Patent Publication Number: US-2023134611-A1

Title: Surface cleaning apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/380,384, filed Jul. 20, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/232,548, filed Dec. 26, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,089,935, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/263,960, filed Sep. 13, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,188,252, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/218,231, filed Sep. 14, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Extraction cleaners are well-known surface cleaning apparatuses for deep cleaning carpets and other fabric surfaces, such as upholstery. Most carpet extractors comprise a fluid delivery system that delivers cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system that extracts spent cleaning fluid and debris (which may include dirt, dust, stains, soil, hair, and other debris) from the surface. The fluid delivery system typically includes one or more fluid supply tanks for storing a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid distributor for applying the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a fluid supply conduit for delivering the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank to the fluid distributor. An agitator can be provided for agitating the cleaning fluid on the surface. The fluid recovery system usually comprises a recovery tank, a nozzle adjacent the surface to be cleaned and in fluid communication with the recovery tank through a working air conduit, and a source of suction in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the working air conduit to the recovery tank. Other surface cleaning apparatuses include vacuum cleaners, which can have a nozzle adjacent the surface to be cleaned in fluid communication with a collection system and an agitator can be provided for agitating the cleaning fluid on the surface. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a surface cleaning apparatus, comprising a housing, a working air path through the housing, a recovery container defining a portion of the working air path, a suction source defining a portion of the working air path, and a hose defining an airflow conduit and having a first end and a second end, spaced from the first end, a hose coupler provided at the first end, the hose coupler comprising a coupler housing having an inlet airflow connector, a hose receiver adapted to receive the hose coupler, the hose receiver comprising a hose port in fluid communication with a portion of the working air path upstream of the recovery container and the suction source, wherein the hose port is adapted to couple with the inlet airflow connector such that the airflow conduit of the hose is in fluid communication with a portion of the working air path; and a locking mechanism adapted to retain the hose coupler in the hose receiver, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one locking projection engageable with at least one locking latch. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus in the form of an extraction cleaner. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an extraction cleaner according to various aspects described herein. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a base assembly of the extraction cleaner of  FIG.  2   , with a portion of the base assembly cut away to show some internal features of the base assembly. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of the base assembly through line IV-IV of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a portion of the base assembly and a vacuum hose configured to be coupled with the base assembly. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG.  4   , but with a nozzle cover in an open position and a vacuum hose attached to the base assembly. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a schematic view of the fluid delivery system of the extraction cleaner. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a cross-sectional view of the base assembly through line VIIB-VIIB of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of the base assembly through line VIII-VIII of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  9    is a view similar to  FIG.  8    showing the operation to remove the suction nozzle. 
         FIG.  10    is a view similar to  FIG.  8    showing the operation to remove the suction nozzle. 
         FIG.  11    is a partially exploded, side view of a recovery container of the extraction cleaner of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  12    is a rear perspective view of an air/liquid separator of the recovery container of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  13    is a cross-section view of the recovery container of  FIG.  11    showing the flow of air and liquid through the recovery container. 
         FIG.  14    is a partially exploded view of the extraction cleaner of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  15    is a close-up view of a motor housing of the extraction cleaner of  FIG.  2   , with portions cut away to show some internal features of the extraction cleaner. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic view of various functional systems of a surface cleaning apparatus in the form of an extraction cleaner  10 . The functional systems of the extraction cleaner  10  can be arranged into any desired configuration, such as an upright extraction 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 extractor adapted to be hand carried by a user for cleaning relatively small areas, or a commercial extractor. Any of the aforementioned extraction cleaners can be adapted to include a flexible vacuum hose, which can form a portion of the working air conduit between a nozzle and the suction source. 
     The extraction cleaner  10  can include a fluid delivery system  12  for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a recovery system  14  for removing the spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris. 
     The recovery system  14  can include a suction nozzle  16 , a suction source  18  in fluid communication with the suction nozzle  16  for generating a working air stream, and a recovery container  20  for separating and collecting fluid and debris from the working airstream for later disposal. A separator  21  can be formed in a portion of the recovery container  20  for separating fluid and entrained debris from the working airstream. 
     The suction source  18 , such as a motor/fan assembly, is provided in fluid communication with the recovery container  20 . The motor/fan assembly  18  can be electrically coupled to a power source  22 , such as a battery or by a power cord plugged into a household electrical outlet. A suction power switch  24  between the motor/fan assembly  18  and the power source  22  can be selectively closed by the user, thereby activating the motor/fan assembly  18 . 
     The suction nozzle  16  can be provided on a base or cleaning head adapted to move over the surface to be cleaned. An agitator  26  can be provided adjacent to the suction nozzle  16  for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that the debris is more easily ingested into the suction nozzle  16 . Some examples of agitators include, but are not limited to, a horizontally-rotating brushroll, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls, or a stationary brush. 
     The extraction cleaner  10  can also be provided with above-the-floor cleaning features. A vacuum hose  28  can be selectively fluidly coupled to the motor/fan assembly  18  for above-the-floor cleaning using an above-the floor cleaning tool  30  with its own suction inlet. A diverter assembly  32  can be selectively switched between on-the-floor and above-the floor cleaning by diverting fluid communication between either the suction nozzle  16  or the vacuum hose  28  with the motor/fan assembly  18 . 
     The fluid delivery system  12  can include at least one fluid container  34  for storing a supply of fluid. The fluid can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning fluids, 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 fluid delivery system  12  can further comprise a flow control system  36  for controlling the flow of fluid from the container  34  to a fluid distributor  38 . In one configuration, the flow control system  36  can comprise a pump  40  which pressurizes the system  12  and a flow control valve  42  which controls the delivery of fluid to the distributor  38 . An actuator  44  can be provided to actuate the flow control system  36  and dispense fluid to the distributor  38 . The actuator  44  can be operably coupled to the valve  42  such that pressing the actuator  44  will open the valve  42 . The valve  42  can be electrically actuated, such as by providing an electrical switch  46  between the valve  42  and the power source  22  that is selectively closed when the actuator  44  is pressed, thereby powering the valve  42  to move to an open position. In one example, the valve  42  can be a solenoid valve. The pump  40  can also be coupled with the power source  22 . In one example, the pump  40  can be a centrifugal pump. In another example, the pump  40  can be a solenoid pump. 
     The fluid distributor  38  can include at least one distributor outlet  48  for delivering fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The at least one distributor outlet  48  can be positioned to deliver fluid directly to the surface to be cleaned, or indirectly by delivering fluid onto the agitator  26 . The at least one distributor outlet  48  can comprise any structure, such as a nozzle or spray tip; multiple outlets  48  can also be provided. As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the distributor  38  can comprise two spray tips  48  which distribute cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. For above-the-floor cleaning, the cleaning tool  30  can include an auxiliary distributor (not shown) coupled with the fluid delivery system  12 . 
     Optionally, a heater  50  can be provided for heating the cleaning fluid prior to delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. In the example illustrated in  FIG.  1   , an in-line heater  50  can be located downstream of the container  34  and upstream of the pump  40 . Other types of heaters  50  can also be used. In yet another example, the cleaning fluid can be heated using exhaust air from a motor-cooling pathway for the motor/fan assembly  18 . 
     As another option, the fluid delivery system can be provided with an additional container  52  for storing a cleaning fluid. For example the first container  34  can store water and the second container  52  can store a cleaning agent such as detergent. The containers  34 ,  52  can, for example, be defined by a supply tank and/or a collapsible bladder. In one configuration, the first container  34  can be a bladder that is provided within the recovery container  20 . Alternatively, a single container can define multiple chambers for different fluids. 
     In the case where multiple containers  34 ,  52  are provided, the flow control system  36  can further be provided with a mixing system  54  for controlling the composition of the cleaning fluid that is delivered to the surface. The composition of the cleaning fluid can be determined by the ratio of cleaning fluids mixed together by the mixing system. As shown herein, the mixing system  54  includes a mixing manifold  56  that selectively receives fluid from one or both of the containers  34 ,  52 . A mixing valve  58  is fluidly coupled with an outlet of the second container  52 , whereby when mixing valve  58  is open, the second cleaning fluid will flow to the mixing manifold  56 . By controlling the orifice of the mixing valve  58  or the time that the mixing valve  58  is open, the composition of the cleaning fluid that is delivered to the surface can be selected. 
     In yet another configuration of the fluid delivery system  12 , the pump  40  can be eliminated and the flow control system  36  can comprise a gravity-feed system having a valve fluidly coupled with an outlet of the container(s)  34 ,  52 , whereby when valve is open, fluid will flow under the force of gravity to the distributor  38 . The valve can be mechanically actuated or electrically actuated, as described above. 
     The extraction cleaner  10  shown in  FIG.  1    can be used to effectively remove debris and fluid 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. 
     In operation, the extraction cleaner  10  is prepared for use by coupling the extraction cleaner  10  to the power source  22 , and by filling the first container  34 , and optionally the second container  52 , with cleaning fluid. Cleaning fluid is selectively delivered to the surface to be cleaned via the fluid delivery system  12  by user-activation of the actuator  44 , while the extraction cleaner  10  is moved back and forth over the surface. The agitator  26  can simultaneously agitate the cleaning fluid into the surface to be cleaned. During operation of the recovery system  14 , the extraction cleaner  10  draws in fluid and debris-laden working air through the suction nozzle  16  or cleaning tool  30 , depending on the position of the diverter assembly  32 , and into the downstream recovery container  20  where the fluid debris is substantially separated from the working air. The airstream then passes through the motor/fan assembly  18  prior to being exhausted from the extraction cleaner  10 . The recovery container  20  can be periodically emptied of collected fluid and debris. 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective view illustrating one non-limiting example of an extraction cleaner  10 , according to another aspect of the disclosure. As illustrated herein, the extraction cleaner  10  is an upright extraction cleaner having a housing that includes an upright assembly  60  that is pivotally connected to a base assembly  62  for directing the base assembly  62  across the surface to be cleaned. The extraction cleaner  10  can comprise the various systems and components schematically described for  FIG.  1   , including the fluid delivery system  12  for storing and delivering a cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and the recovery system  14  for extracting and storing the dispensed cleaning fluid, dirt and debris from the surface to be cleaned. The various systems and components schematically described for  FIG.  1   , including the fluid delivery system  12  and fluid recovery system  14  can be supported by either or both the base assembly  62  and the upright assembly  60 . 
     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 surface cleaning apparatus or components thereof as oriented in  FIG.  2    from the perspective of a user behind the extraction cleaner  10 , which defines the rear of the extraction cleaner  10 . However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. 
     The upright assembly  60  includes a main support section or frame  64  supporting components of the fluid delivery system  12  and the recovery system  14 , including, but not limited to, the recovery container  20  and the fluid container  34 . The upright assembly  60  also has an elongated handle  66  extending upwardly from the frame  64  that is provided with a hand grip  68  at one end that can be used for maneuvering the extraction cleaner  10  over a surface to be cleaned. A motor housing  70  is formed at a lower end of the frame  64  and contains the motor/fan assembly  18  ( FIG.  1   ) positioned therein in fluid communication with the recovery container  20 . 
       FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the base assembly  62  of the extraction cleaner  10  from  FIG.  2   . In  FIG.  3   , a portion of the base assembly  62  is cut away to show some internal features of the base assembly  62 . The base assembly  62  includes a base housing  74  supporting components of the fluid delivery system  12  and the recovery system  14 , including, but not limited to, the suction nozzle  16 , the agitator  26 , the pump  40 , and the fluid distributor  38 . Wheels  76  at least partially support the base housing  74  for movement over the surface to be cleaned. 
     The agitator  26  of the illustrated example includes dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls  78  which are operatively coupled with a drive shaft  80  of the motor/fan assembly  18  via a transmission  82 , which can include one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, or combinations thereof. The pump  40  may also be operatively coupled with a drive shaft  80  of the motor/fan assembly  18  via the transmission  82 , or via its own transmission. An additional agitator in the form of stationary edge brushes  84  may also be provided on the base housing  74 . 
     The fluid distributor  38  includes a conduit  86  that supplies cleaning fluid from the fluid container  34  to a spray bar  88  having a plurality of distributor outlets  48 . The distributor outlets  48  dispense cleaning fluid between the brushrolls  78 . The conduit  86  can extend from the base assembly  62  to the fluid container  34  in the upright assembly  60 , and may be made up of one or more flexible and/or rigid sections. The pump  40  may form a portion of the conduit  86 . 
       FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view through line IV-IV of  FIG.  3   . The suction nozzle  16  of the extraction cleaner  10  can include a front wall  90  and a rear wall  92  defining a narrow suction pathway  94  therebetween with an opening forming a suction nozzle inlet  96  adjacent the surface to be cleaned. The suction pathway  94  is in fluid communication with a recovery airflow conduit  100  leading to the recovery container  20 . The suction nozzle  16  can be configured to be removable as a unit from the base assembly  62 , with the front and rear walls  90 ,  92  fixedly attached together in a non-separable configuration. For example, the front and rear walls  90 ,  92  can be welded together. 
     An agitator housing  102  is provided beneath the suction nozzle  16  and defines an agitator chamber  104  for the brushrolls  78 . The spray bar  88  can be mounted on the agitator housing  102 , and a portion of the agitator housing  102  may form a portion of the conduit  86  that supplies cleaning fluid from the fluid container  34  to the spray bar  88 . Here the agitator housing  102  may form an upper enclosure  106  for a fluid pathway  108  through the spray bar  88  leading to the distributor outlets  48 . 
     The recovery airflow conduit  100  may be made up of one or more flexible and/or rigid sections, including a hose conduit  110  that passes from the base assembly  62  to the upright assembly  60 . The hose conduit  110  can be flexible to facilitate pivoting movement of the upright assembly  60  relative to the base assembly  62 . 
     The extraction cleaner 10  can be provided with a diverter assembly for selectively switching between on-the-floor and above-the floor cleaning by diverting communication between either the suction nozzle  16  or the vacuum hose  28  with the motor/fan assembly  18 . The diverter assembly may be provided with the recovery airflow conduit  100  to divert the conduit  100  between communication with the suction nozzle  16  and communication with the vacuum hose  28 . The diverter assembly may include a hose receiver  112  defining a portion of the recovery airflow conduit  100  and having a first nozzle port  114  in fluid communication with the suction pathway  94 , a hose port  116 , and an outlet  118  in selective communication with both ports  114 ,  116 . The nozzle port  114  can define a suction nozzle outlet of suction pathway  94 . The hose port  116  can be coupled with the vacuum hose  28 , as described in further detail below. The outlet  118  is in fluid communication with the hose conduit  110 . A portion of the suction nozzle  16  may be molded to form the hose receiver  112 . For example, the hose port  116  can be formed in the front wall  90  and a sidewall of the hose receiver  112  and the outlet  118  can be formed with the rear wall  92 . 
     A portion of the agitator housing  102  may be molded to form a portion of the recovery airflow conduit  100  between the outlet  118  and the hose conduit  110 . Here, the agitator housing  102  includes a rigid duct  120  at the rear of the housing  102 , rearwardly of the agitator chamber  104 . The duct  120  includes an inlet opening  122  that is sealed with the outlet  118  of the hose receiver  112  by a seal  124  for a fluid-tight interface therebetween, and an outlet opening defined by a coupler  126  for the hose conduit  110 . The bottom of the duct  120  can be closed by a portion of the base housing  74  to define a bottom  128  of the duct  120 , with a seal  130  between a lower edge of the duct  120  and the base housing  74  for a fluid-tight interface therebetween. 
     A nozzle cover  132  is provided for selectively closing the hose port  116  of the hose receiver  112 . The nozzle cover  132  can be mounted to the base housing  74  by a pivot coupling  134  that permits the nozzle cover  132  to pivot between a closed position shown in  FIG.  4   , and an open position shown in  FIG.  5 - 6   . In the closed position, the nozzle cover  132  seals the hose port  116 ; a seal  136  is provided between the nozzle cover  132  and the suction nozzle  16  to provide a fluid-tight interface. A lip  138  on the front of the nozzle cover  132  can be provided to facilitate raising the nozzle cover  132  away from the suction nozzle  16 . 
       FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a portion of the base assembly  62  and the vacuum hose  28  configured to be coupled with the base assembly  62 . In  FIG.  5   , the nozzle cover  132  open and ready for insertion of the vacuum hose  28 . The vacuum hose  28  is provided with the extraction cleaner  10  for selective use during above-the-floor cleaning. The vacuum hose  28  includes a flexible hose conduit  140 , a hose coupler  142  at one end of the hose conduit  140  which couples to the base assembly  62 , and a tool coupler  144  at the opposite end of the hose conduit  140  for selectively coupling an accessory tool, such as cleaning tool  30  shown in  FIG.  1   . Only a portion of the length of the hose conduit  140  is shown in  FIG.  5    for clarity, as indicated by the break lines through the hose conduit  140 . 
     The tool coupler  144  defines an inlet of the vacuum hose  28  and the hose coupler  142  defines an outlet of the vacuum hose  28 . When the vacuum hose  28  is in use, an opening on an accessory tool coupled with the tool coupler  144  may define a suction inlet for the extraction cleaner  10 . The vacuum hose  28  may also be used without an accessory tool, in which case the tool coupler  144  can define the suction inlet for the extraction cleaner  10 . The hose conduit  140  can include a hose airflow conduit as well as a hose fluid delivery conduit. The hose airflow conduit is configured to be coupled with the motor/fan assembly  18 , and the hose fluid delivery conduit is configured to be coupled with the fluid conduit  34 . 
     The hose coupler  142  includes a housing  146  with an inlet airflow connector  148  of the hose airflow conduit which fluidly and mechanically couples with the hose port  116  of the hose receiver  112  and an inlet fluid connector  150  of the hose fluid delivery conduit which fluidly and mechanically couples with an outlet fluid connector  152  on the base assembly  62  adjacent to the hose port  116 . The outlet fluid connector  152  is in fluid communication with the fluid container  34 . 
     The hose coupler  142  includes one or more locking projections  154 . The illustrated example includes two locking projections  154  extending from the same side of the housing  146  as the inlet airflow and fluid connectors  148 ,  150 , and spaced on either side of the airflow connector  148 . The locking projections  154  engage locking latches  156  provided on the base housing  74 , and prevent the suction nozzle  16  from accidentally releasing from the base assembly  62  when the vacuum hose  28  is installed, as described in further detail below. 
     The hose coupler  142  further includes at least one retention latch  158  for securing the vacuum hose  28  to the base assembly  62 . In one configuration illustrated herein, the retention latch  158  can include a hook  160  at one end and a user-engageable tab  162  at an opposite end. The latch  158  can be pivotally mounted on the housing  146  of the hose coupler  142  such that, by pressing or releasing the tab  162 , the hook  160  can be pivoted between an unlocked or locked position. A latch retainer  164  is provided on the base assembly  62  for engaging with the hook  160 . The latch retainer  164  can comprise a hooked rib on the suction nozzle  16  adjacent to a forward side of the hose port  116 . The retention latch  158  can be biased or otherwise configured such that the hook  160  is normally at the inward or locked position. To release the hose coupler  142  from base assembly  62 , a user can depress the tab  162  to pivot the hook  160  away from the latch retainer  164  and then pull the vacuum hose  28  away from the base assembly  62 . 
     The tool coupler  144  includes an outlet airflow connector  166  of the hose airflow conduit which is configured to fluidly and mechanically couple with an airflow pathway of an accessory tool leading to a suction inlet of the accessory tool, and an outlet fluid connector  168  of the hose fluid delivery conduit which is configured to fluidly and mechanically couple with an fluid pathway of an accessory tool leading to a fluid dispenser of the accessory tool. The tool coupler  144  can further include a trigger  170  or other actuator for selectively dispensing fluid from the fluid delivery conduit through the fluid connector  168 . 
       FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG.  4   , but with the nozzle cover  132  in the open position and the vacuum hose  28  attached. The inlet airflow connector  148  is inserted into the hose receiver  112  through the hose port  116 . When inserted, the inlet airflow connector  148  blocks the nozzle port  114  and engages with the seal  124  to close off the suction pathway  94  from fluid communication with the motor/fan assembly  18 . Thus, no suction is drawn by the suction nozzle  16 . Instead, suction is drawn by the vacuum hose  28  through the inlet airflow connector  148 . 
       FIG.  7 A  is a schematic view of the fluid delivery system  12  of the extraction cleaner. The outlet of the fluid container  34  is coupled to a T-connector  172  that feeds the pump  40 , which is coupled with the vacuum hose  28 , and the spray bar  88 , which is gravity-fed. The conduit feeding the spray bar  88  includes flow control system  36 , which in this illustrated example includes a valve  174  and a flow controller  176  comprising an adjustable valve that permits varied flow rate operation. 
     With additional reference to  FIG.  7 B , which is a cross-sectional view through line VIIB-VIIB of  FIG.  3   , the pump  40  feeds the outlet fluid connector  152  on the base assembly  62 , which includes a normally-closed valve that can be selectively opened by the inlet fluid connector  150  when the vacuum hose  28  is connected to the base assembly  62 . When the vacuum hose  28  is not installed, the pump  40 , which in this illustrated example is a centrifugal pump, operates in a “dead-head” condition, meaning the pump  40  continues to operate, but fluid is recirculated within the pump  40  whenever the outlet fluid connector  152  is closed. 
     The airflow and fluid delivery systems of the extraction cleaner  10  can be placed in selective communication with the suction nozzle  16  or the vacuum hose  28  by a user of the extraction cleaner  10 . When the extraction cleaner  10  is in an on-the-floor cleaning mode as shown, for example, in  FIG.  2   , the hose receiver  112  is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle  16  and fluid can be delivered to the spray bar  88 . When the extraction cleaner  10  is in an above-the-floor cleaning mode as shown, for example, in  FIGS.  6 - 7   , the hose receiver  112  is in fluid communication with the vacuum hose  28  and fluid can be delivered to the vacuum hose  28 . When the extraction cleaner  10  is in the on-the-floor cleaning mode, the vacuum hose  28  can be stored separately from the extraction cleaner  10 , in other examples a hose mount or other provisions can be made to store on the extraction cleaner  10 . One or more cleaning tools  30  ( FIG.  1   ) can be provided for use with the vacuum hose  28  in the above-the-floor cleaning mode. 
       FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of the base assembly  62  through line VIII-VIII of  FIG.  3   . As briefly described above, the suction nozzle  16  can be configured to be removable as a unit from the base assembly  62 . The nozzle cover  132 , which is pivoted open to connect the vacuum hose  28 , can also be used to release the suction nozzle  16  from the base housing  74 . The locking latches  156  provided on the base housing  74  hold the suction nozzle  16  on the base housing  74  and prevent removal of the suction nozzle  16 . The locking latches  156  are carried by the suction nozzle  16  and include a retainer  190  which can engage a catch  192  on a portion of the base assembly  62  separate from the suction nozzle  16  and a spring arm  194  which biases the retainer  190  into engagement with the catch  192  in the normal position. The retainer  190  can be hook-shaped and can be in opposing relationship to the spring arm  194 . The suction nozzle  16  can include a latch chamber  196  within which the locking latch  156  can be pivotally mounted, with the spring arm  194  slightly flexed by a wall  198  of the latch chamber  196  to engage the retainer  190  in the catch  192 . The suction nozzle  16  also includes a forward hook  200  on the rear wall  92  which engages a hook retainer  202  on the front of the agitator housing  102 . 
       FIGS.  9 - 10    are views similar to  FIG.  8    showing the operation to remove the suction nozzle  16 . The nozzle cover  132  is pivoted open by rotation about the pivot coupling  134 . Continued pivoting of the nozzle cover  132  brings a rear edge  204  of the nozzle cover  132  into contact with base housing  74 , acting as cam which lifts the rear of the suction nozzle  16  upwardly away from the base housing  74 . This lifting action forces the spring arms  194  to deflect and pivots the retainer  190  away from the catch  192  so that the suction nozzle  16  is freed from engagement with the base housing  74 , as shown in  FIG.  9   . The freed suction nozzle  16  can be pivoted forwardly to move the forward hooks  200  of the engagement with the hook retainer  202  and lifted away from the base housing  74  to completely remove the suction nozzle  16  from the base housing  74 . During this, the nozzle cover  132  may function as a hand grip for manipulating and carrying the suction nozzle  16 . 
     As described above, the nozzle cover  132  is also pivoted open to connect the vacuum hose  28 . As such, when opening the nozzle cover  132  to attach the vacuum hose  28  or during above-the-floor cleaning, the suction nozzle  16  could accidentally be released from the base assembly  62 . To address this, the locking projections  154  on the vacuum hose  28  and locking latches  156  form a nozzle latch that prevents the suction nozzle  16  from accidentally releasing from the base assembly  62  when the vacuum hose  28  is installed. The locking projections  154  wedge the locking latches  156  into the engaged position. 
     The hose receiver  112  and outlet fluid connector  152  can collectively define a fluid delivery and recovery diverter assembly for selectively switching between on-the-floor and above-the floor cleaning by diverting fluid communication between the motor/fan assembly  18  and either the suction nozzle  16  or the vacuum hose  28 , and also diverting liquid communication between the fluid container  34  and either the spray bar  88  or vacuum hose  28 . The configuration of the hose receiver  112  and outlet fluid connector  152 , and the corresponding inlet airflow connector  148  and inlet fluid connector  150  on the vacuum hose  28 , allow the diversion to be accomplished substantially simultaneously with the insertion or removal of the vacuum hose  28  from the base assembly  62 . 
     The nozzle cover  132  can also perform multiple functions, including sealing hose receiver  112  for the vacuum hose  28  when closed, biasing or camming a suction nozzle  16  away from the base housing  74  for removal of the suction nozzle  16  as it is opened, and acting as a handle for the suction nozzle  16  upon removal of the suction nozzle  16  from the base housing  74 . 
       FIG.  11    is a partially exploded, side view of the recovery container  20 . The recovery container  20  can include a recovery tank  206  defining a recovery chamber and an air/liquid separator assembly  208  within the recovery chamber. At least a portion of the recovery tank  206  can be formed of a transparent or tinted translucent material, which permits a user to view the contents of the recovery tank. A badge  210  can be provided on a front lower portion of the recovery tank  206 . A handle  212  can be provided on the recovery tank  206 , which facilitates removing and carrying the recovery tank  206 . The handle  212  can be pivotally coupled to the recovery tank  206  and can be provided near the top of the tank  206 , although other locations are possible. 
     The recovery tank  206  has an opening  214  through which the air/liquid separator  208  is inserted into and removed from the recovery chamber. The opening  214  can be provided on a bottom wall  216  of the tank  206 , such that the air/liquid separator  208  is inserted through the opening  214  and extends upwardly from the bottom wall  216 . The recovery tank  206  can be provided with a separate opening for emptying the recovery tank  206 , so that the air/liquid separator  208  does not have to be removed every time the recovery tank  206  is emptied. The opening in the illustrated example is provided on an upper portion of the recovery tank  206  and is covered by a removable cover  218 . 
     The air/liquid separator  208  is configured to be easily removable from the recovery tank  206  by a user. This permits the air/liquid separator  208  to be disassembled and cleaned more thoroughly as needed. A coupling between the recovery tank  206  and the air/liquid separator  208  can be provided for facilitating easy separation of the two components. As shown herein, the coupling includes a threaded collar  220  which screws onto a threaded neck  222  on the bottom wall  216  of the recovery tank  206  which defines the opening  214  through which the air/liquid separator  208  is inserted. A flange  224  on the bottom of the air/liquid separator  208  limits insertion of the separator  208  into the tank  206 . A seal  226  provides a fluid-tight interface between the recovery tank  206  and the and the air/liquid separator  208  when the air/liquid separator  208  is mounted within the recovery chamber, and also prevents the recovery tank  206  from leaking when removed from the upright assembly  60 . 
     The air/liquid separator  208  includes a stack  228  for guiding air and liquid through the recovery tank  206  and a float assembly  230  for selectively closing the suction path through the recovery tank  206 . The stack  228  includes an inlet column  232  which receives recovered air and liquid form the suction nozzle  16 , and opens into the interior of the recovery tank  206 , and an outlet column  234  which passes substantially clean air, and substantially no liquid, to the motor/fan assembly  18  ( FIG.  3   ) and includes an air inlet port at an upper end of the column  234 . 
     The float assembly  230  includes float shutter  238  and a float body  240  coupled with the float shutter  238  for selectively raising the float shutter  238  to a closed position in which the float shutter  238  closes the air inlet port  236  of the outlet column  234 . The float shutter  238  slides within a guide passage provided on the stack  228  defined by opposing guide projections  242  which receive the float body  240 , with the float body  240  at least partially wrapping around the columns  232 ,  234 . The float body  240  is buoyant, and as the liquid level recovery tank  206  rises, the float body  240  raises the float shutter  238  to close the air inlet port  236  and prevent liquid from exiting the recovery tank  206  and entering the motor/fan assembly  18 . 
       FIG.  12    is a rear perspective view of the air/liquid separator  208 . The inlet column  232  includes an open upper end defining an air/liquid outlet port  244  that opens into the interior of the recovery tank  206 . A separator shield  246  extends at least partially over or around the outlet port  244  to separate incoming air and liquid. The shield  246  may include a central portion  248  which curves outwardly and over the outlet port  244  and lateral side portions  250  which curve around the sides of the outlet port  244 . At least one baffle  252  can also be provided to prevent the full volume of extracted liquid entering the recovery tank  206  from hitting the top of the shield  246  at high speed, thereby reducing the amount of foam and splashing inside the recovery tank  206 . As illustrated, the at least one baffle  252  can include multiple ribs  254  on the inner surface of the shield  246  and which project at least partially over the outlet port  244  to interrupt the liquid flow path and slow down the liquid. The ribs  254  can extend between the side portions  250  of the shield  246 , partially or completely across the central portion  248 . 
       FIG.  13    is a cross-section view of the recovery container  20  showing the flow of air and liquid through the recovery container  20  with arrows. Debris-containing fluid, which can contain air and liquid, is drawn into the recovery tank  206 , via the inlet column  232  of the stack  228 . The debris-containing fluid strikes the separator shield  246 , but is first slowed by the ribs  254 . Liquid and debris in the fluid then fall under the force of gravity to the bottom of the recovery tank  206 . The air drawn into the recovery tank  206 , now separated from liquid and debris, is drawn into the outlet column  234 . 
       FIG.  14    is a partially exploded view of the extraction cleaner  10 . The frame  64  of the upright assembly  60  can include container receivers  260 ,  262  for respectively receiving the recovery and fluid containers  20 ,  34  for support on the upright assembly  60 . The receivers  260 ,  262  may further include features for coupling the recovery and fluid containers  20 ,  34  with the recovery and liquid delivery systems of the extraction cleaner  10 . 
     The recovery container receiver  260  includes a platform  264  that is provided on the frame  64  for supporting the recovery container  20 . The platform  264  can be provided above or on top of the motor housing  70 . The platform  264  includes upwardly extending lateral sides  266  that nest a lower portion of the recovery container  20 , but leaves a majority of the recovery container  20  visible to the user. A front side of the platform  264  is open, and includes a recessed area  268  which accommodates the badge  210  on the recovery container  20 . The badge  210  can be provided for aesthetics, but may also aid in properly locating the recovery container  20  on the platform  264 . The recovery tank container can have a molded recovery tank  206 , which can include integrally molded features that nest the recovery container  20  within the frame  64 , and provide further support and stability to the recovery container  20  when mounted to the upright assembly  60 . The handle  212  can include a biasing mechanism  270  for biasing the handle  212  upwardly toward a portion of the frame  64  to secure the recovery container  20  within the frame  64 . To remove the recovery container  20 , the handle  212  is pushed downwardly to disengage from the frame  64 . 
     The recovery container receiver  260  further includes a recovery conduit outlet  272  and a motor conduit inlet  274  that are formed in the platform  264  for fluidly coupling with an inlet and an outlet, respectively, of the recovery container  20  when the recovery container  20  is seated within the recovery container receiver  260 . The recovery container receiver  260  further includes a recessed region  276  in which the outlet  272  and inlet  274  are formed. The recessed region  276  accommodates the collar  220  and neck  222  ( FIG.  11   ) of the recovery container  20  and provides lateral stability to the recovery container  20  when mounted to the recovery container receiver  260 . 
     The fluid container receiver  262  includes a platform  278  that is provided on the frame  64  for supporting the fluid container  34 . The platform  278  includes an upwardly extending perimeter  280  that nests a lower portion of the fluid container  34 , but leaves a majority of the fluid container  34  visible to the user. The fluid container receiver  262  further includes a flow control valve having a valve seat  282  formed in the platform  278  for fluidly coupling with a valve assembly (not shown) of the fluid container  34  when the fluid container  34  is seated within the fluid container receiver  262 . Vent-holes  284  can be provided on the platform  278  to release heat generated by the motor cooling air, which is exhausted from the motor/fan assembly  18  and directed to the vent-holes  284  from the motor housing  70  by ducting within the frame  64 . The fluid container receiver  262  further includes recesses  286  that receive projections  288  on the bottom of the fluid container  34  and provide lateral stability to the fluid container  34  when mounted to the fluid container receiver  262 . 
     In the example illustrated herein, the platforms  264 ,  278  are configured to support the recovery container  20  and the fluid container  34  in a stacked arrangement, with the second platform  278  being located generally above the first platform  264  to support the fluid container  34  above the recovery container  20 . Other arrangements for the recovery and fluid containers  20 ,  34  are possible in other examples. 
       FIG.  15    is a close-up view of the motor housing  70  of the extraction cleaner  10 , with portions cut away to show some internal features of the extraction cleaner  10 . The airflow conduit in fluid communication with the suction nozzle in the base assembly  62  ( FIG.  4   ) may extend into the upright housing assembly  12 , and may terminate at the recovery conduit outlet  272  of the recovery container receiver  260 . In particular, the airflow conduit can include a rigid duct  290  extending from the recovery airflow conduit underneath the platform  264 , and which couples with the flexible hose conduit  110 , which extends from the base housing  74  and through the motor housing  70  to reach the duct  290 . A seal  292  can be provided at the recovery conduit outlet  272  to provide a fluid-tight coupling with the recovery container  20 . 
     The motor conduit inlet  274  of the recovery container receiver  260  is in fluid communication with the motor/fan assembly  18  via a motor airflow conduit  294 . The motor airflow conduit  294  may be made up of one or more flexible and/or rigid sections, and is shown herein as rigid duct extending between the motor conduit inlet  274  and an inlet  296  of the motor/fan assembly  18 . A seal  298  can be provided at the motor conduit inlet  274  to provide a fluid-tight coupling with the recovery container  20 . 
     A screen  300  can be provided at the motor conduit inlet  274  to prevent debris of a predetermined size from entering the motor airflow conduit  294  and reaching the motor/fan assembly  18 . The screen  300  can include a plurality of openings  302  through which the working air from the recovery container  20  may pass, but which filter out debris of a predetermined size. 
     The motor conduit inlet  274 , and accordingly the screen  300 , is located toward the front of the extraction cleaner  10 . The motor conduit inlet  274  may be located in front of the recovery conduit outlet  272 , near the forward edge of the platform  264 . When the recovery container  20  is removed from the upright assembly  60 , the screen  300  is exposed, as shown in  FIG.  14   . This configuration makes the screen  300  highly visible to the user, who can easily assess whether the screen  300  needs cleaning, and easily access the screen  300  for cleaning as needed. Previous extraction cleaners have included a screen within the recovery tank itself. In this location, the screen is not immediately visible to user and therefore the user often does not notice when it requires cleaning. Further, the screen is difficult to access since the recovery tank has to be disassembled to do so. 
     While the various examples illustrated herein show an upright extraction cleaner, for example  FIG.  2   , aspects of the disclosure may be used on other types of extraction cleaners, including, but not limited to, a canister device having a cleaning implement connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose, a portable extractor adapted to be hand carried by a user for cleaning relatively small areas, or a commercial extractor. For example, any of the illustrated examples can be combined with an extraction cleaner as generally outlined with respect to  FIG.  1   . Still further, aspects of the disclosure may also be used on surface cleaning apparatus other than extraction cleaners, such as a vacuum cleaner or steam cleaner. A vacuum cleaner typically does not deliver or extract liquid, but rather is used for collecting relatively dry debris (which may include dirt, dust, stains, soil, hair, and other debris) from a surface. A steam cleaner generates steam for delivery to the surface to be cleaned, either directly or via cleaning pad. Some steam cleaners collect liquid in the pad, or may extract liquid using suction force. 
     The disclosed embodiments are representative of preferred forms of the disclosure and are intended to be illustrative rather than definitive of the disclosure. To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments may be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature may not be illustrated in all of the embodiments is not meant to be construed that it may not be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.