Patent Publication Number: US-11653810-B2

Title: Self-cleaning features for extraction cleaners

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/790,959, filed on Feb. 14, 2020, now allowed, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/152,042, filed on Oct. 4, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,588,476, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/568,956, filed Oct. 6, 2017, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Extraction cleaners are well-known surface cleaning apparatuses for deep cleaning carpets and other fabric surfaces, such as upholstery. Most extraction cleaners, or deep cleaners, 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. Some extraction cleaners for household use attachments, such as hoses, wands, and other cleaning tools to perform cleaning operations. The hoses, wands, and other cleaning tools may be configured for both fluid delivery and fluid recovery. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system, comprising an extraction cleaner, comprising a housing, a fluid delivery system comprising a supply container, a recovery system comprising a suction source and a recovery container, the suction source in fluid communication with the recovery container for drawing fluid to the recovery container, a wand selectively couplable with the fluid delivery system and the recovery system, the wand comprising a fluid delivery pathway adapted for fluid communication with the supply container and having a fluid connector, and an airflow pathway adapted for fluid communication with the recovery container and having an airflow connector and a wand receiver provided with the housing and adapted to receive a first end of the wand and wherein the wand receiver is configured such that an enclosed pathway is formed between the fluid connector and the airflow connector of the wand when the first end of the wand is received by the wand receiver. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an extraction cleaner, comprising a housing, a fluid delivery system comprising a supply container, a recovery system comprising a suction source and a recovery container, the suction source in fluid communication with the recovery container for drawing fluid to the recovery container, a wand receiver provided with the housing and adapted to receive a first end of a wand and wherein the wand receiver is configured such that an enclosed pathway is formed between a fluid connector and an airflow connector of the wand when the first end of the wand is received by the wand receiver. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic view of an extraction cleaner. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a wand cap for a wand and accessory hose of an extraction cleaner, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a sectional view through the wand cap of  FIG.  2   , assembled with the wand and accessory hose. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a wand cap for a wand and accessory hose of an extraction cleaner, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the wand cap of  FIG.  4   , assembled with a wand and accessory hose of an extraction cleaner. 
         FIG.  6 A  is a sectional view through a wand receiver provided on an extraction cleaner for a wand, according to a third aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a sectional view similar to  FIG.  6 A , showing a wand coupled with the wand receiver. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of an accessory tool for an extraction cleaner, according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is an exploded view of the accessory tool of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    is a sectional view through a valve assembly of the accessory tool of  FIG.  7   , showing the valve assembly in a surface cleaning mode. 
         FIG.  10    is a sectional view through a valve assembly of the accessory tool of  FIG.  7   , showing the valve assembly in a self-cleaning mode. 
         FIG.  11    is a sectional view through the accessory tool of  FIG.  7   , showing a flow path through the accessory tool in a surface cleaning mode. 
         FIG.  12    is a sectional view through the accessory tool of  FIG.  7   , showing a flow path through the accessory tool in a self-cleaning mode. 
         FIG.  13    is a top perspective view of a wand for an accessory hose of an extraction cleaner, according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    is a bottom perspective view of the wand of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  15    is an exploded view of the wand of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  16    is a side view of an adapter coupling for a wand and accessory tool of an extraction cleaner, according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, showing a diverter of the adapter coupling in a surface cleaning mode. 
         FIG.  17    is a side view of the adapter coupling of  FIG.  16   , showing a diverter of the adapter coupling in a self-cleaning mode. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosure generally relates to features and improvements for extraction cleaners for floor surfaces that have fluid delivery and recovery capabilities. In particular, the features and improvements relate to cleaning and maintaining such extraction cleaners. Embodiments disclosed herein relate more specifically to self-cleaning features incorporated into accessory tools, wands, and/or hoses for cleaning the fluid recovery systems of extraction cleaners. 
     Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a wand end cap for containing and directing cleaning fluid into the working air path of a wand to flush out the wand and the downstream fluid recovery path, including, but not limited to an accessory hose and recovery tank. 
     Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to an extraction cleaner with a wand receiver provided thereon for receiving a wand, where the wand receiver is configured to contain and direct cleaning fluid into the working air path of a wand to flush out the wand and the downstream fluid recovery path, including, but not limited to an accessory hose and recovery tank. 
     Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a self-cleaning accessory tool configured to selectively divert cleaning fluid into a working air path of the accessory tool to flush out the accessory tool, and the downstream fluid recovery path, including, but not limited to a wand, an accessory hose, and/or recovery tank. 
     Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a self-cleaning wand configured to selectively divert cleaning fluid into a working air path of the wand to flush out the wand and the downstream fluid recovery path, including, but not limited to an accessory hose and recovery tank. 
     Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to an adapter coupling which can, for example, be coupled intermediately between two attachments, such as a wand, an accessory tool, or a hose, and is configured to selectively divert cleaning fluid into a working air path of at least some of the attachments to flush out the attachments, and the downstream fluid recovery path. 
       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, an autonomous or robotic extraction cleaner, or a commercial extractor. Any of the aforementioned extraction cleaners can be adapted to include one or more attachments, such as a flexible vacuum hose, which can form a portion of the working air conduit between a nozzle and the suction source. Such a vacuum hose can be coupled with additional attachments, such as a wand and/or accessory tool. 
     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 such as a motor/fan assembly  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 motor/fan assembly  18  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 one or more attachments. An accessory hose  28  can be selectively fluidly coupled to the motor/fan assembly  18  for cleaning using an accessory tool or cleaning tool  30  with a separate suction inlet. A diverter assembly  32  can selectively divert fluid communication between the motor/fan assembly  18  and either the suction nozzle  16  or the accessory hose  28 . The accessory hose  28  can also comprise a fluid distributor (not shown) in communication with the fluid delivery system  12  to selectively deliver cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. 
     The fluid delivery system  12  can include at least one fluid container  34  for storing a supply of cleaning 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 at least one 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 or 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 distributor outlets  48  can also be provided. As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the distributor outlets  48  can comprise multiple spray tips which distribute cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning tool  30  can optionally 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 fluid 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  12  can be provided with an additional container  52  for storing a cleaning fluid. For example, the fluid container  34  can store water and the second container  52  can store a cleaning fluid. The containers  34 ,  52  can, for example, be defined by a supply tank and/or a collapsible bladder. In one configuration, the fluid 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. The cleaning fluid in either container  34 ,  52  can include, but is not limited to, water or a mixture including water and one or more treating agents. Treating agents can include, but are not limited to, detergents, odor eliminators, sanitizers, stain removers, odor removers, deodorizers, fragrances, or any combination thereof. 
     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, without detracting from the invention. 
     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 fluid 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. 
     Additional details of suitable extraction cleaners are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,784,148, issued Aug. 31, 2010, and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0071434, published Mar. 16, 2017, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     It is noted that in other embodiments of the extraction cleaner  10 , the suction nozzle  16  and associated fluid recovery flow path components can be eliminated, and the extraction cleaner  10  can have only the accessory hose  28  and cleaning tool  30  for recovering cleaning fluid. Also optionally, the distributor outlet  48  and associated fluid delivery flow path components can be eliminated, and the extraction cleaner  10  can have only the accessory hose  28  and cleaning tool  30  for delivering cleaning fluid. 
       FIGS.  2 - 3    show one embodiment of a system for cleaning a recovery path of an extraction cleaner, such as the extraction cleaner  10  of  FIG.  1   . The system can comprise a wand  62  and a hose or accessory hose  64 . A wand cap  60  for cleaning the wand  62  and accessory hose  64  can also be included in the system. The wand cap  60  is adapted to partially receive the wand and can be assembled to the wand  62  and accessory hose  64 , by inserting the wand cap  60  onto the end of the wand  62  in the direction indicated by the arrow in  FIG.  2   . The wand cap  60  is configured to clean the wand  62  by guiding and re-directing cleaning fluid from the fluid distributor of the wand into a working air path of the wand  62  to flush out the wand  62 , accessory hose  64  and downstream components of the recovery system  14 . The wand cap  60  can be configured to fit any standard extractor wand. In the context of the extraction cleaner  10  of  FIG.  1   , the accessory hose  64  can be used as accessory hose  28  and the wand  62  can be used as cleaning tool  30 . 
     The accessory hose  64  includes a flexible hose conduit  66 , a flexible fluid delivery conduit  68 , a hose coupler (not shown) at one end of the flexible hose conduit  66  which couples to the extraction cleaner  10  ( FIG.  1   ) to place the accessory hose  64  in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system  12  and recovery system  14 , and a tool coupler  70  at the opposite end of the flexible hose conduit  66  for selectively coupling an accessory tool, such as the wand  62  shown in  FIG.  2   . The tool coupler  70  defines an inlet end of the accessory hose  64 . Only a portion of the length of the flexible hose conduit  66  is shown in  FIG.  3    for clarity, as indicated by the break lines. 
     The flexible hose conduit  66  can define an airflow pathway  76  and can house the flexible fluid delivery conduit  68  therein. Alternatively, the flexible fluid delivery conduit  68  can extend externally to the airflow pathway  76 . In the context of the extraction cleaner  10  of  FIG.  1   , the airflow pathway  76  is configured to be coupled with the recovery container  20 , and the flexible fluid delivery conduit  68 , which defines a fluid delivery pathway  74 , is configured to be coupled with at least the fluid container  34 . 
     The wand  62  includes a wand housing  63  with an airflow connector  78  defining an inlet to an airflow pathway  76 , which is fluidly coupled to the airflow pathway  72  of the flexible hose conduit  66 . The wand  62  further comprises a fluid connector  82  defining the outlet end of a fluid delivery pathway  80 , which is fluidly coupled with the fluid delivery pathway  74  of the flexible fluid delivery conduit  68 . A valve  84  can be provided in the fluid delivery pathway  80  for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid to the fluid connector  82 . The valve  84  can be controlled by the user via a valve actuator, such as a trigger  86  provided on the wand housing  63 . 
     The airflow connector  78  defines an inlet end of the wand  62 , and the airflow connector  78  and fluid connector  82  collectively define a wand tool coupler  83  adapted to selectively couple a cleaning tool  30  to the wand  62 . 
     The wand cap  60  fits on the free end of the wand  62 , i.e. the wand tool coupler  83 , and creates an enclosed pathway between the fluid connector  82  and the airflow connector  78 . As shown, the wand cap  60  can have a cup-shaped cap housing  88  configured to mate with the free end of the wand  62 , and can include a closed end wall  90  and a peripheral side wall  92  extending from the closed end wall  90  to an open opposite end. The peripheral side wall  92  can fit snugly on the wand tool coupler  83 , with the closed end wall  90  spaced from the inlet end of the wand  62  so as not to seal the wand inlet and to allow working air to flow from within the wand cap  60  through the airflow pathway  76  when the wand cap  60  is installed. The cap housing  88  can optionally have an opening  94  configured to receive a detent  96  on the airflow connector  78  for selectively attaching the wand cap  60  on the wand  62 . 
     The peripheral side wall  92  can at least partially define a fluid connector receiver  93  that mates with the fluid connector  82  as well as an airflow connector receiver  95  that mates with the airflow connector  78  on the wand  62 . The cap housing  88  also includes a first internal fluid channel  98  and a second internal fluid channel  100  in fluid communication with the fluid connector receiver  93  and airflow connector receiver  95 , respectively. At least one passage opening  102  is provided in a wall  99  separating the two internal fluid channels  98 ,  100  for guiding fluid flow from the fluid connector  82  into the airflow pathway  76  of the wand  62  when the wand cap  60  is installed. The passage opening  102  and second internal fluid channel  100  directs the flow of cleaning liquid upwardly through the cap housing  88 , into the inlet of the airflow pathway  76  of the wand  62 . At least one air gap (not shown) can be provided within the housing to allow working air to flow into the wand inlet when the end cap is installed. 
     In operation, to clean and rinse the recovery path of the extraction cleaner, a user can install the wand cap  60  on the wand  62  and depress the trigger  86 . Cleaning fluid flows from the fluid connector  82  through the internal fluid channels  98 ,  100  and through the working air inlet in airflow connector  78  and downstream working air path, including through airflow pathway  76  and airflow pathway  72  of the accessory hose  64 . Delivering cleaning fluid directly into the wand  62  flushes away debris, residue and odor-causing bacteria in the wand  62 , and in the accessory hose  64 , which can be present after normal use. The soiled fluid is deposited into the recovery container  20  which can be periodically emptied of collected fluid and debris. 
       FIGS.  4 - 5    show a second embodiment of the system with a wand cap  104  for cleaning an extractor wand or wand  106  and accessory hose  108  of an extraction cleaner. The wand cap  104  is configured to clean the wand  106  by containing and directing cleaning fluid into a working air path of the wand  106  to flush out the wand  106  and the accessory hose  108 . The wand cap  104  can be configured to fit any standard extractor wand. In the context of the extraction cleaner  10  of  FIG.  1   , the accessory hose  108  can be used as accessory hose  28  and the wand  106  can be used as cleaning tool  30 . In  FIG.  4   , the wand cap  104  is shown as being stored on the accessory hose  108 , while in  FIG.  5   , the wand cap  104  is shown as being assembled with the wand  106  and accessory hose  108 , and a user&#39;s hand  110  is shown in phantom line indicating how the wand  106  may be held to operate the trigger  112 . 
     The wand cap  104  can be substantially similar to the wand cap  60  of  FIGS.  2 - 3   , save for having air vents  114  in the cap housing  116 , such as in the front portion of the side wall  118 , for allowing working air to flow into the wand inlet when the wand cap  104  is installed. Furthermore, at least a portion of the cap housing  116  can be transparent; for example, at least a portion of one or both of first and second internal fluid channels  120 ,  122  can be transparent for the user to view cleaning fluid flowing back into the wand  106 . Still further, the wand cap  104  can be provided with a hose clip  124  configured to clip or mount onto the accessory hose  108  for storage when the wand cap  104  is not installed on the wand  106 , as shown in  FIG.  4   . Otherwise, the structure and function of the wand cap  104  is substantially similar to wand cap  60 . 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  show a wand receiver  126  provided on an extraction cleaner, such as the extraction cleaner  10  ( FIG.  1   ), for storing and cleaning a wand and downstream recovery path of the extraction cleaner according to a third embodiment of the system. In the illustrated example, the extraction cleaner  10  can be included in the system, wherein a wand cap is provided on a housing of the extraction cleaner  10 . 
     The wand  62  described above with reference to  FIG.  2    is shown assembled with the wand receiver  126  in  FIG.  6 B , with the wand  62  being stored within the wand receiver  126 . The wand receiver  126  is configured to clean the wand  62  by containing and directing cleaning fluid into a working air path of the wand  62  to flush out the wand  62 , and the downstream recovery path, which comprises at least an accessory hose, for example, such as the accessory hose  64  ( FIG.  2   ). The wand receiver  126  can be configured to receive any standard extractor wand. 
     The wand receiver  126  includes a wand receiver housing  132  provided on a portion of a housing  130  of the extraction cleaner  10 , and can comprise geometry that is substantially similar to the embodiments of the wand cap  60 ,  104  described above with reference to  FIGS.  2 - 3    and  FIGS.  4 - 5   . The wand receiver housing  132  is configured to receive the free end of the wand  62 , i.e. the wand tool coupler  83 , and creates an enclosed pathway between the fluid connector  82  and the airflow connector  78  of the wand  62 . As shown, the wand receiver housing  132  can comprise a first internal fluid channel  134  that mates with the fluid connector  82  on the wand  62  and a second internal fluid channel  136  that mates with the airflow connector  78  on the wand. At least one passage opening  138  is provided in a wall  140  separating the two internal fluid channels  134 ,  136  and allows fluid to flow from the fluid connector  82  into the airflow pathway of the wand  62  when the wand  62  is installed on the wand receiver  126 . The passage opening  138  and second internal fluid channel  136  directs the flow of cleaning liquid laterally through the wand receiver housing  132  and into the inlet of the airflow pathway  76  of the wand  62 . At least one air gap or leak (not shown) can be provided within the wand receiver  126  to allow working air to flow into the wand inlet when the wand  62  is installed on the wand receiver  126 . 
     In operation, to clean and rinse the recovery path of the extraction cleaner, a user can install the wand  62  into the wand receiver  126 , as shown in  FIG.  6 B , and depress the trigger  86 . Cleaning fluid flows from the fluid connector  82 , through the internal fluid channels  134 ,  136  and through the working air inlet in airflow connector  78  and downstream working air path, including through the airflow pathway  76  of the wand  62  and airflow pathway  72  of the accessory hose  64 . Delivering cleaning fluid directly into the wand  62  flushes away debris, residue and odor-causing bacteria present in the wand  62 , and in the accessory hose  64 , which can be present after normal use. 
       FIGS.  7 - 12    show an embodiment of an accessory for an extraction cleaner, such as the extraction cleaner  10  of  FIG.  1   . In one example, the accessory comprises an accessory cleaning tool or accessory tool  142  that can be selectively fluidly connected to a wand  144  and an accessory hose  146 , as shown. In the context of the extraction cleaner  10  of  FIG.  1   , the accessory tool  142  can be used as cleaning tool  30 . The accessory tool  142  is configured to self-clean by selectively diverting cleaning fluid into a working air path of the accessory tool  142  to flush out the accessory tool  142 , and downstream fluid recovery path, including wand  144  and/or accessory hose  146 , for example. 
     The accessory tool  142  comprises a main housing  148  with a suction nozzle  150  at a forward portion of the main housing  148  defining a suction nozzle inlet  152 , and an air outlet  154  at a rearward portion of the main housing  148  that is shown as being fluidly connected to a wand  144  and accessory hose  146  of an extraction cleaner to draw a working airflow through an airflow pathway  156  of the accessory tool  142  defined in the main housing  148  extending between the working air inlet, i.e. the suction nozzle inlet  152 , and the air outlet  154 . The airflow pathway  156  can be at least partially defined by a conduit  158  forming a handle grip for holding the accessory tool  142 . The suction nozzle inlet  152  can be defined by an elongate, narrow, rectangular opening to generate high velocity airflow into the accessory tool  142 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the main housing  148  includes a multi-part housing, including an upper housing body  160 , a lower housing body  162 , and a nozzle cover  164 . Other configurations of the main housing  148  are also possible. 
     The suction nozzle  150  can be defined between the nozzle cover  164  and upper housing body  160 . In the illustrated embodiment, the suction nozzle  150  is further defined by a front wall  166  of the upper housing body  160 , which is spaced rearward from the nozzle cover  164 . The space between the nozzle cover  164  and the front wall  166  forms a suction nozzle passage  168  which extends from the suction nozzle inlet  152  to a forward inlet opening  170  to the conduit  158  forming the handle grip, and forms part of the working airflow pathway through the accessory tool  142 . 
     An agitator  172  can be provided on the main housing  148 ; as shown, the agitator  172  is located rearward of the suction nozzle  150  on the lower housing body  162 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the agitator  172  can comprise a plurality of bristles  174 . The bristles  174  can be bundled together in tufts to provide the desired stiffness and durability for agitation. 
     The fluid delivery pathway of the accessory tool  142  includes a diverter valve  176 , such as a plunger valve, configured to selectively divert fluid through either a main fluid distributor  178  or through a rinse manifold  180 . The main fluid distributor  178  delivers the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and the rinse manifold  180  bypasses the main fluid distributor  178  and delivers the cleaning fluid directly to the suction nozzle  150  without first being applied to the surface, so that cleaning fluid is used to flush out the accessory tool  142 , and also the downstream fluid pathway such as the wand  144  and accessory hose  146 , for example. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the rinse manifold  180  is a spray bar  182  having multiple manifold outlets  184  mounted in fluid connection with the suction nozzle  150 . The front wall  166  of the upper housing body  160  can include a manifold opening  186  at a lower end thereof which is in substantial alignment with the rinse manifold  180  so that the manifold outlets  184  are exposed to airflow pathway  156  and can spray directly into the suction nozzle  150  through the manifold opening  186 . The spray bar  182  can define a hollow interior or chamber, and can have a fluid connector  188  in fluid communication with the hollow interior or chamber and which is coupled with the diverter valve  176  by a conduit  190 . 
     In operation, when fluid is selectively diverted through the rinse manifold  180 , it flows into a lower end of the suction nozzle  150  near the suction nozzle inlet  152 , is entrained in the working air stream, and rinses the suction nozzle  150  and downstream working air path. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9 - 10   , the diverter valve  176  includes a valve inlet or inlet  192  in fluid communication with the source of cleaning fluid, such as via an inlet fluid pathway  194  through the accessory tool  142 , and a first outlet  196  in fluid communication with the main fluid distributor  178  and a second outlet  198  in fluid communication with the rinse manifold  180 . 
     The diverter valve can include a valve housing or valve body  200  defining the inlet  192  and outlets  196 ,  198 , and a valve plunger or plunger  202  slidably received within the valve body  200 . The plunger  202  includes a head  204  on the exterior of the valve body  200  which is connected by a stem  206  to a plug  208 . Upper seal  210  and lower seal  212  are provided within the valve body  200 , in a cavity above and below the plug  208 . The upper seal  210  and lower seal  212  include a respective upper orifice  214  and lower orifice  216  formed therein. The stem  206  of the plunger  202  can further comprise an X-shaped profile defining reduced diameter portions forming one or more stem channels  218  between the stem  206  and the valve body  200  for passage of fluid around the stem  206 . An O-ring  220  can be provided between the plunger  202  and the valve body  200  for a fluid-tight seal at the head  204 . 
     The plunger  202  can move axially within the valve body  200  between a first position shown in  FIG.  9    and a second position shown in  FIG.  10   . The first position ( FIG.  9   ) corresponds to a surface cleaning mode of the accessory tool  142  where the plug  208  is seated against the upper seal  210  and the inlet  192  is open to fluid communication with the first outlet  196  and main fluid distributor  178 . The second position ( FIG.  10   ) corresponds to a self-cleaning mode of the accessory tool  142  where the plug  208  is seated against the lower seal  212  and the inlet  192  is open to fluid communication with the second outlet  198  via stem channel  218 . A spring  222  mounted between the plunger  202  and valve body  200  can bias the plunger  202  to one of the first and second positions. In the embodiment illustrated, the spring  222  is mounted between a flange  224  on the plunger  202  and a spring seat  226  on the valve body  200 , and biases the plunger  202  upwardly to the first position shown in  FIG.  9    corresponding to a surface cleaning mode of the accessory tool. 
     The main fluid distributor  178  can be provided at a bottom side of the valve body  200 , rearward of the suction nozzle inlet  152  and elevated or offset above the suction nozzle inlet  152  and surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the distributor can comprise a spray tip configured to distribute cleaning fluid in a pressurized fan-shaped spray pattern downwardly onto the surface to be cleaned, rearwardly of a suction nozzle and agitator. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the main fluid distributor  178  is formed integrally with the diverter valve  176 , and can comprise an insert in the bottom of the valve body  200 . In other embodiments, the distributor can be formed separately from the diverter valve  176 , and the first outlet  196  of the diverter valve  176  can be in fluid communication with the main fluid distributor  178  via a conduit or other coupling. 
     The diverter valve  176  can be controlled by the user via a valve actuator, such as a sliding button or diverter slider  228  provided on the main housing  148  to move the diverter valve  176  between the first position ( FIG.  9   ), corresponding to a surface cleaning mode of the accessory tool  142 , and the second position ( FIG.  10   ), corresponding to a self-cleaning mode of the accessory tool  142 . The diverter slider  228  is configured to selectively engage the plunger  202  of the diverter valve  176  to move the diverter valve  176  to open the inlet  192  to the rinse manifold  180  or to the main fluid distributor  178 , respectively. 
     In the embodiment shown, the diverter slider  228  comprises a ramp  230  on a bottom of the diverter slider  228  for selectively depressing the head  204  of the plunger in self-cleaning mode. When the ramp  230  depresses the plunger  202 , the plug  208  on the plunger  202  moves away from the upper seal  210  and seats against the lower seal  212 , which opens the fluid path to the second outlet  198  and rinse manifold  180 . Optionally, the diverter slider  228  can also include an opening  232  adjacent the ramp  230 , which can be in register with, receive, or at least partially accommodate the head  204  of the plunger  202  when the diverter slider  228  is moved into the surface cleaning mode position. 
     The diverter slider  228  can be operably coupled with a user-engageable actuator, shown herein as a button  234 , for moving the diverter slider  228  relative to the diverter valve  176 . In the embodiment shown, the diverter slider  228  can be mechanically coupled with the button  234  by a frame  236 . The button  234  can conveniently be located on the accessory tool  142  for single-handed operation; in the illustrated example, the button  234  is located on the upper side of the handle grip, such that a user gripping the accessory tool  142  with one hand can use the thumb on that same hand to slide the button  234 . 
     The diverter slider  228  can slide within the main housing  148  between a first position shown in  FIG.  11   , corresponding to a surface cleaning mode of the accessory tool  142 , where the diverter valve  176  is in the first position ( FIG.  9   ) and fluid is supplied to the main fluid distributor  178 , and a second position shown in  FIG.  12   , corresponding to a self-cleaning mode of the accessory tool  142 , where the diverter valve  176  is in the second position ( FIG.  10   ) and fluid is supplied to the rinse manifold  180 . The button  234  can be manipulated by the user to slide the diverter slider  228  between the two positions corresponding to the surface cleaning and self-cleaning modes. As shown herein, the first position of the diverter slider  228  and button  234  can be a forward position, while the second position of the diverter slider  228  and button  234  can be a rearward position, relative to each other and to the suction nozzle  150 , which generally can define the front of the accessory tool  142 . 
     A spring  238  can bias the diverter slider  228  to one of the two positions described above. In the embodiment illustrated, the spring  238  biases the diverter slider  228  forwardly within the main housing  148  to the first position ( FIG.  11   ) corresponding to the surface cleaning mode of the accessory tool  142 . 
     Fluid delivery to the accessory tool  142  can be controlled by the user via a first user-engageable actuator or trigger  240  provided on the wand  144 . The inlet fluid pathway  194  of the accessory tool  142  couples with a fluid connector  242  of the wand  144 . The embodiment of the accessory tool  142  shown herein does not include its own trigger, but rather is controlled via a trigger  240  on the wand  144 . In other embodiments of the accessory tool  142 , a trigger can be provided on the accessory tool  142  along with a fluid delivery valve controlling liquid flow through the inlet fluid pathway  194  to the diverter valve  176 . 
     In operation, when the diverter slider  228  is in the first or forward position, the accessory tool  142  is in a surface cleaning mode as shown in  FIG.  11   . The plunger  202  is in its uppermost position ( FIG.  9   ) and the fluid flow path extends from the wand  144  through the inlet fluid pathway  194  in the accessory tool  142 , through the diverter valve  176 , and out of the main fluid distributor  178 . Squeezing the trigger  240  on the wand  144  delivers cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned via the main fluid distributor  178 . 
     To switch to the self-cleaning mode shown in  FIG.  12   , the diverter slider  228  is pulled rearwardly using the button  234  to the second or rearward position, which depresses the plunger  202  ( FIG.  10   ). The plunger  202  moves downwardly and seals the lower orifice  216  to the main fluid distributor  178  and opens the upper orifice  214  to the manifold outlets  184 . Squeezing the trigger  240  on the wand  144  delivers cleaning fluid directly to the suction nozzle  150  via the rinse manifold  180 . Cleaning fluid flows into the rinse manifold  180 , through the manifold outlets  184 , and into the suction nozzle passage  168 , through the airflow pathway  156 , and into the wand  144  and downstream recovery pathway. The cleaning fluid flushes away debris, residue and odor-causing bacteria present in the accessory tool  142 , wand  144 , accessory hose  146  and downstream fluid recovery pathway, which can be present after normal use. 
       FIGS.  13 - 15    show another embodiment of an accessory for an extraction cleaner, such as the extraction cleaner  10  ( FIG.  1   ). The accessory is illustrated as a wand  244  for the extraction cleaner  10 . The wand  244  can be assembled with an accessory hose  246  as shown. The wand  244  is configured to self-clean by selectively diverting cleaning fluid into a working air path of the wand  244  to flush out the wand  244 , and will also clean the downstream accessory hose  246 . The wand  244  can be configured to fit any standard accessory hose  246 . In the context of the extraction cleaner  10  of  FIG.  1   , the wand  244  can be used as cleaning tool  30  and can couple with accessory hose  28 . 
     The wand  244  includes a wand housing  248 , at least a portion of which is tubular. The wand housing  248  includes an airflow pathway  250  having an airflow connector  252  which fluidly couples with an airflow pathway  254  of the accessory hose  246 , and a fluid delivery pathway  256  having a fluid connector  258  which fluidly couples with a fluid delivery pathway  262  of the accessory hose  246 . The fluid delivery pathway  256  can extend parallel to the airflow pathway  254  at the tubular portion. The airflow connector  252  defines an inlet end of the wand, and the airflow pathway  250  can also include an air outlet  253  configured for fluid communication with the recovery container  20  ( FIG.  1   ). The airflow connector  252  and fluid connector  258  collectively define a wand tool coupler  260  for selectively coupling an accessory cleaning tool (not shown in  FIGS.  13 - 14   ) to the wand  244 . The accessory hose  246  includes a flexible hose conduit  264 , a flexible fluid delivery conduit  266 , and a hose tool coupler  268  for selectively coupling an accessory tool, such as the wand  244  shown in  FIGS.  13 - 15   . The hose tool coupler  268  defines an air inlet or inlet end of the accessory hose  246 . Only a portion of the length of the accessory hose  246  is shown in  FIGS.  13 - 15    for clarity, as indicated by the break lines. 
     A first valve  270  can be provided in the fluid delivery pathway  256  of the wand  244  for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid to the fluid connector  258  defining a fluid outlet  259  of the wand  244 . The first valve  270  is normally closed, and can be opened by the user via a first user-engageable actuator, such as a trigger  272  provided on the wand housing  248 . 
     The wand further includes a second valve  274 , e.g. an auxiliary fluid flushing valve, configured to direct cleaning fluid into the airflow pathway  250  of the wand  244  to flush out the wand  244 , the accessory hose  246 , and downstream fluid recovery path. The second valve  274  is normally closed, and can be opened by the user via a second user-engageable actuator, such as a rinsing button  276  provided on the wand housing  248 . 
     The wand  244  can include a Y-connector  278  having a connector inlet  279  defining a fluid inlet, a first connector outlet  281 , and a second connector outlet  283 . The Y-connector  278  can split the fluid delivery pathway  256  into a first path or conduit  282  which is fluidly connected to the first valve  270  for distributing cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned via the fluid connector  258 , and a second path or conduit  282  which is fluidly connected to the second valve  274  for delivering cleaning fluid into the airflow pathway  250  for self-cleaning. The first and second conduits  280 ,  282  can couple the respective first and second connector outlets  281 ,  283  to the inlets of the first and second valves  270 ,  274 , respectively. Both the first and second conduits  280 ,  282  are pressurized by an upstream fluid delivery pump, such as the pump  40  shown in  FIG.  1   , so that, in operation, a user can distribute cleaning fluid by depressing the trigger  272  which opens the first valve  270 . Alternatively, a user can depress the rinsing button  276  which opens the second valve  274 . In  FIG.  15   , the first and second conduits  280 ,  282  are represented by dashed lines, although it is understood that the conduits  280 ,  282  may be flexible tubing and/or rigid conduits. 
     In operation, squeezing the trigger  272  on the wand  244  opens the first valve  270  and delivers cleaning fluid to the fluid connector  258 . Pressing the rinsing button  276  on the wand  244  opens the second valve  274  and delivers cleaning fluid into the airflow pathway  250  of the wand  244  to flush out the wand  244 , and will also clean the downstream accessory hose  246 . A return conduit  284  fluidly connects an outlet of the second valve  274  with the airflow pathway  250 , and may include at least one return conduit  284  with an outlet end that is fluidly connected to a fitting or hole (not shown) in the airflow pathway  250  for delivering fluid thereto. In  FIG.  15   , the return conduit  284  is represented by a dashed line, although it is understood that the return conduit  284  may be a flexible tubing and/or rigid conduits. In this manner, the Y-connector  278  can at least partially form a diverter having the second valve  274  configured to selectively open the return conduit  284 . 
       FIGS.  16 - 17    show another embodiment of an accessory for an extraction cleaner, such as the extraction cleaner  10  ( FIG.  1   ). The accessory is shown in the form of an adapter coupling  286  for the extraction cleaner  10  ( FIG.  1   ). The adapter coupling  286  can, for example, be coupled intermediately between a wand  288  and a cleaning tool or accessory tool  290 , as shown. 
     The adapter coupling  286  is configured to self-clean by selectively diverting cleaning fluid into a working air path of the wand  288  to flush out the wand  288 , and will also clean a downstream accessory hose (not shown). The adapter coupling  286  can be configured to fit any standard extractor wand or cleaning tool. In the context of the extraction cleaner  10  of  FIG.  1   , the adapter coupling  286  can be coupled intermediately between the accessory hose  28  and the cleaning tool  30 . 
     The wand  288  has at least an airflow pathway  292  and a fluid delivery pathway  294 , as well as a trigger  296  for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid through the fluid delivery pathway  294 . The accessory tool  290  has at least an air inlet in the form of a suction nozzle inlet  298  in fluid communication with the airflow pathway  292  and a fluid distributor  300  in fluid communication with the fluid delivery pathway  294 . The adapter coupling  286  has a fluid inlet  287  and a fluid outlet  289  and is configured to selectively fluidly connect the airflow pathway  292  and fluid delivery pathway  294  of the wand  288  with the suction nozzle inlet  298  and fluid distributor  300 , respectively, of the accessory tool  290 . The airflow pathway  292  can also include an air outlet  293  configured for fluid communication with the recovery container  20  ( FIG.  1   ). 
     The adapter coupling  286  comprises a housing  302  defining a working air conduit  304  and a fluid delivery conduit  306 . A portion of the working air and fluid delivery conduits  304 ,  306  is provided by a moveable diverter  308  provided on the housing  302 . The diverter  308  can be rotatably mounted to the housing  302 , for example, rotatably mounted at the center of the housing  302 . The diverter  308  can carry or otherwise be provided with a rotatable section  310  of the working air conduit  304  and a rotatable section  312  of the fluid delivery conduit  306 . 
     The diverter is moveable between a first position shown in  FIG.  16    and a second position shown in  FIG.  17   . In the first position of  FIG.  16   , the fluid delivery conduit  306  in the diverter  308  is aligned and in fluid communication with the corresponding pathways in wand  244  and accessory tool  290 . Cleaning fluid can be delivered through the wand  288 , adapter coupling  286 , and accessory tool  290 , and onto the surface to be cleaned via the fluid distributor  300 . Also, in the first position the working air conduit  304  in the diverter  308  is aligned and in fluid communication with the corresponding pathways in wand  244  and accessory tool  290 , and working air can be pulled through the accessory tool  290 , adapter coupling  286 , and wand  288 , via the suction nozzle inlet  298 . The mating junctions between the rotatable sections  310 ,  312  of the working air conduit  304  and/or fluid delivery conduit  306  formed in the diverter  308  and the portion of the conduits  304 ,  306  formed in the housing  302  can further comprise seals  314 ,  316  to minimize air and/or liquid leaks when in the first position. As shown herein, seals  314 ,  316  are provided between the rotatable sections  310 ,  312  of the working air  304  and fluid delivery  306  conduits and the portions formed in the housing  302 . In one example, the seals  314 ,  316  can be carried by the housing  302 . 
     In the second position of  FIG.  17   , the fluid delivery conduit  306  in the diverter  308  is misaligned and out of fluid communication with the corresponding pathways in the wand  288  and accessory tool  290 . Instead, the diverter  308  is positioned to divert cleaning fluid into the airflow pathway  292  of the wand  288  downstream of the suction nozzle inlet  298  and upstream of the air outlet  293  to flush out the wand  288  and also clean the downstream accessory hose. Also in the second position, the working air conduit  304  in the diverter  308  is misaligned and out of in fluid communication with the corresponding pathways in the wand  288  and accessory tool  290 . 
     The diverter  308  can be in the form of a rotary valve or fluid deflector  318 , which can comprise an arcuate wall near the perimeter of the diverter  308 , for deflecting cleaning fluid from the fluid delivery pathway  294  into the airflow pathway  292  of the wand  288 . The fluid deflector  318  can be configured to join a portion of the fluid delivery conduit  306  formed in the housing  302  with a portion of the working air conduit  304  formed in the housing  302 . The mating junctions between the portions of the fluid deflector  318  formed in the diverter  308  and the portion of the conduits  304 ,  306  formed in the housing  302  can further comprise seals (not shown) to minimize liquid leaks when in the second position. In this manner, when the fluid deflector  318  is in the first position the working air conduit  304  is in register with the air inlet or suction nozzle inlet  298  and the air outlet  293 , and the fluid delivery conduit  306  is in register with the fluid inlet  287  and fluid outlet  289 . 
     To rinse the wand  288 , a user rotates the diverter  308  from the first position shown in  FIG.  16    to the second position shown in  FIG.  17   , for example 90 degrees counterclockwise, which disconnects the working air conduit  304  and fluid delivery  306  conduit and aligns the fluid deflector  318  with the fluid delivery conduit  306 . In this second position, the fluid deflector  318  defines a return conduit  309  in register with the fluid inlet  287  and the air outlet  293 . Next, the user depresses the trigger  296  to distribute cleaning fluid from the wand  288 . The stream of cleaning fluid hits the arcuate wall forming the fluid deflector  318  and is guided upwardly and rearwardly, into the working air path of the wand  288 , where it is entrained in the airflow pathway  292  and carried through the accessory hose and downstream working air path, rinsing debris and contaminates off the surfaces it contacts. 
     There are several advantages of the present disclosure arising from the various features of the apparatus described herein. For example, the aspects of the present disclosure described above provide self-cleaning features for extraction cleaners and attachments for extraction cleaners, such as accessory tools, wands, and/or hoses. Users of extraction cleaners often find that the cleaning process is messy, including the effort needed to keep the extraction cleaner and associated attachments in good working order. Unpleasant odors may develop over time, particularly in the accessory hose. The various self-cleaning features disclosed in the embodiments described herein help users easily keep their extraction cleaner and associated attachments clean after use. 
     To the extent not already described, the features and structures of the various embodiments of the extraction cleaners, systems, and methods 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 cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. For example, the wand caps of  FIGS.  2 - 5    can be used with any of the wands disclosed herein, the wand receiver of  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  can be provided on any of the extraction cleaners disclosed herein and/or used with any of the wands disclosed herein, the accessory tool of  FIGS.  7 - 12    can couple with any of the wands disclosed herein, and the adapter coupling of  FIGS.  16 - 17    can couple with any of the tools or wands disclosed herein. Still further, while the extraction cleaners shown herein deliver liquid cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, aspects of the invention may also be incorporated into other extraction cleaning apparatus, such as extraction cleaning apparatus with steam delivery instead of or in addition to liquid delivery. Thus, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein may be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described. 
     While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments 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 invention which, is defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     It is intended that the following concepts can define at least a portion of the scope of the disclosure and that the apparatus and/or method(s) within the scope of these concepts and their equivalents be covered thereby. This disclosure should be understood to include all novel and non-obvious combinations of elements described herein, and the concepts may be presented in this or a later application to any novel and non-obvious combination of these elements. Any aspect of any embodiment can be combined any aspect of any of the other embodiments. Moreover, the foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or element is essential to all possible combinations that may be included in this or a later application. For example, other inventions arising from this disclosure may include any combination of the following concepts set forth below: 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the diverter comprises a plunger valve comprising a valve body defining a valve inlet in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a first outlet in fluid communication with a distributor and a second outlet in fluid communication with a rinse manifold, and a valve plunger slidably received within the body. 
     The accessory as described herein, further comprising a return conduit extending through the housing from the fluid delivery pathway to the airflow pathway, wherein the diverter comprises a valve configured to selectively open the return conduit. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the diverter comprises a rotary valve having a working air conduit, a fluid delivery conduit, and a return conduit, wherein the rotary valve is moveable between a first position in which the working air conduit is in register with the air inlet and the air outlet, and in which the fluid delivery conduit is in register with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and a second position in which the return conduit is in register with the fluid inlet and the air outlet. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the accessory comprises an accessory tool and the accessory tool comprises a suction nozzle defining the air inlet and a distributor defining the fluid outlet. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the suction nozzle is at a forward portion of the housing and the air outlet is at a rearward portion of the housing. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the housing comprises a conduit forming a handle for holding the accessory tool, and the airflow pathway is at least partially defined by the conduit. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the accessory tool comprises an agitator provided on the housing and located rearwardly of the suction nozzle. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the accessory tool further comprises a rinse manifold having at least one outlet in fluid communication with the airflow pathway downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air outlet, and wherein the diverter comprises a valve configured to selectively divert fluid through the distributor or through the rinse manifold. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the rinse manifold comprises a spray bar having a plurality of outlets in fluid connection with the suction nozzle. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the housing comprises a manifold opening at a lower end of the suction nozzle, and the plurality of outlets are aligned with the manifold opening. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the diverter comprises a valve having a valve inlet in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a first outlet in fluid communication with the distributor and a second outlet in fluid communication with the rinse manifold. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the distributor is formed integrally with the valve and is provided at a bottom of the valve, rearward of the suction nozzle. 
     The accessory as described herein, further comprising a valve actuator provided on the housing and operably coupled to the valve, wherein the valve actuator comprises a sliding button on the housing. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the valve actuator further comprises a ramp operably coupled with the sliding button and in register with a plunger of the valve. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the accessory comprises a wand, and the wand comprises a tool coupler having an airflow connector defining the air inlet, and a fluid connector defining the fluid outlet. 
     The accessory as described herein, further comprising a return conduit extending through the housing from the fluid delivery pathway to the airflow pathway, wherein the diverter is configured to divert cleaning fluid into the return conduit. 
     The accessory as described herein, further comprising a first valve in the fluid delivery pathway upstream of the fluid connector and wherein the diverter comprises a second valve between the fluid delivery pathway and the return conduit. 
     The accessory as described herein, further comprising a first user-engageable actuator provided on the housing and operably coupled to the first valve and a second user-engageable actuator provided on the housing and operably coupled to the second valve. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the first user-engageable actuator comprises a trigger and the second user-engageable actuator comprises a button. 
     The accessory as described herein, further comprising a Y-connector having a connector inlet defining the fluid inlet, a first connector outlet fluidly connected to the first valve, and a second connector outlet fluidly connected to the second valve. 
     The accessory as described herein, wherein the accessory comprises an adapter coupling configured to be coupled intermediately between a wand and an accessory tool. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the diverter is rotatably mounted to the housing and carries a working air conduit forming a portion of the airflow pathway and a fluid delivery conduit forming a portion of the fluid delivery pathway. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the diverter is moveable between a first position in which the working air conduit is in register with the air inlet and the air outlet, and in which the fluid delivery conduit is in register with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and a second position in which the working air conduit is out of register with the air inlet and the air outlet, and in which the fluid delivery conduit is out of register with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the diverter comprises a fluid deflector, wherein in the second position of the diverter, the fluid deflector is in register with the fluid inlet and the air outlet. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the diverter comprises a fluid deflector configured to deflect cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet to the airflow pathway downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air outlet. 
     The accessory as described herein wherein the fluid deflector comprises an arcuate wall.