EXTRACTION CLEANER

Abstract

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

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of PCT application PCT/CN2023/108415, filed Jul. 20, 2023, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an example of an extraction cleaner, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of an example of a cleaning head of the extractor of FIG. 1, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A shows another cross-sectional schematic view of another example of a cleaning head of the extractor of FIG. 1, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B shows another cross-sectional schematic view of another example of a cleaning head of the extractor of FIG. 1, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an extraction cleaner, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective bottom view of a cleaning head of the extraction cleaner of FIG. 3, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the cleaning head of FIG. 4 taken along the line V-V of FIG. 4, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the cleaning head of FIG. 4 taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 4, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a partial exploded view of the cleaning head of FIG. 4, with one or more components omitted therefrom for the purposes of clarity, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a spray nozzle that may be used with the cleaning head of FIG. 4, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of the spray nozzle of FIG. 8, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an example of an agitator that may be used with the cleaning head of FIG. 4, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the agitator of FIG. 10 taken along the line XI-XI of FIG. 10, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

FIG. 1 shows a schematic example of an extraction cleaner 100. The extraction cleaner 100 includes a cleaning head 102, an upright body 104 pivotally coupled to the cleaning head 102, a supply tank 106 (e.g., coupled to the upright body 104) fluidly coupled to the cleaning head 102, a recovery tank 108 (e.g., coupled to the upright body 104) fluidly coupled to the cleaning head 102, a supply pump 110 (shown in hidden lines) fluidly coupled to the supply tank 106 and the cleaning head 102, and a suction motor 112 (shown in hidden lines) fluidly coupled to the recovery tank 108 and the cleaning head 102. The supply pump 110 is configured to urge a cleaning fluid (e.g., water, a cleaning chemical, and/or any other cleaning fluid) from the supply tank 106 along a supply path 114 to a spray nozzle 116 (shown in hidden lines) of the cleaning head 102. The spray nozzle 116 is configured to spray the cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned 115 (e.g., a floor). The suction motor 112 is configured to draw dirty air (e.g., air with cleaning fluid and/or debris entrained therein) along a recovery path 118 extending from a debris inlet 120 of the cleaning head 102 to the recovery tank 108, wherein the recovery tank 108 is configured such that at least a portion of any entrained fluid and/or debris is deposited within the recovery tank 108 for later disposal.

The cleaning head 102 includes an agitator 122 (e.g., a brush roll) configured to agitate the surface to be cleaned 115. For example, the agitator 122 may be configured to dislodge debris from the surface to be cleaned 115 and/or to cleaning agitate cleaning fluid sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned 115 by the spray nozzle 116. The agitator 122 may be further configured to be rotated by an agitator motor 123. In these instances, the agitator 122 may be generally described as being rotatably coupled to the cleaning head 102. For example, the agitator 122 may be rotated about a rotation axis that extends substantially (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% of) parallel to the surface to be cleaned 115.

The cleaning head 102 may further include one or more wheels 124 rotatably coupled to the cleaning head 102 and configured to, at least partially, support the extraction cleaner 100 on the surface to be cleaned 115. As shown, the one or more wheels 124 and the agitator 122 may be at opposing sides of the cleaning head 102 (e.g., on opposing sides of a center line of the cleaning head 102 that extends substantially parallel to a rotation axis of the one or more wheels 124 and/or the agitator 122).

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of an example of the cleaning head 102 of FIG. 1. As shown, the spray nozzle 116 is configured to generate a spray pattern 200 that extends between the agitator 122 and the debris inlet 120. Such a configuration may allow the agitator 122 to work a cleaning fluid emitted from the spray nozzle 116 into the surface to be cleaned 115 when the cleaning head 102 is moved in a first direction (e.g., a push stroke) and applied cleaning fluid to be suctioned into the debris inlet 120 when the cleaning head 102 is moved in a second direction (e.g., a pull stroke), the second direction being opposite the first direction. In some instances, a flow rate at which the cleaning fluid is delivered to the surface to be cleaned 115 may be based, at least in part, on a direction of movement of cleaning head 102 on the surface to be cleaned 115. For example, on a push stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid may be different (e.g., greater than) the flow rate of cleaning fluid on a pull stroke. Changing the flow rate at which cleaning fluid is delivered to the surface to be cleaned 115 may improve the longevity of the supply pump 110 (FIG. 1).

In some instances (e.g., on a push stroke), the spray nozzle 116 and/or the supply pump 110 may be configured to atomize cleaning fluid passing therethrough. An atomized fluid may generally be described as having a plurality of droplets which collectively form a spray pattern, wherein an average diameter of the plurality of droplets is less than 0.4 millimeters (mm) but greater than 0 mm. For example, an atomized fluid may have an average droplet size of about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 0.25 mm, about 0.27 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.32 mm, or about 0.34 mm.

Atomizing the cleaning fluid may encourage a uniform distribution of cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned 115 (e.g., when compared to a non-atomized application of cleaning fluid). A more uniform distribution of cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned 115 may allow less cleaning fluid to be used to obtain a desired surface coverage. Atomization of the cleaning fluid may further encourage a wicking of the cleaning fluid along fibers (e.g., carpet fibers) of the surface to be cleaned 115. Wicking of the cleaning fluid along the fibers may allow the cleaning fluid to better penetrate into the surface to be cleaned 115. Larger droplets of the cleaning fluid may have a tendency to rest on the surface of the fibers, discouraging penetration of the cleaning fluid, and may, in some instances, result in the cleaning fluid running down an exterior surface of the fibers and to a substrate from which the fibers extend (e.g., a backing of a carpet), potentially soaking into and/or through the substrate of the surface to be cleaned 115.

In some instances, the spray nozzle 116 and the agitator 122 may be disposed within an agitator chamber 202, the agitator chamber 202 being separate from the debris inlet 120. The agitator chamber 202 includes an open end 204 facing the surface to be cleaned 115 and through which a portion of the agitator 122 extends. The open end 204 is spaced apart from the debris inlet 120. The spray nozzle 116 may be configured such that a substantial portion (e.g., at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, at least 99.9%, or 100%) of the spray pattern 200 does not intersect with the agitator 122 and/or the agitator chamber 202.

The debris inlet 120 may be formed, at least in part, by a suction cover 203 and an agitator cover 205. The suction cover 203 may be removably coupled to a cleaning head body 207 of the cleaning head 102 (e.g., such that the suction cover 203 may be cleaned by a user and subsequently reattached to the cleaning head body 207). The agitator cover 205 may define at least a portion of the agitator chamber 202. The agitator cover 205 may be pivotally coupled to the cleaning head body 207 such that the agitator cover 205 may be pivoted between an open and a closed position (e.g., for removal and/or cleaning of the agitator 122).

The agitator 122 includes a main body 206 and one or more cleaning elements 208 extending from the main body 206. The one or more cleaning elements 208 are configured to engage (e.g., contact) the surface to the cleaned 115. Each of the one or more cleaning elements 208 define an attack angle β that is formed at the intersection between a respective cleaning element 208 and the main body 206 of the agitator 122. The attack angle β may be an acute angle that opens in a direction of rotation 210 (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise) of the agitator 122. The direction of rotation 210 may generally be described as the direction in which the agitator 122 rotates during a cleaning operation of the extraction cleaner 100 (FIG. 1). When the attack angle β is an acute angle that opens in the direction of rotation 210, the cleaning performance of the agitator 122 on a fibrous (e.g., carpeted) surface to be cleaned 115 may be improved relative to, for example, a perpendicular (or upright) and/or an obtuse attack angle β (e.g., which may be a result of an acute attack angle β encouraging a better penetration of the cleaning elements 208 into a fibrous surface to be cleaned 115, better agitation of cleaning fluid within a fibrous surface to be cleaned 115, and/or a better distribution of the cleaning fluid within fibers forming a fibrous surface to be cleaned 115). An acute attack angle β may also increase a perceived stiffness of the one or more cleaning elements by encouraging an engagement force between the one or more cleaning elements 208 and the surface to be cleaned 115 to be better aligned with a longitudinal length of the one or more cleaning elements 208. An acute attack angle β may also encourage the insertion of the cleaning elements 208 into a fibrous surface to be cleaned 115 (e.g., encouraging insertion into and/or between carpet tufts) while remaining in contact with the fibrous surface to be cleaned 115 for a greater period of time (e.g., when compared to upright cleaning elements). Cleaning elements having a perpendicular or an obtuse attack angle β may bend fibers of a fibrous surface to be cleaned 115, which may reduce a contact time and/or area between the cleaning elements and the fibrous surface to be cleaned 115. The one or more cleaning elements 208 may include one or more of bristle tufts, bristle strips, flaps (e.g., elastomeric and/or fabric flaps), and/or any other cleaning element.

FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional schematic view of another example of the cleaning head 102 of FIG. 1. As shown, the spray nozzle 116 is configured to generate a spray pattern 250 that extends between the agitator 122 and the one or more wheels 124. A substantial portion of the spray pattern 250 does not intersect with the agitator 122 and/or the agitator chamber 202. As such, the cleaning fluid is applied to the surface to be cleaned 115 rearward of the agitator 122 when the cleaning head 102 is moved in a first direction (e.g., a push stroke). Such a configuration may allow the cleaning fluid to dwell on the surface to be cleaned 115 (e.g., to better penetrate into fibers of the surface to be cleaned 115). When the cleaning head 102 is moved in a second direction (e.g., a pull stroke), the agitator 122 works the cleaning fluid into the surface to be cleaned 115 through agitation and, after the agitator 122 works the cleaning fluid into the surface to be cleaned 115, the cleaning fluid is suctioned into the debris inlet 120. The second direction is opposite the first direction.

In some instances, the cleaning head 102 may include a plurality of spray nozzles 116. For example, the cleaning head 102 may include a first spray nozzle 116 that is configured to generate the spray pattern 200 that extends between the agitator 122 and the debris inlet 120 (as shown in FIG. 2) and a second spray nozzle 116 that is configured to generate the spray pattern 250 that extends between the agitator 122 and the one or more wheels 124 (as shown in FIG. 2A). In this example, the first and second spray nozzles 116 may be configured to generate the respective spray patterns 200 and 250 based on a direction of movement of the cleaning head 102. For example, when the cleaning head 102 moves in a first direction (e.g., a push stroke), the first spray nozzle 116 may generate the first spray pattern 200 and the second spray nozzle 116 may not generate the second spray pattern 250 (or may generate the second spray pattern 250 at a reduced flow rate when compared to the flow rate generated during movement of the cleaning head 102 in a second direction) and, when the cleaning head 102 moves in a second direction (e.g., a pull stroke), the second spray nozzle 116 may generate the second spray pattern 250 and the first spray nozzle 116 may not generate the first spray pattern 200 (or may generate the first spray pattern 200 at a reduced flow rate when compared to the flow rate generated during movement of the cleaning head 102 in the first direction). In another example, when the cleaning head 102 moves in a first direction (e.g., a push stroke), the first spray nozzle 116 may generate the first spray pattern 200 and the second spray nozzle 116 may generate the second spray pattern 250 and, when the cleaning head 102 moves in a second direction (e.g., a pull stroke) the first spray nozzle 116 and the second spray nozzle 116 may not generate the first and second spray patterns 200 and 250 (or may generate the first and second spray patterns 200 and 250 at a reduced flow rate when compared to the flow rate generated during movement of the cleaning head 102 in the first direction).

FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional schematic view of another example of the cleaning head 102 of FIG. 1 having a plurality of agitators 122. The agitators 122 may have substantially the same or a different configuration. The spray nozzle 116 may be configured to generate a spray pattern 275 that extends between the agitators 122, wherein a substantial portion of the spray pattern 275 does not intersect with either agitator 122.

The spray patterns 200, 250, and 275, as described in relation to FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2B, may generally be described as being bounded between two or more components of the cleaning head 102 that are separate from the debris inlet 120 such that a substantial portion of the spray patterns 200, 250, and/or 275 do not insect the bounding components. In other words, the spray patterns 200, 250, and 275 may generally be described as being bounded by components outside of a suction path of the cleaning head 102 and extend between the bounding components.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an extraction cleaner 300, which is an example of the extraction cleaner 100 of FIG. 1. The extraction cleaner 300 includes a cleaning head 302 and an upright body 304 pivotally coupled to the cleaning head 302. The upright body 304 includes a handle 306 and a cleaning assembly 308. The cleaning assembly 308 includes a supply tank 310, an additive tank 312, a recovery tank 314, a suction motor 316 (shown schematically in hidden lines), and a pump 318 (shown schematically in hidden lines). The pump 318 is configured to urge cleaning fluid from one or more of the supply tank 310 and/or the additive tank 312 to the cleaning head 302 for application to a surface to be cleaned 320. The suction motor 316 is configured to be fluidly coupled to the cleaning head 302 and the recovery tank 314 such that the suction motor 316 urges applied cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned 320 to the recovery tank 314 for later disposal. The recovery tank 314 may be configured to encourage debris and/or cleaning fluid to fall out of entrainment from air urged into the cleaning head 302 by the suction motor 316.

In some instances, the pump 318 may be configured to deliver cleaning fluid, as obtained from the supply tank 310 and/or the additive tank 312, to the cleaning head 302 at two or more different flow rates. The pump 318 may be configured to vary the flow rate of the cleaning fluid, as obtained from the supply tank 310 and/or the additive tank 312, based, at least in part, on a direction of movement of the cleaning head 302 along the surface to be cleaned 320. For example, in a push stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid delivered to the cleaning head 302 may be in a range of 550 milliliters per minute (ml/min) to 750 ml/min and in a pull stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid delivered to the cleaning head 302 may be in a range of 20 ml/min to 150 ml/min. By way of further example, in a push stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid delivered to the cleaning head 302 may be in a range of 500 milliliters per minute (ml/min) to 800 ml/min and in a pull stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid delivered to the cleaning head 302 may be in a range of 10 ml/min to 200 ml/min. By way of still further example, on a push stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid delivered to the cleaning head 302 may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% of) 650 ml/min and on a pull stroke the flow rate of cleaning fluid delivered to the cleaning head 302 may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% of) 90 ml/min or about 85 ml/min.

A suction hose 322 may be configured to be selectively fluidly coupled to the cleaning assembly 308. The suction hose 322 may be selectively fluidly coupled to the cleaning assembly 308 based, at least in part, on a pivotal position of the upright body 304. For example, when the upright body 304 is in an upright position, the suction hose 322 is fluidly coupled to the cleaning assembly 308 and, when the upright body 304 is in a reclined position, the suction hose 322 is fluidly decoupled from the cleaning assembly 308. Such a configuration may allow a user to more easily use the suction hose 322 to clean a surface that is positioned above the surface to be cleaned 320.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective bottom view of the cleaning head 302. As shown, the cleaning head 302 includes a debris inlet 400 fluidly coupled to the suction motor 316 (FIG. 3) and the recovery tank 314 (FIG. 3), an agitator chamber 402 having an agitator 404 rotatably disposed therein, and a plurality of wheels 406 configured to rotate about a wheel axis 408. As shown, the agitator chamber 402 and the agitator 404 are disposed between the debris inlet 400 and the wheels 406. The agitator chamber 402 includes an open end 410 through which a portion of the agitator 404 extends. The open end 410 of the agitator chamber 402 is separated from the debris inlet 400. In other words, the agitator chamber 402 may be separate from the debris inlet 400. As such, in some instances, the agitator chamber 402 may generally be described as being fluidically isolated from the debris inlet 400 within the cleaning head 302.

The agitator 404 is configured to rotate within the agitator chamber 402 about an agitator axis 412. The agitator axis 412 is substantially parallel to the wheel axis 408. The agitator 404 and the wheels 406 are disposed on opposing sides of a first centerline 414 of the cleaning head 302, wherein the first centerline 414 is substantially parallel to the agitator axis 412 and/or the wheel axis 408.

The agitator chamber 402 further includes at least a first spray nozzle 416 and a second spray nozzle 418. The first and second spray nozzles 416 and 418 are disposed on opposing sides of a second centerline 420 of the cleaning head 302, the second centerline 420 extending perpendicular to the first centerline 414 (or substantially perpendicular to the agitator axis 412 and/or the wheel axis 408). The first and second spray nozzles 416 and 418 are configured to generate a fan-shaped spray pattern that extends between the agitator 404 and a chamber sidewall 422 of the agitator chamber 402, wherein at least a portion of the chamber sidewall 422 extends between the agitator 404 and the debris inlet 400. As such, in some instances, the first and second spray nozzles 416 and 418 may generally be described as being configured to generate spray patterns that extend between the agitator 404 and the debris inlet 400. In some instances, the first and second spray nozzles 416 and 418 may be configured to generate a fan-shaped spray pattern, wherein a substantial portion (e.g., at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%, at least 99.9%, or 100%) of each spray pattern does not intersect with the agitator 404 and/or the agitator chamber 402 (e.g., the chamber sidewall 422). The first and second spray nozzles 416 and 418 may have substantially the same configuration (e.g., substantially the same spray patterns, substantially the same structures, and/or the like) or may have a different configuration (e.g., a different spray pattern, a different structure, and/or the like).

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cleaning head 302 taken along the line V-V of FIG. 4. As shown, the first spray nozzle 416 includes a nozzle body 500 and a spray deflector 502. The first spray nozzle 416 is spaced apart from a bottom surface 503 of the cleaning head 302 by a first spray nozzle separation distance 505. The first spray nozzle separation distance 505 may be in a range of, for example, 30 millimeters (mm) to 90 mm. By way of further example, the first spray nozzle separation distance 505 may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 60.5 mm.

Cleaning fluid is configured to exit the nozzle body 500 under pressure and be incident on the spray deflector 502. In some instances, the spray deflector 502 may be configured to encourage the atomization of cleaning fluid incident thereon. For example, the pump 318 (FIG. 3) may be configured to deliver fluid to the first spray nozzle 416 at a pressure in a range of 69 kilopascals (kPa) to 138 kPa. By way of further example, the pump 318 may be configured to deliver fluid to the first spray nozzle 416 at a pressure of about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 100 kPa. By way of still further example, the pump 318 may be configured to deliver fluid to the first spray nozzle 416 at a pressure of about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 105 kPa. The resulting average velocity of cleaning fluid exiting the first spray nozzle 416 may be, for example, in a range of 3 meters-per-second (m/s) to 8 m/s. By way of further example, the average velocity of fluid exiting the first spray nozzle 416 may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 5 m/s. In some instances, the pump 318 and/or the first spray nozzle 416 may be configured such that fluid passing through the first spray nozzle 416 is atomized.

The spray deflector 502 is configured to redirect incident fluid towards the surface to be cleaned 320 according to a first fan shaped pattern 504. The first fan shaped pattern 504 is configured to extend along the agitator axis 412 of the agitator 404 and between the agitator 404 and the chamber sidewall 422 of the agitator chamber 402. As shown, the first fan shaped pattern 504 extends to the surface to be cleaned 320 without substantially overlapping (e.g., an overlap of 0%, less than 0.1%, less than 1%, less than 5%, less than 10%, or less than 15%) with the agitator 404 and/or the chamber sidewall 422. Such a configuration may result in a substantial portion of the cleaning fluid exiting the first spray nozzle 416 being directly incident on the surface to be cleaned 320. For example, a first fan shaped pattern thickness 508 of the first fan shaped pattern 504, when measured at the point incidence between the first fan shaped pattern 504 and the surface to be cleaned 320, may be in a range of 1 mm to 15 mm. By way of further example, the first fan shaped pattern thickness 508 of the first fan shaped pattern 504, when measured at the point incidence between the first fan shaped pattern 504 and the surface to be cleaned 320, may be in a range of 4 mm to 11 mm.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cleaning head 302 taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 4. As shown, the second spray nozzle 418 includes a nozzle body 600 and a spray deflector 602 and is spaced apart from a bottom surface 603 of the cleaning head 302 by a second spray nozzle separation distance 605. The second spray nozzle separation distance 605 may be in a range of, for example, 30 millimeters (mm) to 90 mm. By way of further example, the second spray nozzle separation distance 605 may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 60.5 mm.

Cleaning fluid is configured to exit the nozzle body 600 under pressure and be incident on the spray deflector 602. In some instances, the spray deflector 602 may be configured to encourage the atomization of cleaning fluid incident thereon. For example, the pump 318 (FIG. 3) may be configured to deliver fluid to the second spray nozzle 418 at a pressure in a range of 69 kilopascals (kPa) to 138 kPa. By way of further example, the pump 318 may be configured to deliver fluid to the second spray nozzle 418 at a pressure of about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 100 kPa. By way of still further example, the pump 318 may be configured to deliver fluid to the second spray nozzle 418 at a pressure of about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 105 kPa. The resulting average velocity of cleaning fluid exiting the second spray nozzle 418 may be, for example, in a range of 3 meters-per-second (m/s) to 8 m/s. By way of further example, the average velocity of fluid exiting the second spray nozzle 418 may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 5 m/s. In some instances, the pump 318 and/or the second spray nozzle 418 may be configured such that fluid passing through the second spray nozzle 418 is atomized.

The spray deflector 602 is configured to redirect incident fluid towards the surface to be cleaned 320 according to a second fan shaped pattern 604. The second fan shaped pattern 604 is configured to extend along the agitator axis 412 of the agitator 404 and between the agitator 404 and the chamber sidewall 422 of the agitator chamber 402. As shown, the second fan shaped pattern 604 extends to the surface to be cleaned 320 without substantially overlapping (e.g., an overlap of 0%, less than 0.1%, less than 1%, less than 5%, less than 10%, or less than 15%) with the agitator 404 and/or the chamber sidewall 422. Such a configuration may result in a substantial portion of the cleaning fluid exiting the second spray nozzle 418 being directly incident on the surface to be cleaned 320. For example, a second fan shaped pattern thickness 608 of the second fan shaped pattern 604, when measured at the point incidence between the second fan shaped pattern 604 and the surface to be cleaned 320, may be in a range of 1 mm to 15 mm. By way of further example, the second fan shaped pattern thickness 608 of the second fan shaped pattern 604, when measured at the point incidence between the second fan shaped pattern 604 and the surface to be cleaned 320, may be in a range of 4 mm to 11 mm.

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of the cleaning head 302, with one or more components omitted from the view for the purposes of clarity. As shown, the first spray nozzle 416 is spaced apart from the second spray nozzle 418 by a spray nozzle separation distance 700. The spray nozzle separation distance 700 may be configured such that first fan shaped pattern 504 generated by the first spray nozzle 416 overlaps with the second fan shaped pattern 604 generated by the second spray nozzle 418, forming an overlap region 702. For example, the first spray nozzle 416 may be configured such that the first fan shaped pattern 504 has a first fan angle θ in a range of 90° to 120° and the second spray nozzle 418 may be configured such that the second fan shaped pattern 604 has a second fan angle μ in a range of 90° to 120°. By way of further example, the first spray nozzle 416 may be configured such that the first fan angle θ is about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 105° and the second spray nozzle 418 may be configured such that the second fan angle μ is about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 105°. In some instances, the first and second fan angles θ and u are about the same.

In some instances, the first fan angle θ may be configured such that, for example, a first fan shaped pattern width 703 (as measured at the open end 410 of the agitator chamber 402) of the first fan shaped pattern 504 is in a range of 100 mm to 155 mm and the second fan angle μ may be configured such that, for example, a second fan shaped pattern width 705 (as measured at the open end 410 of the agitator chamber 402) of the second fan shaped pattern 604 is in a range of 100 mm to 155 mm. By way of further example, the first fan angle θ may be configured such that the first fan shaped pattern width 703 (as measured at the open end 410 of the agitator chamber 402) is in a range of 115 mm to 125 mm and the second fan angle μ may be configured such that the second fan shaped pattern width 705 (as measured at the open end 410 of the agitator chamber 402) is in range of 115 mm to 125 mm.

The overlap region 702 may be located forward of a central region 704 of the agitator 404, the central region 704 being disposed between opposing end regions 706 and 708 of the agitator 404. A central region length 710 may be substantially the same as a first and a second end region length 712 and 714 of the first and second end regions 706 and 708, respectively. An overlap region length of the overlap region may be less than the central region length 710. A sum of the central region length 710, the first end region length 712, and the second end region length 714 may be, for example, about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 257 mm. The spray nozzle separation distance 700 may be, for example, about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 130 mm.

As also shown, the first and second spray nozzles 416 and 418 have first and second tilt angles ε and λ, respectively. The first and second tilt angles ε and λ are configured to orient the first and second spray nozzles 416 and 418 to at least partially face in a direction of the central region 704 of the agitator 404. The first and second tilt angles ε and λ are measured from a corresponding vertical plane 716 and 718, wherein the agitator axis 412 of the agitator 404 intersects the vertical planes 716 and 718 to form a substantially perpendicular angle with each of the vertical planes 716 and 718. The first and second tilt angles ε and λ may be, for example, in a range of 5° to 15°. By way of further example, the first and second tilt angles ε and λ may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 10°.

The first spray nozzle 416 may include a first nozzle mount 720 and the second spray nozzle 418 may include a second nozzle mount 722. The first and second nozzle mounts 720 and 722 are configured to couple the first and second spray nozzles 416 and 418 to the cleaning head 302. As shown, the first nozzle mount 720 includes a first mount outer boss 724 and a first mount inner boss 726. The first mount outer boss 724 and the first mount inner boss 726 may be configured to couple the first spray nozzle 416 to the cleaning head 302 (e.g., using a threaded fastener, such as a screw or bolt, an adhesive, and/or any other form of coupling). The first mount outer boss 724 and the first mount inner boss 726 may be configured to introduce the first tilt angle & into the first spray nozzle 416. For example, the first mount outer boss 724 may be different from the first mount inner boss 726.

As shown, the second nozzle mount 722 includes a second mount outer boss 728 and a second mount inner boss 730. The second mount outer boss 728 and the second mount inner boss 730 may be configured to couple the second spray nozzle 418 to the cleaning head 302 (e.g., using a threaded fastener, such as a screw or bolt, an adhesive, and/or any other form of coupling). The second mount outer boss 728 and the second mount inner boss 730 may be configured to introduce the second tilt angle λ into the second spray nozzle 418. For example, the second mount outer boss 728 may be different from the second mount inner boss 730. The first mount inner boss 726 and the second mount inner boss 730 may have a similar configuration and the first mount outer boss 724 and the second mount outer boss 728 may have a similar configuration.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a spray nozzle 800, which may be an example of one or more of the first and/or second spray nozzles 416 and/or 418 of FIG. 4. As shown, the spray nozzle 800 includes a nozzle body 802 and a spray deflector 804. The nozzle body 802 defines a fluid passageway 806 that tapers to an outlet orifice 808 having an outlet orifice diameter 810 that is less than a passageway diameter 812. For example, the outlet orifice diameter 810 may be in a range of 0.6 mm to 1 mm. By way of further example, the outlet orifice diameter 810 may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 0.8 mm.

The outlet orifice 808 is configured to direct cleaning fluid passing therethrough to be incident on the spray deflector 804. The spray deflector 804 includes an incident surface 814 that forms a deflection angle α with an orifice central axis 816. The deflection angle & may influence a spray angle σ of a spray pattern 801 and/or an evenness of cleaning fluid distribution. The deflection angle α may be, for example, in a range of 90° to 125°. By way of further example, the deflection angle α may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 107°. In this example, the deflection angle α may generally be described as introducing a direction change of about 73° to the cleaning fluid incident on the incident surface 814.

As shown, the spray deflector 804 includes an upper portion 818 that is positioned above the outlet orifice 808 and a lower portion 820 that is positioned at and below the outlet orifice 808. The incident surface 814 extends along the upper and lower portions 818 and 820 of the spray deflector and faces the outlet orifice 808. As such, the incident surface 814 can be generally described as introducing a direction change to the cleaning fluid exiting the outlet orifice 808. As shown, the incident surface 814 includes an arcuate region 822 that transitions the upper portion 818 to the lower portion 820.

The arc radius of the arcuate region 822 may influence the spray angle σ and/or an evenness of cleaning fluid distribution. The arc radius of the arcuate region 822 may be, for example, in a range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. By way of further example, the arc radius of the arcuate region 822 may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 1.5 mm. By way of still further example, the arc radius of the arcuate region 822 may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 0.75 mm.

The portion of the incident surface 814 extending along the upper portion 818 may be spaced apart from the orifice central axis 816 by an upper portion separation distance 824. The upper portion separation distance 824 may, for example, be in a range of 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm. By way of further example, the upper portion separation distance 824 may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 0.5 mm. Increasing the upper portion separation distance 824 may increase the spray angle σ.

The portion of the incident surface 814 extending along the lower portion 820 may be spaced apart from the outlet orifice 808 by a lower portion separation distance 826 (e.g., as measured at the intersection between the orifice central axis 816 and the incident surface 814). The lower portion separation distance 826 may be, for example, in a range of 2 mm to 4 mm. By way of further example, the lower portion separation distance 826 may be about 3.1 mm. As the lower portion separation distance 826 increases, the spray angle σ may decrease.

FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of a portion of the spray nozzle 800. As shown, the spray deflector 804 has a deflector width 900. A ratio of the deflector width 900 to the lower portion separation distance 826 may be, for example in a range of, 1:1 to 4:1. By way of further example, a ratio of the deflector width 900 to the lower portion separation distance 826 may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 2:1.

FIG. 10 shows perspective view of an agitator 1000 which may be an example of the agitator 404 of FIG. 4. As shown, the agitator 1000 includes a main body 1002 and a plurality of (e.g., at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, or at least six) cleaning elements 1004 in the form of bristle strips extending helically around the main body 1002. A bristle strip may generally correspond to a plurality of bristles arranged in a row that extends for at least a quarter of the length of the main body 1002, wherein base regions of each the plurality of bristles forming the bristle strip are spaced apart from immediately adjacent base regions by a distance less than two times a maximum average width of an individual bristle. The base regions of each of the bristles forming the bristle strip are opposite cleaning regions of the each of the bristles and may not come into contact with the surface to be cleaned 320 (FIG. 3). In some instances, a bristle strip may be formed by coupling a plurality of bristles, at the base regions, to a substrate that is received within the main body 1002. Bristles strips when compared to, for example, bristle tufts may result in more consistent and/or greater contact with the surface to be cleaned 320.

The agitator 1000 may further include a driven end 1006 and a non-driven end 1008. The driven end 1006 is configured to rotate with the main body 1002 and the non-driven end 1008 is configured such that the main body 1002 rotates relative to the non-driven end 1008. The driven end 1006 may include a drive cap 1010 having a drive flange 1012 that extends beyond perimeter of the main body 1002 and a drive cavity 1014. The non-driven end 1008 may include a bearing cap 1016 and a cap flange 1018 that extends beyond perimeter of the main body 1002, the cap flange 1018 may rotate with the main body 1002 and rotate relative to the bearing cap 1016. The plurality of cleaning elements 1004 extend helically about the main body 1002 between the driven end 1006 and the non-driven end 1008. For example, the plurality of cleaning elements 1004 may extend from the drive flange 1012 of the driven end 1006 to the cap flange 1018 of the non-driven end 1008, wherein a separation distance between the plurality of cleaning elements 1004 that are immediately adjacent a respective one of the drive flange 1012 and the cap flange 1018 is less than 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% of a main body length 1020 of the main body 1002 as measured along an agitator axis 1022 about which the main body 1002 rotates. In this example, at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of cleaning elements 1004 may contact one or both of the drive flange 1012 and/or cap flange 1018.

In some instances, the main body 1002 of the agitator 1000 may include one or more fibrous debris (e.g., hair) removal grooves 1024. For example, the fibrous debris removal grooves 1024 may be configured to receive a cutting implement (e.g., scissors) for cutting fibrous debris wrapped on the agitator 1000.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the agitator 1000 taken along the line XI-XI of FIG. 10. As shown, the plurality of cleaning elements 1004 include a substrate 1100 and a plurality of bristles 1102 extending from the substrate 1100 to form a bristle strip 1103, wherein a base region 1101 of each bristle 1102 is coupled to the substrate 1100, a respective base region 1101 being opposite a corresponding cleaning region 1105 of a corresponding bristle 1102 along a longitudinal length (e.g., a bristle length 1106) of the corresponding bristle 1102. The substrate 1100 is configured to couple a respective cleaning element 1004 to the main body 1002 of the agitator 1000. Each of the bristles 1102, for example, may, on average, have a bristle diameter 1104 of about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 0.2 mm. Each of the bristles 1102, for example, may be spaced from immediately adjacent bristles 1102 such that a bristle density, on average, of the respective cleaning element 1004 is about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 432 bristles per centimeter (cm) (e.g., as measured in a longitudinal direction along a corresponding cleaning element 1004). The bristle length 1106 of each of the bristles 1102, for example, may be, on average, about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 14 mm, which may, on average, result in about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 2 mm of engagement (e.g., contact) between the bristles and the surface to be cleaned 320 (FIG. 3).

The substrate 1100 may have a substrate width 1108 that is wider than a strip width 1110 of the bristle strip 1103. Such a configuration may allow the main body 1002 to include a plurality of T-shaped slots 1112 for receiving the substrate 1100, coupling the cleaning elements 1004 to the main body 1002. The substrate width 1108 may be, for example, about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 8 mm and the strip width 1110 may be, for example, about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 5 mm.

As shown, each of the bristles 1102 extend from the main body 1002 of the agitator 1000 according to an attack angle Ω. The attack angle Ω may generally be described as extending from a side 1114 of a corresponding cleaning element 1004 that faces in a direction of rotation 1116 to an outer surface 1118 of the main body 1002 at location where the cleaning element 1004 exits the main body 1002. The attack angle Ω may be an acute angle. In these instances, the cleaning element 1004 may generally be described as forming an acute attack angle Ω that opens in a direction of rotation of the agitator 1000 during a cleaning operation. The attack angle Ω may be, for example, in a range of 65° to 85°. By way of further example, the attack angle Ω may be in a range of 70° to 80°. By way of still further example, the attack angle Ω may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 75° (or about 15° from upright). The direction of rotation 1116 may be counter-clockwise or clockwise and may generally be described as the direction in which the agitator 1000 rotates during a cleaning operation. The agitator 1000 may be rotated in the direction of rotation 1116 at a rotation speed in a range of, for example, 2,000 rotations-per-minute (RPM) to 4,000 RPM. By way of further example, the rotation speed may be in a range of 2,000 RPM to 3,000 RPM. By way of still further example, the rotation speed may be about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of) 2,600 RPM.

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

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

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

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

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.

Claims

1. An extraction cleaner comprising:

an upright body;

a cleaning head pivotally coupled to the upright body;

a supply tank coupled to the upright body and fluidly coupled to the cleaning head;

a recovery tank coupled to the upright body and fluidly coupled to the cleaning head; and

an agitator rotatably coupled to the cleaning head, the agitator including: a main body; and a bristle strip extending helically around the main body and forming an acute attack angle with the main body that opens in a direction of rotation of the agitator during a cleaning operation of the extraction cleaner.

2. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein the acute attack angle is about 75°.

3. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein the cleaning head includes an agitator chamber for rotatably receiving the agitator and a debris inlet separate from the agitator chamber.

4. The extraction cleaner of claim 3, wherein the agitator chamber includes a first spray nozzle and a second spray nozzle, each spray nozzle fluidly coupled to the supply tank.

5. The extraction cleaner of claim 4, wherein each of the spray nozzles is configured to generate a spray pattern that extends between the agitator and a sidewall of the agitator chamber.

6. The extraction cleaner of claim 5, wherein a substantial portion of each spray pattern does not intersect with the agitator and the sidewall of the agitator chamber.

7. The extraction cleaner of claim 4, wherein the first spray nozzle is configured to generate a first spray pattern and the second spray nozzle is configured to generate a second spray pattern, the first and second spray patterns overlapping to form an overlap region.

8. The extraction cleaner of claim 7, wherein the overlap region is forward of a central region of the agitator.

9. The extraction cleaner of claim 4, wherein each of the first spray nozzle and the second spray nozzle include a nozzle body and a spray deflector configured to direct cleaning fluid towards a surface to be cleaned.

10. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein the agitator includes a driven end and a non-driven end and the bristle strip extends from the driven end to the non-driven end.

11. An extraction cleaner comprising:

an upright body;

a cleaning head pivotally coupled to the upright body, the cleaning head including a debris inlet and an agitator chamber;

a suction motor fluidly coupled to the debris inlet;

a supply tank coupled to the upright body and fluidly coupled to the cleaning head;

a recovery tank coupled to the upright body and fluidly coupled to the debris inlet and the suction motor;

an agitator rotatably coupled to the cleaning head within the agitator chamber;

a first spray nozzle configured to generate a first spray pattern that extends between the agitator and the debris inlet; and

a second spray nozzle configured to generate a second spray pattern that extends between the agitator and the debris inlet, wherein a substantial portion of each of the first and second spray patterns does not intersect with the agitator and the agitator chamber.

12. The extraction cleaner of claim 11, wherein the first and second spray patterns overlap to form an overlap region.

13. The extraction cleaner of claim 12, wherein the overlap region is forward of a central region of the agitator.

14. The extraction cleaner of claim 11, wherein each of the first spray nozzle and the second spray nozzle include a nozzle body and a spray deflector configured to direct cleaning fluid towards a surface to be cleaned.

15. The extraction cleaner of claim 11, wherein the agitator includes a main body and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the main body.

16. The extraction cleaner of claim 15, wherein each of the cleaning elements form an acute attack angle with the main body that opens in a direction of rotation of the agitator during a cleaning operation of the extraction cleaner.

17. The extraction cleaner of claim 16, wherein at least one of the cleaning elements is a bristle strip.

18. The extraction cleaner of claim 17, wherein the agitator includes a driven end and a non-driven end and the bristle strip extends from the driven end to the non-driven end.

19. The extraction cleaner of claim 16, wherein at least one of the cleaning elements is bristle tuft.

20. The extraction cleaner of claim 16, wherein the acute attack angle is about 75°.