CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U. S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/399,541, filed August 19, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to robotic floor cleaners.

SUMMARY

[0003] A robotic floor cleaner configured to clean a surface is disclosed. The robotic floor cleaner includes a body, a drive assembly, an agitating assembly, a fluid dispensing system, a sanitizing system, and a controller. The drive assembly is configured to move the robotic floor cleaner across the surface. The agitating assembly includes a brushroll disposed in a brushroll chamber. The brushroll chamber is located on a bottom portion of the body. The fluid dispensing system is configured to dispense fluid onto the surface. The sanitizing system is configured to sanitize at least a part of the agitating assembly. The controller is configured to activate the sanitizing system based on at least one of a signal received from remote device and a signal received from a docking station when the robotic floor cleaner is connected to the docking station.

[0004] A robotic floor cleaner system is disclosed. The robotic floor cleaner system includes a robotic floor cleaner and a docking station. The robotic floor cleaner includes a body, a drive assembly configured to move the robotic floor cleaner across a surface to be cleaned, an agitating assembly, a fluid dispensing system, and a first suction assembly. The agitating assembly includes a brushroll disposed in a brushroll chamber. The brushroll chamber is located on a bottom portion of the body. The fluid dispensing system is configured to dispense a cleaning liquid onto the surface. The first suction assembly includes a suction source and a first dirt

1

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) collection chamber. The robotic floor cleaner is removably connectable to the docking station. The docking station includes a housing, a suction inlet, a second dirt collection chamber, and a second suction assembly. The suction inlet is located on a lower section of the housing. The second dirt collection chamber is disposed in the housing. The second suction assembly has a motor and a fan. The fan is configured to generate an airflow. The motor is located in an airflow path of the airflow generated by the fan. The airflow path is between the suction inlet and an exhaust located on the housing. The exhaust is configured to direct at least a portion of the airflow toward the bottom portion of the robotic floor cleaner.

[0005] Other features and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the following detained description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a robotic floor cleaner.

[0007] Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the robotic floor cleaner of Fig.1.

[0008] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the robotic floor cleaner of Fig. 1 with the bottom portion of the body removed.

[0009] Fig. 4 is a top view of the robotic floor cleaner of Fig. 1 with the top portion of the body removed.

[0010] Fig. 5 is a top view of the robotic floor cleaner of Fig. 1 illustrating a liquid dispensing system.

[0011] Fig. 6 is a section view of the robotic floor cleaner of Fig. 1.

[0012] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a docking station for a robotic floor cleaner.

[0013] Fig. 8 is a section view of the docking station of Fig. 7.

[0014] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the docking station of Fig. 7 illustrating an airflow path.

2

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) [0015] Fig. 10 is a side view of the docking station of Fig. 7 attached to a ramp.

[0016] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the docking station of Fig. 7 illustrating another airflow path.

[0017] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a ramp for use with the docking station of Fig. 13.

[0018] Fig. 13 is a side view of a first embodiment of a ramp.

[0019] Fig. 14 is a side view of another embodiment of a ramp.

[0020] Fig. 15 is a bottom view of a robotic floor cleaner with the brushroll removed.

[0021] Fig. 16 is another bottom view of a robotic floor cleaner with the brushroll removed.

[0022] Fig. 17 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a robotic floor cleaner.

[0023] Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figs. 1-7 illustrate robotic floor cleaner 10. The robotic floor cleaner 10 autonomously travels across a surface (e.g., hardwood floors, tiles, carpet, etc.) and cleans the surface. The robotic floor cleaner 10 includes a body 14, a drive assembly 18, an agitating assembly 22, a first suction assembly 26, and a fluid dispensing system 30.

[0025] The body 14 defines a top portion 42 and a bottom portion 46. The body 14 encloses or partially encloses the internal components of the robotic floor cleaner 10. The top portion 42 may be partially removable from the body 14. The bottom portion 46 may support the internal components of the robotic floor cleaner 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 14 has a

3

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) circular shape, however the body 14 may be a different shape (e.g., may include a rectangular end).

[0026] The drive assembly 18 moves the robotic floor cleaner 10 across the surface. The drive assembly 18 includes drive motors 50 and a plurality of wheels 54, 56 located on the bottom portion 46 of the body 14. The wheels include powered wheels 54 and at least one unpowered wheel 56 (e.g., a caster wheel or ball wheel). The powered wheels 54 are on opposite sides of the body 14 and are each mechanically connected to one of the plurality of drive motors 50. Each powered wheel 54 is individually controlled by one drive motor 50. The drive motor 50 controls the rotation speed of the powered wheels 54. The controller 38 is operably connected to the powered wheels 54 such that the controller 38 can change the direction of travel of the robotic floor cleaner 10 by turning the powered wheels 54. The unpowered wheel 56 rotates freely. In the illustrated embodiment, there is only one unpowered wheel 56, however additional unpowered wheels can be used.

[0027] The agitating assembly 22 is on the bottom portion 46 of the body 14. The agitating assembly 22 agitates and/or breaks up dirt and debris such that it is easier for the first suction assembly 26 to collect the dirt and debris. The agitating assembly 22 guides the dirt and debris into the first suction assembly 26. The agitating assembly 22 may include a brushroll 58, auxiliary brushes 62, and a removable mopping pad 66 (Fig 17).

[0028] The brushroll 58 is disposed in a brushroll chamber 70. The brushroll 58 may be a wet/dry brushroll that includes an absorbing material and a bristle material. The absorbing material (e.g., a foam or a cloth) absorbs a fluid. The bristle is formed from a plurality of bristles that extend from the brushroll 58. The bristles break up dirt and debris. The brushroll 58 is driven to rotate by a brushroll motor 74. The brushroll motor 74 is adjacent to the brushroll 58. The controller 38 is operable to control the rotational speed of the brushroll 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the brushroll 58 and the brushroll chamber 70 are located near the center of the bottom portion 46 of the body 14; however, in some embodiments the brushroll 58 and the brushroll chamber 70 may be located closer to a perimeter of the body 14.

[0029] The auxiliary brushes 62 may be located near the perimeter of the bottom portion 46 of the body 14 and includes two spinning disks that are disposed on opposite sides of the body

4

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) 14. The auxiliary brushes 62 include a plurality of bristle sections that extend past the housing. The auxiliary brushes 62 rotate in opposite directions to help guide debris and dirt into the first suction assembly 26. The auxiliary brushes 62 are driven to rotate by a motor. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two auxiliary brushes 62, however the robotic floor cleaner 10 may include additional auxiliary brushes. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary brushes 62 include three sections of bristles, however additional or fewer bristle sections could be used.

[0030] The mopping pad 66 may be located on the bottom portion 46 of the body 14 opposite the auxiliary brushes 62 such that the brushroll 58 is between the mopping pad 66 and the auxiliary brushes 62. The mopping pad 66 may be removably coupled to the bottom portion 46 and may be attached to the bottom portion 46 with Velcro or other attachment means (e.g., magnets, mechanical latches, and the like). The mopping pad 66 may be made of an absorbent, reusable material. Alternatively, the mopping pad 66 may be a one-time use mopping pad that needs to be changed after each use.

[0031] The first suction assembly 26 includes a motor 78, a fan 82, a suction inlet 86, and a first dirt collection chamber 90. The motor 78 and the fan 82 may be located at the center of the body 14. The motor 78 rotates the fan 82 such that the fan 82 creates a suction airflow path. The first suction assembly 26 sucks dirt and debris into the first dirt collection chamber 90.

[0032] The suction inlet 86 is fluidly connected to the suction airflow path. The suction inlet 86 is disposed in the brushroll chamber 70. The suction inlet 86 allows dirt and debris to pass through the suction inlet 86 and enter the suction airflow path. The robotic floor cleaner 10 may have more than one suction inlet 86 that is connected to the suction airflow path.

[0033] The first dirt collection chamber 90 is adjacent the bottom portion 46 of the body 14 and is fluidly connected to the suction inlet 86. The first dirt collection chamber 90 is downstream the suction inlet 86 and upstream the motor 78 and the fan 82. The dirt and debris travels from the suction inlet 86 to the first dirt collection chamber 90. The first dirt collection chamber 90 allows the dirt and debris to settle at the bottom of the first dirt collection chamber 90 and the air to continue along the suction airflow path towards the motor 78 and the fan 82. The first dirt collection chamber 90 may have a means to help separate the dirt and debris from

5

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) the air. The first dirt collection chamber 90 may include an air filter (e.g., a HEPA filter) that separates the dirt and debris from the air.

[0034] The fluid dispensing system 30 sprays a fluid (e.g., water and/or a cleaning solution) onto the surface. The fluid dispensing system 30 includes a supply tank 98, a supply line 102, and a spray nozzle 106. The fluid dispensing system 30 may be operably connected to the controller 38 such that the controller 38 can control the amount of fluid being dispensed from the robotic floor cleaner 10.

[0035] The supply tank 98 is located adjacent the top portion 42 of the body 14. The supply tank 98 may be on top of the first dirt collection chamber 90. In some embodiments, the supply tank 98 may be positioned at different locations relative to the body 14 and the first dirt collection chamber. For example, the supply tank 98 may be positioned below or on a left or right side of the first dirt collection chamber 90, or positioned adjacent a different portion of the body 14 (e.g., a bottom, frontward, or rearward portion). The supply tank 98 holds an amount of fluid. The fluid may be water and/or a cleaning solution. The supply tank 98 may include a lid that is accessible from the top portion 42 of the body 14 such that a user can easily refill the supply tank 98 with the fluid.

[0036] The supply line 102 is a fluid conduit that connects the supply tank 98 to the spray nozzle 106. The supply line 102 may be connected to a valve (not shown) that controls the amount of fluid that flows from the supply tank 98 to the spray nozzle 106. The valve may be located along the supply line 102 or otherwise disposed on the supply tank 98 or the robotic floor cleaner 10 as appropriate. The valve may also prevent the fluid from flowing from the fluid supply tank 98 to the spray nozzle 106. Flow might also be limited to prevent fluid intake.

[0037] The spray nozzle 106 is disposed on the bottom portion 46 of the body 14. The spray nozzle 106 dispenses the fluid onto the surface. More specifically, the spray nozzle 106 dispenses fluid onto the surface in front of the brushroll 58 relative to the direction of travel of the robotic floor cleaner 10. The spray nozzle 106 may be disposed adjacent the brushroll 58 or disposed in the brushroll chamber 70 such that the spray nozzle 106 dispenses the fluid onto at least a portion of the brushroll 58. The spray nozzle 106 dispenses the fluid away from the suction inlet 86 such that the fluid does not enter the suction inlet 86.

6

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) [0038] The robotic floor cleaner 10 further includes a power supply 34 and a controller 38. The power supply includes a rechargeable battery 34. The rechargeable battery 34 is in the body 14 and is electrically connected to the robotic floor cleaner 10 to supply power to the robotic floor cleaner 10 and its internal components requiring electrical power (e.g., drive assembly 18, agitating assembly 22, first suction assembly 26, and the like).

[0039] The controller 38 includes electronics, including processing components and instructions, to operate the robotic floor cleaner 10 and internal components disclosed herein. The controller 38 is operable to control the speed and the direction of travel of the robotic floor cleaner 10 by controlling the drive assembly 18. The controller 38 is operable to control the amount of suction, fluid dispensed, and the rotational speed of the brushroll. The controller 38 is also operable to communicate with a remote device (e.g., a smart phone, a laptop) via a wireless communication module (not shown) either connected to or built into the controller 38. The wireless communication module is configured to provide wireless communication through a protocol or plurality of protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or the like. The external device may be operable to send commands to the controller 38.

[0040] The robotic floor cleaner 10 may further include a plurality of sensors. The sensors are operably connected to the controller 38. The plurality of sensors may include a moisture sensor 40 disposed on or adjacent the brushroll 58, or in the brushroll chamber 70, that is operable to send a signal to the controller 38 if brushroll 58 is wet or damp. The plurality of sensors may also include a fluid level sensor 41 located in the supply tank 98 that is operable to send a signal to the controller 38 if the amount of fluid in the supply tank 98 drops below a certain amount. The plurality of sensors may include a floor sensor 39 that is operable to detect the surface and any obstacles. The plurality of sensors may also include a floor type sensor 37 the determines the type of surface (e.g., hardwood, carpet, or tile) to determine if fluid should be dispensed. In some embodiments, the floor type sensor 37 is an ultrasonic sensor.

[0041] Turning now to Figs. 7-10, a docking station 110 for the robotic floor cleaner 10 is shown. The docking station 110 is operable to empty the first dirt collection chamber 90 of the robotic floor cleaner 10, among other things (e.g., supplying power to the rechargeable battery

7

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) 34, refilling the fluid supply tank 98). The docking station 110 includes a housing 114 and a second suction assembly 118.

[0042] The housing 114 of the docking station 110 includes a lower portion 122 and an upper portion 126. The lower portion 122 includes one arcuate side that corresponds with the body 14 of the robotic floor cleaner 10 such that the robotic floor cleaner 10 can be connected to the lower portion 122 of the docking station 110. The upper portion 126 may have a generally rectangular shape. The upper portion 126 may overhang past the lower portion 122.

[0043] The second suction assembly 118 empties the dirt and debris from the robotic floor cleaner 10. The second suction assembly 118 includes a motor 130, a fan 134, a suction inlet 138, and a second dirt collection chamber 142. The second suction assembly 118 may be automatically activated when the robotic floor cleaner 10 is docked at the docking station 110. Activating the second suction assembly 118 causes the docking station 110 to begin an automatic emptying process.

[0044] The motor 130 and the fan 134 may be in the lower portion 122 of the housing 114. The motor 130 rotates the fan 134 such that the fan 134 creates a suction airflow path 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 130 is disposed below the fan 134 such that the motor 130 is downstream of the fan 134.

[0045] The suction inlet 138 is also in the lower portion 122 of the housing 114 and is fluidly connected to the suction airflow path 150. The suction inlet 138 is fluidly connectable with the robotic floor cleaner 10, and more specifically, the first dirt collection chamber 90. The suction inlet 138 allows dirt and debris from the first dirt collection chamber 90 to pass through the suction inlet 138 and enter the suction airflow path 150, thereby emptying the first dirt collection chamber 90.

[0046] The second dirt collection chamber 142 is in the upper portion 126 of the housing 114 and is fluidly connected to the suction inlet 138. The second dirt collection chamber 142 may be removable from the housing 114 such that the user can easily empty the second dirt collection chamber 142. The second dirt collection chamber 142 allows the dirt and debris to settle at the bottom of the second dirt collection chamber 142 and the air to continue along the suction

8

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) airflow path 150 towards the motor 130 and the fan 134. The second dirt collection chamber 142 may have a means to help separate the dirt and debris from the air. The second dirt collection chamber 142 may include an air filter (e.g., a HEPA filter) that separates the dirt and debris from the air. Alternatively, or additionally, the second dirt collection chamber 142 may include a separator (e.g., a cyclone separator or an over-the-wall separator) to separate the dirt and debris from the air.

[0047] As show in Fig. 9, the suction airflow path 150 extends between the suction inlet 138 and an exhaust 146. The second dirt collection chamber 142 is located downstream of the suction inlet 138 and upstream the fan 134 such that the suction airflow travels from the suction inlet 138, through the second dirt collection chamber 142, and to the fan 134. Further, the motor 130 is located downstream of the fan 134 and upstream the exhaust 146 such that the suction airflow travels from the fan 134, through the motor 130, and leaves the housing 114 through the exhaust 146. The exhaust 146 is located adjacent the motor 130 on the lower portion 122 of the housing 114. There may be a filter (not shown) disposed between the fan 134 and the motor 130 or disposed between the motor 130 and the exhaust 146.

[0048] With reference to Fig. 10, the docking station 110 and the robotic floor cleaner 10 may be supported on a ramp 154. The ramp 154 positions the docking station 110 and the robotic floor cleaner 10 above the surface. The ramp 154 includes a flat section 162 that supports the docking station 110 and an angled section 166 that supports the robotic floor cleaner. The ramp 154 further includes an upper surface 170 and a lower surface 174.

[0049] The ramp 154 may allow the suction airflow path 150 of the docking station to extend into the ramp 154. The ramp 154 is fluidly connected to the exhaust 146. The ramp 154 includes a hollow portion 178 that extends through a portion of the ramp 154. The hollow portion 178 allows the airflow path 150 to extend from the exhaust 146 through the ramp 154.

[0050] The ramp 154 includes a plurality of apertures 182 on the upper surface 170 of the angled section 166. The apertures 182 may align with the brushroll 58 and the mopping pad 66 of robotic floor cleaner 10 when the robotic floor cleaner 10 is connected to the docking station 110. The apertures 182 are shaped to direct the suction airflow path 150 toward the bottom portion 46 of the robotic floor cleaner 10, and more specifically, direct the suction airflow path

9

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) 150 toward the brushroll 58 and the mopping pad 66. By way of the ramp 154, the exhaust 146 directs the airflow path 150 and the airflow toward the bottom portion of the robotic floor cleaner 10, and more specifically, the brushroll 58 and mopping pad 66. The suction airflow path 150 exits the ramp 154 and the hollow portion 178 via the apertures 182.

[0051] The apertures 182 allow the airflow to be directed toward the brushroll 58 and the mopping pad 66 to dry the brushroll 58 and the mopping pad 66. In some embodiments, the apertures 182 may include angled surfaces (e.g., vents) that ensure the airflow is being directed toward the brushroll 58 and the mopping pad 66. The suction airflow path 150 dries the brushroll 58 and the mopping pad 66 while the docking station 110 is emptying the first dirt collection chamber 90 of the robotic floor cleaner 10.

[0052] Additionally, the apertures 182 allow fluid to drip from the brushroll 58 into the hollow portion 178 of the ramp 154, thereby preventing fluid from dripping and collecting on the surface. The ramp 154 may include a fluid collection reservoir (not shown) that can be removed from the ramp 154.

[0053] Turning now to Figs. 11-12, another suction airflow path 350 is shown. Many features of the airflow path 350 are similar to those discussed above with reference to the airflow path 150. As such, many of the features will not be discussed again below. Features similar to those discussed above will be labeled with a similar reference number with a reference number two hundred higher.

[0054] The airflow path 350 is similar to the suction airflow path 150, however the suction airflow path 350 includes a recirculation airflow path 351 and an environmental airflow path 352. The suction airflow path 350 extends from the suction inlet 138 to the exhaust 146. The second dirt collection chamber 142, the fan 134, and the motor 130 are located in the suction airflow path 350. Once the airflow leaves housing 114 through the exhaust 146, a portion of the airflow (i.e., the environmental airflow) is released into the environment and a portion of the airflow (i.e., the suction airflow) travels through the ramp 154 and is directed toward the bottom portion 46 of the robotic floor cleaner 10. The environmental airflow follows the environmental airflow path 352. The suction airflow path 350 extends into the robotic floor cleaner 10 via the suction inlet 86 of the robotic floor cleaner 10. The airflow is recirculated along a recirculation

10

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) airflow path 351 that extends from the first dirt collection chamber 90 to the suction inlet 138 of the docking station 110. The suction inlet 138 sucks in air from the recirculation airflow path 351 and from the environmental airflow path 352. The airflow path 350 aids the suction efficiency of the second suction assembly 118. Additionally, the airflow path 350 allows fresh air to be used in the second suction assembly 118.

[0055] The docking station 110 and robotic floor cleaner 10 may further include a sanitizing system configured to sanitize at least a portion of the agitating assembly 22 of the robotic floor cleaner 10. More specifically, the sanitizing system sanitizes the brushroll 58 and/or the mopping pad 66 of the robotic floor cleaner 10. In some embodiments (shown in Figs. 13-14), the sanitizing system may be located on the ramp 154, while in other embodiments (shown in Figs. 15-17), the sanitizing system is located on the robotic floor cleaner 10. In yet other embodiments, the sanitizing system may include a combination of components that are located on the ramp 154 and the robotic floor cleaner.

[0056] The sanitizing system may be activated when the robotic floor cleaner 10 is docked at the docking station 110. The sanitizing system may be activated at the same time as automatic emptying process of the second suction assembly 118 (e.g., when the second suction assembly 118 is activated) or after the automatic emptying process is complete.

[0057] Turning to Fig. 13, a sanitizing system 186A is disposed on the angled section 166 of the ramp 154. The sanitizing system 186 includes a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light sources 1 8. The UV light sources 198 direct UV light toward the brushroll 58 and the mopping pad 66. The UV light can sanitize the brushroll 58 and the mopping pad 66 by killing bacteria on the brushroll 58 and the mopping pad 66. The UV light sources 198 may be disposed adjacent to the apertures 182. The ramp 154 may contain transparent sections 202 adjacent the apertures 182 that are made of a translucent material such that the UV light can pass through the material and onto the brushroll 58 or the mopping pad 66. The UV light sources 198 may be electrically connected to the docking station 110 such that the UV light sources receive power from and are controlled by the docking station 110. The illustrated embodiment shows two UV light sources 198, however additional or fewer UV light sources can be used. Additionally, the UV light sources 198 may only be directed onto the brushroll 58 or the mopping pad 66.

11

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) [0058] Turning to Fig. 14, another embodiment of a sanitizing system 186B is shown. The sanitizing system 186B is disposed on the angled section 166 of the ramp 154 and includes a plurality of ozone generators 204. The ozone generators 204 produce ozone gas and direct the ozone gas toward the brushroll 58 and/or the mopping pad 66. The ozone gas may aid in sanitizing the brushroll 58 and the mopping pad 66, and the ozone gas can neutralize any odor on the brushroll 58 and the mopping pad 66. After the ozone gas passes the brushroll 58, the ozone gas may enter the recirculation airflow path 351 to sanitize the first suction assembly 26 of the robotic floor cleaner 10. The ozone generators 204 may be electrically connected to the docking station 110 such that the ozone generators 204 receive power from and are controlled by the docking station 110. The illustrated embodiment shows two ozone generators 204; however, in other embodiments additional or fewer ozone generators be used. Additionally, the ozone generators 204 may only be directed onto the brushroll 58 or the mopping pad 66. In another embodiment (not shown), the ozone generators 204 may be located more upstream such that the ozone gas mixes with the suction airflow path 150, 350 before it reaches the brushroll 58 and the mopping pad 66. In some embodiments, the controller 100 is configured to control the ozone generators 204 to generate ozone when air is not circulating through suction airflow path 150, 350. In this manner, the ozone is allowed to “p°°l” ^or gather in an area adjacent to the brushroll 58 and/or the mopping pad 66 in order to provide a higher concentration of ozone to brushroll 58 and/or the mopping pad 66.

[0059] In yet another embodiment (not shown), the ramp 154 may have a sanitizing system that utilizes both UV light sources 198 and the ozone generators 204. The UV light sources 198 and the ozone generators 204 may be directed at both the brushroll 58 and the mopping pad 66 or directed to either the brushroll 58 or the mopping pad 66.

[0060] With refence to Figs. 15-17, the sanitizing system is located on the robotic floor cleaner 10 rather than on the ramp 154. The sanitizing system can be activated by the controller 38 of the robotic floor cleaner 10. The controller 38 can activate the sanitizing system when the controller 38 receives a signal from a connected remote device (e.g., a smart phone) and/or when the controller 38 receives a signal from the docking station 110 that the robotic floor cleaner 10 is connected to the docking station 110. The remote device may send an activation signal to the robotic floor cleaner 10 when the user determines that there is a need for sanitation and

12

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) communicates the need to the remote device. Further, the sanitizing system may also be activated when the controller 38 receives a signal from the plurality of sensors the robotic floor cleaner 10. For example, the controller 38 may receive a signal from the moisture sensor 40 disposed on or near the brushroll 58 or in the brushroll chamber 70 indicating that a dampness of the brushroll 58 is above a predetermined threshold and the brushroll 58 needs to be sanitized. The moisture sensor 40 may also be disposed on or near the mopping pad 66. Alternatively, the controller 38 may receive a signal from the sensor 41 disposed in the fluid supply tank 98 indicating that the amount of fluid in the fluid supply tank 98 has fallen below a certain level and that the brushroll 58 needs to be sanitized. In some embodiments, the robotic floor cleaner 10 may be required to be docked at the docking station 110 before the sanitizing system can be activated. In some embodiments, the controller 100 must receive a signal from the moisture sensor 40 indicating that a dampness of the brushroll 58 is above a predetermined threshold or the controller 100 receives a signal from the liquid level sensor 41 that the fluid in the fluid supply tank 98 is below a certain level before the sanitizing system can be activated. In other embodiment, the sanitizing system may be activated once the controller 100 receives a signal that the robotic floor cleaner 10 is docked at the docking station 110, and the controller 100 receives a signal from a remote device. In yet another embodiment, the sanitizing system may be activated once the controller 100 receives a signal that the robotic floor cleaner 10 is docked at the docking station 100 and the controller 100 receives a signal from the moisture sensor 40 indicating that a dampness of the brushroll 58 is above a predetermined threshold, and/or the controller 100 receives a signal from the liquid level sensor 41 that the fluid in the fluid supply tank 98 is below a certain level. In still another embodiment, the sanitizing system may be activated once the controller 100 receives a signal from a remote device and the controller 100 receives a signal from the moisture sensor 40 indicating that a dampness of the brushroll 58 is above a predetermined threshold, and/or the controller 100 receives a signal from the liquid level sensor 41 that the fluid in the fluid supply tank 98 is below a certain level. It should be understood that the aforementioned examples of received signals by the controller can be used alone or in combination such that any of the signals individually and/or any combination of signals in any order can be used by the controller to activate the sanitizing system.

[0061] Turning to Fig. 15 an embodiment of a sanitizing system 186C is shown. The sanitizing system 186C is disposed on the bottom portion 46 of the robotic floor cleaner 10, and

13

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) more specifically, the sanitizing system 186C is located in the brushroll chamber 70. The sanitizing system 186C includes at least one UV light source 198 direct UV light toward the brushroll 58. The brushroll chamber 70 may include a transparent section 202 formed from a transparent material. The UV light source 198 may be located in the transparent section 202. The transparent section 202 allows the UV light to pass through the transparent section 202 and onto the brushroll 58. The UV light source 198 may also direct UV light toward the mopping pad 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the sanitizing system 186C includes one UV light source 198, however additional UV light sources can be used.

[0062] In another embodiment (not shown), the sanitizing system can include a UV light source 198 disposed in the brushroll chamber 70 which directs UV light toward the brushroll 58. The sanitizing system further includes a UV light source 198 disposed on the bottom portion 46 of the body 14 such that the UV light source 198 is between the bottom portion 46 and the mopping pad 66 and direct UV light onto the mopping pad 66.

[0063] Fig. 16 shows another embodiment of a sanitizing system 186D. The sanitizing system 186D is disposed on the bottom portion 46 of the robotic floor cleaner 10, and more specifically, the sanitizing system 186D is located in the brushroll chamber 70. The sanitizing system 186C includes at least one ozone generator 204 which produces ozone gas and directs the ozone gas toward the brushroll 58. The ozone generator 204 direct ozone gas toward the mopping pad 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the sanitizing system 186C includes one ozone generator 204, however additional ozone generators can be used.

[0064] In another embodiment (not shown), the sanitizing system can include an ozone generator 204 disposed in the brushroll chamber 70 or adjacent to the brushroll 58 such that the ozone generator 204 directs the ozone gas toward the brushroll 58. The sanitizing system further includes an ozone generator 204 disposed on the bottom portion 46 of the body 14 such that the ozone generator 204 is between the bottom portion 46 and the mopping pad 66 and directs ozone gas toward the mopping pad 66.

[0065] Turning to Fig. 17, yet another embodiment of a sanitizing system 186E system is shown. The sanitizing system 186E is disposed on the bottom portion 46 of the body 14 and includes at least one UV light source and at least one ozone generator 204. The UV light source

14

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) 198 is disposed on the bottom portion 46 of the body 14 adjacent to the brushroll 58 and the brushroll chamber 70 behind a transparent section 202. The UV light source 198 directs UV light through the transparent section 202 and onto at least a section of the brushroll 58. The UV light source 198 may also direct UV light onto the surface to also sanitize the surface. The ozone generator 204 is disposed on the bottom portion 46 of the body 14 such that the ozone generator 204 is between the bottom portion 46 and the mopping pad 66 and directs ozone gas toward the mopping pad 66. In the illustrated embodiment the sanitizing system 186E includes one UV light source 198 and one ozone generator 204, however additional UV light sources and ozone generators can be used.

[0066] While the sanitizing system (e.g., sanitizing system 186A-186E) is activated, the controller 38 may activate the brushroll 58 to rotate (e.g., to spin) at a predetermined speed. The predetermined speed may be less than the normal operating speed of the brushroll 58. The predetermined speed may be based on signals received from sensors. The predetermined speed may be based on the amount of moisture on the brushroll 58. For example, if the moisture sensor 40 detects a large amount of moisture on the brushroll 58, the brushroll 58 will be rotated at a faster speed to decrease the dry time. The predetermined speed may also be based on the amount of fluid dispensed. For example, if the fluid level sensor 41 detects a high level of fluid in the fluid supply tank 98, the brushroll 58 may be rotated at a slower rate based on the determination that an amount of fluid dispensed from the supply tank is small in comparison to the amount or remaining fluid in the supply tank. In some embodiments, the predetermined speed may be based on one or more of the abovementioned factors. Rotating the brushroll 58 while the sanitizing system is activated allows more than a portion of and/or the entire brushroll 58 to be sanitized. Additionally, the controller 38 may also activate the brushroll 58 to rotate when the second suction assembly 118 is activated to facilitate drying of the brushroll 58 using the suction airflow path 150, 350.

[0067] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be constructed to limit the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize the various modifications and changes which may be made to the present disclosure without strictly following the example embodiments illustrated and described herein, and without

15

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which is set forth in the following claims.

16

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26)