Patent Publication Number: US-8528161-B2

Title: Cleaning appliance having multiple functions

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/232,171, filed Aug. 7, 2009, entitled “Improvements in Steam Appliance with Vacuum Function”. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to cleaning appliances having two or more cleaning functions, and more specifically to cleaning appliances which vacuum surfaces and apply steam to surfaces. 
     DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART 
     Steam cleaning devices such as steam mops are known to sanitize floors by applying steam through a material such as a steam-permeable fabric. The steam-permeable fabric additionally may clean the floor by picking up dust, dirt or other debris as the steam mop is moved across the floor. If large amounts of such particles are present, the fabric may become soiled quickly and require frequent cleaning. Accordingly, a floor may be prepared for steam cleaning by sweeping or vacuuming the floor. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the invention provided herein are directed to cleaning appliances, methods and systems in which one cleaning appliance is capable of performing two or more cleaning functions. For example, a cleaning appliance may include a suction function and a steam function for cleaning and sanitizing floors or other surfaces. In some embodiments, each function is operated separately, while in other embodiments, two or more functions may be performed simultaneously. Various switching arrangements, control arrangements, and/or component configurations may used to control operation of the cleaning functions. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a cleaning appliance has an appliance body including a first cleaning function source operative upon energization, and a second cleaning function source operative upon energization. The cleaning appliance also has a control system for the appliance body including a first switch having an on mode and an off mode. The first switch is required to be in the on mode for the first cleaning function source to be energized. The control system further includes a second switch having an on mode and an off mode, the second switch being required to be in the on mode for the second cleaning function source to be energized. When the first switch is in the on mode, access to the second switch is prevented, and when the first switch is in the off mode, access is permitted to the second switch to allow the second switch to be switched into an on mode. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an appliance having multiple cleaning functions according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of a floor-facing side of a cleaning head according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a top, rear perspective view of a selectively removable attachment for a cleaning head according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a top, front perspective view of another embodiment of a electively removable attachment for a cleaning head; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the selectively removable attachment of  FIG. 3   a;    
         FIG. 5  is a left side elevation view of the selectively removable attachment of  FIG. 3   a;    
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a pad that is attachable to the selectively removable attachment of  FIG. 3   a;    
         FIG. 7  shows a manual switching arrangement for selecting operation of one of two cleaning functions according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows a partial cross-sectional view of a manual switching arrangement according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view of a switch cover according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the switch cover of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  show one embodiment of a manual switching arrangement; 
         FIGS. 11   c - 11   e  show another embodiment of a manual switching arrangement; 
         FIG. 12   a  is a front perspective view of a portion of an upright cleaning appliance; 
         FIG. 12   b  is an exploded view of the cleaning appliance of  FIG. 11  where the cyclone unit has been removed from the upright section of the cleaning appliance; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-section along the line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 12   b;    
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the cyclone unit of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic air flow diagram of the air flow through the cyclone unit; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a cleaning appliance showing components of a steam cleaner; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional side view of a lowered rear edge of a suction opening according to one embodiment; and 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a switch and functional component arrangement. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It should be understood that aspects of the invention are described herein with reference to the figures, which show illustrative embodiments in accordance with aspects of the invention. The illustrative embodiments described herein are not necessarily intended to show all aspects of the invention, but rather are used to describe a few illustrative embodiments. Thus, aspects of the invention are not intended to be construed narrowly in view of the illustrative embodiments. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may be used alone or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the invention. 
     Embodiments of the invention provided herein are directed to cleaning appliance systems which are capable of cleaning floors and/or other surfaces. Examples of surface cleaners include steam mops, portable steam cleaners, vacuum cleaners, and floor sweepers, among others. 
     When a steam mop is used to clean a floor, a user typically first vacuums or sweeps the floor to remove dirt, dust and other debris. To reduce the number of appliances, time and effort used to complete these activities, the functionalities of debris removal and steam cleaning are combined in a single cleaning appliance according to some embodiments disclosed herein. When debris removal and steam cleaning are provided on a single cleaning appliance, simultaneous operation of both functions may be undesirable because in some cases moisture could travel into an air flow conduit or a dirt collector and form grime or mud with the collected debris. The resulting mess could reduce the effectiveness and convenience of the appliance. 
     According to one aspect of the invention, a selectively removable attachment is provided for a cleaning appliance which has steam cleaning and debris removal functionality. During steam cleaning, the attachment may be positioned to physically prevent steam from entering a debris inlet and traveling along an air flow conduit. In some embodiments, the attachment may be attached to a cleaning head and protect substantially the entire underside of the cleaning head from steam contact such that air flow channels present on the floor-facing surface of the cleaning head do not become moist. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, to prevent the passage of steam, an obstruction may be selectively implemented to obstruct an air flow conduit or debris inlet. For example, a valve may be provided to selectively block the air flow conduit, or a sliding door may be provided to selectively block the debris inlet. 
     Instead of, or in addition to, physically blocking the debris inlet to an air flow conduit, the cleaning appliance may include a control arrangement which prevents the debris removal portion of the appliance from operating when a selectively attachable component, such as a cleaning pad support, is attached to the appliance. For example, a switch having two modes may be provided in the cleaning head, and an element in the selectively removable attachment changes the mode of the switch when the attachment is secured to the cleaning head. 
     In an embodiment including a steam cleaning function and a debris removal function such as vacuuming, the presence of the attachment and its associated element may change the cleaning head switch to a steam mode which permits operation of a steam cleaner and prevents operation of a vacuum cleaner. When the attachment is removed, the lack of the element may change the cleaning head switch to a vacuum mode, enabling operation of the vacuum cleaner and preventing operation of the steam cleaner. 
     A manual switching arrangement also may be used to control the operation of two or more functionalities in a cleaning appliance. For example, in some embodiments, a separate on/off switch is provided for each of a first cleaning function and a second cleaning function. The two on/off switches are positioned adjacent one another, and a switch cover is movable to cover one of the two on/off switches. As the switch cover moves from covering a first on/off switch to covering a second on/off switch, the switch cover forcibly turns off the second switch. In this manner, when changing from the first cleaning function to the second cleaning function, both on/off switches cannot simultaneously be in the “on” position. Additionally, the switching arrangement may be similarly configured such that as the switch cover moves from covering the second on/off switch to covering the first on/off switch, the switch cover forcibly turns off the first on/off switch. Accordingly, in some embodiments the two switches cannot both be in the “on” position and the two cleaning functions cannot operate simultaneously. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the selectively removable attachment may be configured to support a cleaning pad. The cleaning pad may be selectively removable from the attachment, and may be used to wipe dust and dirt from the surfaces being cleaned. In some embodiments, the cleaning pad is formed with a steam-permeable fabric such that steam travels through the pad before reaching the floor or other surface to be cleaned. 
     A selectively removable attachment, such as a cleaning pad support, may be attached and/or removed from the cleaning head without the user having to bend down to the level of the cleaning head. For example, the cleaning pad support may have one or more guide elements which help guide the cleaning pad support into a seated attachment with the cleaning head. In some embodiments, the cleaning pad support has one or more features which correspond to complementary features positioned on the floor-facing side of the cleaning head. The features help guide the cleaning pad support into alignment with the cleaning head, and magnets or other attachment elements secure the cleaning pad support to the cleaning head. In this manner, with an upright cleaning appliance, the user can remain standing while lifting or tilting the cleaning appliance and placing the cleaning appliance on the cleaning pad support. To permit removal of the cleaning pad support without bending, a step portion may extend outwardly from the cleaning pad support such that an upper side of the step portion is exposed for a user to step on. While stepping on the step portion, the user lifts the cleaning head upwardly, and the cleaning pad support disengages from the cleaning head. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a cleaning appliance  100  includes a steam cleaner and a vacuum cleaner in a single appliance. A floor cleaning head  112  is pivotally mounted to an upright section  114 . As shown, floor cleaning head  112  has a front end  116 , a rear end  118  and a floor-facing surface  120 . A suction opening  222  and a steam conduit  224  are provided in the floor-facing surface of floor cleaning head  112 . Wheels  126 , glide members or other conveyance members may be provided to permit floor cleaning head  112  to travel over the floor that is to be cleaned. In some embodiments, floor cleaning head  112  may include a brush member, such as a rotating brush. Particular components of the steam cleaner and the vacuum cleaner, as present in some embodiments, are described further below with reference to  FIGS. 12   a - 17 . 
     Cleaning appliance  100  may be used to vacuum a floor prior to steam cleaning. The vacuum function of cleaning appliance  100  is operated to suction dirt, dust and/or other debris into suction opening  222 , through an air flow conduit  226  and into a dirt collection container  102 . Once vacuuming is complete, the cleaning appliance may be switched to a steam cleaning mode by attaching an additional component to cleaning appliance  100 . 
     A selectively removable attachment, such as a cleaning pad support  128 , is shown removed from cleaning appliance  100  in  FIG. 1 . When cleaning appliance  100  is used for steam cleaning, cleaning pad support  128  is attached to floor cleaning head  112 , and steam is conducted from steam conduit  224  through to an underside of cleaning pad support  128 . A cleaning pad, such as a steam pad made of steam-permeable fabric (see  FIG. 6 ) may be attached to cleaning pad support  128  such that steam may be applied to the floor through the steam pad. In some embodiments, steam pad and cleaning pad support  128  form a steam chamber in which steam is distributed before exiting the chamber. 
     Floor cleaning head  112  may vacuum dust, dirt and other debris from an area larger than suction opening  122 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , floor-facing surface  120  of floor cleaning head  112  includes a recessed surface  220  forming a suction channel  202  which guides air flow toward suction opening  222 , thereby channeling debris from across the lateral extent of front end  116  toward suction opening  222 . Recessed surface  220  also forms suction channels  204  which open onto the sides of floor cleaning head  112  so that debris that is found to the side of floor cleaning head  112  can be captured. A narrow suction channel  204  helps to concentrate air flow in some embodiments to increase suction. Recessed surface  220  may be recessed from adjacent areas  240  of floor-facing surface  120  by a distance of 4 mm, although other distances may be used. 
     The particular embodiment of a floor cleaning head shown in  FIG. 2 , and in particular a floor cleaning head having a suction opening, is but one example of a type of floor cleaning head that may be used with embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a suction opening may be positioned at or toward the front of the floor cleaning head. Multiple suction openings may be provided, and one or more suction openings may extend across most or all of the lateral extent of the floor cleaning head. In some embodiments, no suctions channels may be present, while in other embodiments, suction channels different than the ones shown and described may be included. Further still, instead of a suction opening, an air flow opening may be provided, through which air and debris is moved by a rotating sweeper brush. 
     One embodiment of cleaning pad support  128  is shown in  FIGS. 3   a ,  4  and  5 . A steam conduit  302  is positioned on cleaning pad support  128  to interface with steam conduit  224  of floor cleaning head  112  in a sealing arrangement. Steam conduit  302  leads to a steam outlet  402  on the underside of cleaning pad support  128 . Steam is emitted from steam outlet  402  in a direction perpendicular to cleaning pad support  128 . When a steam pad is attached to cleaning pad support  128 , the steam pad intersects the flow of steam and redirects a portion of the steam laterally toward the sides, front and rear of cleaning pad support  128 . Various walls  404  or other flow guides may be positioned to distribute the steam across the upper side of the steam pad. Steam permeates the steam-permeable fabric of the steam pad and helps clean and/or sanitize the floor or other surface over which the steam pad is being moved. Walls  404  also help to maintain separation between the steam pad and the body of cleaning pad support  128  so that steam can flow throughout the volume created between the cleaning pad and the pad support. 
     Cleaning pad support  128  additionally blocks suction opening  222  so that the steam being released by the steam cleaner does not enter the air flow conduit. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3   a , cleaning pad support  128  blocks suction opening  222  by covering the entire floor-facing surface of floor cleaning head  112 , or in some embodiments, substantially the entire floor-facing surface of floor cleaning head  112 . In some embodiments, such as an alternative embodiment of a cleaning pad support  328  illustrated in  FIG. 3   b , the cleaning pad support may not block the entirety of the floor-facing surface, but instead may cover only suction opening  222  and its immediately surrounding area. For example, a seal (not shown) may be positioned around suction opening  222  on floor cleaning head  112 , and cleaning pad support  328  may have a cover member  350  with a raised wall  352  on its upper surface. Raised wall  352  presses into the seal when cleaning pad support  328  is attached to floor cleaning head  112 . By using only a portion of cleaning pad support  328  to cover suction opening  222 , an attached steam pad may form a steam chamber with the floor-facing surface  220  of floor cleaning head  112 . Cleaning pad support  328  has a grill structure that includes a web-like pattern of radially extending baffles  364  and associated cross-pieces  366 . 
     In still further embodiments, a sealing pad, such as a silicone or plastic pad, may be positioned on cleaning pad support  128  such that when cleaning pad support  128  is mounted to floor cleaning head  112 , the pad seals against suction opening  222 . Further, a hinged door or a sliding door may be positioned at suction opening  222 , with the door being closed during steam operation, and open during vacuum operation. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3   a , steam conduit  302  has a rubber seal  320  positioned at its end to abut a flat surface  238  (e.g., a brass nozzle) located in steam opening  224  (see  FIG. 2 ). In other embodiments, one or more o-rings or other type of seal may be attached to conduit  302  to create a seal with steam conduit  224 . 
     Instead of, or in addition to blocking suction opening  222 , the air flow conduit between suction opening  222  and the dirt collection assembly may be blocked during steam operation. For example, a butterfly valve, a flapper valve, or any other suitable selectively closeable blocking element may be positioned in the air flow conduit to selectively block the conduit. 
     Cleaning pad support  128  may be formed with any suitable material and by any suitable method of manufacturing. In some embodiments, cleaning pad support  128  is formed with injection-molded polypropylene with glass filler. Other plastic or plastic-based materials, or any suitable material(s) may be used. 
     Attachment areas  408  are provided at various locations on cleaning pad support  128  to hold the selectively removable cleaning pad. The attachment areas may include hook or loop material for attachment to corresponding loop or hook material on the pad. Attachment areas may include attachment element holders, such as attachment element holders  360  shown in  FIG. 3   b . Attachment elements such as hook or loop pads may be attached to attachment element holders  360  with fasteners such as screws or the like. Of course, other attachment arrangements are possible, including tie or elastic arrangements, as the particular method of attaching a cleaning pad or steam pad to cleaning pad support  128  is not intended to be limiting. 
     In some embodiments, a steam outlet may include a manifold having a plurality of openings for distributing steam in different areas of cleaning pad support  128 . Further, a selectively removable attachment other than a cleaning pad support may be used to distribute steam in some embodiments. For example, a removable attachment which does not support a pad may be provided on floor cleaning head  112 , and steam may be applied directly to the floor from one or more steam outlets. 
     Alignment, seating and attachment features are provided on cleaning pad support  128  to aid in attaching cleaning pad support  128  to floor cleaning head  112 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b ,  4  and  5 , two frustoconical protrusions  304  are spaced to either side of steam conduit  302 . With cleaning pad support  128  placed on the floor, protrusions  304  extend upwardly, and corresponding frustoconical recesses  232  in floor cleaning head  112  can be lowered over protrusions  304 . Because upper portions of protrusions  304  are smaller in diameter than bottoms of recesses  232 , protrusions  304  and recesses  232  are not required to be precisely aligned upon initial engagement. As floor cleaning head  112  is lowered further onto protrusions  304 , the corresponding outer surfaces of protrusions  304  and recesses  232  guide the floor cleaning head  112  into alignment with cleaning pad support  128 . Of course, the frustoconical protrusions and recesses are but one example of arrangements for aligning floor cleaning head  112  and cleaning pad support  128 , and other suitable arrangements may be employed, including magnets or protrusions of various shapes. In some embodiments, protrusions may be provided on floor cleaning head  112 , and corresponding recesses may be provided on cleaning pad support  128 . Recesses  232  may be conical in some embodiments. 
     An attachment feature may be included in the alignment features according to one aspect of the invention. For example, magnet fins  306  extend out of an upper surface of protrusions  304 , and are positioned to hold to corresponding steel plates  236  provided in recesses  232 . The magnetic material may take different forms and be incorporated within the alignment feature or constitute the alignment feature, as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. Other attachment arrangements may be used to attach cleaning pad support  128  to floor cleaning head  112 . For example, a hook and loop fastener arrangement may be used. In still other embodiments, attachment arrangements may be used which require a user to crouch down to the level of the floor cleaning head  112  to attach and/or remove a selectively removable attachment such as a cleaning pad support. 
     By using magnets to attach cleaning pad support  128  to floor cleaning head  112 , attachment and removal of the cleaning pad support  128  does not require numerous actions on the part of the user. To attach the cleaning pad support  128  to floor cleaning head  112 , as described above, the user simply lowers the cleaning appliance onto cleaning pad support  128  either by tilting the cleaning appliance onto cleaning pad support  128 , or by picking up the cleaning appliance and placing it onto cleaning pad support  128 . To remove cleaning pad support  128 , the user steps on a step portion  310  with her toes or other portion of her foot to restrain cleaning pad support  128 , and applies an upward force on the cleaning head to separate the two components, either by tilting the cleaning appliance or by pulling upwardly on the cleaning appliance. 
     One or both of the magnets  306  provided in alignment features  304  may be used as part of a control configuration where presence of the magnet near to the cleaning head changes a switch from a first mode to a second mode. For example, a magnetic reed switch (not shown) may be positioned within floor cleaning head  112  such that one of magnetic fins  306  changes the reed switch&#39;s mode from a first mode to second mode. With cleaning pad support  128  attached to cleaning appliance  100 , which puts the reed switch in the second mode, a cleaning function such as steam cleaning, may be permitted to be operated. Placing the reed switch in the second mode does not necessarily actuate steam cleaning, but instead places the controls into a state where activation of steam cleaning is permitted, for example by turning a manual switch to an “on” position. 
     The presence of magnets  306  near the reed switch also may place the controls into a state where activation of another function, such as vacuuming, is not permitted. In some embodiments, attaching cleaning pad support  128  to floor cleaning head  112  automatically turns off the vacuum function if the vacuum cleaner is operating. Alternative components may be used instead of a reed switch to register the presence of magnets  306  or other elements which indicate attachment of the selectively removable attachment. For example, a hall effect sensor may be positioned in the floor cleaning head  112  to sense the presence of magnets  306 . 
     Other features which may be included on cleaning pad support  128  include recesses, such as shallow rectangular recesses  312 , which are configured to accept wheels  126  of floor cleaning head  112 . Support ribs  314  may be provided in various arrangements on cleaning pad support  128  to help maintain the support in a planar configuration. An upwardly extending lip  316  positioned around the perimeter of cleaning pad support  128  helps prevent steam from entering the area between the floor-facing surface of floor cleaning head  112  and cleaning pad support  128 . Lip  316  is partially supported by ribs  318  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3   a.    
     A cleaning pad support is not required in some embodiments. For example, a steam pad or other cleaning pad may be directly attachable to a floor cleaning head. A silicone pad or other structure may be positioned on an upper surface of the cleaning pad and configured to seal the suction opening when the cleaning pad is attached to floor cleaning head. Magnets, hook and loop fastener arrangements, or other attachment arrangements may be used to directly attach the pad to the floor cleaning head. In embodiments where a cleaning pad is attached directly to the floor cleaning head  112 , magnets may be held by the pad as part of a control arrangement that switches modes when the presence of a cleaning pad is sensed. 
     Elements may be provided on cleaning pad support  128  to help maintain contact between the cleaning pad and cleaning pad support  128 , and between the cleaning pad and the surface to be cleaned. For example, as may be seen in  FIG. 5 , walls  404  of cleaning pad support  128  protrude downwardly from the body of cleaning pad support  128 . On rough or bumpy floor surfaces, walls  404  help to resist compression of the cleaning pad upwardly toward the body of cleaning pad support  128 . By helping to maintain the cleaning pad in a generally planar configuration, walls  404  may facilitate a smooth passage of the cleaning pad across the surface to be cleaned. 
     One embodiment of a steam pad  600  which may be used with embodiments herein is shown in  FIG. 6 . Steam pad  600  may be formed with any suitable steam-permeable fabric, for example, cotton or a synthetic fabric such as polyester or polyolefin fiber. A microfiber, such as a polyester microfiber may be used in some embodiments. A floor-contacting side (not shown) of steam pad  600  may have a smooth surface, a quilted surface, a shaggy material surface, a towel surface, or any other suitable surface texture. 
     Hook or loop fastener material areas  602  may be positioned at various locations on an upper surface  604  of steam pad  600 . Areas  602  are positioned to correspond with attachment areas  408  of cleaning pad support  128  or floor cleaning head  112 . It should be appreciated that other suitable arrangements for attaching steam pad  600  to cleaning pad support  128  or floor cleaning head  112  may be employed. 
     Turning now to manual control of the functionality of cleaning appliance  100 , a manual switching arrangement  700  is shown in  FIG. 7 . Switching arrangement  700  is one embodiment of a manual switching arrangement which prevents a user from simultaneously operating two cleaning function sources. For example, first and second cleaning function sources, such as a source to generate steam and a source to generate suction, may be operative upon energization. Manual on/off switches may be provided which energize the cleaning function sources, and various switch arrangements may be provided to control whether switches can be accessed and/or switched between modes. 
     Switching arrangement  700  includes a steam on/off switch  702  and a vacuum on/off switch  704  positioned within a recess  708 . A switch cover  706 , shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 7 , is movable between a first position where switch cover  706  covers vacuum on/off switch  704  and a second position (the position shown in  FIG. 7 ) where switch cover  706  covers steam on/off switch  702 . In both the first and second switch cover positions, switch cover  706  prevents the user from accessing the on/off switch that is covered. Additionally, switch cover  706  includes a slanted member such as a ramp  710  which, when switch cover  706  is moved over one of the on/off switches, presses the on/off switch into the “off” position. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , when the user pushes switch cover  706  in the direction of arrow P, ramp  710  will push on/off switch  702  from the “on” position, which is the position of on/off switch  702  shown in  FIG. 8 , to the “off” position. Similarly, if vacuum on/off switch  704  is manually pressed to be in the “on” position while switch cover  706  is positioned over steam on/off switch  702 , moving cover  706  back over the vacuum on/off switch will force vacuum on/off switch  704  into the “off” position. In this manner, whenever one on/off switch is initially exposed, both on/off switches will be in their “off” positions until the user presses the exposed switch into the “on” position. Because the covered on/off switch cannot be accessed by the user and the covered on/off switch is necessarily in the “off” position, the user cannot turn both switches to their “on” positions simultaneously. 
     While manual switching arrangement  700  is shown on the front of cleaning appliance  100  toward a top of a component housing  714 , switching arrangement  700  may be positioned at any suitable location on cleaning appliance  100 . 
     Switch cover  706  may be constructed and arranged to be slidable in any suitable manner. As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a bottom of switch cover  706  may have two short channels  902  which slide over two rails  904 . In other embodiments, switch cover  706  includes tongues along its sides, and the tongues slide within grooves positioned along recess  708 , such as a groove  802  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     An alternative embodiment of a manual switching arrangement  1000  is illustrated in  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b . Manual switching arrangement  1000  may be used with cleaning appliances in which a pole is used to actuate or interface with a functional component. For example, a pole  1030  may be connected (either directly or indirectly) to a manual pump whereby pushing and/or pulling of pole  1030  moves the pole relative to a functional component and actuates the pump. In some embodiments, pushing and/or pulling pole  1030  may activate a micro-switch which actuates an electric pump. 
     To prevent simultaneous operation of two cleaning functions, manual switching arrangement  1000  is configured such that the step(s) performed to switch a first switch to an “on” mode to actuate a first cleaning function prevents a second switch from being switched to an “on” mode to actuate a second cleaning function. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11   a , to actuate a first cleaning function, such as suction, a “suction on” switch (not shown) located in a recess  1079  is pressed by a locking tab  1046 . When locking tab  1046  is rotated into recess  1079 , locking tab  1046  engages one or more components in recess  1079  to lock pole  1030  such that pushing and pulling of pole  1030  does not actuate the pump. In this manner, when suction is actuated, operation of a cleaning function associated with the pump is prevented. Pump  1030  may be configured to conduct water to a steam generator as part of steam cleaning functionality. In some embodiments, pump  1030  may pump water or other liquid onto a surface to be cleaned or onto a cleaning pad. 
     To expose recess  1079 , a knob  1038  is rotated in the direction of arrow J, moving a protrusion  1044  away from recess  1079 . Locking tab  1046  is attached to a rotating element  1040  including a push tab  1048 , and rotating element  1040  is rotated in the direction of arrow I to engage with pump components in recess  1079 . Of course other arrangements for moving a locking element such as a locking tab into engagement with pump components may be employed. 
     A steam generator, such as a boiler, may be energized by turning knob  1038  in the direction of arrow K (see  FIG. 11   b ). As shown in  FIG. 11   a , locking tab  1046  prevents rotation of knob  1038  in direction K by interfering with knob protrusion  1044 . 
     To operate the cleaning function associated with movement of pole  1030  (e.g., steam cleaning), locking tab  1046  is removed from recess  1079 , thereby releasing the “suction on” switch. Because locking tab  1046  no longer blocks knob protrusion  1044 , knob  1038  is free to rotate in the direction of arrow K, and the steam generator may be actuated. Additionally, by disengaging locking tab  1046 , pushing and/or pulling of pole  1030  may be used to actuate the manual pump. 
     Knob  1038  may include an indicator  1088  to show which direction knob  1038  should be rotated to activate the steam generator. 
     In some embodiments, instead of including a “suction on” switch in recess  1079 , an exposed suction on/off switch  1042  may be provided. The control arrangement may prevent switch  1042  from activating the suction function when knob  1038  is in the steam generator activation position. For example, when a micro-switch indicates that steam generator is activated, the control arrangement may be configured so that even if switch  1042  is in the “on” position, suction will not be activated. 
     According to another embodiment, deactivating a first cleaning function presents a switch for activating a second cleaning function. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 11   c , a knob  1038 ′ is turned in the direction of arrow L to a first position to activate a steam generator. In embodiments including a pole-actuated pump, placing knob  1038 ′ in the first position may permit movement of pole  1030 . To prevent simultaneous activation of a suction function, when knob  1038 ′ is in the first position, a suction on/off switch  1042 ′ is blocked by a cover, such as a transparent window  1060 . Of course any suitable cover may be used, including a continuation of a surface of knob  1038 ′ for example. 
     To deactivate the steam generator, knob  1038 ′ is rotated in the direction of arrow M to a second position, as shown in  FIG. 11   d . Rotation of knob  1038 ′ to the second position also may lock pole  1030  to prevent actuation of a pump or other component. With knob  1038 ′ in the second position, suction on/off switch  1042 ′ is exposed through an opening  1044 . Suction switch  1042 ′ is shown in the lowered, “off” position in  FIG. 12   b . To activate suction, switch  1042 ′ is pressed, and switch  1042 ′ elevates and at least partially enters through opening  1044 , as shown in  FIG. 11   e , which prevents rotation of knob  1038 ′ because switch  1042 ′ interferes with movement of a leading edge  1062  of window  1060 . As such, the steam generator is prevented from being activated when suction switch  1042 ′ is in the “on” position. 
     Other manual switching arrangements may be used which prevent simultaneous actuation and/or operation of two or more cleaning modes in the cleaning appliance. For example, instead of separate manual on/off switches for steam and vacuum, a single manual switch having three or more positions may be used. A first position may activate the steam function, a second position may activate the vacuum function, and a third position may turn off both functions. Time delay circuitry may be employed to prevent a rapid change from one function to another and/or to prevent rapid cycling. In some embodiments of cleaning appliances incorporating aspects disclosed herein, simultaneous actuation and/or operation of two or more cleaning functions may be permitted. 
     In some embodiments including a steam cleaning functionality, an “off” mode for steam cleaning may keep a steam generator energized in a standby mode. For example, a steam boiler may be operated at a reduced power, for example at 50% of the power level at which the boiler is operated when fully energized. Or, a boiler thermostat setting may be reduced such that boiler cycles on less frequently, but maintains a temperature above ambient temperature. 
     A controller for the various functionalities within the cleaning appliance may include a microprocessor, electronics disposed on a printed circuit board, integrated or discrete components, and/or application-specific hardware. 
     The vacuum cleaning function of certain cleaning appliance embodiments disclosed herein is exemplified as including an upright vacuum cleaner. Any of the appliances disclosed herein may contain one or more cyclonic cleaning stages and/or additional filtration stages, such as physical filter elements. It will be appreciated that the surface cleaning appliance may be of various configurations (e.g., a canister vacuum cleaner, a hand held vacuum cleaner, a back-pack vacuum cleaner and the like). It will also be appreciated that the cyclone and shroud construction disclosed herein may be used as a first stage cleaning step. However, in other embodiments, additional air treatment members may be provided upstream and/or downstream of the cyclone. It will be appreciated that the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber may be in any orientation. In some embodiments, the air inlet of the cyclone chamber is below the opposed end of the cyclone chamber during use. Accordingly, for convenience, the air inlet end of the cyclone chamber and the portion of the dirt collection chamber in which the dirt collects may be referred to as the lower end and the opposed ends may be referred to as the upper ends. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12   a , a cleaning appliance  1110  includes a floor cleaning head  1112  and an upright section  1114  pivotally mounted to floor cleaning head  1112 . As exemplified, floor cleaning head has a front end  1116  and a rear end  1118 . A suction opening is provided in the lower surface of floor cleaning head  1112 . Floor cleaning head  1112  may include a brush member, such as a rotating brush as is known in the art. Wheels, glide members or other conveyance members may be provided to permit floor cleaning head  1112  to travel over the floor that is to be cleaned. 
     Upright section  1114  is pivotally mounted to floor cleaning head  1112 . As illustrated, upright section  1114  includes a housing  1120  having a recess  1122  in which cyclone unit  1124  is removable mounted. When mounted in recess  1122 , cyclone unit  1124  forms part of the air flow path through cleaning appliance  1110 . 
     As exemplified, upright section  1114  includes motor housing  1126  positioned above recess  1122 . An air exit grill  1128  is provided immediately above recess  1122  and provides the clean air outlet for cleaning appliance  1110 . It will be appreciated that the suction motor may be provided at any location in cleaning appliance  1110  (it may be upright section  1114  or it may be in floor cleaning head  1112  as known in the art). Accordingly, the air flow path from the suction opening to the clean air outlet may be of various configurations. Further, a handle for driving the cleaning head may be provided on upright section  1114  or floor cleaning head  1112  as is known in the art (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIG. 12   b , air travels through floor cleaning head  1112 , upwardly through an air flow conduit which may be in bottom  1130  of upright section  1114 , and exits housing  1114  at air outlet  1132 . Once cyclone unit  1124  is inserted into recess  1122 , cyclone unit air inlet  1134  is in fluid communication with outlet  1132 . In addition, when cyclone unit  1124  is inserted into recess  1122 , cyclone unit air outlet  1136  is in air flow communication with housing  1114  and in particular with the air flow passage extending through housing  1114  to the suction motor in motor housing  26 . It will be appreciated that cyclone unit air inlet  1134  and cyclone unit air outlet  1136  may be provided at various locations in cyclone unit  1124 . For example, cyclone unit air inlet may be axially oriented and cyclone unit air outlet  1136  may be at an angle to the longitudinal axis of cyclone chamber  56 . 
     The cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber construction exemplified in  FIGS. 13-15  will now be discussed. It will be appreciated that the cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber construction is exemplified in removable cyclone unit  1124 . In an alternate embodiment, the dirt collection chamber and cyclone chamber need not be removed from cleaning appliance  1110  as a sealed unit for emptying. For example, the cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber may be removable downwardly from upright section  1114  and the lid of these chambers may remain in position in upright section  1114 . 
     As exemplified therein, cyclone unit  1124  comprises a lower air inlet section  1138 , a cyclone section  40  and an upper filter section  42 . Cyclone unit air inlet  1134  is provided on air inlet section  1138 . Cyclone unit air inlet  1134  extends to air inlet chamber  1152  which is defined between lower wall  1144  of air inlet section  1138 , lower wall  1146  of cyclone section  1140 , outer wall  1138  and inner wall  1150 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , air inlet chamber  1152  defines a curved or spiral chamber extending from the outlet of cyclone unit air inlet  1134  to air inlet end  1154  of cyclone chamber  1156 . Air enters cyclone chamber  1156  at an opening  1158  provided in inner wall  1150 . 
     As exemplified, air inlet section  1138  is provided with optional feet  1160  to assist cyclone unit  1124  properly seating in recess  1122 . 
     Cyclone section  1140  comprises cyclone chamber  1156  and dirt collection chamber  1162 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , cyclone chamber  1162  extends between lower wall  1164  and upper wall  1166  and is positioned between outer wall  1168  and cyclone chamber wall  1170 . Accordingly, dirt collection chamber  1162  extends between first and second opposed ends, which, as exemplified, are defined by lower and upper walls  1164  and  1166 . As exemplified, cyclone chamber  1156  is positioned wholly within cyclone chamber  62  and, preferably, centrally within dirt collection chamber  1162 . Accordingly, it will be seen that in the illustrated embodiment dirt collection chamber  1162  comprises an annular space surrounding cyclone chamber  1156 . 
     Cyclone chamber wall  1170  extends longitudinally from lower wall  1146  toward upper wall  1166  and terminates at a distance spaced therefrom. Accordingly, cyclone chamber wall  1170  has an end face  1172  that is spaced from and faces the second end of dirt collection chamber  1162  to define a gap  1174  having a height H. Gap  1174  accordingly defines the dirt outlet of cyclone chamber  1156 . Height H may be from 1 cm to 6 cm in some embodiments, for example 3.5 cm. 
     Filter section  1142  comprises an optional openable lid  1176 . Lid  1176  may be removably mounted to cyclone section  1140  by any means known in the art. For example, as exemplified in  FIG. 13 , outer wall  1168  may be provided with one or more ribs  1178  which are removably received in groves  1180  provided on inner wall  1182  of lid  1176 . Accordingly, lid  1180  may be rotated and then moved away from cyclone section  1140 . 
     Perforated shroud  1184  is provided on lid  1176  and is removably mounted to lid  1176 . As exemplified, lid  1176  is provided with an opening  1186  in upper wall  1166 . Descending wall  1184  is provided to define opening  1186 . Shroud  1184  is provided with an upper collar  1190  which seats on descending wall  1188 . It will be appreciated that shroud  1184  may be mounted to descending wall  1188  by any means known in the art, such as by a friction fit, bayonet mount, screw mount, welding an adhesive or the like. 
     As shroud  1184  is mounted to lid  1176 , shroud  1184  has an upstream portion  1192  that is positioned in cyclone chamber  1156  and a downstream portion that is positioned between wall  1166  and end face  1172  (i.e., it is positioned exterior to cyclone chamber  1156 ). 
     Upstream portion  1192  of shroud  1184  is provided with a closed end  1196  and a plurality of perforations  1198 . Closed end  1196  is preferably spaced from lower wall  1144  and, more preferably from air inlet end  1154  of cyclone chamber  1156  (i.e., it is positioned spaced upwardly form the plane defined by lower wall  1164  of dirt collection chamber  1162 ). Closed end  1196  is spaced a distance D 1  upwardly from the plane defined from lower wall  1164  of dirt collection chamber  1162 . Distance D 1  may be any suitable distance, such as 1 cm, 1.8 cm, 3 cm, 5 cm or more. 
     Perforations  1198  are provided only on upstream section  1192  of shroud  1184  in some embodiments. Accordingly, downstream portion  1194  of shroud  1184  may have a continuous outer wall. Accordingly, the air exiting cyclone chamber  1156  enters longitudinal passage  1200  in the interior of shroud  1184  via perforations  1198 , which comprise air exit passages from cyclone chamber  1156  into passage  1200 . 
     Perforations  1198  may be provided in any pattern or arrangement and may be of any suitable size. The perforations all may be of the same size or may be of differing sizes. For example, the perforations may have diameters of 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm or more. In addition, the perforations may be provided on the entirety of upstream sections  1192  or only a portion thereof. For example, perforations  1198  may terminate a distance D 2  downwardly from end face  1172  of cyclone chamber wall  1170 . Distance D 2  may vary from 0.5 cm to 5 cm. In some embodiments, perforations  1198  may terminate a distance upwardly from end face  1172 . 
     At least one of shroud  1184  and cyclone chamber wall  1170  and, in some embodiments, both of shroud  1184  and cyclone chamber wall  1170  are tapered. As shown in  FIG. 13 , upstream portion  1192  of shroud  1184  tapers inwardly in the upstream direction (e.g., from downstream portion  1194  to closed end  1196 ). It will be appreciated that, optionally, downstream portion  1194  of shroud  1184  may also be tapered or, alternately, may have a constant diameter (e.g. it may be cylindrical). As exemplified, shroud  1184  transitions from a frustoconical tapered member to a conical member at a mid point of downstream portion  1194 . 
     In addition cyclone chamber wall  1170  tapers outwardly in the downstream direction (e.g., from lower wall  1164  to end face  1172 ). Cyclone chamber wall  1170  may taper outwardly continuously along its length at a constant angle. Accordingly, cyclone chamber wall  1170  may be conical and increase in diameter towards the second end of dirt collection chamber  1162 . 
     In some embodiments, the annular gap between shroud  1184  and dirt collection chamber  1170  has a distance D 3  transverse to the longitudinal axis of cyclone chamber. Distance D 3  may be generally constant along the length of upstream portion  1192  of shroud  1184 . Accordingly, despite the shroud increasing in diameter in the downstream direction, the annular gap D 3  between the shroud and cyclone chamber wall  1170  need not necessarily decrease. 
     Lid  1176  may optionally comprise one or more filtration members, for example, two filters. For example, lid  1176  may be provided with a sponge filter  1202  and a thin filter (not shown) made of non-woven material, both downstream from opening  1186 . The air travels through filter  1202  and the non-woven material filter and exits lid  1176  via outlet  1136 . 
     A schematic air flow diagram is shown in  FIG. 15 . As exemplified therein, the air enters cyclone unit  1124  via inlet  1134  (arrow A). The air travels through air inlet chamber  1152  wherein it commences to travel in a rotational direction (arrow B). The air enters the inlet end  1154  of cyclone chamber  1156  wherein the air swirls upwardly in a cyclonic fashion (arrow C). The dirt is conveyed upwardly and exits cyclone chamber  1156  via outlet  1174  (arrow D). The separated material falls downwardly to lower wall  1164  of dirt collection chamber  1162 . The air travels inwardly through perforations  1198  into longitudinal passage  1200  of shroud  1184  (arrow E). The air travels longitudinally through passage  1200  of shroud  1184  (arrow F), through filter  1202  (arrow G) and exits outlet  1136  (arrow H). 
     When it is desired to empty dirt collection chamber  1162 , cyclone unit  24  may be removed from cleaning appliance  1110  and lid  1176  removed. The remaining portion of cyclone unit  1124  may then be inverted so that any material collected in dirt collection chamber  1162  may be emptied. 
     The steam cleaning function of certain cleaning appliance embodiments disclosed herein is exemplified as including an upright steam cleaner  1300 . The components and component arrangements described with regard to the embodiment of  FIG. 16  are for illustration purposes only, as various components and component arrangements may be used. A reservoir  1302  including a view level window  1304  is positioned on a rear side of a component housing  1306 . A liquid pump, such as an electric water pump  1308 , is configured to pump water though a water conduit  1310  to a steam generator, such as a boiler  1312 . Boiler  1312  is connected to a steam outlet  1314  via a steam conduit  1316 . Boiler  1312  is positioned on one side of a floor cleaning head  1318  in this embodiment, but boiler  1312  may be positioned at any suitable location within floor cleaning head  1318 , component housing  1306 , or any other location within cleaning appliance  1300 . 
     In some embodiments, instead of electric water pump  1308 , a manually actuable pump may be used to move water from reservoir  1302  to boiler  1312 . In such embodiments, the pump may be configured such that movement of a handle  1320  during pushing and pulling of cleaning appliance  1300  actuates the pump. In this manner, the user&#39;s motion in moving the cleaning appliance across the floor actuates the pump. A selectively actuable pump lock may be used to prevent operation of a manual pump in some embodiments. 
     A tilt switch is included in some embodiments as part of controlling the generation of steam. For example, a tilt switch may be positioned within the upright portion of the cleaning appliance and be configured to stop steam generation when the upright portion is oriented substantially vertically. When the upright portion is angled downwardly relative to the cleaning head, that is, when the handle is grasped by the user and tilted for pushing and pulling, the tilt switch changes modes and steam generation is permitted, subject to other control constraints. The tilt switch may have a time delay to prevent rapid on/off cycling due to temporary changes in orientation and/or momentum changes which cause the tilt switch to register a change in tilt. A roll ball tilt switch may be employed, and the tilt switch may be positioned on a printed circuit board within the cleaning appliance, although any suitable type of tilt switch and tilt switch positioning may be used. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a perimeter of a suction opening may have a lowered rear edge. A lowered rear edge may enhance the pickup of particles by preventing the particles from passing by the suction opening. For example, as shown in  FIG. 17 , suction opening  222  has a rear edge  250  that extends downwardly by a distance Q from the recessed surface  220  of the floor-facing surface of floor cleaning head  112 . Distance Q is approximately 4 mm in some embodiments, although other distances may be used, such as distance between 1 mm and 8 mm or distances between 2 mm and 5 mm. This lowered rear edge provides a clearance distance R of approximately 1 mm between suction outlet rear edge  250  and floor  252  in some embodiments. By contrast, a front edge  254  of suction opening  222  does not extend downwardly from recessed surface  220 . As floor cleaning head  112  is moved forward across the floor, particles larger than clearance R are prevented from passing by suction opening  222 . In the illustrated embodiment, suction opening  222  having lowered rear edge  250  is positioned on the interior of the floor-facing surface, that is, suction opening  222  is surrounded by the floor-facing surface rather than being positioned at a leading edge of floor cleaning head  112 . Lowered rear edge  250  may extend to be at an even level with the portions of floor-facing surface  120  which do not include suction channels  204 , or lowered rear edge may extend closer to the floor than floor-facing surface  120 . 
     A downwardly extending ridge  260  may be provided at the rear of floor-facing surface  120 . Similar to lowered rear edge  250 , ridge  260  may help prevent particles from passing by floor cleaning head  112  without being suctioned into suction outlet  222  as the floor cleaning head  112  is moved in a forward direction. Ridge  260  extends downwardly from a rear portion  264  floor-facing surface  120  by approximately 1 mm in some embodiments, although any suitable size may be used. Ridge  260  may extend transversely to a direction of motion of the cleaning appliance, or may extend perpendicularly in some embodiments. For example, if cleaning appliance is configured to primarily travel in the forward and rear directions, ridge  260  may be positioned to extend side-to-side on the cleaning head. In some embodiments, portions of ridge  260  may be oriented at different angles relative to the cleaning head than other portions of ridge  260 . Ridge  260  may extend across the entire width of floor-facing surface  120  at rear end  118  of floor cleaning head  112 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , or ridge  260  may extend across only portions of floor-facing surface  120 . In some embodiments, multiple ridges may be used. 
       FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a switch and functional component arrangement  1400  for control of a cleaning appliance having steam cleaning and vacuuming functionality. A switch  1402  is located at a position to sense an element in a pad support or a pad. Switch  1402  may be a magnetic switch, such as a reed switch, a hall effect switch, or any other suitable switch. A relay driver  1404  drives a relay  1406  based on switch  1402 . If switch  1402  does not sense an element, relay  1406  connects to a suction line  1408 , thereby providing 120 VAC power to suction line  1408  including a suction motor  1409 , whereas if switch  1402  senses an element, relay  1406  connects to a boiler line  1410  to provide power to boiler line  1410  including a boiler  1411 . Each line includes an activation switch  1412 ,  1414 , which may include a manual switch. If steam activation switch  1414  is closed, a feedback enable signal is sent via a line  1416  to a pulse stretcher  1418  so that a pump motor  1420  for pumping water can be operated. A tilt switch  1422  may be employed such that pump motor  1420  only operates when a handle or upright portion of the cleaning appliance is angled. Pulse stretcher prevents rapid cycling of pump motor  1420  if tilt switch  1422  changes its signal rapidly. In some embodiments, pulse stretcher  1418  prevents pump motor  1420  from changing modes more than once every three seconds. A low voltage DC power supply  1424  may be used to power pump motor  1420 . Each of suction line  1408  and steam line  1410  includes a thermal fuse  1426 ,  1428 . Boiler  1430 , such as a flash boiler, is controlled by a thermostat  1432 . 
     A storage component for holding the cleaning pad and/or the cleaning pad support may be included as part of a cleaning appliance system. The storage component may be attachable to a pole that extends from the user handle. A post, a hook, or other device may be provided to hold the cleaning pad support. The cleaning pad may be rolled or folded and placed in an open or closed tube. 
     For purposes herein, the term “floor” is meant to include various types of floors, such as hardwood floors, linoleum floors, carpets, and any other floor surface amenable to cleaning. It should be appreciated that aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein may be employed on cleaning appliances which are capable of cleaning surfaces other than floors, such as countertops, walls, ceilings, oven hoods, or other surfaces. 
     For purposes herein, the terms “connect”, “connected”, “connection”, “attach”, “attached” and “attachment” refer to direct connections and attachments, indirect connections and attachments, and operative connections and attachments. 
     Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.