EXTRACTION CLEANER

Abstract

An extraction cleaner may include a base, an upright body pivotally coupled to the base, a supply tank for supplying cleaning fluid to the base or a cleaning tool coupled to a hose, a recovery tank removably coupled to the upright body for recovering the cleaning fluid and/or debris through at least one inlet at the base and at least one inlet at the cleaning tool. A suction changeover valve may include a valve drive arrangement coupled between the base and the upright body to automatically provide suction at the cleaning tool when the upright body is in an upright position relative to the base, and suction at the base with the upright body is in a reclined position relative to the base. A diverter valve may be provided in the base and may be coupled to a diverter valve switch, such as a diverter valve switch in contact with the surface to be cleaned, for automatically directing suction to a nozzle when the base is moved in a rearward direction and to a suction inlet in an agitator chamber when the base is moved in a forward direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally directed to surface treatment apparatuses and more specifically to an extraction cleaner.

BACKGROUND

Surface treatment apparatuses are configured to be maneuvered over a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor). While being maneuvered over the surface to be cleaned, the surface treatment apparatus may collect at least a portion of any debris deposited on the surface to be cleaned. One example of a surface treatment apparatus is an extraction cleaner. An extraction cleaner is configured to apply a liquid to the surface to be cleaned and to suction at least a portion of the applied liquid from the surface to be cleaned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features of the present embodiments will be understood better by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the figures herein described. The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one example of an extraction cleaner consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of another example extraction cleaner consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the base and a portion of the upright body of the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the base and the portion of the upright body of the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2 with a top cover and a side cover removed.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the base and the portion of the upright body of the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2 with the suction changeover valve in a cleaning tool suction state.

FIG. 6 is sectional view of the base and the portion of the upright body of the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2 with the suction changeover valve in a base suction state.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the suction changeover valve and the valve drive arrangement shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a portion of the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2 showing a valve interface consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is side view of the portion of the upright body shown in FIG. 2 with a rotor assembly removed.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rotor assembly consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective, partially exploded view of the base and the portion of the upright body shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of one example of a sectional cam consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of a one example of a cam sector gear consistent with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14-15 are sectional views showing the sectional cam of FIG. 12 and the cam sector gear of FIG. 13 when the upright body is in an upright position relative to the base in the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 16-18 are sectional views showing the sectional cam of FIG. 12 and the cam sector gear of FIG. 13 when the upright body is reclined by an angle of 15 degrees from an upright position relative to the base in the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 19-21 are sectional views showing the sectional cam of FIG. 12 and the cam sector gear of FIG. 13 when the upright body is reclined by an angle of 25 degrees from an upright position relative to the base in the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing the sectional cam of FIG. 12 and the cam sector gear of FIG. 13 when the upright body is reclined by an angle of 45 degrees from an upright position relative to the base in the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 23 is a side sectional view of the base and the portion of the upright body of the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2 with the diverter valve in a chamber suction state.

FIG. 24 is a side sectional view of the base and the portion of the upright body of the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2 with the diverter valve in a nozzle suction state.

FIG. 25 is front perspective view of the diverter valve shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 and showing one example of a diverter valve switch consistent the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 is front perspective view of the diverter valve shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 and showing one example of a diverter valve switch shown in FIG. 25 and a portion of a status switch arrangement consistent the present disclosure showing the diverter valve in a nozzle suction state.

FIG. 27 is front perspective view of the diverter valve, the diverter valve switch and the portion of a status switch arrangement consistent the present disclosure showing the diverter valve in a chamber suction state.

FIG. 28 is a side sectional view of the base and the portion of the upright body of the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2 with the diverter valve switch a nozzle switch state.

FIG. 29 is a left side view of the diverter valve switch shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a right side view of the diverter valve switch shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a top perspective view of the diverter valve switch, the diverter valve door and the status switch arrangement of the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2 with the diverter valve switch a chamber switch state.

FIG. 32 is a side perspective, sectional view of the diverter valve switch and the status switch arrangement of the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2 with the diverter valve switch in a nozzle suction state.

FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of the diverter valve switch and a portion of the status switch arrangement of the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2 with the diverter valve switch in a chamber suction state.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of a controller consistent with the present disclosure coupled for providing an alert when a door of a diverter valve is blocked in an extraction cleaner consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 35 is a top perspective view of the base of the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2 with a door removed showing the position of diverter valve.

FIG. 36 is a top perspective, partially exploded view of the base of the extraction cleaner shown in FIG. 2 with the diverter valve shown removed from the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to extraction cleaners that deposit fluid from at least one cleaning fluid supply tank onto a surface and suction the fluid and debris from the surface into a recovery tank. Fluid supply and suction may be provided at a base of the suction cleaner or at a cleaning tool disposed at the end of a flexible hose. In embodiments consistent with the present disclosure the extraction cleaner may include a suction changeover valve selectively configurable in a base suction state or a cleaning tool suction state. The suction changeover valve may be automatically placed in the base suction state when the upright body is reclined relative to a base of the extraction cleaner and in the cleaning tool suction state when the upright body of the extraction cleaner in an upright position relative to the base.

When the suction changeover valve is in the base suction state, a suction motor can establish suction airflow to urge fluid deposited on a surface into a suction inlet defined by the base and into the recovery tank. When the suction changeover valve is in the cleaning tool suction state, the suction motor can establish suction airflow to urge fluid deposited on a surface into a suction inlet defined by the cleaning tool and into the recovery tank.

In embodiments consistent with the present disclosure the extraction cleaner may include a diverter valve selectively configurable in a nozzle suction state or a chamber suction state. The diverter valve may be automatically placed in the nozzle suction state when the base is moved rearwardly by the user in a rearward stroke and in the chamber suction state when the base is moved forwardly by the user in a forward stroke.

When the diverter valve is in the nozzle suction state, the suction motor can establish suction airflow to urge fluid deposited on the surface into a suction inlet defined by a nozzle of base and into the recovery tank. When the diverter valve is in the chamber suction state, the suction motor can establish suction airflow to urge debris, e.g., hair, into a suction inlet disposed within an agitator chamber of the base and into the recovery tank.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one example of an extraction cleaner 100 consistent with the present disclosure. The illustrated example extraction cleaner 100 includes an upright body 102, a base 104 pivotally coupled to the upright body 102, a flexible hose 103 having a cleaning tool 105 coupled to an end thereof, a supply tank 106, an additive tank 107, and a recovery tank 108. The extraction cleaner 100 may be configured to operate using one or more batteries and/or mains electrical power (e.g., via an electrical coupling to a home electrical outlet).

Fluid may be selectively distributed from the supply tank 106 and/or the additive tank 107 through one or more nozzles 114 (shown in hidden lines) coupled to the base 104 and/or one or more nozzles 115 coupled to the cleaning tool 105. A user may selectively fluidly couple the recovery tank 108 to a base airflow path 119 through the base 104 or a cleaning tool airflow path 129 through the cleaning tool 105. A user may thus selectively clean a surface to be cleaned 110, e.g., a carpet or floor, using cleaning fluid distribution and suction at the base 104, or clean a target surface, e.g., a specific spot, a small area where the base cannot enter, a pet, etc., using fluid distribution and suction at the cleaning tool 105.

In the illustrated example, the supply tank 106 may be configured to receive a first cleaning fluid, e.g., water, detergent, soap, a fragrance, and/or other cleaning fluid. The additive tank 107 may be configured to receive a second cleaning fluid, e.g., including water, detergent, soap, and/or cleaning fluid composition, intended for cleaning a particular type of soil on the cleaning surface. The second cleaning fluid may be different from the first cleaning fluid.

In the illustrated example, a supply tank line 109 (shown in hidden lines) fluidly couples the supply tank 106 to a mixing valve 111 (shown in hidden lines) to convey the first cleaning fluid as an input to the mixing valve 111. An additive tank line 113 (shown in hidden lines) fluidly couples the additive tank 107 to the mixing valve 111 to convey the second cleaning fluid as an input to the mixing valve 111. The mixing valve 111 be configured to provide one or more of the first cleaning fluid, the second cleaning fluid and/or adjustable mixtures of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid into one or more supply lines 112 (shown in hidden lines) and/or may be configured to allow a user to selectively provide only one of the first cleaning fluid or the second cleaning fluid to the supply line(s) 112. Fluid in the supply line(s) 112 may thus include the first cleaning fluid and/or the second cleaning fluid.

The supply line(s) 112 are fluidly coupled to a fluid changeover valve 123 (shown in hidden lines). The fluid changeover valve 123 may be selectively configured in base supply state and a cleaning tool supply state. The state of the fluid changeover valve 123 may be selected through a mechanical and/or electrical switch or by directly physically manipulating the fluid changeover valve 123, or another component of the extraction cleaner 100 such as a suction changeover valve 127 as described herein. In some embodiments, for example, the fluid changeover valve 123 may be automatically placed in the cleaning tool supply state by a mechanical and/or electrical switch when the upright body 102 is vertically upright relative to the base 104 and in the base supply state when the upright body 102 is reclined relative to the base 104 and not in the vertically upright position. In addition, or alternatively, the fluid changeover valve 123 may be placed in the base supply state or the cleaning tool supply state by user input to a control panel 141.

When the fluid changeover valve 123 is in the base supply state one or more of the fluid supply line(s) 112 is fluidly coupled through a base supply line 117 (shown in hidden lines) to the one or more fluid dispensing nozzles 114 coupled to the base 104. Fluid from one or more of the supply line(s) 112 may thus be dispensed through the one or more fluid dispensing nozzles 114 directly and/or indirectly onto the surface to be cleaned 110. In some embodiments, the one or more nozzles 114 may be disposed within an agitator chamber 116 (shown in hidden lines) defined within the base 104. The agitator chamber 116 includes a front wall 160, a top wall 162 and a rear wall 164 and an open bottom at the bottom of the base 104 facing the surface to be cleaned 110. The one or more nozzles 114 may be positioned adjacent the top wall 162 and near the front wall 160 of the agitator chamber 116. Additionally, or alternatively, the nozzles 114 may be disposed on an external surface of the base 104.

When the fluid changeover valve 123 is in the cleaning tool supply state one or more of the fluid supply line(s) 112 is fluidly coupled through a cleaning tool supply line 121 (shown in hidden lines) to the one or more fluid dispensing nozzles 115 coupled to the cleaning tool 105. Fluid from the supply line(s) 112 may thus be dispensed through the one or more fluid dispensing nozzles 115 directly and/or indirectly onto the target surface. For example, the one or more nozzles 115 may be disposed within the cleaning tool 105 and/or may be disposed on an external surface of the cleaning tool 105. In some embodiments, a pump 125 (shown in hidden lines) may be coupled the supply line(s) 112 such that the pump 125 urges fluid through the fluid changeover valve 123 and to either the nozzles 114 or the nozzles 115 depending on the state of the fluid changeover valve 123.

The recovery tank 108 is fluidly coupled to a suction motor 118 (shown in hidden lines), a recovery conduit 120 and a suction changeover valve 127. The suction changeover valve 127 is selectively configurable in a base suction state or a cleaning tool suction state. The state of the suction changeover valve 127 may be selected by directly physically manipulating the upright body 102 relative to the base 104. In some embodiments, for example the suction changeover valve 127 may be automatically placed in the cleaning tool suction state by operation of a valve drive arrangement 158 coupled between the base 104 and the suction changeover valve 127 on the upright body 102 when the upright body 102 is moved to a vertically upright position relative to the base 104, e.g., as shown in FIG. 1, and in the base suction state by operation of the valve drive arrangement 158 when the upright body 102 is reclined relative to the base 104 and not in the vertically upright position.

When the suction changeover valve 127 is in the base suction state, the recovery conduit 120 and the recovery tank 108 are fluidly coupled through the changeover valve 127 to the base airflow path 119 (shown in hidden lines). In the illustrated example embodiment, the base airflow path 119 extends from the suction changeover valve 127 to a diverter valve 150 in the base 104. In some embodiments, the diverter valve 150 may be omitted and the base airflow path 119 may extend to a nozzle suction inlet 131 at the bottom and to the front of the base 104 forward of the agitator chamber 116.

The diverter valve 150 is selectively configurable in a nozzle suction state or a chamber suction state. The diverter valve 150 may be responsive to a diverter valve switch 156 having a nozzle switch state and a chamber switch state. The diverter valve switch may be placed the nozzle switch state when the base 104 is moved in rearward direction and in the chamber switch state when the base 104 is moved in the forward direction. When the diverter valve switch 156 is in the nozzle switch state the diverter valve 150 is in the nozzle suction state and when the diverter valve switch 156 is in the chamber switch state the diverter valve 150 is in the chamber suction state. In some embodiments, the diverter valve switch 156 may be configured as mechanical switch disposed between the diverter valve 150 and the surface to be cleaned 110, or between the diverter valve 150 and a wheel 139 of the extraction cleaner 100 that automatically places in the diverter valve 150 in the nozzle suction state when the base 104 is moved rearwardly and in the chamber suction state when the base 104 is moved forwardly without input from a user other than movement of the base 104.

When the diverter valve 150 is in the nozzle suction state the base airflow path 119 is coupled through the diverter valve 150 to a nozzle airflow path 152 that extends from the diverter valve 150 to the nozzle suction inlet 131. When the diverter valve 150 is in the nozzle suction state, the suction motor 118 can establish suction airflow to urge fluid deposited on the surface to be cleaned 110 into the nozzle suction inlet 131, through the nozzle airflow path 152, the diverter 150, the base airflow path 119, the suction changeover valve 127, the recovery conduit 120, and into the recovery tank 108.

When the diverter valve 150 is in the chamber suction state the base airflow path 119 is coupled through the diverter valve 150 to a chamber suction inlet 154 within the agitator chamber 116. In some embodiments, for example, the chamber suction inlet 154 may extend through a wall of the agitator chamber 116. The chamber suction inlet 154 is in fluid communication with the agitator chamber 116. When the diverter valve 150 is in the chamber suction state, the suction motor 118 can establish suction airflow to urge chamber debris, e.g., hair, and/or fluid, within the agitator chamber 116 into the diverter valve 150, through the base airflow path 119, the suction changeover valve 127, the recovery conduit 120, and into the recovery tank 108.

When the suction changeover valve 127 is in the cleaning tool suction state, the recovery conduit 120 and the recovery tank 108 are fluidly coupled through the changeover valve 127 to the cleaning tool airflow path 129. The cleaning tool airflow path 129 extends from a cleaning tool suction inlet 135 at the bottom of the cleaning tool 105, through the flexible hose 103 and to the suction changeover valve 127. When the suction changeover valve 127 is in the cleaning tool suction state, the suction motor 118 can establish suction airflow to urge fluid deposited on a target surface into the cleaning tool suction inlet 135, through the cleaning tool airflow path 129, through the suction changeover valve 137 and the recovery conduit 120, and into the recovery tank 108.

In some embodiments, the recovery tank 108 can include a debris separator 122 (shown in hidden lines) configured to separate solid debris from liquid within the recovery tank 108. The debris separator 122 may be further configured to impede liquid from flowing from the recovery tank 108 into the suction motor 118.

The agitator chamber 116 may include an agitator 124 rotatably supported therein to extend from the open bottom of the agitator chamber 116 and configured to engage and agitate the surface to be cleaned 110. In some embodiments, the agitator 124 may be a longitudinal cylindrical body configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the body. The agitator 124 may be driven for rotation within the agitator chamber 116 about the longitudinal axis by a motor (not shown). In some embodiments, the agitator 124 may configured to vibrate relative to the base 104. The agitator 124 include any combination of flaps, bristles, and/or microfiber. In some embodiments, the agitator 124 may be a non-absorbent agitator.

The extraction cleaner 100 may also include a controller 145 (shown in hidden lines). The controller 145 may be coupled for receiving user inputs from the control panel 141 and or inputs from sensors and/or switches in the extraction cleaner 100 and may be configured for providing control outputs for controlling components of the extraction cleaner 100 in response to the inputs, alert messages to alert a user of a condition, e.g. full or empty tank, associated with the extraction cleaner 100, user instructions, etc. For example, the controller 145 may be configured to control the state of the fluid changeover valve 123, the suction changeover valve 127, and/or the diverter valve 150 in response to a user input and/or in response to a sensor, switch, or valve drive arrangement responsive to a position of the upright body 102 relative to the base 104. In addition, or alternatively, the controller 145 may be configured to control operation of the mixing valve 111, the suction motor 118, the pump 125 and/or a motor (not shown) for driving the agitator. Numerous configurations for the controller 145 will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.

The upright body 102 may have a handle 137 coupled to an end thereof for grasping by a user and the base 104 may include one or more of the wheels 139 coupled thereto and positioned for engaging the surface to be cleaned 110. The wheels 139 allow maneuvering of the base 104 along the surface to be cleaned 110. To clean using suction and fluid delivery at the base 104, a user may move the upright body 102 to a reclined position relative to the base 104 to automatically place the suction changeover valve 127 in the base suction state and the fluid changeover valve 123 in the base supply state.

For example, the suction changeover valve 127 may be placed in base suction state by the valve drive arrangement 158 between the suction changeover valve 127 and the base 104 when the upright body 102 is moved to reclined position relative to the base 104. The suction changeover valve 127 may be mechanically coupled to the fluid changeover valve 123 so that when the suction changeover valve 127 is in the base suction state the fluid changeover valve 123 is in the base supply state, and when the suction changeover valve 127 is in the cleaning tool suction state the fluid changeover valve 123 is in the cleaning tool supply state.

Once the upright body 102 is moved to the reclined position relative to the base 104, the user may grasp the handle 137 and repeatedly push and pull the base 104 in forward and reverse strokes, respectively, along the surface to be cleaned 110. The diverter valve 150 may be automatically placed in the nozzle suction state by the diverter valve switch 156 when the user pulls the base 104 rearwardly in a reverse stroke and in the chamber suction state by the diverter valve switch 156 when the user pushes the base 104 forwardly in a forward stroke. Fluid 139 may be distributed from the nozzles 114 and directly and/or indirectly onto the surface to be cleaned 110, e.g., during forward and/or rearward movement of the base 104, and the surface to be cleaned 110 with the fluid thereon may be agitated by the agitator 124.

When the base 104 is move rearwardly by the user, at least a portion of the fluid 139 (the recovered fluid) may be recovered from the surface to be cleaned 110 by operation of the suction motor 118 to establish suction for drawing the fluid into the suction inlet 131, through the nozzle airflow path 152, the diverter valve 152, the base airflow path 119, the recovery conduit 120 and into the recovery tank 108. When the base 104 is move forward by the user, fluid and/or debris be recovered from the agitator chamber 116 by operation of the suction motor 118 to establish suction for drawing the fluid into the chamber suction inlet 154, through the diverter valve 150, the base airflow path 119, the recovery conduit 120 and into the recovery tank 108.

To clean using suction and fluid delivery at the cleaning tool 105, a user may move the upright body 102 to an upright position relative to the base 104 to automatically place the suction changeover valve 127 in the cleaning tool suction state and the fluid changeover valve 123 in the cleaning tool supply state. The user may grasp the cleaning tool 105 and maneuver the cleaning tool 105 over a target surface. Fluid 143 may be distributed from the nozzles 115 and directly and/or indirectly onto the target surface, e.g., in response to user operation of a trigger on the cleaning tool. At least a portion of the fluid 143 (the recovered fluid) may be recovered from the target surface by operation of the suction motor 118 to establish suction for drawing the fluid into the cleaning tool airflow path 129, through the suction changeover valve 127 and the recovery conduit 120, and into the recovery tank 108.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an extraction cleaner 100a, which may be an example of the extraction cleaner 100 of FIG. 1. The illustrated example the extraction cleaner 100a includes an upright body 102a, a base 104a pivotally coupled to the upright body 102a, a flexible hose 103a, a cleaning tool 105a with a cleaning tool suction inlet 135a coupled to an end of the flexible hose 103a, a supply tank 106a, an additive tank 107a, a recovery tank 108a, wheels 139a for moving the base 104a along a surface to be cleaned 110 (FIG. 1), and a handle 137a.

The recovery tank 108a is removably coupled to the upright body 102a and fluidly coupled to the base 104a and the cleaning tool 105a through a suction changeover valve 127a (FIG. 3) such that a suction motor 118 can establish suction for causing debris and/or liquid to be drawn through the base 104a or the cleaning tool 105a and into the recovery tank 108a. Cleaning fluid may be provided from the supply tank 106a and/or the additive tank 107a to nozzles on the base 104a and/or the cleaning tool 105a by a fluid changeover valve 123 (FIG. 1). The upright body 102a may include a control panel 141a. The control panel 141a may be configured to receive one or more inputs from a user. For example, the control panel 141a may be configured to receive inputs corresponding to a cleaning behavior (e.g., increased/decreased fluid flow rate, pulsed/modulated fluid flow rates, control of fluid and/or suction to the base 104a or the cleaning tool 105a, increased/decreased suction, and/or the like).

The base 104a includes a frame 201, a suction nozzle 202, a door 204, and a cover 206. In the illustrated example, the suction nozzle 202 and the cover 206 are removable from the base 104a and the door 204 is not removable from the base 104a but may be rotated away from the base 104a about a pivot on the frame 201 adjacent the nozzle suction inlet 131a. In other examples the suction nozzle 202, the cover 206, and/or the door 204 may be removable from the base 104a, or the suction nozzle 202, the cover 206 and/or the door 204 may not be removable from the base 104a. As used herein, the term “removable” when used with respect to the relationship of a first component or assembly to a second component or assembly, means that the first component or assembly may be completely separated from the second component or assembly by a user without the use of tools, and without breaking the first component or assembly or the second component or assembly, such that the first component or assembly may be re-joined with the second component or assembly and be operative for its intended purpose.

The cover 206 on the base may be removable for accessing internal components of the base 104a, such as the diverter valve 150. A cover 208 is also provided on the upright body 102a. The cover 208 is removable for accessing internal components of the upright body 102a, such as the valve drive arrangement 158 for driving the suction changeover valve 127.

As mentioned previously, the suction airflow generated by the suction motor 118 may be selectively fluidly coupled to the base 104a to establish suction airflow at the suction inlet 131a or the chamber suction inlet 154 depending on the position of the diverter valve 150 when the upright body 102a is reclined relative to the base 104a, or to the flexible hose 103a to establish suction airflow at the cleaning tool suction inlet 135a depending on the state of the suction changeover valve 127a when the upright body 102a is in an upright position relative to the base 104a. FIG. 3 is side view of the base 104a and a portion 302 of the upright body 102a of the extractor 100a. In the illustrated example, the portion 302 of the upright body 102a is pivotally coupled to the base 104a in a known manner at a hub 402 (FIGS. 4 and 28) and establishes the position of the upright body 102a relative to the base 104a. Full forward rotation of the upright body 102a relative to the base 104a toward the suction nozzle 202 as shown in FIG. 3, e.g., until it reaches a stop or detent (not shown), establishes an upright position wherein a longitudinal axis LA of the upright body 102a is vertical relative to a plane of the surface to be cleaned 110. The longitudinal axis LA of the upright body 102a when the upright body 102a is in the upright position is referred to herein as the upright longitudinal axis. The upright longitudinal axis may not be perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned 110.

From the upright position, rearward rotation of the upright body 102a relative to the base 104a establishes an angle of rotation A of the longitudinal axis LA of the upright body 102a relative to the upright longitudinal axis. As shown, for example, the upright body 102a may be rotated rearwardly about the hub 402 relative to the base 104a to move the longitudinal axis LA of the upright body 102a from the upright position to the position shown in FIG. 3. The longitudinal axis LA of the upright body 102a when rotated rearwardly about the hub 402 is referred to herein as the reclined longitudinal axis. When the upright body 102a is rotated rearwardly relative to the base 104a it rotates to an angle A between the upright longitudinal axis and the reclined longitudinal axis.

A suction changeover valve 127a consistent with the present disclosure may be provided in numerous configurations. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one example embodiment consistent with the present disclosure showing the base 104a and the portion 302 of the upright body 102a of the extractor 100a in the upright position with the covers 206 and 208 removed. In the illustrated example, a suction changeover valve 127a is mounted on the portion 302 of the upright body 102a and a valve drive arrangement 158a is coupled between the base 104a and the suction changeover valve 127a. When the upright body 102a is in the upright position, the valve drive arrangement 158a automatically places a plug 502 (FIG. 5) of the suction changeover valve 127a in a cleaning tool suction position to fluidly couple the cleaning tool airflow path 129 with the suction motor 118 to provide suction at the cleaning tool suction inlet 135a for recovering cleaning fluid and/or debris from a target surface into the recovery tank 108a. When the upright body 102a is reclined from the upright position, the valve drive arrangement 158a places the plug 502 in a base suction position to fluidly couple the base airflow path 119a with the suction motor 118 for recovering cleaning fluid and/or debris from the nozzle suction inlet 131a or the chamber suction inlet 154a, depending on the position of the diverter valve 150a, into the recovery tank 108a.

FIG. 5, for example, is a sectional view of the base 104a and the portion 302 of the upright body 102a shown in FIG. 4 including the suction changeover valve 127a. The illustrated example suction changeover valve 127a is configured as a rotary valve having a housing 504 that defines a base inlet port 506, a cleaning tool inlet port 508, an outlet port 510, and a generally circular rotor cavity 512. In the illustrated embodiment, the base inlet port 506 may be fluidly coupled to the base airflow path 119, which is fluidly coupled to a diverter valve 150a, the cleaning tool inlet port 508 may be fluidly coupled to the hose 103a for the cleaning tool 105a and the cleaning tool suction inlet 135a, and the outlet port 510 may be fluidly coupled to the recovery tank 108a. The plug 502 of the suction changeover valve 127a is rotatably disposed in the rotor cavity 512.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the upright body 102a is in the upright position, the plug 502 of the suction changeover valve 127a is in a cleaning tool suction position to fluidly couple the cleaning airflow path 129 to the recovery tank 108a. When the plug 502 is in the cleaning tool suction position the plug 502 blocks fluid coupling between the base airflow path 119a and the recovery tank 108a.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the base 104a and the portion 302 of the upright body 102a shown in FIG. 4 with the upright body 102a reclined to an angle A (FIG. 3) of 25 degrees. As shown, when the upright body 102a is at an angle A of 25 degrees, the plug 502 of the suction changeover valve 127a is in a base suction position to fluidly couple the base airflow path 119a to the recovery tank 108a. When the plug 502 is in the base suction position the plug 502 blocks fluid coupling between the cleaning tool airflow path 129 and the recovery tank 108a.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the suction changeover valve 127a, the valve drive arrangement 158a and the base airflow path 119a. The illustrated example valve drive arrangement 158a includes a drive gear 702, a sequential cam 704, and a cam sector gear 706 disposed between the drive gear 702 and the sequential cam 704. The drive gear 702 is fixed to a drive gear base 714 that is rotatably coupled to the upright body 102a for rotatably driving the plug 502 of the suction changeover valve 127a between the base suction position and the cleaning tool suction position. In the illustrated example embodiment, the drive gear 702 is configured as a pinion gear. It will be recognized that the drive gear 702 may be provided in numerous configurations, e.g., sector gear, worm gear, etc.

The sequential cam 704 is fixedly coupled to the base 104a, e.g., fastened to the cover 206, to remain stationary relative to the base 104a and defines a plurality of cams 708. The cam sector gear 706 is rotatably coupled to the upright body 102a for rotation relative to the drive gear 702 and includes a gear portion 710 at the top thereof having teeth for meshingly engaging teeth of the drive gear 702 and cam followers 712 at a bottom thereof for engaging corresponding the cams 708 on the sequential cam 704. The teeth on the cam sector gear 706 may be provided in numerous configurations for engaging and driving the drive gear 702, e.g., the teeth may be helically configured for driving a drive gear 702 configured as a worm gear.

In general, as the upright body 102a is moved between the upright position and a reclined position the cam followers 712 on the cam sector gear 706 engage the cams 708 on the sequential cam 704 to cause corresponding rotation of the cam sector gear 706 and the drive gear 702. Rotation of the drive gear 702 rotates the plug 502 of the suction changeover valve 127a between the cleaning tool suction position (FIG. 5) and the base suction position (FIG. 6). When the plug 502 is in the cleaning tool suction position the suction changeover valve 127a is in the cleaning tool suction state and when the plug 502 is in the base suction position the suction changeover valve 127a is in the cleaning tool suction state. It will be recognized that valve drive arrangement 158a may be provided in numerous configurations. The example embodiment described herein is thus provided by way of illustration, not of limitation. For example, one or more intermediate gears (not shown) may be positioned between the drive gear 702 and the cam sector gear 706 to provide a desired gear ratio for driving the plug 502 of the suction changeover valve 127a.

With reference also FIG. 8, in the illustrated example embodiment, the drive gear 702 is fixedly coupled a valve interface 802 by fasteners 716 (FIG. 7) threaded through the drive gear base 714 (FIG. 7) and into corresponding openings 804 in the valve interface 802. The valve interface 802 is coupled to the plug 502 of the suction changeover valve 127a. Rotation of the drive gear 702, thus causes corresponding rotation of the drive gear base 104a, the valve interface 802 and the plug 502 of the suction changeover valve 127a.

The valve interface 802 has a cylindrical body 806 and includes a detent housing 808, a spring 810, and a plunger 812. The detent housing 808 extends radially within the cylindrical body 806. The spring 810 is disposed within the detent housing 808 and positioned between the detent housing 808 and the plunger 810 to bias the plunger radially outward. The cylindrical body 806 is rotatably disposed in a cylindrical receptacle 814 having openings 816 in the perimeter thereof for receiving the plunger 812. As the drive gear 702 rotates with movement of the upright body 102a relative to the base 104a, the valve interface 802 rotates and the plunger 812 may rotate along the interior of the receptacle 814 and into alignment with the openings 816 and extend into the openings to assist in positioning the upright body 102a relative to the base 104a.

FIG. 9 is side view of the of a portion of the suction changeover valve 127a with a rotor assembly 1002 (FIG. 10) of the suction changeover valve 127a removed. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rotor assembly 1002 of the suction changeover valve 127a. The rotor cavity 512 is configured for receiving at least a portion of the rotor assembly 1002. The rear of the rotor cavity 512 has an opening therein that is substantially coaxial with the rotor cavity 512 and the valve interface 802 is coaxially aligned with and disposed in the opening in the rotor cavity 512. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the valve interface 802 includes first 818 and second 820 slots therein.

As shown in FIG. 10, the rotor assembly 1002 includes a rotor body 1004 and a cover 1006. The rotor body 1004 has a first end 1008, a second end 1010, and the plug 502 extends between the first end 1008 and the second end 1010. The first end 3906 is generally cylindrical and is configured to be rotatably received in the rotor cavity 512. First 1012 and second 1014 projections extend axially from an exterior of the first end 1008 and are positioned to align with and be matingly received within the first 818 and second 820 slots, respectively, in the valve interface 802. A first side 1016 of the plug 502 is coupled to an inner surface 1018 of the first end 1008. The second side 1020 of the plug 502 is coupled to an inner surface 1022 of the second end 1010. The second end 1010 is supported in the rotor cavity 512. The first end 1008 and the plug 502 are configured to rotate relative to the second end 1022 with rotation of the valve interface 802 due to the mating engagement of the projections 1012, 1014 in the second side 1008 and the slots 818, 820 in the valve interface 802.

The cover 1006 is coupled to an outer surface 1024 of the second end 1010 and includes outwardly biased detents 1026. With reference also to the partially exploded view of FIG. 11 the rotor assembly 1002 may be inserted into the rotor cavity 512 to mate the projections 1012, 1014 with the slots 818,820 of the valve in valve interface 802 to at least partially secured in the rotor assembly 1002 in the rotor cavity 512. The detents 1026 on the cover 1006 may then extend into associated slots 1102 formed in the upright body 102a to secure the rotor assembly 1002 within the rotor cavity 512. The rotor assembly 1002 may be removed from the rotor cavity 512 for cleaning without the use of tools, by pulling the rotor assembly 1002 outwardly from the cavity 512. In the illustrated example embodiment, the cover 1006 includes a handle 1104 to be grasped by a user for pulling the rotor assembly 1002 outwardly from the rotor cavity 512 and overcoming the bias of the detents 1026. In some embodiments, the detents 1026 may be configured to automatically withdraw from the slots 1102 in the upright body 102a when the handle 1104 is rotated downwardly to facilitate removal of the rotor assembly 1002 from the rotor cavity 512.

Facile removal of the rotor assembly 1002 from the rotor cavity 512 allows for cleaning of debris from the rotor assembly 1002 and the rotor cavity 512. In some embodiments, the suction changeover valve 127a outlet may include a removable seal 1106 positioned on the outlet port 510. The seal 1106 that may be removed from the outlet port 510 to access the rotor cavity 512 by pulling the seal 1106 upwardly. Removing the seal 1106 may allow for cleaning of debris from the rotor assembly 1002 and/or the rotor cavity 512 by access through the outlet port 510.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the sequential cam 704. The sequential cam 704 may be molded as a single piece or may be an assembly of multiple components. In the illustrated example embodiment, the sequential cam 704 includes an arcuate body 1202 for positioning the bottom 1204 of the body 1202 around the hub 402 about which the upright body 102a is pivotally coupled to the base 104a. The body 1202 may be coupled to the base 104a by one or more fasteners (not shown), e.g., through one or more bosses 1206 defined by the body 1202. It is to be understood, however, that the shape of the body 1202 may be modified depending on the location where the body 1202 is secured to the base 104a.

The cams 708 are defined at the top 1208 of the body. The positions of the cams 708 vary radially across the width W1 of the body 1202 from an exterior side surface 1210 of the body 1202 to an interior side surface 1212 of the body 1002. The cams 708 extend upward from the body 1202 and include an outer cam 1214 adjacent the exterior side surface 1210, a first inner cam 1216 and a second inner cam 1218 adjacent the interior side surface 1212, and a first central cam 1220 and a second central cam 1222 disposed between the outer cam 1214 and the first 1216 and second 1218 inner cams.

FIG. 13 is bottom perspective view of the cam sector gear 706. Cam sector gear 706 may be molded as a single piece or may be an assembly of multiple components. In the illustrated example embodiment, the cam sector gear 706 includes an annular body 1302. The cam followers 712 of the cam sector gear 706 extend axially from a bottom 1304 of the body 1302 and the teeth 1306 of the gear portion 710 extend axially from a top 1308 of the body 1302. In the illustrated example embodiment, the teeth 1306 are configured for meshing engagement with corresponding teeth on the drive gear 702, as shown for example in FIG. 4.

The cam followers 712 vary in position radially across the width W2 of the body 1302 from an exterior side surface 1310 of the body to an interior side surface 1312 of the body 1302. In the illustrated example embodiment, the cam followers 712 include an outer cam follower 1314 an inner cam follower 1316, and a first central cam follower 1320 and a second central cam follower 1322. The first 1320 and second 1322 central cam followers 712 are disposed between the outer cam follower 1314 and the inner cam follower 1316.

The cams 708 of the sequential cam 704 are configured to engage corresponding ones of the cam followers 712 on the cam sector gear 706 during movement of the upright body 102a between reclined positions the upright position to rotate the cam sector gear 706 and, correspondingly, the drive gear 702 to achieve a desired positioning of the plug 502 of the suction changeover valve 127a depending on the position of the upright body 102a relative to the base 104a. Although the sequential cam 704 and the cam sector gear 706 in the illustrated example embodiment include multiple cams 708 and cam followers 712, respectfully, a valve drive arrangement 158a consistent with the present disclosure may include one or more cams 708 and cam followers 712 positioned relative to each other to achieve a desired positioning the plug 502 depending on the position of the upright body 102a relative to the base 104a. In some embodiments, a valve drive arrangement 158a consistent with the present disclosure may include two or more cams 708 and cam followers 712 to achieve the desired positioning. Also, instead of having cams 708 at different positions across the width of the sequential cam 704, the sequential cam 704 may include one or more teeth, e.g. a single or multiple cams in series along the circumference of the sequential cam 704, and the cam followers 712 on the cam sector gear 706 may include one or more corresponding teeth, e.g. single or multiple cam followers in series along the circumference of the cam sector gear 706, in meshing engagement with the teeth on the sequential cam 704.

In some embodiments, for example, as the upright body 102a is reclined to a first angle A (FIG. 3) from the upright position, the cams 708 of the sequential cam 704 engage the cam followers 712 of the cam sector gear 706 to rotate the drive gear 702 and the plug 502 to place the plug 502 in the base suction position to provide suction to the base 104a and block suction to the cleaning tool 105a. Further rotation of the upright body 102a beyond the first angle A does not cause further rotation of the cam sector gear 706, the drive gear 702, or the plug 502. As the upright body 102a is moved back toward the upright position, the cams 708 of the sequential cam 704 engage the cam followers 712 of the cam sector gear 706 to rotate the cam sector gear 706, the drive gear 702 and the plug 502 in the reverse direction. When the upright body 102a reaches the first angle A (or a different second angle) of rotation from the upright position the plug 502 is rotated to the cleaning tool suction position to provide suction at the cleaning tool 105a and block suction to the base 104a. The valve drive arrangement 158a may thus place the plug 502 of the suction changeover valve 127a in the base suction position when the upright body 102a is reclined from the upright position by a desired angle A and in the cleaning tool suction position when the upright body 102a is returned within the desired angle A (or a different second angle A) from the upright position.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the cams 708 and the cam followers 712 are arranged so that valve drive arrangement 158a places the plug 502 of the suction changeover valve 127a in the base suction position when the upright body 102a is reclined from the upright position by an angle A (FIG. 3) of 25 degrees and beyond and in the cleaning tool suction position when the upright body 102a is returned within 25 degrees from the upright position. FIGS. 4, 14, 15 illustrate positioning of the cams 708 on the sequential cam 704 and the cam followers 712 on the cam sector gear 706 when the upright body 102a is in the upright position relative to the base 104a. In the upright position the outer cam follower 1314 is rotated away from the outer cam 1214, as shown in FIG. 4, the second central cam follower 1322 is positioned adjacent the second central cam 1222, as shown in FIG. 14, and the inner cam follower 1316 is positioned against the inner cam 1216.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate positioning of the cams 708 on the sequential cam 704 and the cam followers 712 on the cam sector gear 706 when the upright body 102a is reclined by an angle A (FIG. 3) of 15 degrees from the upright position. At an angle of 15 degrees, the outer cam follower 1314 is positioned against the outer cam 1214, as shown in FIG. 16, the second central cam follower 1322 rotated away from the second central cam 1222, as shown in FIG. 17, and the inner cam follower 1316 rotated over the inner cam 1216, as shown in FIG. 18.

FIGS. 19-21 illustrate positioning of the cams 708 on the sequential cam 704 and the cam followers 712 on the cam sector gear 706 when the upright body 102a is reclined by an angle A (FIG. 3) of 25 degrees from the upright position. At an angle of 25 degrees, the outer cam follower 1314 rotated away from the outer cam 1214, as shown in FIG. 19, the second central cam follower 1322 rotated away from the second central cam 1222, as shown in FIG. 20, and the inner cam follower 1316 rotated over the inner cam 1216, as shown in FIG. 21.

When the upright body 102a is rotated more than 25 degrees from the upright position, the cams 708 do not interact with the cam followers 712 to further rotate the cam sector gear 706, the drive gear 702, and the plug 502 of the suction changeover valve 127a. As shown in FIG. 22, for example, when the upright body 102a is reclined by an angle A (FIG. 3) of 45 degrees from the upright position the inner cam follower 1316 is positioned on top of the inner cam 1216. The inner cam follower 1316 remains on top of the inner cam upon further rotation of the upright body to an angle A greater than 45 degrees, and, in some embodiments, up to 90 degrees. The cleaner thus operates with the plug 502 in the base suction position during a range of reclined angles during use. When the upright body 102a is rotated back to within 25 degrees of the upright position, the cams 708 engage the cam followers 712 to rotate the cam sector gear 706 and the drive gear 702 and return the plug 502 to the cleaning tool suction position.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the diverter valve 150 includes a door movable between a nozzle suction position and a chamber suction position by operation of a diverter valve switch 156 responsive to movement of the base 104 in rearward and forward directions, respectively. The diverter valve 150 may be provided in numerous configurations.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the base 104a and the portion 302 of the upright body 102a showing a door 2302 of one example embodiment of a diverter valve 150a consistent with the present disclosure in a chamber suction position after movement of the base 104a in a forward direction. FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the base 104a and the portion 302 of the upright body 102a showing the door 2302 of the example diverter valve 150a in a nozzle suction position after movement of the base 104a in a rearward direction. As shown in FIG. 23, when the door 2302 is in the chamber suction position, the diverter valve 150a is in the chamber suction state and the chamber suction inlet 154a is fluidly coupled to the suction changeover valve 127a through the diverter valve 150a and the base airflow path 119a, and fluid communication between the nozzle suction inlet 131a, the nozzle airflow path 152a, and the base airflow path 119a is blocked by the door 2302. In this chamber suction position, chamber debris, e.g., hair, and/or fluid, in the agitator chamber 116a may be drawn into the chamber suction inlet 154a, through the diverter valve 150a, the base airflow path 119a, the suction changeover valve 127a (when in a base suction state, not shown in FIG. 23) and into the recovery tank 108a.

When the door 2302 is in the nozzle suction position, as shown in FIG. 24, the diverter valve 150a is in the nozzle suction state and the nozzle suction inlet 131a is fluidly coupled to the suction changeover valve 127a through the nozzle airflow path 152a, the diverter valve 150a, and the base airflow path 119a and fluid communication between the chamber suction inlet 154a and the base airflow path 119a is blocked by the door 2302. In this nozzle suction position, debris, e.g. hair, and/or fluid on the surface to be cleaned 110 may be drawn into the nozzle suction inlet 131a, through the nozzle airflow path 152a, the diverter valve 150a, the base airflow path 119a, the suction changeover valve 127a (when in a base suction state, not shown in FIG. 24) and into the recovery tank 108a.

Although the door 2302 in the illustrated example embodiment is movable between the nozzle suction position and the chamber suction position. In embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, the door 2302 has an intermediate suction position between the nozzle suction position and the chamber suction position. When the door 2302 is in the intermediate suction position, the diverter valve 150a is in an intermediate suction state between the chamber suction state and the nozzle suction state. In the intermediate suction state, the chamber suction inlet 154a is fluidly coupled to the suction changeover valve 127a through the diverter valve 150a and the base airflow path 119a, and the nozzle suction inlet 131a is fluidly coupled to the suction changeover valve 127a through the nozzle airflow path 152a, the diverter valve 150a, and the base airflow path 119a. In some embodiments, the door 2302 may be biased more toward the nozzle suction position or the chamber suction position. For example, the door 2302 may be biased more toward the nozzle suction position during a rearward stroke of the cleaner and more toward the chamber suction position during a forward stroke. In the intermediate suction position, chamber debris, e.g., hair, and/or fluid, in the agitator chamber 116a may be drawn into the chamber suction inlet 154a, through the diverter valve 150a, the base airflow path 119a, the suction changeover valve 127a (when in a base suction state, not shown in FIG. 23) and into the recovery tank 108a, and debris, e.g. hair, and/or fluid, on the surface to be cleaned 110 may be drawn into the nozzle suction inlet 131a, through the nozzle airflow path 152a, the diverter valve 150a, the base airflow path 119a, the suction changeover valve 127a (when in a base suction state, not shown in FIG. 24) and into the recovery tank 108a.

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the diverter valve 150a and a diverter valve switch 156a in a nozzle switch state consistent with the present disclosure after the base 104a is moved in a rearward direction and the door 2302 of the diverter valve 150a is in the nozzle suction position. FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the diverter valve 150a, a diverter valve switch 156a in a chamber switch state, and portion of a status switch arrangement 2602 consistent with the present disclosure after the base 104a is moved in a rearward direction and the door 2302 of the diverter valve 150a is in the nozzle suction position. FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of the diverter valve 150a, the diverter valve switch 156a and the portion of the status switch arrangement 2602 after the base 104a is moved in a forward direction and the door 2302 of the diverter valve 150a is in the chamber suction position. Although in the illustrated example embodiment, the diverter valve switch 156a has a nozzle switch state and a chamber switch state, in some embodiments the diverter valve switch 156a may also, or alternatively, have an intermediate switch state for placing the door 2302 in the intermediate suction position.

As shown, in FIGS. 25-27, and in the sectional views of FIGS. 23 and 24, the diverter valve 150a includes a housing 2502 and a central cavity 2504. The door 2302 is supported in the central cavity 2504 for rotation relative to the housing 2502 about an associated axis 2304 (FIG. 23). The door 2302 is generally triangular in cross-section having a first side surface 2306, a second side surface 2402 (FIG. 24) and a base 2308 opposite an apex 2404. The axis of rotation 2304 of the door 2302 is closer to the apex 2404 of the door 2302 than to the base 2308 of the door 2302.

A first shoulder 2406 is defined in the upper portion of the central cavity 2504 and a second shoulder 2310 is defined in a lower portion of the central cavity 25404. When the door 2302 is rotated to the chamber suction position, as shown in FIG. 23, perimeter portions of the first side surface 2306 of the door 2302 contact the first shoulder 2406. When the door 2302 is rotated to the nozzle suction position, as shown in FIG. 24, perimeter portions of the second side surface 2402 of the door 2302 contact the second shoulder 2310.

The housing 2502 defines a nozzle inlet port 2506, the chamber inlet port 2508, and an outlet port 2604. As shown for example in FIG. 24, the nozzle inlet port 2506 is fluidly coupled to the nozzle suction inlet 131a through the nozzle airflow path 152a and the outlet port 2604 is fluidly coupled to the base airflow path 119a. The chamber inlet port 2508 is fluidly coupled to the chamber suction inlet 154a. When the door 2302 is in the nozzle suction position, the nozzle inlet port 2506 is fluidly coupled to the outlet port 2604 and the diverter valve 150a is in the nozzle suction state. When the door 2302 is in the chamber suction position, the chamber inlet port 2508 is fluidly coupled to the outlet port 2604 and the diverter valve 150a is in the chamber suction state.

The nozzle inlet port 2506 may include a seal thereon for matting with a corresponding seal of the nozzle airflow path 152a. In some embodiments, for example, the nozzle airflow path 152a may be defined in a removable cover 204 or door 206 of the base 104a, and the seal on the nozzle airflow path 152a may removably contact the seal on the diverter valve 150a to fluidly couple the nozzle airflow path 152a to the central cavity 2504 of the diverter valve 150a. The outlet port 2604 may be removably coupled to the base airflow path 119a by an interface 2412 coupling to the outlet port 2604 to the base airflow path 119a.

As shown in FIG. 25, in the illustrated example embodiment the housing 2502 has a generally T-shaped front wall 2510 including a central portion 2512 and left 2514 and right 2516 projections extending outwardly from the central portion 2512 to define first 2518 and second 2520 associated shoulders. When the diverter valve 150a is installed in the base 104a, the front wall 2510 forms a portion of a back wall of the agitator chamber 116a. In the illustrated example embodiment, the chamber inlet port 2508 is provided as a generally circular opening through the front wall 2510 and into the central cavity 2504.

FIG. 28 is a cross section of the base 104a showing the diverter valve switch 156a when the base 104a is moved in a rearward direction. As shown, the diverter valve switch 156a includes a body 2802 and a floor contacting member 2804 extending downwardly from the body 2802 toward the surface to be cleaned 110. The body 2802 of the diverter valve switch 156a is coupled to the diverter valve 150a for rotation relative to the diverter valve 150a and rotates about an axis 2806. The floor contacting member 2804 contacts the surface to be cleaned 110 during forward and rearward motion of the base 104a to cause corresponding rotation of the body 2802 about the axis 2806 to place the door 2302 in the chamber suction and nozzle suction positions, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the floor contacting member 2804 is configured as first 2808 and second 2810 groups of bristles.

FIGS. 29 and 30 are left and right side perspective views showing the diverter valve switch 156a. In the illustrated example embodiment, the body 2802 has a triangular shape with a rounded top 2904 and bottom 2906. The first 2802 and second 2810 groups of bristles each extend downwardly from the body 2802 at positive and negative non-zero angles, respectively, relative to a vertical axis 2902 of the body 2802. In some embodiments, the non-zero angles may be between about 20 and 40 degrees.

A first side 2908 of the body 2802 includes a receptacle 2910 for receiving a pivot pin extending into the housing 2502 of the diverter valve 150a. Responsive to movement of the base 104a, the first 2802 or second 2810 groups of bristles contact the surface to be cleaned 110 causing the body 2802 to rotate relative to the diverter valve 150a. The first side 2910 has an extension 2912 extending outwardly from the first side 2910 at the perimeter of the body 2802 and adjacent the top 2904 of the body 2802. A second side 2914 of the body 2802 is joined to the first side by an edge surface 2916. The edge surface 2916 includes a hammer 2920 extending outwardly therefrom adjacent the top 2904 of the body 2802.

The second side 2914 of the body 2802 includes a diverter valve interface 3004 coupled thereto. In the illustrated example embodiment, the diverter valve interface 3004 includes a first link arm 3006, a second link arm 3008 and door pin 3002. The first link arm 3006 has a first end 3010 pivotally coupled adjacent the top 2904 of the body 2802 below the position of the hammer 2920. The first link arm 3006 extends across the body 2802 to a second end 3012 positioned beyond the edge surface 2916 of the body 2802 adjacent the top 2904 of the body 2802. The second link arm 3008 has a first end 3014 coupled to the second end 3012 of the first link arm 3006 and extends downwardly generally in the direction of the edge surface 2916. The door pin 3002 extends outwardly from a second end 3016 of the second link arm 3008 for coupling to the door 2302 of the diverter valve 150a.

Although in the illustrated example embodiment the diverter valve switch 156a includes a body 2802 and a floor contacting member 2804 configured as first 2808 and second 2810 groups of bristles. It is to be understood that the diverter valve switch 156a may be provided in any configuration whereby, in response to the diverter valve switch 156a, when the base 104a is moved in rearward direction on the surface to be cleaned 110 the diverter valve switch 156a is moved to the nozzle switch state and the door 2302 is moved to the nozzle suction position, and when the door 2302 is moved in a forward direction on the surface to be cleaned 110 the diverter valve switch 156a is moved to the chamber switch state and the door 2302 is moved to the chamber suction position. The diverter valve switch 156 may include mechanical, electrical, optical components, such as a gear arrangement, solenoid, a Hall effect sensor, a microswitch, an optical switch, etc. The diverter valve switch 156 may be configured to move the door 2302 between the nozzle suction position directly, or indirectly by providing an output to the controller 145, which, in response, provides a control output, e.g., to a solenoid, for moving the door 2302 between the nozzle suction position and the chamber suction position. Also, numerous configurations for the floor contacting member 2404 are possible in an extraction cleaner 100 consistent with the present disclosure. For example, the floor contacting member 2404 may be configured as a resilient flap, a rigid member with a flexible member at an end thereof, etc.

FIG. 31 is a top perspective view of the diverter valve switch 156a coupled to the door 2302 of the diverter valve 150a by the pin 3002 (FIG. 29) and the status switch arrangement 2602. In the illustrated example embodiment, the status switch arrangement 2602 includes a plunger 3102, a first status switch 3104, a carriage 3106, and a second status switch 3108. Referring also to FIG. 32, the plunger 3102 includes a housing 3202, a plunger head 3204, a spring 3206 and a plunger pin 3208. The plunger head 3204 is positioned at least partially in the housing 3202 and is exposed at top of the housing 3202 with the spring 3206 biasing the plunger head 3204 in a direction toward the top of the housing 3202. The plunger pin 3208 is coupled to the bottom of the plunger head 3204. The second status switch 3108 is configured microswitch and is positioned adjacent the bottom of the housing 3202. The plunger pin 3208 extends outwardly from the bottom of the housing 3202 to contact a switch arm 3210 (shown in first and second positions in FIG. 32) of the microswitch 3108 when the plunger head 3204 is depressed downwardly against the bias 3206 of the spring.

When the base 104a is moved rearwardly in rear stroke by the user, contact of the bristles 2808, 2810 with the surface to be cleaned 110 causes the body 2802 of the diverter valve switch 156a to rotate with the hammer 2920 moving toward the rear of the base 104a. This rotation of the body 2802 causes corresponding rotation of the door 2302 to the nozzle suction position, as shown in FIG. 24 and causes the hammer 2920 to depress the plunger head 3204 to force the plunger pin 3208 to contact the switch arm 3210 of the first status switch 3104, as shown in FIG. 32. Contact of the switch arm 3210 of the switch by the plunger pin 3208 changes the state of the first status switch 3104 from a chamber suction state to a nozzle suction state, indicating that the door 2302 is in the nozzle suction position.

With reference also to FIG. 33, the carriage 3106 has a first side 3302 positioned in opposed facing relationship to the first side 2908 of the body 2802. The first side of the carriage 3106 includes an extension 3304 positioned adjacent the extension 2912 on the first side 2908 of the body 2802. A first end 3306 of the carriage 3106 is pivotally coupled to the base 104a. A second end 3306 of the carriage 3106 is spring biased upwardly toward a stop 3308 by a spring 3310 at the first end 3306. The second status switch 3108 is configured as a microswitch and a switch arm 3312 (shown in first and second positions in FIG. 33) of the microswitch is positioned adjacent a bottom surface 3314 of the carriage 3106.

When the base 104a is moved forwardly in a forward stroke by a user, contact of the bristles 2108, 2110 with the surface to be cleaned 110 causes the body 2802 to rotate with the hammer 2920 moving away from the plunger 3102 and toward the front of the base 104a, as shown in FIG. 31. This rotation of the body 2802 causes corresponding rotation of the door 2302 to the chamber suction position, as shown in FIG. 23 and causes the extension 2912 on the first side 2908 of the body 2802 to contact the extension 3304 on the first side 3302 the carriage 3106 to depress the carriage 3106 into contact with the switch arm 3312 of the second status switch 3108. Contact of the switch arm 3312 by the carriage 3106 changes the state of the second status switch 3108 from a nozzle suction state to a chamber suction state, indicating that the door 2302 is in chamber suction position.

Although the illustrated status switch arrangement 2602 includes a plunger 3102 and a carriage 3106, numerous configurations for the status switch arrangement 2602 are possible. The status switch arrangement 2602 may include any feature or combinations of features configured to provide different switch outputs associated with movement of the diverter valve door 2302 between the nozzle suction position and the chamber suction position. Also, the first status switch 3104 and the second status switch 3108 in the illustrated example embodiment are configured as a microswitches. Numerous configurations for the first 3104 and second 3108 status switches are possible. The status switches may be any type of switch configuration, e.g., a Hall effect switch, optical switch etc. configured to be responsive a position of the diverter valve switch 156a.

The states of the first 3104 and second 3108 status switches indicate whether the door 2302 of the diverter valve 150a has fully reached the nozzle suction position and the chamber suction position. When diverter valve 150a is operating properly and the door 2302 is moved to the nozzle suction position (FIG. 24), the first 3104 and second 3108 status switches will both be in the nozzle suction state, and when the door 2303 is moved to the chamber suction position (FIG. 23) both the first 3104 and second 3108 status switches will be in the chamber suction state. However, if movement of the door 2302 to the nozzle suction position and/or the chamber suction position is blocked by hair or other debris in the central cavity 2504 of the diverter valve 150a, then one or both of the status switches 3104, 3108 will not be in the state corresponding to the intended nozzle position. For example, if the door 2302 is blocked from fully reaching the nozzle suction state by hair in the central cavity 2504, the first status switch 3104 will not be switched by the plunger pin 3208 to the nozzle suction state and will remain in the chamber suction state, but the second status switch 3108 will be switched by movement of the carriage 3106 to the nozzle suction state. Blockage of the door 2302 by debris in the interior cavity is indicated when the first status switch 3104 is in one of the chamber suction state or the nozzle suction state while the second status switch 3108 is in the other of the chamber suction state or nozzle suction state.

As shown in FIG. 34, the states of the first 3104 and second 3108 status switches may be communicated to the controller 145. The controller 145 may be configured to compare the states of the first 3104 and second 3108 status switches. When the states of the first 3104 and second 3108 status switches do not match, the controller 145 may provide an alert message to the user via to one or more lamps 5108 on the upright body 102a and/or to the control panel 141 indicating there is a blockage of the diverter valve 150a. In response to the alert message the user may clear the debris from the diverter valve 150a.

In embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, the diverter valve 150a may be removable from the base 104a for cleaning and/or replacement. As shown in FIG. 35, for example, a portion of the rear wall 164 of the agitator chamber 116a may be defined by the base 104a and the top 162 and front 160 of the agitator chamber 116a may be defined by cover 206, the door 204 cover and/or the nozzle 202 and configured to removably mate with portion of the rear wall 164 defined by the base 104a. In FIG. 35 the base 104a is shown with the door 204 and the nozzle 202 removed.

As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the diverter valve 150a is arranged in the base 104a with the front wall 2510 of the diverter valve 150a disposed in an opening 3602 of the portion of the rear wall 164a of the agitator chamber 116a. The opening 3602 is generally t-shaped and includes a central portion 3604 and first 3606 and second 3608 (FIG. 35) extensions. The central portion 3604 is sized to receive the central portion 2512 of the front wall 2510 of the diverter valve 150a. The first 3606 and second 3608 extensions of the opening 3606 define associated shelves 3610, 3612 (FIG. 35) for receiving the shoulders 2518, 2520 the front wall 2510 of the diverter valve 150a. The front wall 2510 of the diverter valve 150a thus fills the opening 3602 in the portion of the rear wall 164a with the central portion 2512 of the front wall 2510 disposed in the central portion 3604 of the opening 3602 and the shoulders 2518, 2520 of the of the diverter valve 150a in opposed facing relationship to the shelves 3610, 3612 of the opening 3602. The top 3616 of the front wall 2510 is aligned with a top 3616 of the portion of the rear wall 164a on opposite sides of the opening 3602. The curvature of the font wall 2510 of the diverter valve 150a matches the curvature of the portion of the portion of the rear wall 164a defined by the base 104a.

As shown in FIG. 36, the diverter valve 150a can be removed from the base 104a without the use of tools when the door 204 and nozzle 202 are removed. To remove the diverter valve 150a, a user may pull the diverter valve 150a upwardly to separate the diverter valve 150a from the base 104a. To install the diverter valve 150a a user may align the central portion 2512 of the front wall 2510 of the diverter valve 150a with the central opening 2602 and insert the front wall 2510 into the opening 2602 until the top 3614 of the front wall 2510 is aligned with the top 3615 of the portion of the rear wall 164a.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the diverter valve switch 156a is removable with the diverter valve 150a. However, numerous configurations are possible, depending on the configuration of the diverter valve switch 156a and the status switch arrangement 2602. In some embodiments, for example, the diverter valve switch 156a may be removably coupled to the diverter valve 150a and remain in the base 104a when the diverter valve 150a is removed from the base 104a. Also, the switch arrangement 2602, or a portion thereof, may be removable from the base 104a with the diverter valve 150a.

Thus, according to one aspect of the disclosure there is provided an extraction cleaner including: a base; an agitator chamber defined by the base; an agitator disposed in the agitator chamber for agitating the surface to be cleaned; at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the base, the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle being configured for distributing a fluid directly or indirectly onto a surface to be cleaned; a nozzle suction inlet disposed at a bottom of the base and forward of the agitator chamber; a recovery tank; a diverter valve, the diverter valve including a nozzle inlet port in fluid communication with the nozzle suction inlet through a nozzle airflow path, a chamber inlet port in fluid communication with a chamber suction inlet within the agitator chamber, and an outlet port coupled to a base airflow path; and the diverter valve having a nozzle suction state wherein the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the nozzle inlet port for receiving recovered fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the nozzle suction inlet and into the recovery tank and chamber suction state wherein the output port is fluidly coupled to the chamber inlet port for receiving chamber debris from the agitator chamber through the chamber suction inlet and into the recovery tank.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the diverter valve has an intermediate suction state wherein the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the nozzle inlet port for receiving recovered fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the nozzle suction inlet and into the recovery tank and the output port is fluidly coupled to the chamber inlet port for receiving chamber debris from the agitator chamber through the chamber suction inlet and into the recovery tank.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes a diverter valve switch having a nozzle switch state when the base is moved in a rearward direction and a chamber switch state when the base is moved in a forward direction, the diverter valve being responsive to the diverter valve switch, whereby when the diverter valve switch is in the nozzle switch state the diverter valve is in the nozzle suction state and when the diverter valve switch is in the chamber switch state the diverter valve is in the chamber suction state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure the diverter valve switch includes: a body rotatably mounted relative to the diverter valve, whereby movement of the base in the rearward direction causes rotation of the body to place the diverter valve switch in the nozzle switch state and movement of the base in the forward direction causes rotation of the body to place the diverter valve switch in the chamber switch state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the diverter valve switch includes a floor contacting member extending downwardly from the body, the floor contacting member being positioned to contact the surface to be cleaned to cause the rotation of the body to place the diverter valve switch in the nozzle switch state and the rotation of the body to place the diverter valve switch in the chamber switch state. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the floor contacting member includes a first group of bristles and a second group of bristles.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the diverter valve switch includes a valve interface including a first link arm having a first end coupled to the body and a second link arm having a first end coupled to a second end of the first link arm, the second link arm having a second end coupled to a door of the diverter valve.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes a first status switch having a first status switch nozzle suction state and a first status switch chamber suction state; and a second status switch having a second status switch nozzle suction state and a second status switch chamber suction state, wherein when the diverter valve switch is in the nozzle switch state the first status switch is placed in the first status switch nozzle suction state and the second status switch is placed in the second status switch nozzle suction state, and wherein when the diverter valve switch is in the chamber switch state the first status switch is placed in the first status switch chamber suction state and the second status switch is placed in the second status switch chamber suction state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the diverter valve switch includes: a body rotatably mounted relative to the diverter valve, whereby movement of the base in the rearward direction causes rotation of the body to place the diverter valve switch in the nozzle switch state and movement of the base in the forward direction causes rotation of the body to place the diverter valve switch in the chamber switch state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the body includes: a hammer positioned to place the first status switch in the first status switch nozzle suction state or a first status switch chamber suction state upon movement of the base in the rearward direction; and an extension configured to place the second status switch in the second status switch nozzle suction state or the second status switch chamber suction state upon movement of the base in the forward direction.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes a plunger positioned adjacent the hammer; and a carriage positioned adjacent the extension, wherein the hammer is configured to contact the plunger to place the first status switch in the first status switch nozzle suction state or the first status switch chamber suction state upon movement of the base in the rearward direction, and the extension is configured to contact the carriage to place the second status switch in the second status switch nozzle suction state or the second status switch chamber suction state upon movement of the base in the forward direction.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the diverter valve switch includes: a floor contacting member extending downwardly from the body, the floor contacting member being positioned to contact the surface to be cleaned to cause the rotation of the body to place the diverter valve switch in the nozzle switch state and the rotation of the body to place the diverter valve switch in the chamber switch state. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the floor contacting member includes a first group of bristles and a second group of bristles.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the diverter valve switch includes: a valve interface including a first link arm having a first end coupled to the body and a second link arm having a first end coupled to a second end of the first link arm, the second link arm having a second end coupled to a door of the diverter valve.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the diverter valve includes a door rotatably disposed in a central cavity for movement between a nozzle suction position and a chamber suction position, wherein when the door is in the nozzle suction position the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the nozzle inlet port and when the door is in the chamber suction position the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the chamber inlet port.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the diverter valve includes a first shelf and a second shelf in the central cavity, wherein a first side of the door is positioned against the first shelf when the door is in the nozzle suction position, and wherein a second side of the door is positioned against the second shelf when the door is in the chamber suction position. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the door has a triangular shape and is rotatably disposed in the central cavity for rotation about an axis adjacent an apex of the triangular shape.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the diverter valve has a front wall, and the chamber inlet port is provided through the front wall. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the front wall forms a portion of a rear wall of the agitator chamber. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the front wall is removably disposed in an opening in a portion of the rear wall of the agitator chamber.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the extraction cleaner further include a flexible hose; a cleaning tool coupled to the flexible hose; at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the cleaning tool, the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle configured for distributing a second fluid directly or indirectly onto a target surface; and a cleaning tool suction inlet disposed at a bottom of the cleaning tool and configured for positioning adjacent the target surface.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes a suction changeover valve, the suction changeover valve including: a base inlet port fluidly coupled to the diverter valve, a cleaning tool inlet port fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet, and a suction valve outlet port fluidly coupled to the recovery tank, the suction changeover valve having a base suction state wherein the suction valve outlet port is fluidly coupled to the base inlet port for receiving recovered fluid from the surface to be cleaned or chamber debris through the diverter valve and into the recovery tank and a cleaning tool suction state wherein the suction valve outlet port is fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet for receiving recovered fluid from the target surface through the cleaning tool inlet port and into the recovery tank.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes an upright body pivotally coupled to the base, the suction changeover valve being disposed in the upright body; and a valve drive arrangement coupled between the base and the suction changeover valve, the valve drive arrangement including: a drive gear coupled to the suction changeover valve, a sequential cam fixed to the base, the sequential cam including at least two cams disposed at different positions across a width of the sequential cam, and a cam sector gear rotationally coupled between the sequential cam and the drive gear, the cam sector gear including at least two cam followers disposed at different positions across a width of the cam sector gear, wherein upon rotation of the upright body relative to the base, the at least two cams engage the at least two cam followers to cause rotation of the cam sector gear and the drive gear to move the suction changeover valve to the base suction state or the cleaning tool suction state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the suction changeover valve is moved to the base suction state by the engagement of the at least two cams and the at least two cam followers when the upright body is reclined to a first angle relative to an upright position of the upright body relative to the base and is moved to the cleaning tool suction state when upright body is returned to a second angle relative to the upright position. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first angle is equal to the second angle. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first angle and the second angle are equal to 25 degrees.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the at least two cams are disposed on a bottom of the cam sector gear and a plurality of teeth are provided on the top of the cam sector gear, and wherein the teeth are in meshing engagement with teeth on the drive gear.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the drive gear is coupled to a plug of the suction changeover valve, whereby rotation of the drive gear rotates the plug between a base suction position wherein the suction changeover valve is in the base suction state and a cleaning tool suction position wherein the suction changeover valve is in the cleaning tool suction state. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the plug is removably disposed in a cavity of the suction changeover valve.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes at least one supply tank for storing the fluid. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle is disposed in the agitator chamber.

According to another aspect of the disclosure there is provided an extraction cleaner including a base; an agitator chamber defined by the base an agitator disposed in the agitator chamber for agitating the surface to be cleaned; at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the base, the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle being configured for distributing a fluid directly or indirectly onto a surface to be cleaned; a nozzle suction inlet disposed at a bottom of the base and forward of the agitator chamber; a recovery tank; a diverter valve, the diverter valve including a nozzle inlet port in fluid communication with the nozzle suction inlet through a nozzle airflow path, a chamber inlet port in fluid communication with a chamber suction inlet within the agitator chamber, and an outlet port coupled to a base airflow path; the diverter valve having a nozzle suction state wherein the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the nozzle inlet port for receiving recovered fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the nozzle suction inlet and into the recovery tank and chamber suction state wherein the output port is fluidly coupled to the chamber inlet port for receiving chamber debris from the agitator chamber through the chamber suction inlet and into the recovery tank; a diverter valve switch including; a body rotatably coupled to the diverter valve, a floor contacting member extending downward from the body, the floor contacting member being positioned to contact the surface to be cleaned to cause the rotation of the body; whereby movement of the base in the rearward direction causes rotation of the body to place the diverter valve in the nozzle suction state and movement of the base in the forward direction causes rotation of the body to place the diverter valve in the chamber suction state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes a first status switch having a first status switch nozzle suction state and a first status switch chamber suction state; and a second status switch having a second status switch nozzle suction state and a second status switch chamber suction state, wherein when the diverter valve is in the nozzle suction state the first status switch is placed in the first status switch nozzle suction state and the second status switch is placed in the second status switch nozzle suction state, and wherein when the diverter valve is in the chamber suction state the first status switch is placed in the first status switch chamber suction state and the second status switch is placed in the second status switch chamber suction state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the body includes: a hammer positioned to place the first status switch in the first status switch nozzle suction state or a first status switch chamber suction state upon movement of the base in the rearward direction; and an extension configured to place the second status switch in the second status switch nozzle suction state or the second status switch chamber suction state upon movement of the base in the forward direction.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes a plunger positioned adjacent the hammer; and a carriage positioned adjacent the extension, wherein the hammer is configured to contact the plunger to place the first status switch in the first status switch nozzle suction state or the first status switch chamber suction state upon movement of the base in the rearward direction, and the extension is configured to contact the carriage to place the second status switch in the second status switch nozzle suction state or the second status switch chamber suction state upon movement of the base in the forward direction.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the diverter valve includes: a door coupled to the body and rotatably disposed in a central cavity for movement between a nozzle suction position and a chamber suction position, wherein when the door is in the nozzle suction position the diverter valve is in the nozzle suction state when the door is in the chamber suction position the diverter valve is in the chamber suction state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the diverter valve includes a first shelf and a second shelf in the central cavity, wherein a first side of the door is positioned against the first shelf when the door is in the nozzle suction position, and wherein a second side of the door is positioned against the second shelf when the door is in the chamber suction position. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the door has a triangular shape and is rotatably disposed in the central cavity for rotation about an axis adjacent an apex of the triangular shape.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the diverter valve has a front wall, and the chamber inlet port is provided through the front wall. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the front wall forms a portion of a rear wall of the agitator chamber. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the front wall is removably disposed in an opening in a portion of the rear wall of the agitator chamber.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the floor contacting member includes a first group of bristles and a second group of bristles.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the diverter valve switch includes: a valve interface including a first link arm having a first end coupled to the body and a second link arm having a first end coupled to a second end of the first link arm, the second link arm having a second end coupled to a door of the diverter valve.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the extraction cleaner includes a flexible hose; a cleaning tool coupled to the flexible hose; at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the cleaning tool, the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle configured for distributing a second fluid directly or indirectly onto a target surface; a cleaning tool suction inlet disposed at a bottom of the cleaning tool and configured for positioning adjacent the target surface;

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes a suction changeover valve, the suction changeover valve including: a base inlet port fluidly coupled to the diverter valve, a cleaning tool inlet port fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet, and a suction valve outlet port fluidly coupled to the recovery tank, the suction changeover valve having a base suction state wherein the suction valve outlet port is fluidly coupled to the base inlet port for receiving recovered fluid from the surface to be cleaned or chamber debris through the diverter valve and into the recovery tank and a cleaning tool suction state wherein the suction valve outlet port is fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet for receiving recovered fluid from the target surface through the cleaning tool inlet port and into the recovery tank.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes an upright body pivotally coupled to the base, the suction changeover valve being disposed in the upright body; and a valve drive arrangement coupled between the base and the suction changeover valve, the valve drive arrangement including: a drive gear coupled to the suction changeover valve, a sequential cam fixed to the base, the sequential cam including at least two cams disposed at different positions across a width of the sequential cam, and a cam sector gear rotationally coupled between the sequential cam and the drive gear, the cam sector gear including at least two cam followers disposed at different positions across a width of the cam sector gear, wherein upon rotation of the upright body relative to the base, the at least two cams engage the at least two cam followers to cause rotation of the cam sector gear and the drive gear to move the suction changeover valve to the base suction state or the cleaning tool suction state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the suction changeover valve is moved to the base suction state by the engagement of the at least two cams and the at least two cam followers when the upright body is reclined to a first angle relative to an upright position of the upright body relative to the base and is moved to the cleaning tool suction state when upright body is returned to a second angle relative to the upright position. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first angle is equal to the second angle. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first angle and the second angle are equal to 25 degrees.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the at least two cams are disposed on a bottom of the cam sector gear and a plurality of teeth are provided on the top of the cam sector gear, and wherein the teeth are in meshing engagement with teeth on the drive gear.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the drive gear is coupled to a plug of the suction changeover valve, whereby rotation of the drive gear rotates the plug between a base suction position wherein the suction changeover valve is in the base suction state and a cleaning tool suction position wherein the suction changeover valve is in the cleaning tool suction state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the plug is removably disposed in a cavity of the suction changeover valve.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes at least one supply tank for storing the fluid. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle is disposed in the agitator chamber.

According to another aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of operating an extraction cleaner configured to deposit fluid on a surface to be cleaned and collect the fluid in a recovery tank, the method including: providing suction at a chamber suction inlet within an agitator chamber of the extraction cleaner during a forward stroke of the extraction cleaner to draw chamber debris into the recovery tank; and providing suction at nozzle suction inlet forward of the agitator chamber during a rearward stroke of the extraction cleaner to draw the fluid into the recovery tank.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an extraction cleaner including a base; an upright body pivotally coupled to the base; an agitator chamber defined by the base; an agitator disposed in the agitator chamber for agitating the surface to be cleaned;

at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the base, the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle being configured for distributing a fluid directly or indirectly onto a surface to be cleaned; a nozzle suction inlet disposed at a bottom of the base and forward of the agitator chamber; a recovery tank; a flexible hose; a cleaning tool coupled to the flexible hose; at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the cleaning tool, the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle configured for distributing a second fluid directly or indirectly onto a target surface; a cleaning tool suction inlet disposed at a bottom of the cleaning tool and configured for positioning adjacent the target surface; a suction changeover valve disposed in the upright body, the suction changeover valve including: a base inlet port fluidly coupled a base airflow path, a cleaning tool inlet port fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet, and a suction valve outlet port fluidly coupled to the recovery tank, the suction changeover valve having a base suction state wherein the suction valve outlet port is fluidly coupled to the base inlet port for receiving recovered fluid and debris from the base airflow path into the recovery tank and a cleaning tool suction state wherein the suction valve outlet port is fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet for receiving recovered fluid and debris from the target surface through the cleaning tool inlet port and into the recovery tank; and a valve drive arrangement coupled between the base and the suction changeover valve, the valve drive arrangement including: a drive gear coupled to the suction changeover valve, a sequential cam fixed to the base, the sequential cam including at least two cams disposed at different positions across a width of the sequential cam, and a cam sector gear rotationally coupled between the sequential cam and the drive gear, the cam sector gear including at least two cam followers disposed at different positions across a width of the cam sector gear, wherein upon rotation of the upright body relative to the base, the at least two cams engage the at least two cam followers to cause rotation of the cam sector gear and the drive gear to move the suction changeover valve to the base suction state or the cleaning tool suction state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the suction changeover valve is moved to the base suction state by the engagement of the at least two cams and the at least two cam followers when the upright body is reclined to a first angle relative to an upright position of the upright body relative to the base and is moved to the cleaning tool suction state when upright body is returned to a second angle relative to the upright position.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first angle is equal to the second angle. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first angle and the second angle are equal to 25 degrees.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the at least two cams are disposed on a bottom of the cam sector gear and a plurality of teeth are provided on the top of the cam sector gear, and wherein the teeth are in meshing engagement with teeth on the drive gear.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the drive gear is coupled to a plug of the suction changeover valve, whereby rotation of the drive gear rotates the plug between a base suction position wherein the suction changeover valve is in the base suction state and a cleaning tool suction position wherein the suction changeover valve is in the cleaning tool suction state. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the plug is removably disposed in a cavity of the suction changeover valve.

According to another aspect of the disclosure there is provided an extraction cleaner including a base; an upright body pivotally coupled to the base; an agitator chamber defined by the base; an agitator disposed in the agitator chamber for agitating the surface to be cleaned; at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the base, the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle being configured for distributing a fluid directly or indirectly onto a surface to be cleaned; a nozzle suction inlet disposed at a bottom of the base and forward of the agitator chamber; a recovery tank; a flexible hose; a cleaning tool coupled to the flexible hose; at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the cleaning tool, the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle configured for distributing a second fluid directly or indirectly onto a target surface; a cleaning tool suction inlet disposed at a bottom of the cleaning tool and configured for positioning adjacent the target surface; a suction changeover valve disposed in the upright body, the suction changeover valve including: a base inlet port fluidly coupled a base airflow path, a cleaning tool inlet port fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet, and a suction valve outlet port fluidly coupled to the recovery tank, the suction changeover valve having a base suction state wherein the suction valve outlet port is fluidly coupled to the base inlet port for receiving recovered fluid and debris from the base airflow path into the recovery tank and a cleaning tool suction state wherein the suction valve outlet port is fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet for receiving recovered fluid and debris from the target surface through the cleaning tool inlet port and into the recovery tank; and a valve drive arrangement coupled between the base and the suction changeover valve, the valve drive arrangement including: a drive gear coupled to the suction changeover valve, a sequential cam fixed to the base, the sequential cam including at least one cam extending from a top surface thereof, and a cam sector gear rotationally coupled between the sequential cam and the drive gear, the cam sector gear including at least one came disposed at a bottom thereof, wherein upon rotation of the upright body relative to the base, the at least one cam engages the at least one cam follower to cause rotation of the cam sector gear and the drive gear to move the suction changeover valve to the base suction state or the cleaning tool suction state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the at least one cam includes a plurality of sequential teeth and the at least one cam follower includes a plurality of teeth in meshing engagement with the plurality of sequential teeth.

The foregoing description of example embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Future-filed applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in a different manner and generally may include any set of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein.

It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present invention is directed to each individual feature, aspect, embodiment, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, aspects, embodiments, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present invention.

The functions of the various elements shown in the figures, including any functional blocks labeled as a controller or processor, may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software. The functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. Moreover, explicit use of the term controller or processor should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage. Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included.

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified, unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

The term “coupled” as used herein refers to any connection, coupling, link or the like by which signals carried by one system element are imparted to the “coupled” element. Such “coupled” devices, or signals and devices, are not necessarily directly connected to one another and may be separated by intermediate components or devices that may manipulate or modify such signals. Likewise, the terms “connected” or “coupled” as used herein in regard to mechanical or physical connections or couplings is a relative term and does not require a direct physical connection.

Elements, components, modules, and/or parts thereof that are described and/or otherwise portrayed through the figures to communicate with, be associated with, and/or be based on, something else, may be understood to so communicate, be associated with, and/or be based on in a direct and/or indirect manner, unless otherwise stipulated herein.

Unless otherwise stated, use of the word “substantially” may be construed to include a precise relationship, condition, arrangement, orientation, and/or other characteristic, and deviations thereof as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, to the extent that such deviations do not materially affect the disclosed methods and systems. Throughout the entirety of the present disclosure, use of the articles “a” and/or “an” and/or “the” to modify a noun may be understood to be used for convenience and to include one, or more than one, of the modified noun, unless otherwise specifically stated. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As used herein, use of the term “nominal” or “nominally” when referring to an amount means a designated or theoretical amount that may vary from the actual amount.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” upper,” “lower,” “above”, “left”, “right” and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” “third” etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections are not to be limited by these terms as they are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the scope and teachings of the present invention.

Although the methods and systems have been described relative to specific embodiments thereof, they are not so limited. Obviously, many modifications and variations may become apparent in light of the above teachings. Many additional changes in the details, materials, and arrangement of parts, herein described and illustrated, may be made by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An extraction cleaner comprising: a base;an agitator chamber defined by the base;an agitator disposed in the agitator chamber for agitating the surface to be cleaned;at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the base, the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle being configured for distributing a fluid directly or indirectly onto a surface to be cleaned;a nozzle suction inlet disposed at a bottom of the base and forward of the agitator chamber;a recovery tank; anda diverter valve, the diverter valve comprising a nozzle inlet port in fluid communication with the nozzle suction inlet through a nozzle airflow path,a chamber inlet port in fluid communication with a chamber suction inlet within the agitator chamber, andan outlet port coupled to a base airflow path,the diverter valve having a nozzle suction state wherein the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the nozzle inlet port for receiving recovered fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the nozzle suction inlet and into the recovery tank and chamber suction state wherein the output port is fluidly coupled to the chamber inlet port for receiving chamber debris from the agitator chamber through the chamber suction inlet and into the recovery tank.

2. The extraction cleaner according to claim 1 further comprising: a diverter valve switch having a nozzle switch state when the base is moved in a rearward direction and a chamber switch state when the base is moved in a forward direction,the diverter valve being responsive to the diverter valve switch, whereby when the diverter valve switch is in the nozzle switch state the diverter valve is in the nozzle suction state and when the diverter valve switch is in the chamber switch state the diverter valve is in the chamber suction state.

3. The extraction cleaner according to claim 2 further comprising: a first status switch having a first status switch nozzle suction state and a first status switch chamber suction state; anda second status switch having a second status switch nozzle suction state and a second status switch chamber suction state,wherein when the diverter valve switch is in the nozzle switch state the first status switch is placed in the first status switch nozzle suction state and the second status switch is placed in the second status switch nozzle suction state, andwherein when the diverter valve switch is in the chamber switch state the first status switch is placed in the first status switch chamber suction state and the second status switch is placed in the second status switch chamber suction state.

4. The extraction cleaner of claim 2, wherein the diverter valve switch comprises: a body rotatably mounted relative to the diverter valve,whereby movement of the base in the rearward direction causes rotation of the body to place the diverter valve switch in the nozzle switch state and movement of the base in the forward direction causes rotation of the body to place the diverter valve switch in the chamber switch state.

5. The extraction cleaner of claim 4, wherein the diverter valve switch comprises: a floor contacting member extending downwardly from the body,the floor contacting member being positioned to contact the surface to be cleaned to cause the rotation of the body to place the diverter valve switch in the nozzle switch state and the rotation of the body to place the diverter valve switch in the chamber switch state.

6. The extraction cleaner of claim 4, wherein the diverter valve switch comprises: a valve interface comprising a first link arm having a first end coupled to the body and a second link arm having a first end coupled to a second end of the first link arm, the second link arm having a second end coupled to a door of the diverter valve.

7. The extraction cleaner of claim 4, wherein the body comprises: a hammer positioned to place the first status switch in the first status switch nozzle suction state or a first status switch chamber suction state upon movement of the base in the rearward direction; andan extension configured to place the second status switch in the second status switch nozzle suction state or the second status switch chamber suction state upon movement of the base in the forward direction.

8. The extraction cleaner according to claim 7 further comprising: a plunger positioned adjacent the hammer;and a carriage positioned adjacent the extension,wherein the hammer is configured to contact the plunger to place the first status switch in the first status switch nozzle suction state or the first status switch chamber suction state upon movement of the base in the rearward direction, andthe extension is configured to contact the carriage to place the second status switch in the second status switch nozzle suction state or the second status switch chamber suction state upon movement of the base in the forward direction.

9. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein the diverter valve comprises: a door rotatably disposed in a central cavity for movement between a nozzle suction position and a chamber suction position,wherein when the door is in the nozzle suction position the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the nozzle inlet port and when the door is in the chamber suction position the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the chamber inlet port.

10. The extraction cleaner of claim 9, wherein the diverter valve comprises a first shelf and a second shelf in the central cavity,wherein a first side of the door is positioned against the first shelf when the door is in the nozzle suction position, andwherein a second side of the door is positioned against the second shelf when the door is in the chamber suction position.

11. The extraction cleaner of claim 9, wherein the door has a triangular shape and is rotatably disposed in the central cavity for rotation about an axis adjacent an apex of the triangular shape.

12. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein the diverter valve has a front wall, and wherein the chamber inlet port is provided through the front wall.

13. The extraction cleaner of claim 12, wherein the front wall is removably disposed in an opening in a portion of the rear wall of the agitator chamber.

14. The extraction cleaner according to claim 1 further comprising a flexible hose;a cleaning tool coupled to the flexible hose;at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the cleaning tool, the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle configured for distributing a second fluid directly or indirectly onto a target surface; anda cleaning tool suction inlet disposed at a bottom of the cleaning tool and configured for positioning adjacent the target surface.

15. The extraction cleaner according to claim 14 further comprising: a suction changeover valve, the suction changeover valve comprising: a base inlet port fluidly coupled to the diverter valve,a cleaning tool inlet port fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet, anda suction valve outlet port fluidly coupled to the recovery tank,the suction changeover valve having a base suction state wherein the suction valve outlet port is fluidly coupled to the base inlet port for receiving recovered fluid from the surface to be cleaned or chamber debris through the diverter valve and into the recovery tank and a cleaning tool suction state wherein the suction valve outlet port is fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet for receiving recovered fluid from the target surface through the cleaning tool inlet port and into the recovery tank.

16. The extraction cleaner according to claim 15 further comprising: an upright body pivotally coupled to the base, the suction changeover valve being disposed in the upright body; anda valve drive arrangement coupled between the base and the suction changeover valve, the valve drive arrangement comprising: a drive gear coupled to the suction changeover valve,a sequential cam fixed to the base, the sequential cam comprising at least two cams disposed at different positions across a width of the sequential cam, anda cam sector gear rotationally coupled between the sequential cam and the drive gear, the cam sector gear comprising at least two cam followers disposed at different positions across a width of the cam sector gear,wherein upon rotation of the upright body relative to the base, the at least two cams engage the at least two cam followers to cause rotation of the cam sector gear and the drive gear to move the suction changeover valve to the base suction state or the cleaning tool suction state.

17. The extraction cleaner according to claim 16, wherein the suction changeover valve is moved to the base suction state by the engagement of the at least two cams and the at least two cam followers when the upright body is reclined to a first angle relative to an upright position of the upright body relative to the base and is moved to the cleaning tool suction state when upright body is returned to a second angle relative to the upright position.

18. The extraction cleaner of claim 16, wherein the at least two cams are disposed on a bottom of the cam sector gear and a plurality of teeth are provided on the top of the cam sector gear, and wherein the teeth are in meshing engagement with teeth on the drive gear.

19. The extraction cleaner of claim 16, wherein the drive gear is coupled to a plug of the suction changeover valve, whereby rotation of the drive gear rotates the plug between a base suction position wherein the suction changeover valve is in the base suction state and a cleaning tool suction position wherein the suction changeover valve is in the cleaning tool suction state.

20. An extraction cleaner comprising: a base;an upright body pivotally coupled to the base;an agitator chamber defined by the base;an agitator disposed in the agitator chamber for agitating the surface to be cleaned;at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the base, the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle being configured for distributing a fluid directly or indirectly onto a surface to be cleaned;a nozzle suction inlet disposed at a bottom of the base and forward of the agitator chamber;a recovery tank;a flexible hose;a cleaning tool coupled to the flexible hose;at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the cleaning tool, the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle configured for distributing a second fluid directly or indirectly onto a target surface;a cleaning tool suction inlet disposed at a bottom of the cleaning tool and configured for positioning adjacent the target surface;a suction changeover valve disposed in the upright body, the suction changeover valve comprising: a base inlet port fluidly coupled a base airflow path,a cleaning tool inlet port fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet, anda suction valve outlet port fluidly coupled to the recovery tank,the suction changeover valve having a base suction state wherein the suction valve outlet port is fluidly coupled to the base inlet port for receiving recovered fluid and debris from the base airflow path into the recovery tank and a cleaning tool suction state wherein the suction valve outlet port is fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet for receiving recovered fluid and debris from the target surface through the cleaning tool inlet port and into the recovery tank; anda valve drive arrangement coupled between the base and the suction changeover valve, the valve drive arrangement comprising: a drive gear coupled to the suction changeover valve,a sequential cam fixed to the base, the sequential cam comprising at least two cams disposed at different positions across a width of the sequential cam, anda cam sector gear rotationally coupled between the sequential cam and the drive gear, the cam sector gear comprising at least two cam followers disposed at different positions across a width of the cam sector gear,wherein upon rotation of the upright body relative to the base, the at least two cams engage the at least two cam followers to cause rotation of the cam sector gear and the drive gear to move the suction changeover valve to the base suction state or the cleaning tool suction state.