <NUM> does not require an in-tank float-style shut off. In other words, the recovery tank <NUM> is a floatless tank. One example of a suitable floatless tank and sensing system is disclosed in <CIT>. The '<NUM> application further discloses a system and method for sensing foam in the tank <NUM>, which can be provided on the apparatus <NUM> shown herein.

In the illustrated example, the sensing system <NUM> includes at least one sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, optionally in the form of at least one probe, which can detect liquid. In the illustrated embodiment, two sensors <NUM>, <NUM> in the form of probes are included, through other numbers and forms of sensors are possible. The sensors <NUM>, <NUM> can be electrically coupled with power terminals <NUM>, optionally provided on the lid <NUM>, which couple with electrical contacts (not shown) on the recovery tank receiver <NUM> when the recovery tank <NUM> is mounted on the frame <NUM> to supply power to the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>. The electrical contacts on the recovery tank receiver <NUM> are electrically coupled with a power source of the apparatus <NUM>, an example of which is described in further detail below.

The sensors <NUM>, <NUM> can optionally be supported by the lid <NUM> or, or more particularly by at least one bracket <NUM> formed on or otherwise coupled with the lid <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, two brackets <NUM> depending downwardly from the lid <NUM> are included, through other numbers and forms of brackets are possible. The brackets <NUM> can be offset from the standpipe <NUM>. When the lid <NUM> is coupled to the container <NUM>, the brackets <NUM> can project into the collection chamber <NUM>. It is further contemplated that the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> can be molded directly into the side walls of the container <NUM>, thereby eliminating the brackets <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of the sensing system <NUM> for the apparatus <NUM>. The various sensors <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled with a controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can also be operationally connected to other components of the apparatus <NUM>, as described in further detail below. The first sensor <NUM> can emit a liquid sensing signal <NUM> from the controller <NUM> at a given frequency <NUM>. The liquid sensing signal <NUM> travels through contents of the recovery tank <NUM> to form a liquid response signal <NUM> that is detected by the second sensor <NUM> and communicated to the controller <NUM>. The second sensor <NUM> can be located in the recovery tank <NUM> at a critical liquid level <NUM>. The term critical liquid level is used herein to define a level or location where, if liquid is present, at least one electrical component of the apparatus <NUM> is shut down to prevent liquid ingress into the suction source <NUM>. If the liquid response signal <NUM> indicates that the liquid in the recovery tank <NUM> is at or above the critical level <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can turn off the at least one electrical component of the apparatus <NUM>. Such components can include the suction source <NUM> itself, and more particularly the vacuum motor <NUM>, and optionally also the pump <NUM> and/or the brush motor <NUM>.

In yet another configuration, the controller <NUM> can additionally or alternatively activate a shut-off valve <NUM> in response to the liquid response signal <NUM> to prevent liquid ingress into the suction source <NUM>. The shut-off valve <NUM> can be provided for interrupting suction when liquid in the recovery tank <NUM> reaches the critical level <NUM>. The shut-off valve <NUM> can be positioned in any suitable manner and include any suitable type of valve.

Additionally or alternatively, the controller <NUM>, based on the liquid response signal <NUM>, can provide a visual or audible status indication such as a light or sound via the SUI <NUM>. The visual or audible status indication can alert the user that the liquid is too high in the recovery tank <NUM> or that a component of the apparatus <NUM> has been turned off.

Optionally, the sensing system <NUM> can include electronic components to capacitively couple and smooth the response signals such that the rise time or the average amplitude of the voltage of the received signals can be determined. In another non-limiting example, the controller <NUM> can be configured to perform one or more signal processing algorithms on the received response signals to determine one or more characteristics of the received response signal. Signal processing algorithms incorporated into the controller <NUM> for assisting in the determination of one or more characteristics of the received signals can include, but are not limited to, blind source separation, principal component analysis, singular value decomposition, wavelet analysis, independent component analysis, cluster analysis, Bayesian classification, etc..

It is contemplated that any of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> of the sensing system <NUM> can be configured to transmit, receive or transmit and receive one or more sensing signals. The sensing signals can include any waveform useful in sensing liquid, including, but not limited to, square waves, sine waves, triangle waves, sawtooth waves, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the sensing signals can include any frequency useful in sensing liquid, including, but not limited to, frequencies ranging from approximately <NUM> kilohertz to <NUM> megahertz. In one non-limiting example, the liquid sensing signals can be multiplexed and transmitted simultaneously to one or more sensors.

The recovery tank <NUM> can be periodically emptied of collected fluid and debris by removing the recovery tank <NUM> from the frame <NUM>, removing the lid <NUM> from the tank container <NUM>, which also removes the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> and brackets <NUM>. Next, a user lifts the strainer <NUM> out of the tank container <NUM>. As the strainer <NUM> is lifted, large debris and hair is captured while fluid and smaller debris is allowed to drain back into the container <NUM>. The user can then dispose of any debris on the strainer <NUM> in the trash, and then dispose of the remaining fluid and smaller debris in the tank container <NUM> in a sink, toilet, or other drain.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, downstream of the recovery tank <NUM>, the recovery pathway can include suction source <NUM> and at least one exhaust vent <NUM> defining the clean air outlet <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, two exhaust vents <NUM> are provided on opposing sides of the frame <NUM>, through other numbers and locations for the exhaust vents <NUM> are possible. The vacuum motor <NUM> is enclosed within a motor housing <NUM> and the fan <NUM> is enclosed within a fan housing <NUM> and the housings <NUM>, <NUM> may be made of one or more separate pieces. The fan housing <NUM> includes at least one inlet aperture <NUM> for drawing working air into the fan housing <NUM> and at least one outlet aperture <NUM> through which working air is exhausted. The recovery tank receiver <NUM> can include a grille <NUM> in register with the inlet aperture <NUM> and in fluid communication with the air outlet <NUM> of the recovery tank <NUM> when the tank <NUM> is seated in the receiver <NUM>.

The recovery pathway can further include a portion defining an air exhaust path, which extends from the fan outlet aperture <NUM> to the clean air outlet or exhaust vents <NUM>. The air exhaust path can be defined by at least one working air exhaust duct or conduit <NUM>, with the fan outlet aperture <NUM> in fluid communication with a first end of exhaust conduit <NUM> and the clean air outlet <NUM> in fluid communication with a second end of the exhaust conduit <NUM>.

The exhaust conduit <NUM> can be formed internally between housings of the upright body <NUM>, and more specifically can be formed between housings forming the frame <NUM>. Routing the working air exhaust internally within the handle housings reduces noise from the vacuum motor <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the exhaust conduit <NUM> can be formed by first and second frame housings <NUM>, <NUM>. The first frame housing <NUM> can define an exterior surface of the upright body <NUM> which is visible to the user, including a portion of a rear of the frame <NUM>. The second frame housing <NUM> can define an interior surface of the upright body <NUM> which is not visible to the user and which can be at least partially covered by the first frame housing <NUM>. The first and second frame housings <NUM>, <NUM> can include mating portions of the exhaust conduit <NUM>. The first and second frame housings <NUM>, <NUM> can optionally comprise molded parts, with the mating portions of the exhaust conduit <NUM> integrally formed therewith. Optionally, the first frame housing <NUM> can define the supply tank receiver <NUM>. In this case, the supply tank <NUM> mounted on the supply tank receiver <NUM> provides further insulation from operational noise generated by the vacuum motor <NUM>.

The exhaust conduit <NUM> can include at least one louver or baffle which directs air flow. The at least one louver or baffle can provide a tortuous exhaust path that extends from the fan outlet aperture <NUM> to the exhaust vents. The tortuous exhaust path can comprise multiple turns of at least <NUM> degrees, and can optionally include at least one turn of greater than <NUM> degrees, for example <NUM> degrees or greater. In the embodiment shown, a <NUM> degree turn is provided into the exhaust conduit <NUM> at the fan outlet aperture <NUM>, and a <NUM> degree turn is provided at a baffle <NUM> separating sections of the exhaust conduit <NUM>. The sections of the exhaust conduit <NUM> separated by the baffle <NUM> can run parallel to each other, which increases the length of the exhaust path to further reduces noise at the exhaust vents.

In one embodiment, a motor cooling air path is provided for supplying cooling air to the vacuum motor <NUM> and for removing heated cooling air (also referred to herein as "heated air") from the vacuum motor <NUM>. The motor cooling air path includes a cooling air inlet and a cooling air outlet, both of which are in fluid communication with the ambient air outside the apparatus <NUM>. Ambient air is drawn into the apparatus <NUM> through the cooling air inlet, passes through the vacuum motor <NUM>, and is subsequently exhausted through the cooling air outlet. In the embodiment illustrated, the cooling air inlet is provided by gaps between the housings forming the upright body <NUM>, including between the first frame housing <NUM> and a third frame housing <NUM>. The third frame housing <NUM> can define an exterior surface of the upright body <NUM> which is visible to the user, including a portion of a side and/or front of the frame <NUM>. Alternatively, a dedicated cooling air inlet can be provided in the upright body <NUM>, such as through one of the housings of the frame <NUM>. The cooling air outlet is provided by the clean air outlet <NUM>, i.e. the exhaust vents <NUM>, and as such the motor cooling air path and the working air exhaust path share a common outlet.

The motor housing <NUM> includes at least one inlet aperture <NUM> for allowing cooling air to enter the motor housing <NUM> and pass by the vacuum motor <NUM>, and at least one outlet aperture <NUM> through which heated cooling air is exhausted. The motor cooling air path can be defined by at least one heated air exhaust duct or conduit <NUM> for allowing heated air to be transported away from the vacuum motor <NUM>, with the motor outlet aperture <NUM> in fluid communication with a first end of the exhaust conduit <NUM> and the exhaust vents <NUM> in fluid communication with a second end of the exhaust conduit <NUM>.

The heated air exhaust conduit <NUM> can be formed internally between housings of the upright body <NUM>, and more specifically can be formed between the first and second frame housings <NUM>, <NUM> forming the frame <NUM>. Routing the heated air exhaust internally within the handle housings <NUM>, <NUM> reduces noise from the vacuum motor <NUM>. The first and second frame housings <NUM>, <NUM> can include mating portions of the heated air exhaust conduit <NUM>. The first and second frame housings <NUM>, <NUM> can optionally comprise molded parts, with the mating portions of the exhaust conduit <NUM> integrally formed therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor outlet aperture <NUM> can jut rearwardly to an opening <NUM> in the second frame housing <NUM> to enter the heated air exhaust conduit <NUM>.

Optionally, the motor cooling air path can have a tortuous exhaust path that extends from the motor outlet aperture <NUM> to the exhaust vents, and include at least one louver or baffle (not shown) which directs air flow. The motor and airflow noise generated by the apparatus <NUM> during operation is dampened by the torturous exhaust path. The tortuous exhaust path can comprise multiple turns of at least <NUM> degrees. In the embodiment shown, a first <NUM> degree turn is provided into the exhaust conduit <NUM> at the motor outlet aperture <NUM>, and a second <NUM> degree turn is provided at a passage <NUM> separating a first section of the exhaust conduit <NUM> from a second section which includes the exhaust vents <NUM>.

<FIG> shows one example of a schematic control diagram for the apparatus <NUM>. As briefly mentioned above, the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> can further include a controller <NUM> operably coupled with the various function systems, such as the fluid delivery and recovery systems, of the apparatus <NUM> for controlling its operation. The controller <NUM> is operably coupled with the HMI <NUM> for receiving inputs from a user and with the SUI <NUM> for providing one or more indicia about the status of the apparatus <NUM>. In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> can comprise a microcontroller unit (MCU) that contains at least one central processing unit (CPU). In the embodiment shown, the controller <NUM> is operably coupled with at least the vacuum motor <NUM>, the pump <NUM>, and the brush motor <NUM> for the brushroll <NUM>.

Electrical components of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>, including the vacuum motor <NUM>, the pump <NUM>, and the brush motor <NUM> for the brushroll <NUM>, can be electrically coupled to a power source such as a battery <NUM> or a power cord plugged into a household outlet. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source comprises a rechargeable battery <NUM>. In one example, the battery <NUM> can be a lithium ion battery. In another exemplary arrangement, the battery <NUM> can comprise a user replaceable battery.

As discussed above, the power input control <NUM> which controls the supply of power to one or more electrical components of the apparatus <NUM>, and in the illustrated embodiment controls the supply of power to at least the SUI <NUM>, the vacuum motor <NUM>, the pump <NUM>, and the brush motor <NUM>. The cleaning mode input control <NUM> cycles the apparatus <NUM> between a hard floor cleaning mode and a carpet cleaning mode. In one example of the hard floor cleaning mode, vacuum motor <NUM>, the pump <NUM>, and the brush motor <NUM> are activated, with the pump <NUM> operating at a first flow rate. In the carpet cleaning mode, the vacuum motor <NUM>, the pump <NUM>, and the brush motor <NUM> are activated, with the pump <NUM> operating at a second flow rate which is greater than the first flow rate. The self-cleaning mode input control <NUM> initiates a self-cleaning mode of operation, one embodiment of which is described in detail below. Briefly, during the self-cleaning mode, a cleanout cycle can run in which cleaning liquid is sprayed on the brushroll <NUM> while the brushroll <NUM> rotates. Liquid is extracted and deposited into the recovery tank, thereby also flushing out a portion of the recovery pathway.

With reference to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can be provided at various locations on the apparatus <NUM>, and in the illustrated embodiment is located in the upright body <NUM>, within the frame <NUM>, and is integrated with the SUI <NUM>. Alternatively, the controller <NUM> can be integrated with the HMI <NUM> (<FIG>), or can be separate from both the HMI <NUM> and SUI <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> can be located within a battery housing <NUM> located on the upright body <NUM> or base <NUM> of the apparatus, which can protect and retain the battery <NUM> on the apparatus <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery housing <NUM> is provided on the frame <NUM> of the upright body <NUM>. Optionally, the battery housing <NUM> can be located below the supply tank <NUM> and/or rearwardly of the recovery tank <NUM>. The bumper <NUM> can be provided on a rear exterior side of the battery housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> can optionally be provided with a storage tray <NUM> that can be used when storing the apparatus <NUM>. The storage tray <NUM> can be configured to receive the base <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> in an upright, stored position. The storage tray <NUM> can further be configured for further functionality beyond simple storage, such as for charging the apparatus <NUM> and/or for self-cleaning of the apparatus <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the illustration embodiment, the storage tray <NUM> functions as a docking station for recharging the battery <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>. The storage tray <NUM> can optionally having at least one charging contact <NUM>, and at least one corresponding charging contact <NUM> can be provided on the apparatus <NUM>, such as on the exterior of the battery housing <NUM>. When operation has ceased, the apparatus <NUM> can be locked upright and placed into the storage tray <NUM> for recharging the battery <NUM>. When the apparatus <NUM> is removed from the storage tray <NUM>, one or both of the charging contacts <NUM>, <NUM> can be shielded, as described in further detail below. One example of a storage tray with shielded charging contacts is disclosed in <CIT>.

A charging unit <NUM> is provided on the storage tray <NUM> and comprises the charging contacts <NUM>. The charging unit <NUM> can electrically couple with the battery <NUM> when the base <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> is docked with the storage tray <NUM>. The charging unit <NUM> can be electrically coupled to a power source including, but not limited to, a household outlet. In one example, a cord <NUM> can be coupled with the charging unit <NUM> to connect the storage tray <NUM> to the power source.

The battery housing <NUM> and the charging unit <NUM> of the storage tray <NUM> can possess complementary shapes, with the battery housing <NUM> fitting against the charging unit <NUM> to help support the apparatus <NUM> on the storage tray <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery housing <NUM> can include a socket <NUM> containing the charging contacts <NUM> and the charging unit <NUM> can be at least partially received by the socket <NUM> when the apparatus <NUM> is docked with the tray <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view of a lower portion of the upright body <NUM> showing a cross-section through the charging contact <NUM> of the battery <NUM>. A contact casing <NUM> can extend downwardly within the socket <NUM>, and includes the charging contact <NUM>, which is illustrated as DC connector or socket. The charging contact <NUM> or socket can be normally covered, or closed, by a retractable charging contact cover <NUM>, also referred to herein as battery-side cover. The battery-side cover <NUM> can be slidably mounted to or within the casing <NUM> and can be biased to the normally covered position by a spring <NUM>. When the battery-side cover <NUM> is in the closed position, the battery-side cover <NUM> shields the charging contact <NUM> such that liquid cannot enter the charging contact <NUM> or casing <NUM>.

The battery-side cover <NUM> can include a ramp <NUM> against which a portion of the storage tray <NUM> presses to move the cover <NUM> to uncover the charging contact <NUM> against the biasing force of the spring <NUM>. It is noted that while a ramp <NUM> is shown, the apparatus <NUM> can include any suitable mating feature configurable to move the cover <NUM> upon docking, such as a cam or a rack and pinion gear, for example. Alternatively, a linear actuator can be incorporated to move the cover <NUM> to the open position upon docking.

Referring to <FIG>, the charging contact <NUM> of the charging unit <NUM>, which is illustrated as DC connector or plug, can be normally covered, or closed, by a retractable charging contact cover <NUM>, also referred to herein as tray-side cover. A bracket <NUM> can be provided in the charging unit to mount the charging contact or plug <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. The tray-side cover <NUM> can be biased to the normally covered position by springs <NUM>, <NUM>, which bias the cover <NUM> rearwardly and upwardly. When the tray-side cover <NUM> is in the closed position, the tray-side cover <NUM> shields the charging contact <NUM> such that liquid cannot enter the charging contact <NUM> or charging unit <NUM>.

The tray-side cover <NUM> can include a ramp <NUM> against which a portion of the apparatus <NUM> presses to move the cover <NUM> to uncover the charging contact <NUM> against the biasing force of the springs <NUM>, <NUM>. It is noted that while a ramp <NUM> is shown, the apparatus <NUM> can include any suitable mating feature configurable to move the cover <NUM> upon docking, such as a cam or a rack and pinion gear, for example. Alternatively, a linear actuator can be incorporated to move the cover <NUM> to the open position upon docking.

Docking the apparatus <NUM> with the storage tray <NUM> can automatically move the covers <NUM>, <NUM> to an uncovered or open position, an example of which is shown in <FIG>, in which the charging contacts <NUM>, <NUM> can be coupled, i.e. by the socket <NUM> receiving the plug <NUM>. In one embodiment, in order to dock the apparatus <NUM> within the storage tray <NUM> for charging, the apparatus <NUM> is lowered into the storage tray <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and the casing <NUM> pushes against the ramp <NUM> on the tray-side cover <NUM>, sliding the cover <NUM> forwardly to expose the charging contact or plug <NUM>. As the apparatus <NUM> continues to be lowered onto the storage tray <NUM>, the exposed plug <NUM> presses against the ramp <NUM> on the battery-side cover <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, sliding the cover <NUM> laterally to expose the charging contact or socket <NUM>. Continued lowering of the apparatus <NUM> plugs the plug <NUM> into the socket <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The charging plug <NUM> on the storage tray <NUM> and socket <NUM> on the apparatus <NUM> become fully engaged, or electrically connected, when the apparatus <NUM> is fully seated on the storage tray <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, during use, the apparatus <NUM> can get very dirty, particularly in the brush chamber <NUM> and extraction pathway, and can be difficult for the user to clean. The storage tray <NUM> can function as a cleaning tray during a self-cleaning mode of the apparatus <NUM>, which can be used to clean the brushroll <NUM> and internal components of the fluid recovery pathway of apparatus <NUM>. Self-cleaning using the storage tray <NUM> can save the user considerable time and may lead to more frequent use of the apparatus <NUM>. The storage tray <NUM> can optionally be adapted to contain a liquid for the purposes of cleaning the interior parts of apparatus <NUM> and/or receiving liquid that may leak from the supply tank <NUM> while the apparatus <NUM> is not in active operation. When operation has ceased, the apparatus <NUM> can be locked upright and placed into the storage tray <NUM> for cleaning. The apparatus <NUM> is prepared for self-cleaning by filling the storage tray <NUM> to a predesignated fill level with a cleaning liquid, such as water. The user can select the self-cleaning mode via the input control <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). In one example, during the self-cleaning mode, the vacuum motor <NUM> and brush motor <NUM> are activated, which draws cleaning liquid in the storage tray <NUM> into the fluid recovery pathway. The self-cleaning mode can be configured to last for a predetermined amount of time or until the cleaning liquid in storage tray <NUM> has been depleted. Examples of self-cleaning cycles and storage trays are disclosed in <CIT>.

The tray <NUM> can physically support the entire apparatus <NUM>. More specifically, the base <NUM> can be seated in the tray <NUM>. The tray <NUM> can have a recessed portion in the form of a sump <NUM> in register with at least one of the suction nozzle <NUM> or brushroll <NUM>. Optionally, the sump <NUM> can sealingly receive the suction nozzle <NUM> and brushroll <NUM>, such as by sealingly receiving the brush chamber <NUM>. The sump <NUM> can fluidly isolate, or seal, the suction nozzle <NUM> and fluid distributor <NUM> (<FIG>) within the brush chamber <NUM> to create a closed loop between the fluid delivery and fluid recovery systems of the apparatus <NUM>. The sump <NUM> can collect excess liquid for eventual extraction by the suction nozzle <NUM>. This also serves to flush out a recovery pathway between the suction nozzle <NUM> and the recovery tank <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the storage tray <NUM>. The tray <NUM> can include guide walls <NUM> extending upwardly and configured to align the base <NUM> within the tray <NUM>. A rear portion of the tray <NUM> can comprise wheel holders <NUM> for receiving the rear wheels <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>. The wheel holders <NUM> can be formed as a recess, or groove in the storage tray <NUM>, and can be provided on opposite lateral sides of the charging unit <NUM>.

Optionally the storage tray <NUM> can include a removable accessory holder <NUM> for storing one or more accessories for the apparatus <NUM>. The accessory holder <NUM> can be provided on an exterior side wall of the tray <NUM>, and can be removably mounted to the tray <NUM>. The tray <NUM> can optionally be provided with a mounting location on either lateral side of the tray <NUM> to allow the user some flexibility in where the accessory holder <NUM> is attached. <FIG> includes an accessory holder <NUM> in phantom line showing one optional alternative mounting location. The mounting locations can include a retention latch, sliding lock, clamp, brace, or any other mechanism in which to secure accessory holder <NUM> on the storage tray <NUM> Alternatively, storage tray <NUM> can be configured with a non-removable or integral accessory holder <NUM>.

The illustrated accessory holder <NUM> can removably receive one or more brushrolls <NUM> and/or one of more filters <NUM> for the purposes of storage and/or drying. Accessory holder <NUM> can comprise one or more brushroll slots <NUM> to securely receive brushrolls <NUM> in a vertical fixed position for drying and storage. Brushroll slots <NUM> can be fixed or adjustable and can be comprised of clamps, rods, or molded receiving positions that can accommodate brushroll <NUM> with or without the dowel <NUM> inserted. Accessory holder <NUM> can comprise at least one filter slot <NUM> to securely receive filter <NUM> in a vertical fixed position for drying and storage. Alternatively, accessory holder <NUM> can store the brushrolls <NUM> and filter <NUM> in a variety of other positions.

<FIG> is a block diagram for the apparatus <NUM>, showing a condition when the apparatus <NUM> is docked with the storage tray <NUM> for recharging. The apparatus <NUM> includes a battery charging circuit <NUM> that controls recharging of the battery <NUM>. When the apparatus <NUM> is docked with the storage tray <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the battery charging circuit <NUM> is active and the battery <NUM> is charged. In at least some embodiments of the storage tray <NUM>, the tray <NUM> includes power cord <NUM> plugged into a household outlet, such as by a wall charger <NUM> having, for example an operating power of 35W. However, during a self-cleaning cycle during which the vacuum motor <NUM>, pump <NUM>, and brush motor <NUM> are all energized, the required power draw can far exceed the operating power of the wall charger <NUM>. In one example, the required power draw for the vacuum motor <NUM>, pump <NUM>, and brush motor <NUM> can be <NUM>-250W. The apparatus <NUM> can include a battery monitoring circuit <NUM> for monitoring the status of the battery <NUM> and individual battery cells contained therein. Feedback from the battery monitoring circuit <NUM> is used by the controller <NUM> to optimize the discharging and recharging process, as well as for displaying battery charge status on the SUI <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the block diagram shows a condition when the apparatus <NUM> is docked with the storage tray <NUM> in the self-cleaning mode. Actuating (e.g. depressing) the self-cleaning mode input control <NUM> disables or shuts off the battery charging circuit <NUM>, and allows the apparatus <NUM> to energize and be powered by the onboard battery <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> then automatically cycles through the self-cleaning mode, and during this cycle the battery charging circuit <NUM> remains disabled, i.e. the battery <NUM> does not recharge during the self-cleaning mode. This operational behavior is beneficial because if the battery charging circuit <NUM> is not disabled and power not supplied by the battery <NUM> during the self-cleaning mode, the capacity of the wall charger <NUM> can be exceeded. As noted above, in one embodiment the wall charger <NUM> can have, for example, an operating power of 35W. Wall chargers with higher capacity are much more expensive.

<FIG> depicts one aspect of the disclosure of a self-cleaning method <NUM> for the apparatus <NUM> using the storage tray <NUM>. In use, a user at <NUM> docks the apparatus <NUM> with the storage tray <NUM>. The docking may include parking the base <NUM> on the cleaning tray <NUM> and establishing a closed loop between the fluid delivery and fluid recovery systems of the apparatus <NUM>. For example, the docking can include sealing the brush chamber <NUM> to establish a sealed cleaning pathway between the fluid distributor <NUM> and the suction nozzle <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the charging circuit <NUM> is enabled when the apparatus <NUM> is docked with the tray <NUM> and the charging contacts <NUM>, <NUM> couple. When the charging circuit <NUM> is enabled, the battery <NUM> may begin being recharged.

At step <NUM>, the cleanout cycle for the self-cleaning mode of operation is initiated. The controller <NUM> can initiate the cleanout cycle based on input from the user, such as by the user pressing the self-cleaning mode input control <NUM> on the SUI <NUM>. The self-cleaning cycle may be locked-out by the controller <NUM> when the apparatus <NUM> is not docked with the storage tray <NUM> to prevent inadvertent initiation of the self-cleaning cycle.

At step <NUM>, upon initiation of the self-cleaning cycle, such as upon the user pressing the self-cleaning mode input control <NUM>, the charging circuit <NUM> is disabled, i.e. the battery <NUM> ceases to recharge.

Pressing the input control <NUM> at step <NUM> can energize one or more components of the apparatus <NUM> to energize and be powered by the onboard battery <NUM>. The self-cleaning cycle may begin at step <NUM> in which the pump <NUM> is active to deliver cleaning fluid from the supply tank <NUM> to the distributor <NUM> that sprays the brushroll <NUM>. During step <NUM>, the brush motor <NUM> can also activate to rotate the brushroll <NUM> while applying cleaning fluid to the brushroll <NUM> to flush the brush chamber <NUM> and cleaning lines, and wash debris from the brushroll <NUM>. The self-cleaning cycle may use the same cleaning fluid normally used by the apparatus <NUM> for surface cleaning, or may use a different detergent focused on cleaning the recovery system of the apparatus <NUM>.

The vacuum motor can be actuated during or after step <NUM> to extract the cleaning fluid via the suction nozzle <NUM>. During extraction, the cleaning fluid and debris from the sump <NUM> in the tray <NUM> is sucked through the suction nozzle <NUM> and the downstream fluid recovery path. The flushing action also cleans the entire fluid recovery path of the apparatus <NUM>, including the suction nozzle <NUM> and downstream conduits.

At step <NUM>, the self-cleaning cycle ends. The end of the self-cleaning cycle can be time-dependent, or can continue until the recovery tank <NUM> is full or the supply tank <NUM> is empty. For a timed self-cleaning cycle, the pump <NUM>, brush motor <NUM>, and vacuum motor <NUM> are energized and de-energized for predetermined periods of time. Optionally, the pump <NUM> or brush motor <NUM> can pulse on/off intermittently so that any debris is flushed off of the brushroll <NUM> and extracted into the recovery tank <NUM>. Optionally, the brushroll <NUM> can be rotated at slower or faster speeds to facilitate more effective wetting, shedding of debris, and/or spin drying. Near the end of the cycle, the pump <NUM> can de-energize to end fluid dispensing while the brush motor <NUM> and vacuum motor <NUM> can remain energized to continue extraction. This is to ensure that any liquid remaining in the sump <NUM>, on the brushroll <NUM>, or in the fluid recovery path is completely extracted into the recovery tank <NUM>.

After the end of the self-cleaning cycle, the charging circuit <NUM> is enabled to continue to recharging the battery <NUM> at step <NUM>.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments of the invention, may be used in combination with each other as desired, or may be used separately. That one surface cleaning apparatus is illustrated herein as having all of these features does not mean that all of these features must be used in combination, but rather done so here for brevity of description. Furthermore, while the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> shown herein has an upright configuration, the surface cleaning apparatus can be configured as a canister or portable unit. For example, in a canister arrangement, foot components such as the suction nozzle and brushroll can be provided on a cleaning head coupled with a canister unit. Still further, the surface cleaning apparatus can additionally have steam delivery capability. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched in various vacuum cleaner configurations as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described.

The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of the disclosure. However, various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the broader aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. As such, this disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the disclosure or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. Any reference to elements in the singular, for example, using the articles "a," "an," "the," or "said," is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Claim 1:
A surface cleaning apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
an upright body (<NUM>);
a base (<NUM>) coupled with the upright body (<NUM>) and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned, the base (<NUM>) comprising a base housing (<NUM>) and a nozzle assembly (<NUM>) coupled to the base housing (<NUM>);
a recovery system comprising a suction nozzle (<NUM>) provided on the base (<NUM>) and defining a dirty inlet (<NUM>), a suction source (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the suction nozzle (<NUM>) for generating a working air stream, a recovery tank (<NUM>) on the upright body (<NUM>), and at least one exhaust vent (<NUM>) defining a clean air outlet (<NUM>);
a fluid delivery system comprising a supply tank (<NUM>) on the upright body (<NUM>), a pump (<NUM>), and a fluid distributor (<NUM>);
a brushroll (<NUM>) removably mounted to the base housing (<NUM>) and provided adjacent to the suction nozzle (<NUM>) for agitating the surface to be cleaned;
wherein the nozzle assembly (<NUM>) comprises a removable nozzle housing (<NUM>) defining a brush chamber (<NUM>) that partially encloses the brushroll (<NUM>);
a brushroll motor (<NUM>) in the base housing (<NUM>) and configured to be operably coupled to the brushroll (<NUM>);
characterised by,
a brushroll latch (<NUM>) on an end of the brushroll (<NUM>), wherein a portion of the brushroll latch (<NUM>) forms a portion of a sidewall (<NUM>) of the base housing (<NUM>) when the brushroll (<NUM>) is mounted to the base housing (<NUM>); and
a mating component (<NUM>) on the base housing (<NUM>), wherein the brushroll latch (<NUM>) is received by the mating component (<NUM>) to mount the brushroll (<NUM>) to the base (<NUM>);
wherein the portion of the brushroll latch (<NUM>) that forms a portion of the sidewall (<NUM>) of the base housing (<NUM>) is captured by the nozzle assembly (<NUM>) when installed on the base housing (<NUM>) to prevent unintended release of the brushroll (<NUM>).