VACUUM CLEANER WITH SMALL AREA EXTRACTION

BACKGROUND

Vacuum cleaners are provided with a vacuum collection system for creating a partial vacuum to suck up debris (which may include dirt, dust, soil, hair, and other debris) from a surface to be cleaned and collecting the removed debris in a space provided on the vacuum cleaner for later disposal. Vacuum cleaners are usable on a wide variety of common household surfaces such as soft flooring including carpets and rugs, and hard or bare flooring, including tile, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and linoleum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to an aspect of the disclosure vacuum cleaner includes an upright body, a base operably coupled to the upright body and including a dry suction nozzle and adapted for movement along a surface to be cleaned, a wet extraction module selectively operably couplable and removable from the base, the wet extraction module including a wet suction nozzle, and a suction source at least selectively fluidly coupled to the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle via a fluid recovery pathway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will now be described with respect to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to one aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a partially-exploded view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a dry recovery tank of the vacuum cleaner taken through line IV-IV of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of a wet extraction module 88 of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a wet pathway and a dry pathway of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an air flow diverter assembly of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a fluid delivery system of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a base of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a base of the vacuum cleaner according to another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a base of the vacuum cleaner according to another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a combination recovery tank that can be used in vacuum cleaner according to another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the combination recovery tank of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the combination recovery tank of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the combination recovery tank of FIG. 12 showing a wet pathway.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the combination recovery tank of FIG. 12 showing a dry pathway.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a portion of the wet extraction module 88 of the vacuum cleaner according to another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a control system for the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 according to another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 19A is a schematic view of a wet suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner in a lowered condition according to another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 19B is a schematic view of the wet suction nozzle of FIG. 19A in the raised condition.

FIG. 20A is a schematic view of the wet suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner in a lowered condition according to another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 20B is a schematic view of the wet suction nozzle of FIG. 20A in the raised condition.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a control system for the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a base that can optionally be included in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 in a dry mode of operation according to another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 22 in a wet mode of operation.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of an area rug mode of operation that can optionally be utilized in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 according to another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the area rug mode of operation that can optionally be utilized in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 according to another aspect of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a vacuum cleaner. Typical vacuum cleaners do not dispense or collect liquid, although some vacuum cleaners have been adapted for wet cleaning and can include liquid delivery and/or recovery systems. Aspects of the disclosure relate to an improved vacuum cleaner adapted for liquid delivery and/or recovery.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a vacuum cleaner is provided with a vacuum collection system for creating a partial vacuum to suck up debris, which may include dirt, dust, soil, hair, and other debris from a surface to be cleaned and collecting the removed debris in a space provided on the vacuum cleaner for later disposal, a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid (e.g. liquid) and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a recovery system for removing the spent cleaning fluid (e.g. liquid) and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris. The fluid delivery and recovery systems can be particularly configured for small area extraction, such as in treating spots and stains on a carpet or area rug.

The functional systems of the vacuum cleaner can be arranged into any desired configuration, such as an upright device having a base and an upright body for directing the base across the surface to be cleaned, a canister device having a cleaning implement connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose, a portable or hand-held device adapted to be hand carried by a user for cleaning relatively small areas, or an autonomous/robotic device. At least some of the aforementioned cleaners can be adapted to include a flexible vacuum hose, which can form a portion of the working air path between a nozzle and the suction source. Aspects of the disclosure may also be incorporated into a steam apparatus, such as surface cleaning apparatus with steam delivery.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 10 according to one aspect of the disclosure. As discussed in further detail below, the vacuum cleaner 10 can be adapted for selective use in small area extraction, as well as dry vacuum cleaning of any size area. As illustrated herein, the vacuum cleaner 10 is an upright vacuum cleaner 10 having a housing that includes an upright body 12 that is pivotally connected to a floor cleaning head or base 14 for directing the base 14 across the surface to be cleaned. For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the vacuum cleaner 10 as oriented in FIG. 1 from the perspective of a user behind the vacuum cleaner 10, which defines the rear of the vacuum cleaner 10. However, it is to be understood that the vacuum cleaner 10 may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

A pivot coupling 16 can connect the upright body 12 with the base 14 for movement between an upright storage position, shown in FIG. 1, and a reclined use position (not shown). The pivot coupling 16 can be a single axis or multi-axis coupling. The vacuum cleaner 10 can also be provided with a detent mechanism, such as a pedal pivotally mounted to the base 14, for selectively releasing the upright body 12 from the storage position to the use position. The details of such a detent pedal are known in the art, and will not be discussed in further detail herein. Wiring and/or conduits optionally supplying air and/or liquid (or other fluids) between the base 14 and the upright assembly, or vice versa, can extend though the pivot coupling 16.

With additional reference to FIG. 2, the upright body 12 includes a main support section or frame 18 having an elongated handle 20 extending upwardly from the frame 18 that is provided with a hand grip 22 at one end that can be used for maneuvering the base 14 of the vacuum cleaner 10 over a surface to be cleaned.

The vacuum collection system can include a working air path 24 through the housing of the vacuum cleaner 10. The working air path 24 can include a dirty air inlet 26 and a clean air outlet 28 (FIG. 4). The dirty air inlet 26 may be defined by a dry suction nozzle 30 in the base 14. In addition, the vacuum collection system may include one or more of a suction source 32, one example of which includes a suction motor, having an exhaust outlet. The suction source 32 can be in fluid communication with the dry suction nozzle 30 for generating a working airstream, and a working air treatment assembly, illustrated herein as a dry recovery tank 34, for removing and collecting debris from the working airstream for later disposal, portions of which can define the working air path 24 through the housing. The clean air outlet 28 (FIG. 4) can be defined by a tank exhaust opening (FIG. 4) downstream of the suction motor or suction source 32. The working air path 24 can extend at least partially through the pivot coupling 16, or can extend at least partially exteriorly of the pivot coupling 16.

In the illustrated vacuum cleaner 10, the suction motor or suction source 32 and dry recovery tank 34 are provided on the upright body 12, although other locations are possible. The upright body 12 further includes a receiver 36 on a front side of the frame 18, which can detachably receive and support the dry recovery tank 34 on the upright body 12.

The suction motor or suction source 32 is provided in fluid communication with the dry recovery tank 34, and can be positioned downstream or upstream of treatment assembly; in the illustrated vacuum cleaner 10, the suction source 32 is downstream of the dry recovery tank 34. The suction source 32 can be electrically coupled to a power source, such as a battery or by a power cord plugged into a household electrical outlet. A power switch or power button (not shown) disposed between the suction source 32 and the power source can be selectively closed by the user upon pressing the power button or other actuator on the housing of the vacuum cleaner 10, thereby activating the suction source 32.

Further still, according to aspects of the present disclosure an extraction pathway or fluid recovery pathway 38 is also formed through the housing of the vacuum cleaner 10. The fluid recovery pathway 38 can include a dirty liquid inlet 40 and the clean air outlet 28, which can be the same clean air outlet 28 of the vacuum collection system. The dirty liquid inlet 40 may be defined by a wet suction nozzle 42 for removing liquid and debris from the surface to be cleaned. In addition, the recovery system can include a wet recovery tank 44 wet recovery tank storing collected liquid and debris until emptied by the user.

The wet recovery tank 44 can be mounted to the housing in any configuration. In the present example, the wet recovery tank 44 is provided on the base 14. More specifically, the wet recovery tank 44 can be removably mounted on the base 14, such that the wet recovery tank 44 can be removed for emptying or cleaning. The wet recovery tank 44 may extend substantially the full width or depth of the base 14, or may extend less than that full width or depth of the base 14, including less than or equal to half the width of the dry suction nozzle inlet, less than or equal to a third of the width of the dry suction nozzle inlet, or less than or equal to a quarter of the width of the dry suction nozzle 30.

In one specific arrangement, the wet recovery tank 44 is at an upper side of the base 14, so that it is easily visible to the user of the vacuum cleaner 10. The wet recovery tank 44 can be at least partially formed of a transparent or tinted translucent material, which permits a user to view the contents thereof.

A separator (FIG. 5) can be formed in or by a portion of the wet recovery tank 44 and/or wet suction nozzle, such as within an underside or lower surface of the wet suction nozzle, for separating fluid and entrained debris from the working airstream. The recovery system can also be provided with one or more additional filters (not shown) upstream or downstream of the wet recovery tank 44.

It will be understood that a portion of the extraction pathway or fluid recovery pathway 38 can be coextensive with a portion of the working air path 24, and at least some of the component of the vacuum collection system can be shared with the recovery system. For example, the fluid recovery pathway 38 can converge with the vacuum collection system downstream of the wet recovery tank 44 in order to share the suction source 32, such that the wet suction nozzle 42 and wet recovery tank 44 are in selective fluid communication with the suction source 32, as described in further detail below. In addition, the dry recovery tank 34 can selectively define a portion of the fluid recovery pathway through the housing. The clean air outlet 28 of the recovery system can be the same as that of the vacuum collection system, i.e. the exhaust opening 48 downstream of the suction source 32.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the vacuum cleaner 10, including the base 14. The base 14 includes a base housing 50 having a pair of wheels 52 for maneuvering the vacuum cleaner 10 over a surface to be cleaned. The dry suction nozzle 30 and wet suction nozzle 42 are provided on the base 14 and are in selective fluid communication with the suction source 32. More specifically, the dry suction nozzle 30 and wet suction nozzle 42 can be at least partially disposed at a front of the base housing 50 and open toward the underside of the base housing 50. In the present aspect, the dry suction nozzle 30 is configured to suction dry debris from the surface to be cleaned and the wet suction nozzle 42 is configured to suction liquid and/or wet debris from the surface to be cleaned.

A dry mode agitator or rotatable agitator 54 can be provided adjacent to the dirty air inlet 26 provided in the dry suction nozzle 30 for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that the debris is more easily ingested into the working air path 24. The agitator illustrated herein is a rotatable agitator 54 in the form of a brushroll positioned within the base 14 adjacent the dry suction nozzle 30 for rotational movement about an axis X, labeled as 56. Some other examples of agitators include, but are not limited to, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls, or a stationary brush.

The brushroll can be provided at a forward portion of the base 14 and received in a brush chamber 58 on the base 14. The dry suction nozzle 30 can be defined within the brush chamber 58. The brushroll can comprise a dowel 60 and a plurality of bristles 62 extending from the dowel 60. In the example vacuum cleaner 10, the brushroll can be operably coupled to and driven by a drive assembly including a dedicated brush motor (not shown) in the base 14. Alternatively, the suction source 32 can provide both vacuum suction and brushroll rotation.

A wet mode agitator 64 can be provided adjacent to the wet suction nozzle 42 for agitating the surface to be cleaned. The agitator illustrated herein is a stationary brush 66 positioned behind the wet suction nozzle 42. Some other examples of agitators include, but are not limited to, at least one horizontally-rotating brushroll or at least one vertically-rotating brushroll.

The stationary brush 66 can comprise a plurality of bristles, arranged in one or more rows, extending downwardly from the base 14 toward the surface to be cleaned. The stationary brush 66 may extend substantially the full width of the base 14, or may extend less than that full width of the base 14, including less than or equal to half the width of the brushroll, less than or equal to a third of the width of the brushroll, or less than or equal to a quarter of the width of the brushroll.

As illustrated herein, the dry suction nozzle 30 can be wider than the wet suction nozzle 42. By way of non-limiting example, the dry suction nozzle 30 can extend substantially the full width of the base 14, while the wet suction nozzle 42 can extend less than the full width of the base 14, including less than or equal to half the width of the dry suction nozzle 30, less than or equal to a third of the width of the dry suction nozzle 30, or less than or equal to a quarter of the width of the dry suction nozzle 30.

The wet suction nozzle 42 is positioned both in front of and on top of the dry suction nozzle 30. This makes the wet suction nozzle 42 easily viewed by a user. By locating the wet suction nozzle 42 in front of the dry suction nozzle 30 on the base 14, rather than, for example, the wet suction nozzle 42 being behind the dry suction nozzle 30 or underneath the base 14, a user can easily see where the wet suction nozzle 42 needs to be directed in order to recover the liquid dispensed by the small area extraction system. This aids in having the liquid and wet debris selectively suctioned by the wet suction nozzle 42 and not the dirty air inlet 26 provided in the dry suction nozzle 30.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the dry recovery tank 34 of the vacuum cleaner 10. The dry recovery tank 34 serves as a filter assembly or a debris removal assembly for separating contaminants from a working airstream and includes a dirt tank 74 for receiving and collecting separated contaminants. The debris removal assembly can include any of a cyclonic or centrifugal separator, a flexible and air-permeable filter bag, or other air filtering means, or combinations thereof, provided downstream of the dirty air inlet 26 and upstream of the motor/fan assembly, with the working air path 24 extending through the debris removal assembly.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the debris removal assembly, provided herein as the dry recovery tank 34, includes at least a body 70 having an air inlet 72 in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 26 of the base 14 and with the clean air outlet 28 of the dry recovery tank 34, such that the body 70 of the dry recovery tank 34 defines at least a portion of the working air path 24. The air inlet 72 of the dry recovery tank 34 is fluidly upstream of the clean air outlet 28. The dry recovery tank 34 as illustrated herein comprises a cyclonic separation module with the body 70 defined by a dirt tank 74 comprising a housing at least partially defining a cyclone chamber for separating contaminants from a dirt-containing working airstream and an associated dirt collection chamber 76 which receives contaminants separated by the cyclone chamber. The dry recovery tank 34 can further and optionally include a multi-layer filtration stage, defined by a pre-motor filter chamber 78, also referred to herein as a second filtration stage. The first cyclone stage and second filtration stage can be centered on a central axis Y, labeled as 80, of the dry recovery tank 34, which can extend longitudinally through the dirt tank 74. Further, the first and second stages can be concentric, with the second stage positioned within the first stage and both centered on the central axis Y 80. It is noted that while a single stage cyclone separator is illustrated herein, it is also contemplated that aspects of the disclosure can be configured with additional cyclonic separation stages.

The dirt tank 74 includes a side wall 82, a bottom wall 84, and a cover 86. The side wall 82 can be at least partially transparent or translucent in order for a user to view the contents of the dry recovery tank 34. The side wall 82 is illustrated herein as being generally cylindrical in shape, with a diameter that remains constant or increases in a direction toward the bottom wall 84. The side wall 82 includes a lower or bottom edge that defines a debris outlet for the collection chamber 76. The bottom wall 84 in the illustrated aspects comprises a dirt door 84a that can be selectively opened, such as to empty the contents of the collection chamber 76. The dirt door 84a can be pivotally mounted to the side wall by a hinge (not shown). A door latch (not shown) is provided on the side wall, opposite the hinge, and can be actuated by a user to selectively release the dirt door 84a from engagement with the bottom edge of the side wall 82. The door latch can comprise a latch that is pivotally mounted to the side wall and spring-biased toward a closed position. By pressing the upper end of the door latch toward the side wall 82, the lower end of the door latch pivots away from the side wall 82 and releases the dirt door 84a, under the force of gravity, to an open position, allowing accumulated dirt to be emptied from the collection chamber 76 through the debris outlet defined by the bottom edge of the dirt tank 74.

The cover 86 can include the carry handle 86a that can be gripped by a user to facilitate lifting and carrying the entire vacuum cleaner 10 or just the dry recovery tank 34. The cover 86 is removably connected to the dirt tank 74 via one or more connections there between. In one example, the connection can comprise one or more bayonet hooks on the cover 86 that engage one or more corresponding recesses on an upper inside portion of the side wall (not shown). The cover 86 can be removed from the dirt tank 74 by twisting the cover 86 relative to the dirt tank 74 to release the bayonet hooks from the recesses and then lifting the cover 86 off of the dirt tank 74.

The air inlet 72 can comprise an air inlet 72 to the cyclone chamber, and can be at least partially defined by an inlet conduit 72a. The inlet conduit 72a can extend tangentially from the side wall 82 to define a tangential air inlet. The clean air outlet 28 from the dry recovery tank 34 can be at least partially defined by an outlet conduit 86b extending from the cover 86. The inlet conduit 72a is in fluid communication with the air inlet 72, and can further be in fluid communication with the dry suction nozzle 30, depending on the operational mode of the vacuum cleaner 10. The outlet conduit 86b is in fluid communication with the suction source 32 via a duct (not shown).

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of a wet extraction module 8888 of the vacuum cleaner 10 of FIG. 1. The wet extraction module 88 can be thought of as comprising the wet suction nozzle 42, the wet recovery tank 44, a wet suction nozzle coupler 89 having a coupler inlet 89a and a coupler outlet 89b, and a wet conduit 90a. The wet conduit 90a fluidly couples the coupler outlet 89b of the wet suction nozzle coupler 89 to an air flow diverter assembly 92 (FIG. 6). The wet suction nozzle 42 defines both a dirty liquid inlet 40 and a wet suction nozzle outlet 42b. The wet suction nozzle outlet 42b is coupled to the coupler inlet 89a of the wet suction nozzle coupler 89 and can be thought of as a working air outlet from the wet suction nozzle 42. A wet recovery chamber 94 is defined at least partially by both the wet suction nozzle 42 and the wet recovery tank 44. The wet suction nozzle 42 can at least partially overlie the wet recovery tank 44 such that the wet recovery tank 44 is positioned underneath at least a portion of the wet suction nozzle 42, the wet suction nozzle 42 covering an open top of the wet recovery tank 44 and in sealing engagement with the wet recovery tank 44.

At least the wet suction nozzle 42 and the wet recovery tank 44 can be removably mounted on the base 14 including above the dry suction nozzle 30. The wet recovery tank 44, and optionally the wet suction nozzle 42 can be configured to mount within a recessed pocket 96 (FIG. 2) provided in a portion of the base 14. The wet suction nozzle 42 and the wet recovery tank 44 can nestably mount within the recessed pocket 96 such that, when the wet suction nozzle 42 and the wet recovery tank 44 are operably coupled on the base 14, the wet suction nozzle 42 and the wet recovery tank 44 form a seal about one another, for example about the periphery where the wet suction nozzle 42 and the wet recovery tank 44 contact one another, such that fluid does not leak out between the wet suction nozzle 42 and the wet recovery tank 44 when they are coupled to one another. The wet suction nozzle 42 and the wet recovery tank 44 can also be selectively coupled together by a suitable coupling mechanism, non-limiting examples of which include a latch, a snap fit, or a clasp. The selective coupling between the wet suction nozzle 42 and the wet recovery tank 44 allows the two pieces to be separated for ease of cleaning or emptying liquid from the wet recovery chamber 94 of the wet recovery tank 44 by a user.

Liquid and debris that enter the wet suction nozzle 42 through the dirty liquid inlet 40 pass through the wet suction nozzle 42 and over the open top of the wet recovery tank 44. As the liquid and debris is moved by suction through the wet suction nozzle 42, the heavier liquid collects in the wet recovery chamber 94 as it is passed over the open top of the wet recovery tank 44, while the debris and dirty air continue to the working air outlet at the wet suction nozzle 42 outlet, through the coupler inlet 89a into the wet suction nozzle coupler 89, and from the coupler outlet 89b to the wet conduit 90a to the air flow diverter assembly 92, which is fluidly coupled to the dry recovery tank 34. The wet suction nozzle 42 can also have features, such as ribs or baffles (not shown), that can constitute at least a portion of the separator, and are formed in or protruding from an underside of the wet suction nozzle 42 to form the sealing engagement with the wet recovery tank 44 and to guide liquid that enters the wet suction nozzle 42 into the wet recovery chamber 94.

FIG. 6 is a partial schematic view of a wet pathway and a dry pathway that are fluidly connected to the air flow diverter assembly 92 and each define a portion of the working air path 24, the working air path 24 partially defined by and passing through the air flow diverter assembly 92. The base 14 includes both the dry suction nozzle 30 and the wet suction nozzle 42. The dry suction nozzle 30 is defined within the brush chamber 58 and is in fluid communication with a dry conduit 90b. The dry suction nozzle 30 is fluidly coupled to the air flow diverter assembly 92 by the dry conduit 90b. As described above, the wet suction nozzle 42 is fluidly coupled to the air flow diverter assembly 92 by the wet conduit 90a. The working air path 24 extends through the air flow diverter assembly 92, from either the wet suction nozzle 42 or the dry suction nozzle 30, in order to place the suction source 32 in fluid communication with either the wet suction nozzle 42 or the dry suction nozzle 30, depending on whether the dry vacuum mode or the wet extraction mode is selected.

The air flow diverter assembly 92 can be mounted on the handle 20 portion of the vacuum cleaner 10. However, it will be understood that this is not limiting and that other locations are possible, including on the base 14 or the upright body 12 of the vacuum cleaner 10. The air flow diverter assembly 92 comprises a wet inlet 92a, to which the wet conduit 90a is coupled, and a dry inlet 92b, to which the dry conduit 90b is coupled. Further, the air flow diverter assembly 92 includes a diverter outlet 92c that is coupled to the dry recovery tank 34. The air flow diverter assembly 92 can be located downstream from both the wet suction nozzle 42 and the dry suction nozzle 30, and upstream from the dry recovery tank 34 inlet. The air flow diverter assembly 92 can further comprise a leak hole (not shown) that reduces the suction force when the air flow is selectively diverted to the wet suction nozzle 42 and the wet pathway.

The air flow diverter assembly 92 is configured to selectively divert working air flow through either the wet suction nozzle 42 or the dry suction nozzle 30 such that working air flows only through one or the other of the wet inlet 92a or the dry inlet 92b at one time. In one configuration, the air flow diverter assembly 92 comprises a barrel diverter valve, though it will be understood that other types of diverter valves can be used. In such a configuration, and as illustrated in FIG. 7 in a cross-sectional view of the air flow diverter assembly 92, the air flow diverter assembly 92 includes a rotatable inner cylinder 98 having at least two rotational positions, at least one position corresponding to the wet pathway (shown) and another position corresponding to the dry pathway (not shown). It will be understood that the air flow diverter assembly 92 can be manually moveable or connected to any suitable actuator mechanism.

By way of non-limiting example, the rotatable inner cylinder 98 can comprise a first inlet opening 98a and a second inlet opening 98b, and at least one outlet opening 98c. In a first rotational position, associated with the user-selectable dry vacuum mode, the first inlet opening 98a can be substantially aligned with the dry inlet 92b such that air flows from the dry inlet 92b through the outlet opening 98c and the diverter outlet 92c. When the rotatable inner cylinder 98 is in the first rotational position, no inlet opening is aligned with the wet inlet 92a, such that working air cannot flow from the wet conduit 90a into the air flow diverter assembly 92. In a second rotational position, associated with the user-selectable wet vacuum mode, the second inlet opening 98b can be substantially aligned with the wet inlet 92a such that air flows from the wet inlet 92a through the second outlet opening 98b on the rotatable inner cylinder 98, and through the outlet opening 98c to the diverter outlet 92c. In the second rotational position, no inlet opening is aligned with the dry inlet 92b, such that working air cannot flow from the dry conduit 90b into the air flow diverter assembly 92.

In an alternate configuration, the air flow diverter assembly can comprise the wet inlet, to which the wet conduit is coupled, and the dry inlet, to which the dry conduit is coupled. The air flow diverter assembly can further comprise a dedicated wet diverter outlet, which can be fluidly connected directly to the suction source (i.e. bypassing the dry recovery tank) and a dry diverter outlet fluidly connected to the dry recovery tank. In this configuration, when the air flow diverter assembly is set in a wet vacuum mode, or an extraction cleaning mode, the working airflow, which can contain some amount of fluid or moisture, bypasses the dry recovery tank, thereby avoiding comingling of fluid and dry debris within the dry recovery tank, and is guided to the downstream suction source.

FIG. 8 is an exploded partially schematic view of the fluid delivery system 100. The fluid delivery system 100 can include a fluid delivery or supply pathway, including and at least partially defined by at least one supply tank 102 for storing a supply of cleaning fluid and at least one fluid distributor 104 provided on the base 14 in fluid communication with the supply tank 102 for depositing a cleaning fluid onto the surface. The cleaning fluid stored by the supply tank 102 can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning liquids, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example, the fluid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent.

The supply tank 102 can be mounted to the housing in any configuration. In the present example (illustrated in FIG. 2), the supply tank 102 is removably mounted at an upper rear portion of the frame 18 and can be removed for filling. However, it will be understood that the supply tank 102 can be removably mounted to the frame 18, the upright handle 20, or any other suitable location on the vacuum cleaner 10 including the base 14. The supply tank 102 can be at least partially formed of a transparent or tinted translucent material, which permits a user to view the contents thereof.

The fluid distributor 104 is illustrated herein in the form of a spray tip 106 provided on the base 14. The fluid distributor 104 can be provided at any suitable position on the base 14 such that fluid can be distributed to the surface to be cleaned. In one aspect of the disclosure, the fluid distributor 104 can be mounted to the wet suction nozzle 42. The supply tank 102 can be fluidly coupled to the fluid distributor 104 by a fluid delivery conduit 108. The fluid distributor 104 includes at least one outlet 110 for applying the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. In one aspect, the fluid distributor 104 can be one or more spray tips on the base 14 configured to deliver cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned directly by spraying outwardly from the base 14 in front of the vacuum cleaner 10. Other types of fluid distributors are possible, such as a spray manifold having multiple outlets or a spray nozzle configured to spray cleaning fluid onto the stationary brush 66.

In addition to the supply tank 102 and fluid distributor 104, various combinations of optional components can be incorporated into the fluid delivery system 100, such as a fluid pump, a heater, and/or fluid control and mixing valves, as well as suitable conduits or tubing fluidly connecting the components of the fluid delivery system 100 together to create the supply of cleaning fluid from the supply tank 102 to the fluid distributor 104. For example, in the aspects shown herein, the fluid delivery system 100 can further comprise a flow control system for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply tank 102 to the fluid distributor 104 via the fluid delivery conduit 108. In one configuration, the flow control system can comprise a pump 112, which selectively pressurizes the system. The pump 112 can be provided within the fluid supply pathway, between the supply tank 102 and the fluid distributor 104.

An actuator 114 can be provided to selectively dispense fluid from the fluid distributor 104. The actuator can, for example, include a trigger on the hand grip 22. While the actuator 114 is illustrated herein as a trigger, it will be understood that other suitable types of actuators can be used, non-limiting examples of which include a press button, a slidable selector, or a switch. The actuator 114 can be operably coupled to the pump 112 such that pressing the actuator 114 will activate the pump 112, or can be operably coupled to a flow control valve which controls the delivery of fluid from the pump 112 to the distributor such that pressing the actuator 114 will open the valve. The actuator 114 can be operably coupled to the pump 112 via a switch 116, such that pressing the trigger controls the switch 116 to actuate the pump 112, allowing fluid to be provided from the supply tank 102 to the fluid distributor 104 via the fluid delivery conduit 108.

The pump 112 can be positioned within a housing of the frame 18, and in the illustrated aspects the pump 112 is beneath and in fluid communication with the supply tank 102 via a valve assembly. In one example, the pump 112 can be a solenoid pump having a single, dual, or variable speed. In another example, the pump 112 can be a centrifugal pump.

In another configuration of the fluid supply pathway, the pump 112 can be eliminated and the flow control system can comprise a gravity-feed system having a valve fluidly coupled with an outlet of the supply tank 102, whereby when valve is open, fluid will flow under the force of gravity to the fluid distributor 104.

Optionally, a heater (not shown) can be provided for heating the cleaning fluid or generating steam prior to delivering the cleaning fluid or steam to the surface to be cleaned. In one example, an in-line heater can be located downstream of the supply tank 102, and upstream or downstream of the pump 112. Other types of heaters can also be used. In yet another example, the cleaning fluid can be heated using exhaust air from a motor-cooling pathway for a suction source 32 of the recovery system.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the base 14 showing in greater detail a target light 120 that can be included on the vacuum cleaner 10. The target light 120 can be provided on the base 14 near the fluid distributor 104 or spray tip 106, which defines a spray area 122 on the surface to be cleaned within which the fluid is sprayed. The target light 120 can be provided at any suitable location on the base 14 such that at least a portion of the surface to be cleaned is illuminated by the target light 120, defining an illumination area 124. In one aspect of the disclosure, the target light 120 can be positioned on the base 14 adjacent the fluid distributor 104, such that the illumination area 124 illuminated by the target light 120 at least partially overlaps with the spray area 122 onto which fluid is sprayed from the fluid distributor 104 to define an overlapping zone between the illumination area 124 and the spray area 122, indicated at 126. The target light 120 can be, for example, an LED or an LED array, though any suitable illumination source can be used.

The vacuum cleaner 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 can be used to effectively clean the surface to be cleaned by removing debris, which may include dirt, dust, soil, hair, and other debris from the surface to be cleaned in accordance with the following method. The sequence of steps discussed is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit the method in any way as it is understood that the steps may proceed in a different logical order, additional or intervening steps may be included, or described steps may be divided into multiple steps, without detracting from the present disclosure.

To perform dry vacuum cleaning, the suction source 32 is coupled to the power source and debris-laden air is drawn in through the dirty air inlet 26 and into the dry recovery tank 34 where the debris is substantially separated from the working air. The air flow then passes through the suction source 32, and through any optional filters positioned upstream and/or downstream from the suction source 32, prior to being exhausted from the vacuum cleaner 10. During vacuum cleaning, the rotatable agitator 54 can agitate debris on the surface to be cleaned so that the debris is more easily ingested into the dirty air inlet 26.

To perform small area extraction, the vacuum cleaner 10 is prepared for use by filling the supply tank 102 with cleaning fluid. Cleaning fluid is selectively delivered to the surface to be cleaned via the fluid supply pathway by user-activation of the actuator 114. Cleaning fluid is released through the fluid distributor 104, directly onto the surface to be cleaned in front of the base 14. The stationary brush 66 can be wiped across the surface to be cleaned to remove debris and fluid present on the surface. Simultaneously, fluid and debris can be drawn into the wet suction nozzle 42 and the fluid recovery pathway when the suction source 32 is activated. Optionally, during fluid dispensing, the suction source 32 can be inoperative, which facilitates a wet scrubbing mode so that the soiled cleaning solution is not removed as the vacuum cleaner 10 is moved back and forth across the surface to be cleaned.

During operation of the suction source 32 and the fluid recovery pathway, fluid and debris-laden working air passes through the wet suction nozzle 42 and over the downstream wet recovery tank 44 where the fluid and debris are substantially separated from the working air, at least by gravity and by the separator (not shown), such that the separated fluid and debris are collected within the wet recovery chamber 94 of the wet recovery tank 44 while the working air exits via the wet suction nozzle outlet 42b. The airstream then passes through the dry recovery tank 34 and the suction source 32 prior to being exhausted through the clean air outlet 28. It will be understood that the air flow diverter assembly 92 can be operated to change the connectivity of the suction source 32 to the wet suction nozzle 42 and the dry suction nozzle 30.

The vacuum cleaner 10 according to the present disclosure allows a user the flexibility of performing traditional vacuum cleaning as well as small area extraction cleaning using a single cleaning machine. In addition, actuation of the small area extraction cleaning mode is simple for a user and can be done quickly and easily while a user is operating the vacuum cleaner 10, providing the flexibility of being able to perform small area extraction on areas or spots with heavy soiling. The vacuum cleaner 10 of the present disclosure distinguishes from typical extraction cleaners or upright deep cleaners in that the vacuum cleaner 10 includes a dedicated vacuum collection system and dry vacuum pathway, whereas a conventional extraction cleaner includes only fluid delivery and recovery systems, without a dedicated dry vacuum pathway. In addition, separate dry suction nozzle 30 and wet suction nozzle 42 are provided so a user can easily see the area that is being treated with the small area extraction cleaning. Correspondingly, separate dry and wet collection spaces are provided, so a user can not only independently operate the two cleaning systems, but can individually clean and empty the components of one or the other of the cleaning systems.

It will be understood that a variety of alternatives can be utilized in the vacuum cleaner 10 described above. By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the base 14 showing a target light 130 according to another aspect of the disclosure. In this aspect, rather than having the target light mounted on the base 14 or the wet suction nozzle 42 adjacent the fluid distributor 104, as described before, the target light 130 can be mounted behind the wet suction nozzle 42. The wet suction nozzle 42 can be at least partially formed of a transparent or tinted translucent material, such that the target light 130 is configured to shine through the wet suction nozzle 42 itself. This can result in maximization of the overlapping zone 132 between the illumination area 134 and the spray area 136 by positioning the target light 130 and the fluid distributor 104 as near to one another as possible.

Further still, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the base 14 showing a target light 140 according to yet another aspect of the disclosure. In this aspect, rather than having the target light 140 mounted on the base 14 or the wet suction nozzle 42 adjacent or behind the fluid distributor 104, as described before, a hole or an opening 142 can be provided in the wet suction nozzle 42 itself, the opening 142 adjacent the fluid distributor 104. By way of non-limiting example, the opening 142 can be formed in the wet suction nozzle 42 just below the fluid distributor 104. Rather than providing the target light 140 on an outer surface of the base 14 or the wet suction nozzle 42, the target light 140 can be mounted behind or on an inner surface of the wet suction nozzle 42 such that the target light 140 can shine through the opening 142. This can allow the target light 140 itself to be protected, rather than being provided on an outer surface of the base 14 or wet suction nozzle 42 where it could be bumped into surfaces during movement of the vacuum cleaner 10. This can also result in maximization of the overlapping zone 144 between the illumination area 134 and the spray area 136 by positioning the target light 130 and the fluid distributor 104 as near to one another as possible.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating a portion of an alternate implementation of a vacuum cleaner 210. The vacuum cleaner 210 is substantially similar to the vacuum cleaner 10. Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 200, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the vacuum cleaner 10 applies to the vacuum cleaner 210 unless otherwise noted.

One difference is that a combination wet/dry recovery tank 235 is provided.

The vacuum cleaner 210 still includes a dry suction nozzle 230, and wet suction nozzle 242 fluidly coupled to a suction source 232 via an air flow diverter assembly 292. As described previously, the air flow diverter assembly 292 still serves to selectively couple the wet suction nozzle 242 and the dry suction nozzle 230 to the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235. However, the air flow diverter assembly 292 includes a wet inlet 292a and a dry inlet 292b in fluid communication with a wet outlet 292d and a dry outlet 292e, respectively.

Within the dry pathway, the dry suction nozzle 230 is fluidly coupled to the dry inlet 292b of the air flow diverter assembly 292 by the dry conduit 290b. Working air flowing through the dry pathway passes through the air flow diverter assembly 292 and exits via the dry outlet 292e. The dry outlet 292e is in fluid communication with a dry debris inlet 235a defined by the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235.

Within the wet pathway, the wet suction nozzle 242 is fluidly coupled to the wet inlet 292a of the air flow diverter assembly 292 by the wet conduit 290a. Working air flowing through the wet pathway passes through the air flow diverter assembly 292 and exits via the wet outlet 292d. The wet outlet 292d is in fluid communication with a wet debris inlet 235b defined by the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235. The combination wet/dry recovery tank 235 further defines a single exhaust outlet 235c that is coupled to the suction source 232 for exhausting clean air.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235. The combination wet/dry recovery tank 235 operates similarly to the dry recovery tank as previously described, but includes collection chambers for dry debris and liquid. The combination wet/dry recovery tank 235 comprises at least a body having the dry debris inlet 235a and the wet debris inlet 235b and a separation module 237.

The dirt tank 274 includes a side wall 282, a bottom wall 284, and a cover 286. The side wall 282 can be at least partially transparent or translucent in order for a user to view the contents therein. The side wall 282 is illustrated herein as being generally cylindrical in shape, with a diameter that remains constant or increases in a direction toward the bottom wall 284. The side wall 282 includes a lower or bottom edge that defines a debris outlet for the collection chamber 276 (FIG. 14). The bottom wall 284 in the illustrated aspect comprises a dirt door 284a that can be selectively opened, such as to empty the contents of the collection chamber 276. The cover 286 can include the carry handle 286a that can be gripped by a user to facilitate lifting and carrying the entire vacuum cleaner 210 or just the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235. The cover is removably connected to the dirt tank 274 via one or more connections there between. In one example, the connection can comprise one or more bayonet hooks on the cover that engage one or more corresponding recesses on an upper inside portion of the side wall 282 (not shown). The cover can be removed from the dirt tank 274 by twisting the cover relative to the dirt tank 274 to release the bayonet hooks from the recesses and then lifting the cover off of the dirt tank 274.

The dirt door 284a can be pivotally mounted to the side wall 282 by a hinge (not shown). A door latch is provided on the side wall 282, opposite the hinge, and can be actuated by a user to selectively release the dirt door from engagement with the bottom edge of the side wall 282. The door latch can comprise a latch that is pivotally mounted to the side wall 282 and spring-biased toward a closed position. By pressing the upper end of the door latch toward the side wall 282, the lower end of the door latch pivots away from the side wall 282 and releases the dirt door, under the force of gravity, to an open position, allowing accumulated dirt to be emptied from the collection chamber 76 through the debris outlet defined by the bottom edge of the dirt tank 274.

A pre-motor filtration assembly 239 can be provided within the dirt tank 274 and can comprise at least one filtration layer that filters the working air before it exits the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235 via the exhaust outlet 235c. The pre-motor filtration assembly 239 can include filtration layers, a flexible and air-permeable filter bag, or other air filtering means, or combinations thereof, provided downstream of the wet debris inlet 242 and dry debris inlet 230 and upstream of the suction source 232, with the working air path 224 extending through the pre-motor filtration assembly 239. An internal sleeve, which can comprise a liquid separator 237 and a dry debris separator 241, partitions an interior of the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235 into an inner dry collection chamber 276a and an outer liquid collection chamber 276b.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled combination wet/dry recovery tank 235. As can be better seen, the dry debris separator 241 can at least partially define a dry separation chamber 243 within an interior of the dirt tank 274. A liquid collection chamber 276b and dry collection chamber 276a can be concentric with one another, such that the liquid collection chamber 276b surrounds the dry collection chamber 276a, with the two chambers separated by the liquid separator 237. It will be understood that other arrangements of the liquid collection chamber 276b and the dry collection chamber 276a are contemplated, including that the liquid and dry collection chambers can be side by side or stacked vertically one on top of the other.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235 showing the wet pathway 245 through the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235. The dirty wet air enters the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235 through the wet debris inlet 235b. The wet debris inlet 235b can comprise a wet air inlet 247a to the liquid collection chamber 276b, which can be a cyclonic or centrifugal separation chamber, and can be at least partially defined by an inlet conduit 247. The inlet conduit 247 can extend tangentially from the side wall 282 to define a tangential air inlet. The inlet conduit 247 is in fluid communication with the wet debris inlet 235b, and can further be in fluid communication with the wet suction nozzle 42, depending on the operational mode of the vacuum cleaner 210. Liquid removed from the dirty wet air is collected in the liquid collection chamber 276b. The working air from which the liquid has been removed then passes through the dry debris separator 241 and the dry separation chamber 243, through the pre-motor filtration assembly 239, and to the exhaust outlet 235c. The exhaust outlet 235c from the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235 can be at least partially defined by an outlet conduit 286b extending from the cover 286. The outlet conduit 286b is in fluid communication with the suction source 232 via a duct (not shown).

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235 showing the dry pathway 249 through the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235. The dirty dry air enters the combination wet/dry recovery tank 235 through the dry debris inlet 235a. The dry debris inlet 235a can comprise a dry air inlet 272 (FIG. 12) to the dry collection chamber 276a, which can be a cyclonic or centrifugal separation chamber, and can be at least partially defined by an inlet conduit 272a (FIG. 13). The inlet conduit 272a can extend tangentially from the side wall 282 to define a tangential air inlet. The inlet conduit 272a is in fluid communication with the dry debris inlet 235a, and can further be in fluid communication with the dry suction nozzle 30, depending on the operational mode of the vacuum cleaner 210. Debris removed from the working dry air collects in the dry collection chamber 276a. The working dry air passes from the dry collection chamber 276a, then through the dry debris separator 241 and the dry separation chamber 243, through the pre-motor filtration assembly 239, and to the exhaust outlet 253c as in the wet pathway.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a wet extraction module 488. The wet extraction module 488 can be utilized in the vacuum cleaner 10 or vacuum cleaner 210 and is substantially similar to the extraction module 88. Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 400, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the extraction module 88 applies to the extraction module 488 unless otherwise noted.

One difference is that a shut off valve 457 is included and is configured to block air flow through the wet pathway or shut off suction from the suction source when the recovered liquid in the wet recovery tank 444 reaches a predetermined full level. In one example, the shut off valve 457 can comprise a mechanical shut off, such as a float. When the recovered liquid in the wet recovery tank 444 reaches the predetermined full level, the mechanical shut off float floats upwardly to block air flow through the wet pathway.

Alternatively, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 18, the shut off valve 457a can be electronic. In such an instance the vacuum cleaner 10 or 210 can include additional optional components such as a moisture sensor 459. As with the mechanical shut off valve, the electronic shut off sensor 457a can be incorporated with the wet recovery tank 444, wet suction nozzle 442, or the wet suction nozzle coupler 489 to shut off the flow to the suction source when the recovered liquid in the wet recovery tank 444 reaches the predetermined full level. Output from the sensor 459 indicating that the predetermined full level has been reached can be provided to a controller or microcontroller unit (MCU) 461. The controller or MCU 461 can then cause the disabling of the wet mode of the vacuum cleaner 10 or 210, or can indicate the tank full condition to the user by an indicator light 463, such as a blinking light. The wet mode can be disabled in a variety of ways. Non-limiting examples of such approaches include shutting off the suction source 32 or 232, and optionally also shutting off the pump 112, blocking the wet pathway or the recovery path, for example between the wet suction nozzle 442 and the suction source 32 or 232, such as by a shut off valve 457a provided in the pathway, or opening a bleed valve 465 to reduce the suction provided to the wet suction nozzle 42 and disable the wet mode.

Referring now to FIGS. 19A and 19B, it will be understood that any of the above described wet suction nozzles can be configured to be in a raised condition during a dry mode of the vacuum cleaner and in a lowered condition during a wet mode of operation of the vacuum cleaner. For ease of numbering and clarity, the remainder of the description will refer back to the vacuum cleaner 10 having the wet suction nozzle 42 although it will be understood that the details can be applicable to any of the other aspects described herein. In the lowered condition, illustrated in FIG. 19A, the wet suction nozzle 42 is positioned so that it closely overlies the surface to be cleaned, labeled schematically as 8, and extraction can be performed effectively, with improved liquid extraction in the wet mode and the lowered condition. In the raised condition, illustrated in FIG. 19B, at least a portion of the wet suction nozzle 42 is raised relative to the dry suction nozzle 30 so that at least the wet suction nozzle 42 is lifted away from the surface to be cleaned 8. This allows for optimal performance of the dry suction nozzle 30 during the dry mode of operation.

An actuator 160 can be selectively activated to move the wet suction nozzle 42 between the raised and lowered conditions. In one example, the actuator 160 can be a solenoid piston that can bear against the wet suction nozzle 42 to move the wet suction nozzle 42 from the lowered condition (FIG. 19A) to the raised condition (FIG. 19B). The actuator 160 in the form of the solenoid piston can be selectively actuated to bear against the wet suction nozzle 42 and to raise the entire wet suction nozzle 42 from the lowered condition in the wet mode (FIG. 19A) to the raised condition in the dry mode (FIG. 19B).

Referring now to FIGS. 20A and 20B, it will be understood that any of the above described wet suction nozzles can be configured to be pivoted to a raised portion during a dry mode of the vacuum cleaner and in a lowered condition during a wet mode of operation of the vacuum cleaner. Again, whiles this will be described with respect to the suction nozzle 42, it will be understood that the details can be applicable to any of the aspects described herein. In another example, the wet suction nozzle 42 can be pivotally coupled to the base 14 or dry suction nozzle 30 such that actuation of the actuator 160a, such as in the form of a solenoid piston raises only a portion of the wet suction nozzle 42 relative to a pivot axis. FIG. 20A illustrates this feature in the lowered condition in the wet mode, while FIG. 20B illustrates this feature in the raised condition in the dry mode.

It will be understood that in either of the aspects of FIGS. 19A and 19B or FIGS. 20A and 20B, the solenoid piston can be located at any suitable position on the base 14 such that actuation of the solenoid piston raises or lowers any portion of the wet suction nozzle 42. By way of non-limiting example, the solenoid piston can be located on a front surface or a top surface of the base 14 or dry suction nozzle 30 in any of the exemplary aspects.

Further still, FIG. 21 illustrates a mode selector 170 that can be included on the vacuum cleaner 10 (or vacuum cleaner 210) for a user to select wet mode or dry mode operation. Non-limiting examples of such a mode selector 170 can include a switch, a button, a slidable selector, or a knob. The mode selector 170 provides an input to a controller or MCU 172 of whether wet mode or dry mode is selected. The controller can be a separate controller or a controller with other functions such as the controller 461 previously described. The controller 172 can then automatically convert the operation of the vacuum cleaner 10 between wet mode and dry mode by controlling the function of a variety of the components of the vacuum cleaner 10, non-limiting examples of which include the fluid pump 112, the motor controlling the suction source 32, the speed of the rotatable agitator 54, the position of the wet suction nozzle 42, and the operation of the target light 120, 130 or 140 depending on the mode selected. The position of the wet suction nozzle 42 can be controlled by a nozzle height adjuster as previously described. While the solenoid piston was described above as being one potential implementation of the nozzle height adjuster, it will be understood that other height adjusters are also possible.

For example, it is contemplated that control of the vacuum cleaner 10 to operate in the dry mode can include operating the motor and the suction source 32 at a higher suction level relative to the wet mode, that the fluid pump 112 would not operate in the dry mode, the rotatable agitator 54 is being powered to operate, the wet suction nozzle 42 is in the raised condition, and the target light 120, 130, or 140 is off, or any combination of these elements thereof. Control of the vacuum cleaner 10 to operate in the wet mode can include operating the motor and the suction source 32 at a lower suction level relative to the dry mode, that the fluid pump 112 would operate in the wet mode, the brushroll is not being powered to operate, the wet suction nozzle 42 is in the lowered condition, and the target light 120, 130, or 140 is on, or any combination of these elements thereof.

Other lighting features can also be included, in addition to the target light 120, 130, or 140 as previously described. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative base 14 including optional base lighting 176 illuminated in a dry mode of operation indicated at 176a. The base lighting 176 can include any suitable lighting including, by way of non-limiting example, a strip or an array of LED indicator lights that can be mounted along the lower front edge of the base 14. During the dry mode of operation 176a, the LEDs along the entire strip or array of the base lighting 176 can be configured to be illuminated, corresponding to the full width of the dry suction nozzle 30. This can indicate to a user that the dry suction nozzle 30 is in operation.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the base lighting 176 of FIG. 22, showing the pattern of illumination in the wet mode of operation indicated at 176b. In the wet mode of operation indicated at 176b, the LED's only along the portion of the strip or array of the base lighting 176 corresponding to the width and location of the wet suction nozzle 42, and therefore only a portion of the width of the base 14, can be configured to be illuminated. This can indicate to the user that only the wet suction nozzle 42 is in operation. The illumination of either the partial width or the full width of the strip or array of the base lighting 176 depending on whether the vacuum cleaner 10 is operating in the wet mode or the dry mode provides an aesthetic effect to quickly and easily communicate the mode status to the user without the user having to check the mode selector 170.

FIG. 24 is a schematic of the operation of an area rug mode for the vacuum cleaner 10 according to one aspect of the disclosure. A user may desire to use the small area extraction wet mode on an area rug. For an area rug, spraying fluid as in the wet mode may not be desirable because the fluid can more quickly soak through the area rug. Rather, the area rug mode can be provided to generate a spray of foam rather than fluid, such that the foam can sit on top of the area rug instead of rapidly soaking through. The foam can be generated by selectively introducing an air leak 180 into the fluid delivery path or fluid delivery conduit 108 to create a foam to be delivered from the fluid distributor 104.

An area rug mode selector 182 can be provided on the vacuum cleaner 10. As illustrated herein, the area rug mode selector 182 can be provided on the hand grip 22, though other locations on the vacuum cleaner 10 are possible. The area rug mode selector 182 can be provided, for example, as a switch, a button, a slidable selector, or a knob. The area rug mode selector 182 is operably coupled with an air leak switch 184, which controls the selective actuation of an air leak 182, schematically illustrated as a valve, in the fluid delivery pathway. The actuation of the air leak 182 causes the fluid being delivered to become a foam, which can be provided to the area rug through the fluid distributor 104. The air leak can be provided at any suitable point in the fluid delivery pathway, downstream of the supply tank 102 and the pump 112, for example within the fluid delivery conduit 108.

FIG. 25 is a schematic of the area rug mode of FIG. 24 according to another aspect of the disclosure. In this aspect, rather than providing the air leak within the fluid delivery pathway or the fluid delivery conduit 108, the air leak is incorporated with the fluid distributor 104 such that the foaming of the fluid occurs only as the fluid is dispensed through the fluid distributor 104. In this way, foaming occurs only as the fluid exits the vacuum cleaner 10, thus not requiring the foam to be pumped through the fluid delivery pathway.

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

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a vacuum cleaner can be adapted for dry vacuum cleaning, as well as for selective use in small area extraction for wet cleaning small spots and stains.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a vacuum cleaner can include an upright body, a base defining a recessed pocket, and a wet extraction module 88 further including a wet suction nozzle and a wet recovery tank that can be removably mounted on the foot. The wet suction nozzle and wet recovery tank can be separate components that fit sealingly together, the wet suction nozzle and wet recovery tank configured to nestably and removably mount within the recessed pocket. A dry suction nozzle can also be provided on the base with the wet suction nozzle being positioned on top of and in front of the dry suction nozzle. The wet suction nozzle can extend less than the full width of the dry suction nozzle, including less than or equal to half the width of the dry suction nozzle, less than or equal to one third the width of the dry suction nozzle, or less than or equal to one quarter the width of the dry suction nozzle.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a vacuum cleaner includes a handle to which an air flow diverter assembly can be mounted for selectively diverting working air flow through either of a wet suction nozzle or a dry suction nozzle. The air flow diverter assembly can be provided downstream from the wet suction nozzle and dry suction nozzle, and upstream from a recovery tank inlet. The air flow diverter assembly can comprise a barrel diverter.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a vacuum cleaner includes a handle to which a supply tank can be mounted, the supply tank fluidly connected to a fluid distributor on a base of the vacuum cleaner. A hand grip can be provided on the handle and can include an actuator for selectively actuating a pump to distribute liquid from the supply tank to the fluid distributor onto a surface to be cleaned.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a vacuum cleaner can include a base and an upright body, with a fluid distributor and a target light provided on the base, the target light configured to illuminate the area in front of a wet suction nozzle that is wetted by the fluid distributor. The target light can be mounted adjacent the fluid distributor, behind the wet suction nozzle, which can be transparent, or behind a hole or opening in the wet suction nozzle.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a vacuum cleaner adapted for dry vacuum cleaning, as well as for selective use in small area extraction for wet cleaning small spots and stains can include a combination wet/dry recovery tank, the combination wet/dry recovery tank including a wet debris inlet, a dry debris inlet, an internal sleeve partitioned into a dry collection chamber 76 and a liquid collection chamber 76, and a single exhaust outlet.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, a shut off can be incorporated with the wet recovery tank to block air flow or shut off a suction source when the extracted liquid in the wet recovery tank reaches a predetermined full level. The shut off can include a mechanical sensor, a float, or an electronic moisture sensor. Optionally, when the shut off comprises an electronic sensor, an output from the sensor can cause a controller or MCU to disable a wet mode of operation of the vacuum cleaner, as well as optionally indicate a tank full condition to a user by way of an indicator light.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, a wet suction nozzle can be configured to be raised during a dry mode of operation of the vacuum cleaner and to be lowered during a wet mode of operation of the vacuum cleaner. An actuator, which can be a solenoid piston provided on a base of the vacuum cleaner, can raise and lower the wet suction nozzle.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, the vacuum cleaner can include electronics to selectively switch between a wet mode and dry mode of operation. An MCU of the vacuum cleaner can control fluid pump function, suction level, brush speed, nozzle position, and/or target light activation based on the mode of operation selected.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, base lighting can be included, the width of the base illumination provided to indicate a mode of operation of the vacuum cleaner.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, the vacuum cleaner can include an area rug mode of operation which delivers foam to a surface to be cleaned

While the present disclosure has been specifically described in connection with certain specific aspects thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible with the scope of the foregoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, which is defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

VACUUM CLEANER WITH SMALL AREA EXTRACTION

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CPC

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