具体实施方式：
[0059]The invention generally relates to a surface cleaning apparatus, which may be in the form of a multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner.
[0060]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 portable device adapted to be hand carried by a user, a canister device having a cleaning implement connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose, an autonomous or robotic device having an autonomous drive system and an autonomously moveable housing, 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.
[0061]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. As discussed in further detail below, the surface cleaning apparatus 10 is provided with various features and improvements, which are described in further detail below. As illustrated herein, the surface cleaning apparatus 10 can be an upright multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner having a housing that includes an upright handle assembly or body 12 and a cleaning foot or base 14 mounted to or coupled with the upright body 12 and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned.
[0062]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. 1 from the perspective of a user behind the surface cleaning apparatus 10, which defines the rear of the surface cleaning apparatus 10. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
[0063]The upright body 12 can comprise a handle 16 and a frame 18. The frame 18 can comprise a main support section at least partially supporting a supply tank 20 and a recovery tank 22, and may further support additional components of the body 12. The surface cleaning apparatus 10 can include a fluid delivery or supply pathway, including and at least partially defined by the supply tank 20, for storing cleaning fluid, e.g. cleaning liquid, 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 22, for removing liquid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the liquid and debris until emptied by the user.
[0064]The handle 16 can include a hand grip 26 and a trigger 28 (FIG. 3) mounted to the hand grip 26, which controls fluid delivery from the supply tank 20 via an electronic or mechanical coupling with the tank 20. The trigger 28 can project at least partially exteriorly of the hand grip 26 for user access. A spring (not shown) can bias the trigger 28 outwardly from the hand grip 26. Other actuators, such as a thumb switch instead of the trigger 28, can be provided for controlling fluid delivery.
[0065]The surface cleaning apparatus 10 can include at least one user interface 30, 32 through which a user can interact with the surface cleaning apparatus 10. The at least one user interface can enable operation and control of the apparatus 10 from the user's end, and can also provide feedback information from the apparatus 10 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 10, as described in further detail below.
[0066]In the illustrated embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus 10 includes a first user interface (UI) 30 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 10 to affect and control its operation. The first UI 30 comprise a human-machine interface (HMI). The surface cleaning apparatus 10 also includes a second user interface (UI) 32 that communicates a condition or status of the apparatus 10 to the user. The second UI 32 can comprise a status user interface (SUI). The second UI 32 can communicate visually and/or audibly, and can optionally include one or more input controls. The UIs 30, 32 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 UI 30 can be provided at a front side of the hand grip 26, with the trigger 28 provided on a rear side of the hand grip 26, opposite the UI 30, and UI 32 can be provided on a front side of the frame 18, below the handle 16 and above the base 14, and optionally above the recovery tank 22. In other embodiments, the UIs 30, 32 can be provided elsewhere on the surface cleaning apparatus 10. Examples of suitable user interfaces are disclosed in International Publication No. WO2020/082066, published Apr. 23, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Either UI 30, 32 can comprise a proximity-triggered interface, as described in the '066 publication.
[0067]The UI 30 can include one or more input controls 34, 36 in register with a printed circuit board (PCB) 37 within the hand grip 26 (FIG. 3). In one embodiment, one input control 34 is a power input control which controls the supply of power to one or more electrical components of the apparatus 10, as explained in further detail below, one of which may be the second UI 32. Another input control 36 is a cleaning mode input control which cycles the apparatus 10 between a hard floor cleaning mode, an area rug or carpet cleaning mode, and an intense cleaning mode or “booster” mode, as described in further detail below. One or more of the input controls 34, 36 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 34, 36 can comprise a capacitive button.
[0068]The UI 32 can include a display 38, such as, but not limited to, an LED matrix display or a touchscreen, and is indicated in phantom line in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the display 38 can include multiple status indicators which can display various detailed apparatus status information, such as, but not limited to, whether the apparatus is in the hard floor, area rug, or intense/booster cleaning mode, battery status, Wi-Fi connection status, clean water level, supply tank presence, dirty water level, recovery tank presence, 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.
[0069]The UI 32 can include at least one input control 40, which can be adjacent the display 38 or provided on the display 38. The input control 40 can comprise a self-cleaning mode input control that initiates a self-cleaning mode of operation, as described in further detail below. The input control 40 can comprise a button, trigger, toggle, key, switch, or the like, or any combination thereof. In one example, the input control 40 can comprise a capacitive button.
[0070]FIG. 2 shows one example of a schematic control diagram for the apparatus 10. The surface cleaning apparatus 10 can include a controller 42 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. In one embodiment, the controller 42 can comprise a microcontroller unit (MCU) that contains at least one central processing unit (CPU).
[0071]A user of the apparatus 10 can interact with the controller 42 via one or more of the user interfaces 30, 32. For example, the controller 42 can be operably coupled with the first UI 30 for receiving inputs from a user and with the second UI 32 for providing one or more indicia about the status of the apparatus 10. The controller 42 can further be configured to execute a cleanout cycle for the self-cleaning mode of operation. The controller 42 can have software for executing the self-cleaning cycle.
[0072]The surface cleaning apparatus 10 can include a wireless communication module that can wirelessly communicate with an external device. Specifically, the wireless communication module may be a Wi-Fi module. The external device may, for example, be a smartphone (not shown) or tablet, which may be running a downloaded application for the apparatus 10, or a networked cloud device. The Wi-Fi module can detect the presence of a Wi-Fi network, signal strength, unique router identification data, or any combination thereof, and is configured to connect the apparatus 10 to the internet via a local Wi-Fi network. The Wi-Fi module can be integrated with the controller 42. Wi-Fi network connection status can be shown on display 38.
[0073]Electrical components of the surface cleaning apparatus 10 can be electrically coupled to a power source such as a battery 45, preferably a rechargeable battery 45, for cordless operation. In one example, the rechargeable battery 45 can be a lithium ion battery. In another exemplary arrangement, the battery 45 can comprise a user replaceable battery. In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus 10 can comprise a power cord that is pluggable into a household outlet for corded operation.
[0074]Referring additionally to FIG. 4, the controller 42 and battery 45 can be provided at various locations on the apparatus 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 42 is located in the upright body 12, within the frame 18, and is integrated with the second UI 32. Alternatively, the controller 42 can be integrated with the first UI 30, or can be separate from both UIs 30, 32.
[0075]The battery 45 can be located within the upright body 12 or base 14 of the apparatus, which can protect and retain the battery 45 on the apparatus 10. In one embodiment, the components of the apparatus 10 are arranged with relative positioning that isolates the battery 45 from potential exposure to liquid, such as from leaks from the tanks 20, 22 or other components of the delivery and recovery systems. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 45 is provided within the frame 18 of the upright body 12, above the recovery tank 22. The supply tank 20, and one or more conduits coupling the tank 20 to components of the delivery system in the base 14, can be disposed to the rear of the battery 45. Other arrangements of the components of the apparatus 10 are possible, while maintaining an isolated battery 45.
[0076]In one embodiment, the components of the apparatus 10 are arranged with relative positioning that provides an architecture that is well-balanced and comfortable for the user to operate as the apparatus 10 is moved along a surface to be cleaned. For example, locating the battery 45 above the recovery tank 22 and suction source 86 allows these components to be arranged in a generally linear, stacked orientation, which can provide a slim upright body 12 that is well-balanced and comfortable to operate. Other arrangements of the components of the apparatus 10 are possible, while maintaining a well-balanced and comfortably operable apparatus 10.
[0077]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the handle 16. The handle 16 can include a hollow handle tube 46 that is elongated vertically along a handle axis 48 and connects the hand grip 26 to the body 12. The handle tube 46 can comprise a triangular tube, with a first side 50, a second side 52, and third side 54 connected to each other in a triangle shape. The handle sides 50-54 can be generally planar or slightly curved, and meet at corners or vertices that can be rounded to distribute stress. The first side 50 can define a front side or front of the handle, with the second and third sides 52, 54 meeting at a vertex 56 that defines a rear of the handle tube 46.
[0078]A lower end of the handle tube 46 is insertable into to the frame 18. A bracket connector 58 at the lower end of the handle tube 46 can connect the handle tube 46 to the frame 18. The bracket connector 58 can have a triangular first female end 60 that tightly fits within a lower open end 62 of the triangular handle tube 46. The bracket connector 58 can have a triangular second female end 64 that fits within a frame opening 66 in an upper end of the frame 18. The two female ends 60, 64 of the bracket connector 58 can be press fit respectively into the frame tube 46 and 18 to mechanically join these components to one another, or joined using another suitable attachment means. One advantage of a triangular connection between the handle tube 46 and the bracket connector 58 is that it avoid twisting or displacement of the lower end of the tube 46 about axis 48. Other configurations for the handle tube 46 and the connection between the handle tube 46 and the frame 18 are possible.
[0079]The hand grip 26 can comprise a non-looped, stick-like grip, contoured for user comfort, and having a free terminal end 68. The UI 30 can be provided on a front side of the hand grip 26 and the trigger 28 can be provided on a rear side of the hand grip 26. In one embodiment, the hand grip 26 can comprise a rear grip portion 70 and a front grip portion 72 mated to the rear grip portion 70. A lower end 74 of the hand grip 26, opposite the free terminal end 68, is insertable into an upper open end 76 of the handle tube 46 to connect the hand grip 26 to the handle tube 46. The lower end 74 of hand grip 26 can have a triangular shape that tightly fits within the upper open end 76 of the triangular handle tube 46. The lower end 74 can be press fit into the tube 46 to irreversibly mechanically join these two components to one another. One advantage of a triangular connection between the hand grip 26 and handle tube 46 is that it avoid twisting or displacement of the upper end of the tube 46 about axis 48. Other configurations for the hand grip 26 and the connection between the hand grip 26 and the handle tube 46 are possible.
[0080]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus 10 through line Iv-Iv FIG. 1. The supply and recovery tanks 20, 22 can be provided on the upright body 12. The supply tank 20 can be mounted to the frame 18 in any configuration. In the present embodiment, the supply tank 20 can be removably mounted at the rear of the frame 18 such that the supply tank 20 partially rests in the upper rear portion of the frame 18 and is removable from the frame 18 for filling. The recovery tank 22 can be mounted to the frame 18 in any configuration. In the present embodiment, the recovery tank 22 can be removably mounted at the front of the frame 18, below the supply tank 20, and is removable from the frame 18 for emptying.
[0081]A carry handle 78 can be disposed on a rear side of the body 12, below the stick handle 16, and can project at an oblique angle relative to the handle axis 48 of the handle tube 46 to facilitate manual lifting and carrying of the surface cleaning apparatus 10. The carry handle 78 can extend from the body 12 at a location below the supply tank 20, and project upwardly to overlap a lower end of the supply tank 20, as best seen in FIG. 4. With the carry handle 78 overlapping the supply tank 20, the supply tank 20 is protected if the apparatus10 tips over, but the supply tank 20 can still easily be inserted or removed by lifting the tank 20 up and over the carry handle 78.
[0082]The fluid delivery system is configured to deliver cleaning fluid from the supply tank 20 to a surface to be cleaned, and can include, as briefly discussed above, a fluid delivery or supply pathway. The supply tank 20 includes at least one supply chamber 80 for holding cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning liquids, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example, the liquid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent. Alternatively, supply tank 20 can include multiple supply chambers, such as one chamber containing water and another chamber containing a cleaning agent. It is noted that while the apparatus 10 described herein is configured to deliver a cleaning liquid, aspects of the disclosure may be applicable to surface cleaning apparatus that deliver steam. Thus, the term “cleaning fluid” may encompass both liquid and steam unless otherwise noted.
[0083]The recovery system is configured to remove liquid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and store the liquid and debris on the surface cleaning apparatus 10 for later disposal, and can include, as briefly discussed above, a recovery pathway. The recovery pathway can include at least a dirty inlet and a clean air outlet. The pathway can be formed by, among other elements, a suction nozzle 84 defining the dirty inlet, a suction source 86 in fluid communication with the suction nozzle 84 for generating a working air stream, the recovery tank 22, and at least one exhaust vent 88 defining the clean air outlet.
[0084]The suction nozzle 84 can be provided on the base 14 can be adapted to be adjacent the surface to be cleaned as the base 14 moves across a surface. A brushroll 90 can be provided adjacent to the suction nozzle 84 for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that the debris is more easily ingested into the suction nozzle 84. While a horizontally-rotating brushroll 90 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 10.
[0085]The suction nozzle 84 is further in fluid communication with the recovery tank 22 through a conduit 92. The conduit 92 can pass through a moveable joint assembly 94 that connects the base 14 to the upright body 12 for movement of the body 12 about at least one axis, as described in further detail below. At least a portion of the conduit 92 can be flexible to accommodate the movement of the joint assembly 94. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the conduit 92 fluidly connecting the suction nozzle 84 with the recovery tank 22 can comprise a flexible tube or hose 96. The hose 96 can have an at least 90 degree bend therein to join a first portion of the conduit 92 connected to the suction nozzle 84 in the base 14 to an inlet 97 to the recovery tank 22 in the body 12.
[0086]The suction source 86, which can be a motor/fan assembly including a vacuum motor 98 and a fan 100, is provided in fluid communication with the recovery tank 22. The suction source 86 can be positioned within a housing of the frame 18, such as above the recovery tank 22. The suction source 86 can further be provided below the supply tank 20 and the battery 45. The recovery system can also be provided with one or more additional filters upstream or downstream of the suction source 82. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a pre-motor filter 102 is provided in the recovery pathway downstream of the recovery tank 22 and upstream of the suction source 86.
[0087]In one embodiment, the vacuum motor 98 is a brushless DC motor. The fan 100 is driven by the motor 98 and can spin at a rate of up to 10,000 RPM. Brushless DC motors are more powerful and smaller than conventional motors and do not require the use of post motor filters because no carbon is produced. These motors can also conserve battery life in being light-weight and efficient. Due to the lack of brushes, brushless DC motors run more quietly and reduce operational noise associated with the apparatus 10. Other types of vacuum motors are possible. Depending on the motor-type, such as with a brushed DC motor or AC motor, a post-motor filter can be provided in the recovery pathway downstream of the suction source 86 and upstream of the vent 88.
[0088]The base 14 can include a base housing 104 supporting at least some of the components of the fluid delivery and recovery systems. A pair of wheels 106 for moving the apparatus 10 over the surface to be cleaned can be provided on the base housing 104, such as on a portion of the base housing 104 rearward of handle axis 48, optionally rearward of components such as the brushroll 90 and suction nozzle 84. A second pair of wheels 108 can be provided on the base housing 104, forward of the first pair of wheels 106. The second pair of wheels 108 can be forward of the handle axis 48, and rearward of components such as the brushroll 90 and suction nozzle 84.
[0089]Referring to FIGS. 5-6, the moveable joint assembly 94 can be formed at a lower end of the frame 18 and moveably mounts the base 14 to the upright body 12. In the embodiment shown herein, the upright body 12 can pivot up and down about at least one axis relative to the base 14. The joint assembly 94 can alternatively comprise a universal joint, such that the upright body 12 can pivot about at least two axes relative to the base 14. Wiring and/or conduits can optionally supply electricity, air and/or liquid (or other fluids) between the base 14 and the upright body 12, or vice versa, and can extend though the joint assembly 94. For example, the flexible hose 96 (FIG. 4) can pass internally through the joint assembly 94.
[0090]The upright body 12 can pivot, via the joint assembly 94, to an upright or storage position, an example of which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, in which the upright body 12 is oriented substantially upright relative to the surface to be cleaned and in which the apparatus 10 is self-supporting, i.e. the apparatus 10 can stand upright without being supported by something else. From the storage position, the upright body 12 can pivot, via the joint assembly 94, to a reclined or use position, in which the upright body 12 is pivoted rearwardly relative to the base 14 to form an acute angle with the surface to be cleaned. One example of a reclined position is shown in FIG. 5. In this position, a user can partially support the apparatus 10 by holding the hand grip 26.
[0091]In one embodiment, the joint assembly 94 can comprise a multi-axis joint that couples the base 14 to the upright body 12 for movement about at least two axes of rotation 110, 112. The upright body 12 is pivotable relative to the base 14 about the first axis 110 between the upright storage position (FIGS. 1 and 6) and a reclined use position (e.g. FIG. 5). The body 12 pivotable relative to the base 14 about the second axis 112 to steer the base 14 as the base 14 moves over a surface. The body 12 can be pivoted about the axes 110, 112 by the user using the handle 16.
[0092]The first axis 110 can extend generally in a right-to-left direction, and can be defined by a pivot joint, as described in further detail below. The first axis 110 is offset from a brushroll axis 114 about which the brushroll 90 is rotatable relative to the base housing 104. The first axis 110 can be parallel to the brushroll axis 114 in the embodiment illustrated. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the first axis 110 can extend through the rear wheels 106 of the base 14. The first axis 110 is offset from a wheel axis 115 about which the wheels 106 rotate relative to the base housing 104. The first axis 110 can be parallel to the wheel axis 115 in the embodiment illustrated. In other embodiments, the first axis 110 can be coaxial with the wheel axis 115.
[0093]The second axis 112 can be defined by a swivel joint, as described in further detail below. The second axis 112 can be perpendicular to the first axis 110, and optionally also to the brushroll axis 114 and/or wheel axis 115, and extends generally in a front-to-back direction. In addition, the second axis 112 can be inclined relative to the surface when the body 12 is in the upright storage position such that the second axis 112 is at an acute angle (i.e. less than 90 degrees) relative to the surface as illustrated FIG. 4. In the upright storage position, the second axis 112 can be inclined in a forward, downward direction, such that the second axis 112 insects the surface at a location disposed forwardly of the first axis 110. When the body 12 is in the reclined use position, the second axis 112 in a rearward, downward direction, such that the second axis 112 insects the surface at a location disposed rearwardly of the first axis 110.
[0094]FIG. 7 shows the joint assembly 94 shown exploded from the base 14. The joint assembly 94 generally includes an upright connector 116 and a base connector 118. The upright connector 116 pivotally couples with the base connector 118 to define the second axis of rotation 112 about which the upright body 12 can rotate in a general side-to-side direction. The base connector 118 in turn pivotally couples with the base 14 and defines the first axis of rotation 110 about which the upright body 12 can rotate in a general front-to-back direction.
[0095]The upright connector 116 and base connector 118 have a barrel-in-barrel connection, with the upright connector 116 including an outer barrel 120 that receives an inner barrel 122 of the base connector 118. The outer barrel 120 can swivel about the inner barrel 122, and side-to-side movement of the upright body 12 about the second axis 112 to steer the base 14 results from rotation of the outer barrel 120 with respect to the inner barrel 122. The barrel-in-barrel connection can eliminate gaps pinch points between moving components of the swivel joint.
[0096]Each barrel 120, 122 can having a generally cylindrical sidewall 124, 126, with the inner cylindrical sidewall 126 nested within the outer cylindrical sidewall 124. The outer barrel 120 can include an opening 128 disposed at a lower end of the cylindrical sidewall 124 and that is sized for insertion of the inner barrel 122 into the outer barrel 120. The nested cylindrical barrels 120, 122 can have collinear axes that are coincident with the second axis 112.
[0097]As can be seen in the side view of FIG. 5, the outer cylindrical sidewall 124 can substantially cover the inner cylindrical sidewall 126. For example, the outer cylindrical sidewall 124 can cover more than 50% of the inner cylindrical sidewall 126, more than 60% of the inner cylindrical sidewall 124, more than 70% of the inner cylindrical sidewall 126, more than 80% of the inner cylindrical sidewall 126, or more than 90% of the inner cylindrical sidewall 126.
[0098]The inner barrel 122 can have trunnions 130a, 130b which are rotatably received in corresponding pivot openings 132a, 132b of the upright connector 116 for rotation about the second axis 112. The inner barrel 122 can have a forward end wall 134 at a forward side of the cylindrical sidewall 126 and a rearward end wall 136 at a rearward side of the cylindrical sidewall 126. The trunnions 130a, 130b can be oriented in opposition on the end walls 134, 136. The forward pivot opening 132a for the forward trunnion 130a can be formed in the outer barrel 120, for example in an end wall 138 at a forward side of the cylindrical sidewall 124. The rearward pivot opening 132b for the rearward trunnion 130b can be formed by multiple parts to aid in assembly of the barrels 120, 122. In the embodiment shown, the rearward pivot opening 132b is formed generally in two sections, a first section 140 disposed at a rearward side of the cylindrical sidewall 124 of the outer barrel 120 and a second section in the form of a clamp 142 that is attached to the first section 140 to clamp the trunnion 132 in place. In another embodiment, the rearward pivot opening 132b can be formed in the outer barrel 122 or in another portion of the upright connector 116.
[0099]The connection between the forward trunnion 130a and the forward pivot opening 132a can be enclosed by a front cover 144. The connection between the rearward trunnion 130b and the rearward pivot opening 132b can be enclosed by a rear cover 146. The rear cover 146 can be attached to the upper connector 116.
[0100]The base connector 118 include a yoke 148 pivotally coupled with the base 14. The yoke 148 can extend from the inner barrel 122 and can include a pair of yoke arms 150a, 150b that extend outwardly and/or downwardly from the inner barrel 122. The yoke arms 150a, 150b are spaced apart and the hose 96 can pass upwardly between the arms 150a, 150b and into the inner barrel 122. The inner barrel 122 can include an opening 152 disposed at a lower end of the cylindrical sidewall 126, generally between the yoke arms 150a, 150b, that is in alignment with the opening 128 of the outer barrel 122 for passage of the hose 96 into the barrel-in-barrel connection. One or both of the yoke arms 150a, 150b can be hollow for the passage of wiring and/or conduits through the joint assembly 94, as described in further detail below. Other configurations for the yoke 148 are possible, including configurations where the yoke 148 is separate from inner barrel 122.
[0101]The base 14 has a cradle 154 for accommodating the yoke 148. The yoke 148 has trunnions 156a, 156b, for example provided in opposition on the yoke arms 150a, 150b, which are rotatably received in pivot openings 158a, 158b (see FIG. 10), of the cradle 154 for rotation about the first axis 110. The opposing trunnions 156a, 156b can extend generally orthogonally from the yoke arms 150a, 150b and at least one of the trunnions 156a, 156b can be hollow for the passage of wiring and/or conduits through the joint assembly 94, as described in further detail below.
[0102]A lower end of the frame 18, such as or including a recovery tank support 160 for mounting the recovery tank 22 on the upright body 12, can be integrated with the joint assembly 94. In one embodiment, the support 160 can be carried on the outer barrel 120, such as by being integrally formed with the outer barrel 120, or can be formed separately and attached to the outer barrel 120. Other configurations for supporting the recovery tank 22 are possible, including configurations where the support 160 or other mounting structure for the recovery tank 22 is separate from outer barrel 120, or from the upright connector 116, or from the joint assembly 94 as a whole.
[0103]The support 160 can include a base 162 with an opening 164 formed therethrough and to which the hose 96 is fluidly coupled. As previously described, the recovery pathway can include flexible hose 96 extending through joint assembly 94, which will flex as the joint assembly 94 is articulated about its axes of rotation 110, 112. The hose 96 can extend through the 154 and upwardly into the yoke 148 and through the nested barrels 120, 122 to the opening 164 in the support 160 for the recovery tank 22. A wall 166 can extend upwardly from the base 162, partially or fully around the base 162, to help support the recovery tank 22 when seated on the support 160.
[0104]With reference to FIGS. 4 and 8, in the embodiment illustrated herein, at least a portion of a chase 168 can be integrated with the joint assembly 94 and can comprise a conduit large enough to accommodate wiring and/or conduits which supply electricity, air and/or liquid (or other fluids) between the base 14 and the upright body 12, or vice versa. For example, while not shown herein, wiring for supplying electricity to electrical components in the base 14, for example, a pump 180, brush motor 182, and headlight 316, can extend through the chase 168.
[0105]The chase 168 can be disposed at a rearward side of the upright body 12 for routing wiring and/or conduits through a space isolated from potential exposure to liquid, such as from leaks from the tanks 20, 22 or other components of the delivery and recovery systems. For example, the chase 168 can be disposed rearwardly of the recovery tank 22. The chase 168 is also rearward of the suction source 86 and battery. The partial, or full, integration of the chase 168 with the joint assembly 94 can provide a slim upright body 12 that is well-balanced and comfortable to operate.
[0106]In one embodiment, the chase 168 can include a lower chase 168a integrated with the joint assembly 94 and an upper chase 168b connected to th