Patent Description:
Various types of surface cleaning apparatus, an example of which is shown in <CIT>, are known including upright surface cleaning apparatus, canister surface cleaning apparatus, stick surface cleaning apparatus, central vacuum systems, all-in-the-head surface cleaning apparatus, and hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus such as hand vacuums. Further, various designs for wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus have been used to collect both solid and liquid material.

In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure, a surface cleaning apparatus has a surface cleaning head with a liquid separation stage and an air treatment stage that is downstream from the liquid separation stage. The liquid separation stage may comprise a liquid separation chamber having a porous separating element provided on one or more walls that define the chamber. For example, the liquid separation chamber may have one or more walls that comprise, consist essentially of or consist of a mesh material. An advantage of this design is that both separation stages are provided in the surface cleaning head, thereby providing a compact design. Accordingly, as the air passes through the surface cleaning head, the liquid may be removed from a dirty air stream prior to the air being treated by the air treatment stage. Further, liquid may be separated and collected in a different region from a separated solid storage region, thereby allowing for easier disposal the collected liquids and the collected solids.

These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will be described in greater detail below.

For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:.

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.

As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be "coupled", "connected", "attached", or "fastened" where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be "directly coupled", "directly connected", "directly attached", or "directly fastened" where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other. None of the terms "coupled", "connected", "attached", and "fastened" distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joined together.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

As used herein, the wording "and/or" is intended to represent an inclusive - or. That is, "X and/or Y" is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, "X, Y, and/or Z" is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

Referring to <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus is shown generally as <NUM>. The following is a general discussion of apparatus <NUM>, which provides a basis for understanding several of the features that are discussed herein. As discussed subsequently, each of the features may be used individually or in any particular combination or sub-combination in this or in other embodiments disclosed herein.

Embodiments described herein include a surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>. Surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> may be any type of wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus, including for example an all-in-the-head vacuum cleaner as shown (<NUM> in <FIG>), an upright vacuum cleaner (<NUM> in <FIG>), a hand vacuum cleaner, a stick vacuum cleaner, a canister vacuum cleaner, or an extractor. It will be appreciated that the liquid separator and air treatment assembly provided herein may enable a surface cleaning apparatus to be used both as an extractor and also as a vacuum cleaner.

In <FIG>, surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> is illustrated as an all-in-the-head vacuum cleaner. Surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> has a front end <NUM>, a rear end <NUM>, an upper end (also referred to as the top) <NUM>, and a lower end (also referred to as the bottom) <NUM>. Surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes a surface cleaning head <NUM> having a main body <NUM>, a front roller <NUM>, and rear wheels <NUM>. As shown, the surface cleaning head <NUM> is connectable to an upright portion <NUM>. As exemplified, the upright section <NUM> may be a rigid tubular member which has a drive handle at an upper end thereof. The surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> has a dirty air inlet <NUM>, a clean air outlet <NUM>, and an air flow path extending between the dirty air inlet <NUM> and the clean air outlet <NUM>. As shown, the dirty air inlet <NUM> is in the surface cleaning head <NUM> forming a surface cleaning head inlet.

As exemplified, the all-in-the-head vacuum cleaner has all of the operating components in the surface cleaning head. Accordingly the liquid separation stage, the air treatment assembly and the suction motor may be provided in the surface cleaning head. In other embodiments, one or more of these components may be provide elsewhere, such as part of the upright section <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown, dirty air inlet <NUM> is at a lower portion of apparatus front end <NUM> and clean air outlet <NUM> is at a rearward portion of apparatus <NUM> at apparatus rear end <NUM>. It will be appreciated that dirty air inlet <NUM> and clean air outlet <NUM> may be positioned in different locations of apparatus <NUM>.

The surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> may have a liquid separation stage <NUM>, which may have any one or more of the features discussed subsequently. The liquid separation member may be permanently affixed to the main body <NUM> or may be removable in part or in whole therefrom for emptying.

The surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> may have an air treatment member <NUM> (which may be permanently affixed to the main body <NUM> or may be removable in part or in whole therefrom for emptying). The air treatment member <NUM> may be downstream of the liquid separation stage <NUM> and may have an air treatment chamber <NUM>, an air inlet <NUM>, and an air outlet <NUM>. Air treatment member <NUM> is configured to remove particles of dirt and other debris from the air flow. Air treatment member <NUM> has a solid collection region <NUM> (also referred to as a "solid storage region", "dirt collection region", "dirt collection bin", "dirt bin", or "dirt chamber"). The solid collection region(s) may be external to the air treatment chamber or internal thereof. The air treatment member <NUM> may be positioned anywhere on the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>. For example, the air treatment member <NUM> may be positioned in the surface cleaning head <NUM> (<FIG>) or may be positioned in an upright portion (<FIG>). The air treatment member <NUM> may be, including, but not limited to, a cyclonic separator and/or a filter media.

A suction motor <NUM> is provided to generate vacuum suction through the air flow path, and is positioned within a motor housing <NUM>. Suction motor <NUM> may be a fan-motor assembly including an electric motor and impeller blade(s). In the illustrated embodiment, suction motor <NUM> is positioned in the air flow path downstream of air treatment member <NUM>. In this configuration, suction motor <NUM> may be referred to as a "clean air motor". Alternatively, suction motor <NUM> may be positioned upstream of air treatment member <NUM>, and referred to as a "dirty air motor".

In alternate embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> may include an air treatment assembly having two or more air treatment members arranged in series with each other. Each air treatment stage may include a momentum separator and/or a cyclone arranged in parallel with each other, of any suitable configuration. Each air treatment member may have its own solid collection region or two or more air treatment members fluidically connected in parallel may have a single common solid collection region.

One or more air treatment members may include a cyclone assembly <NUM> (also referred to as a "cyclone bin assembly") having a cyclonic cleaning stage with a single cyclone <NUM> having a cyclone axis of rotation <NUM> and a cyclone chamber <NUM>. Cyclone <NUM> and cyclone chamber <NUM> may be of any configuration suitable for separating dirt from an air stream and collecting the separated dirt respectively, and may be in communication with dirt outlet(s) of the cyclone chamber.

Referring to <FIG>, surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> may include a pre-motor filter <NUM> provided in the air flow path downstream of air treatment member <NUM> and upstream of suction motor <NUM>. Pre-motor filter <NUM> may be formed from any suitable physical, porous filter media. For example, pre-motor filter <NUM> may be one or more of a foam filter, felt filter, HEPA filter, or other physical filter media. In some embodiments, pre-motor filter <NUM> may include an electrostatic filter, or the like. As shown, pre-motor filter <NUM> may be located in a pre-motor filter housing <NUM> that is external to the air treatment member <NUM>.

Power may be supplied to suction motor <NUM> and other electrical components of apparatus <NUM> from an onboard energy storage member, which may include, for example, one or more batteries or other energy storage device. In some embodiments, apparatus <NUM> includes a battery pack. The battery pack may be permanently connected to apparatus <NUM> and rechargeable in-situ, or removable from apparatus <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition to a battery pack, power may be supplied to apparatus <NUM> by an electrical cord (not shown) connected to apparatus <NUM> that can be electrically connected to mains power by at a standard wall electrical outlet.

As exemplified in <FIG>, <FIG>, dirty air inlet <NUM> is the inlet end <NUM> of an air inlet conduit <NUM> having an outlet end <NUM> that forms the air inlet <NUM> of the liquid separation stage <NUM>. The airflow path <NUM> continues through the liquid separation stage <NUM> until it reaches an air inlet <NUM> of a second air inlet conduit <NUM> having an outlet end <NUM> which forms the air inlet <NUM> of the air treatment member <NUM>.

In operation, after activating suction motor <NUM>, dirty air enters apparatus <NUM> through dirty air inlet <NUM> and is directed along air inlet conduit <NUM> to the air inlet <NUM> of the liquid separation stage <NUM>. Liquid is separated from the air as it passes through the liquid separation stage <NUM>. The dirty air flow travels from the air outlet <NUM> to the air inlet <NUM> of the optional air treatment stage <NUM>. Dirt particles and other debris may be dis-entrained (i.e., separated) from the dirty air flow as the air flows from the air inlet <NUM> to air outlet <NUM> of the air treatment stage <NUM>. The dis-entrained dirt particles and debris may be collected in the solid storage region <NUM> until solid collection region <NUM> is emptied.

In some embodiments, the air outlet <NUM> may have an air outlet passage <NUM>. The air outlet passage <NUM> may include an air permeable portion <NUM> (which may be referred to as a screen or shroud, e.g., a fine mesh screen) in the air flow path to remove large dirt particles and debris, such as hair, remaining in the exiting air flow. For example, if the air treatment stage <NUM> comprises a cyclone, then the air permeable portion <NUM> may be the outlet screen of the cyclone.

From air outlet <NUM>, the air flow may be directed into an optional pre-motor filter housing <NUM> at an upstream side of pre-motor filter <NUM>. The air flow may pass through pre-motor filter <NUM>, and then exit through pre-motor filter chamber air outlet into motor housing <NUM>. At motor housing <NUM>, the clean air flow may be drawn into suction motor <NUM> and then discharged from apparatus <NUM> through clean air outlet <NUM>. Prior to exiting the clean air outlet <NUM>, the treated air may pass through an optional post-motor filter, which may be one or more layers of filter media.

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning head of a surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> has a liquid separation stage <NUM>. Accordingly, the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> may be used to clean up liquid spills. An advantage of this design is that the weight of liquid collected by the surface cleaning apparatus may be stored in the surface cleaning head. If the collected liquid was stored in the upright section, then the weight of the upright section perceived by a user would be increased. Therefore, the surface cleaning apparatus may be more easily maneuvered by a user. This aspect may be used with one or more of the porous liquid separation chamber, the angled floor of the liquid separation chamber, the emptying of the separated liquid storage region, the baffled wall of the separated liquid storage region, the emptying of the liquid separation chamber, the downflow region, the cyclonic liquid separator, the dual cyclone liquid separation stage, the pre-motor filter housing, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage with an emptying channel, and the vertical cyclone with a downstream liquid separation stage.

The liquid separation stage <NUM> may have a separated liquid storage region <NUM> that is exterior to the liquid separating member. Solid material may be retained in the liquid separating member. An advantage of this aspect is that the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> may be used to clean surfaces having both solid and liquid matter. By separating the liquid storage region from the solid storage region (e.g., the liquid separation member), the user may be able to more easily dispose of the separated liquids and solids. For example, the separated liquid may be emptied into a sink or toilet with a reduced risk of clogging plumbing.

The liquid separation stage <NUM> may be any system capable of separating liquid from an airflow. For example, the liquid separation stage <NUM> may be a non-cyclonic momentum separator wherein liquid is separated from an air flow due to the air flow following a tortuous path or the air flow entering a non-cyclonic momentum separator chamber wherein the velocity of the air flow decreases in the non-cyclonic momentum separator chamber such that entrained water will separate out of the air flow, as exemplified in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the liquid separation stage <NUM> may be a cyclonic separator, as exemplified in <FIG>.

The surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>, and optionally the surface cleaning head, may have a plurality of stages. Optionally, as exemplified in <FIG>, the liquid separation stage <NUM> may be the first stage of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG>, the surface cleaning head has the liquid separation stage <NUM> and an air treatment stage <NUM> that is downstream from the liquid separation stage <NUM>. In some embodiments, the air treatment stage <NUM> may be upstream from the liquid separation stage <NUM>. The air treatment stage <NUM> may also be referred to as air treatment member <NUM>.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the air treatment stage <NUM> may be positioned rearward of the liquid separation stage <NUM>. In some embodiments, the air treatment stage <NUM> may be positioned forward of, and/or may overlap with, the liquid separation stage <NUM>. The cyclone <NUM> may include a porous member <NUM> that allows for separated liquid to move to a second liquid collection region. For example, as shown, the porous member <NUM> is a screen. Accordingly, the air treatment stage <NUM> may also operate as a second liquid separation stage <NUM>.

If the air treatment stage <NUM> is to also operate as a second liquid separation stage <NUM>, then as exemplified, the air treatment member <NUM> may have a separated solid storage region <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the solid storage region <NUM> may be positioned anywhere in the surface cleaning head. For example, the separated solid storage region <NUM> may be positioned adjacent, above, and/or below the separated liquid storage region <NUM>. In some embodiments, the separated solid storage region <NUM> may overlap with the liquid separation stage <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the separated solid storage region <NUM> may be positioned under the separated liquid storage region <NUM>. The air treatment stage <NUM> may include a cyclone assembly <NUM> having a cyclone <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG> the cyclone <NUM> has a cyclone axis of rotation <NUM> that extends laterally.

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the liquid separation stage <NUM> comprises a liquid separation chamber <NUM> defined by one or more walls wherein at least a portion of one of more of the walls, and optionally all or substantially all of one of more of the walls, is porous whereby water may pass out of the liquid separation chamber <NUM> into a separated liquid storage region <NUM>, optionally by gravity. An advantage of this design is that solid material may be retained in the liquid separation chamber <NUM> as it cannot pass through the porous member and thereby separated solid material is separated from the separated liquid that is received by the separated liquid storage region <NUM>. This aspect may be used with one or more of the surface cleaning head with a liquid separation stage, the angled floor of the liquid separation chamber, the emptying of the separated liquid storage region, the baffled wall of the separated liquid storage region, the emptying of the liquid separation chamber, the downflow region, the cyclonic liquid separator, the dual cyclone liquid separation stage, the pre-motor filter housing, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage with an emptying channel, and the vertical cyclone with a downstream liquid separation stage.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the liquid separation stage <NUM> has a lower wall <NUM>, a sidewall <NUM>, an upper wall <NUM>, an air inlet <NUM> and an air outlet <NUM>. At least a portion or one or more of lower wall <NUM>, sidewall <NUM> and upper wall <NUM> may be porous, e.g., it may be made of a screen or the like. For convenience herein, the porous portion is referred to as a screen. The screen may be made of a wire mesh material.

The liquid separation chamber <NUM> is provided in the liquid separation stage <NUM> and may be provided in an upper portion thereof. As exemplified in <FIG>, the liquid separation chamber <NUM> has an interior volume <NUM> that is defined by a volume lower wall <NUM>, a volume sidewall <NUM>, and a volume upper wall <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG>, the separated liquid storage region <NUM> is provided in the liquid separation stage <NUM> and may be provided in a lower portion thereof. Accordingly, liquid may exit the liquid separation chamber <NUM> and pass to the separated liquid storage region <NUM> by gravity flow.

The liquid separation chamber <NUM> has a separated liquid outlet <NUM> that connects the liquid separation chamber <NUM> in flow communication with the separated liquid storage region <NUM>. During operation, airflow containing liquid enters through the air inlet <NUM>. The liquid separation stage <NUM> separates at least some of the liquid from the airflow, allowing the liquid to pass through the separated liquid outlet <NUM> into the separated liquid storage region <NUM>. The partially treated air flow then exits the liquid separation chamber <NUM> and travel downstream.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the liquid separation chamber <NUM> may be a non-cyclonic momentum separator. As such, the velocity of the air flow as it enters and/or passes through the liquid separation chamber <NUM> is reduced whereby entrained liquid becomes dis-entrained from the air flow. As exemplified in <FIG>, air that enters the dirty air inlet of a surface cleaning head travels rearwardly up an incline (e.g., a ramp) to the air inlet <NUM>, the air inlet <NUM> comprises an opening in, e.g., a side wall <NUM> of the liquid separation chamber <NUM>. Heavier material is then collected in the liquid separation chamber <NUM> and the air flow continues to the air outlet <NUM>.

The air outlet <NUM> is a partially treated air outlet since the liquid separation chamber <NUM> removes some solid debris and/or liquid from the airflow, but may allow some finer solid debris to pass through the partially treated air outlet <NUM>.

The air outlet may be any opening in the liquid separation chamber <NUM> and/or the liquid separation stage <NUM>. For example, the air outlet <NUM> may be an opening in a wall of the liquid separation chamber <NUM>, e.g., a side wall <NUM>, through which the air passes, e.g., to a second stage air treatment stage as discussed subsequently. In such a case, the air outlet may be at the inlet port to the air flow passage that extends downstream to the next air treatment stage. For example the air outlet <NUM> may be a port in the wall of the liquid separation chamber <NUM> which is also a wall defining the liquid separation stage. Alternately, as exemplified in <FIG>, the air may flow through a porous section of the walls that define the liquid separation chamber <NUM> and then through a further portion of the liquid separation stage <NUM> (e.g., a portion of the separated liquid storage region <NUM>) before exiting through a port in an air impermeable wall <NUM> defining the liquid storage stage <NUM>. Accordingly, as exemplified in <FIG>, the air inlet <NUM> is positioned in a front side of the liquid separation chamber <NUM> and the air outlet <NUM> is positioned in a rear side of the liquid separation chamber <NUM>, with the air outlet <NUM> being positioned in the air impermeable wall <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that while the liquid separation chamber <NUM> is exemplified as rectangular, it may be of any shape (e.g., circular, cylindrical, etc.) and may be formed of one or more walls.

The separated liquid outlet <NUM> may be any shape, size, and/or material that facilitates liquid to pass from the liquid separation chamber <NUM> to the separated liquid storage region <NUM>. The separated liquid outlet <NUM> may be an opening or slot in one or more walls of the liquid separation chamber <NUM>. For example, as exemplified in <FIG>, the separated liquid outlet <NUM> may be funnel shaped (e.g., the separated liquid outlet <NUM> may be an opening in an angled lower wall <NUM> of the liquid separation chamber <NUM>).

Alternately, or in addition, as exemplified in <FIG>, the separated liquid outlet <NUM> may include a porous member <NUM>. The porous member <NUM> may be any material that allows for the trapping of at least some solid particles while allowing liquid to pass through the separated liquid outlet <NUM> to the separated liquid storage region <NUM>. For example, porous member <NUM> may be, including, but not limited to, a mesh, a screen, a foam, or any other material that can allow liquid to pass therethrough.

Optionally, the porous member <NUM> forms at least a portion of the volume lower wall <NUM> and/or the volume sidewall <NUM>.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the porous member <NUM> may overly the separated liquid outlet <NUM>. As shown, the porous member <NUM> overlies and is vertically spaced from at least a portion of the angled lower wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, the porous member <NUM> may form the separated liquid outlet <NUM>, as exemplified in <FIG>.

During operation, liquid separated from air travelling through the volume <NUM> exits the volume <NUM> by passing through the porous member <NUM>, exits through the separated liquid outlet <NUM>, and flows into the separated liquid storage region <NUM>.

The liquid may pass into the separated liquid storage region <NUM> due to gravity. In other words, at least a portion of the separated liquid storage region <NUM> may be positioned at a lower elevation than the volume <NUM> and, optionally, at least a portion of or all of the separated liquid storage region <NUM> may be positioned under the volume <NUM> (i.e., it may underlie the separated liquid storage region <NUM>), as exemplified in <FIG>.

Accordingly, during operation, liquid separated from air as it travels through the volume <NUM> exits the volume <NUM> through the separated liquid outlet <NUM> and flows to the separated liquid storage region <NUM> due to gravity. An advantage of this aspect is that solid debris such as hair may be captured by the porous member <NUM> while still allowing liquid to be separated from the air and collected in the separated liquid collection region <NUM>. Separating the liquid and solid matter collection regions may improve the emptying of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>. For example, by maintaining a liquid collection region mostly free of solid debris, the liquid may be emptied in the sink or toilet without clogging the plumbing. Additionally, the solid debris captured in the volume <NUM> by the porous member <NUM> may be emptied in a different location and/or a different time than the separated liquid.

In accordance with this aspect, in some embodiments, the porous member <NUM> may form at least a portion of the lower and/or sidewalls of the liquid separation chamber <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the lower and/or sidewalls may be formed of a screen. Accordingly, the porous member <NUM> may form at least a portion of the volume lower wall <NUM> and/or the volume sidewall <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the porous member <NUM> may form at least a portion of any one or more of the walls of the volume <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG>, the porous member <NUM> forms the volume lower wall <NUM>, volume sidewall <NUM>, and the volume upper wall <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG> and <FIG>, the volume sidewall <NUM> may include a front sidewall <NUM>, a rear sidewall <NUM>, a first sidewall <NUM> and a second laterally opposed sidewall <NUM>, with the rear sidewall <NUM> formed by the porous member <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that one or more of the walls defining the liquid separation chamber <NUM> may be air impermeable wall.

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the lower wall of the volume <NUM> may have an angled surface which may comprise or consist of the separated liquid outlet <NUM>. An advantage of this aspect is that the angled lower wall may inhibit separated liquid re-entering the liquid separation chamber <NUM> as the surface cleaning head, or the surface cleaning apparatus, is moved across a floor. This aspect may be used with one or more of the surface cleaning head with a liquid separation stage, the porous liquid separation chamber, the emptying of the separated liquid storage region, the baffled wall of the separated liquid storage region, the emptying of the liquid separation chamber, the downflow region, the cyclonic liquid separator, the dual cyclone liquid separation stage, the pre-motor filter housing, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage with an emptying channel, and the vertical cyclone with a downstream liquid separation stage.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the lower wall <NUM> of the liquid separation chamber <NUM> may be angled downwardly, forming the angled lower wall <NUM>. The angled lower wall <NUM> includes a front portion 313a that is angled rearwardly and downwardly and a rear portion 313b that is angled forwardly and downwardly. As shown, the separated liquid outlet <NUM> is formed by the opening between the front portion 313a and the rear portion 313b. The angled wall(s) may reduce sloshing in the liquid collection region <NUM>. It will be appreciated that there may be a plurality of liquid outlets <NUM> formed by a plurality of lower walls <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG> and <FIG>, there are four liquid outlets <NUM>.

It will also be appreciated that only a single angled wall 313a, 313b may be provided. For example, on front angled wall 313a may be provided.

It will also be appreciated that the angled wall(s) may optionally extend in the forward/rearward direction.

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, one or more baffles may be provided in the liquid collection region <NUM>. An advantage of this aspect is that the baffles may inhibit separated liquid moving around the liquid collection region <NUM> as the surface cleaning head, or the surface cleaning apparatus, is moved across a floor, which may cause separated liquid to re-enter the liquid separation chamber <NUM>. This aspect may be used with one or more of the surface cleaning head with a liquid separation stage, the porous liquid separation chamber, the angled floor of the liquid separation chamber, the emptying of the separated liquid storage region, the emptying of the liquid separation chamber, the downflow region, the cyclonic liquid separator, the dual cyclone liquid separation stage, the pre-motor filter housing, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage with an emptying channel, and the vertical cyclone with a downstream liquid separation stage.

Optionally, the separated liquid storage region <NUM> has a lower wall <NUM> having upwardly extending baffles <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the baffles need not be provided on the lower wall <NUM>, but descend from the upper wall or they may extend between the sidewalls.

As exemplified in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the sidewall <NUM> has first and second laterally opposed sides 314a and 314b and the baffles <NUM> are disposed laterally between the first and second laterally opposed sidewalls <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the baffles need not extend laterally but may extend in any direction. Optionally, the baffles extend at least at an angle to the forward/rearward direction to reduce or inhibit water sloshing in the liquid storage region <NUM> as the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> is moved over a surface.

It will be appreciated that the baffles may extend from one side of the liquid storage region <NUM> to the other. The baffles may extend continuously. Alternately, a series of discrete baffles may extend part way across the liquid storage region <NUM>. Alternately the baffles may extend only part way across the liquid storage region <NUM>.

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the liquid separation chamber <NUM> may be openable so as to remove solid material collected therein and/or to remove and clean the porous member. This aspect may be used with one or more of the surface cleaning head with a liquid separation stage, the porous liquid separation chamber, the angled floor of the liquid separation chamber, the baffled wall of the separated liquid storage region, the emptying of the separated liquid storage region, the downflow region, the cyclonic liquid separator, the dual cyclone liquid separation stage, the pre-motor filter housing, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage with an emptying channel, and the vertical cyclone with a downstream liquid separation stage.

It will be appreciated that the liquid separation chamber <NUM> may be openable by itself. Alternately, as discussed subsequently, liquid separation chamber <NUM> may be openable concurrently with one or more collection regions of the surface cleaning apparatus, such as the liquid storage region <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the porous member <NUM> may be removable from the liquid separation stage <NUM> to empty solid matter collected in the volume <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG>, the liquid separation stage <NUM> may be openable, e.g., openable door <NUM> may be opened, so as to enable the porous member to be removed. As exemplified, the liquid separation chamber <NUM> may be defined by a plurality of porous walls and, accordingly, when the door <NUM> is opened, the entire liquid separation chamber <NUM> may be removed for emptying and/or cleaning.

It will also be appreciated that the door <NUM> may be provided on any surface of the liquid separation stage <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG>, the door <NUM> is an upper wall and the porous member <NUM> is removeable upwardly. As exemplified in <FIG>, the door <NUM> is a sidewall, enabling the porous member <NUM> to be slide laterally outwardly.

It will also be appreciated that only part of the liquid separation chamber <NUM> may be removable. For example, when the door <NUM> is opened, only the upper portion, e.g., the upper wall of the liquid separation chamber <NUM> may be subsequently removed so as to provide access to the interior volume <NUM> of liquid separation chamber <NUM>.

It will also be appreciated that the liquid separation chamber may be defined in part by the openable door <NUM> and therefore, opening the openable door opens the liquid separation chamber <NUM>. In such a case, a user may be able to remove solid material from the liquid separation chamber <NUM> without removing the liquid separation chamber <NUM> from the surface cleaning apparatus.

As exemplified in <FIG>, a5A and 15B, the first laterally opposed sidewall <NUM> is porous while the second laterally opposed sidewall <NUM> is open. Therefore, when door <NUM> is opened, solids collected in the volume <NUM> may be poured out.

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the liquid storage region <NUM> may be openable, by itself or concurrently with one or more other regions, to enable the liquid storage region <NUM> to be emptied. This aspect may be used with one or more of the surface cleaning head with a liquid separation stage, the porous liquid separation chamber, the angled floor of the liquid separation chamber, the emptying of the separated liquid storage region, the baffled wall of the separated liquid storage region, the downflow region, the cyclonic liquid separator, the dual cyclone liquid separation stage, the pre-motor filter housing, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage with an emptying channel, and the vertical cyclone with a downstream liquid separation stage.

An advantage of this design is that the liquid storage region may be emptied in situ, without having to remove the liquid storage region <NUM> from the surface cleaning apparatus. Accordingly the liquid storage region need not have to be sealingly connected to the surface cleaning apparatus after emptying to avoid the surface cleaning apparatus leaking during operation.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the liquid separation stage <NUM> has a separated liquid outlet port <NUM>. The separated liquid outlet port <NUM> may be used to remove liquid collected in the liquid collection region <NUM> from the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>. For example, the user may tip the surface cleaning head <NUM> in the direction of the separated liquid outlet port <NUM> to pour collected liquid out of the liquid collection region <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that is the liquid collection region <NUM> is provided in the surface cleaning head <NUM>, then the surface cleaning head may be tipped to empty the liquid collection region <NUM>.

The separated liquid outlet port <NUM> may be positioned anywhere in the liquid separation stage <NUM> such that liquid may be removed from the separated liquid storage region <NUM>. For example, the separated liquid outlet port <NUM> may be positioned in an upper portion of the liquid separation stage <NUM> or in a sidewall of the liquid separation stage <NUM>, as exemplified in <FIG>. An air impermeable wall <NUM> of the liquid separation stage may be spaced from and face the porous member <NUM>, which may form at least a portion of the sidewall of the volume <NUM>, and the separated liquid outlet port <NUM> may be provided between the air impermeable wall <NUM> and the porous member <NUM>. It will be appreciated that an openable door may comprise part or all of an air impermeable wall <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the separated liquid outlet port <NUM> may have an openable top wall, bottom wall, or side wall of the liquid separation stage <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> the sidewall of the liquid separation stage <NUM> is an openable door <NUM> such that the liquid separation chamber <NUM> and the separated liquid storage region <NUM> are opened. As exemplified in <FIG>, <FIG> the top wall of the liquid separation stage is the openable door <NUM> that opens the separated liquid outlet port <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG>, the bottom wall forms the openable door <NUM> that opens the separated liquid outlet port <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the first and/or second air treatment stages of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> may be emptiable independently or concurrently. For example, referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the separated liquid storage region <NUM> is emptiable independently of emptying the separated solid storage region <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG>, the separated liquid storage region <NUM> and the separated solid storage region <NUM> are emptiable concurrently.

It will be appreciated that, if a second air treatment stage is provided, then as discussed subsequently, the second air treatment stages may also separate water from the air flow and the separated water may be stored in a second stage liquid collection region and/or the first stage liquid collection region <NUM>. In any such case, the liquid collection region(s) may be emptied concurrently with the liquid separation chamber <NUM>. Alternately, or in addition, the liquid collection regions may be emptied concurrently by a single openable door.

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, The air outlet of the internal volume <NUM>, comprises, consists essentially of or consists of an air flow passage provided between a porous sidewall of the internal volume <NUM> and an opposed facing wall, which is air impermeable but may have an air outlet <NUM> provided therein. An advantage of this design is that solid material may be captured in the volume <NUM> while still allowing air to flow to other regions of the liquid separation stage <NUM> and/or to the air treatment member <NUM> through a sidewall or a portion thereof. This aspect may be used with one or more of the surface cleaning head with a liquid separation stage, the porous liquid separation chamber, the angled floor of the liquid separation chamber, the emptying of the separated liquid storage region, the baffled wall of the separated liquid storage region, the emptying of the liquid separation chamber, the cyclonic liquid separator, the dual cyclone liquid separation stage, the pre-motor filter housing, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage with an emptying channel, and the vertical cyclone with a downstream liquid separation stage.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the air impermeable wall <NUM> may be spaced apart from and face at least a portion of the volume sidewall <NUM> that is formed by the porous member <NUM> such that a downflow region or passage <NUM> is formed between the porous member <NUM> and the air impermeable wall <NUM>. During operation, liquid is separated from air that flows through the liquid separation stage <NUM> as air travels through the volume <NUM>, exits the volume <NUM> through the porous member <NUM>, and flows downwardly through the downflow region <NUM> between the porous member <NUM> and the air impermeable wall <NUM>. The liquid is subsequently captured and stored in the separated liquid storage region <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that solid material and elongate material such as hair may also be separated during the flow of air through volume <NUM>. This separated material may block part of the porous member <NUM>. It will be appreciated that some or all of the volume sidewall <NUM> may be porous, thereby providing a large surface area through which air may exit the volume <NUM>. Accordingly, if the porous member <NUM> is partially blocked, a large surface area that is open for air flow may remain, thereby avoid the backpressure through the liquid separation sate increasing as material is collected in the volume <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that, in addition, the volume lower wall <NUM>, as exemplified, may also be porous.

It will also be appreciated that more than one sidewall <NUM> may have a porous section or may be porous. Such a sidewall may be spaced from an opposed air impermeable wall of the liquid separation stage <NUM>. Accordingly, air may exit the volume <NUM> through one or more sidewalls <NUM> and a downflow region <NUM> may be provided on more than one side of the volume <NUM>.

The liquid collection region <NUM> may be located at the lower end of downflow passage <NUM>. As exemplified, liquid separation region <NUM> underlies the downflow passage <NUM> and the downflow passage <NUM> may extend vertically when the surface cleaning head is positioned on a horizontal surface. Alternately, the liquid separation region <NUM> may be at a lower elevation that the porous region of the volume sidewall <NUM> and the downflow region <NUM> may extend downwardly, e.g., at an angle to the vertical, whether linearly or otherwise, to the liquid collection region <NUM>.

Optionally, the rear portion 313b of the angled lower wall <NUM> may be located at the downflow region <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG>, the rear portion 313b of the angled lower wall <NUM> forms a forward side of a lower end of the downflow region <NUM>.

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the liquid separation stage <NUM> comprises a cyclone <NUM>. An advantage of this aspect is that liquid separation efficiency may be improved, thereby reducing the amount of entrained water passing downstream to the suction motor. This aspect may be used with one or more of the surface cleaning head with a liquid separation stage, the porous liquid separation chamber, the angled floor of the liquid separation chamber, the emptying of the separated liquid storage region, the baffled wall of the separated liquid storage region, the emptying of the liquid separation chamber, the downflow region, the dual cyclone liquid separation stage, the pre-motor filter housing, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage with an emptying channel, and the vertical cyclone with a downstream liquid separation stage.

As discussed subsequently and as exemplified in <FIG>, the cyclone <NUM> may be a second stage liquid separator, e.g., downstream from volume <NUM>. Alternately, the cyclone <NUM> may be used as a first stage liquid separator or as the sole liquid separator (see for example <FIG>). Alternately, a plurality of cyclones <NUM>, in parallel and/or in series, may be used as part of or as the liquid separator. If a plurality of liquid separation stages are provided, then each liquid separation stage may be any design capable of separating liquid from an airflow. For example, the first and the second stage may both be momentum separators, cyclones, or one may be a cyclone and the other may be a momentum separator. In some embodiments, the first stage is a cyclonic liquid separator and the second stage is a momentum separator, or vice versa.

It will be appreciated that if the surface cleaning apparatus is used as a vacuum cleaner (e.g., it is not being used to clean up a spill or as an extractor), then the cyclone(s) <NUM> may be used to separate dry solid material entrained in the incoming air stream.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the cyclone <NUM> is positioned in the surface cleaning head <NUM>. The cyclone <NUM> has a cyclone first end <NUM>, an axially spaced apart second end <NUM>, a cyclone air inlet <NUM>, a cyclone air outlet <NUM>, and a cyclone axis of rotation <NUM>.

The airflow in the cyclone <NUM> may vary depending on the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG>, the cyclone air inlet <NUM> is provided at the first end <NUM> and the cyclone air outlet <NUM> is provided at the second end <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cyclone air inlet <NUM> and cyclone air outlet <NUM> may be positioned at the same end. As exemplified in <FIG>, the suction motor <NUM> is positioned in the surface cleaning head <NUM> downstream of the cyclone <NUM> and the suction motor has an inlet end <NUM> that faces the cyclone air outlet <NUM>.

As exemplified, when the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> is in use to clean a floor, the cyclone axis of rotation <NUM> extends generally horizontally. Further, as exemplified, the cyclone axis of rotation <NUM> is generally transverse to a forward direction of motion of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cyclone axis of rotation <NUM> may be generally parallel to the forward direction of motion of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>, or may be at an angle to the forward direction of motion. Optionally, the cyclone axis may extend vertically or at an angle to the vertical.

The cyclone(s) <NUM> may be of various designs that will separate water from an air stream. Optionally, as exemplified in <FIG>, some or all of the axially extending sidewall <NUM> may be porous (e.g., it may comprise or consist essentially of or consist of a screen <NUM>). The screen <NUM> provides a separated liquid outlet <NUM> for the cyclone <NUM> that is in flow communication with a separated liquid collection region <NUM>, which may be the separated liquid collection region <NUM> of the volume <NUM>.

The cyclone may also separate solid material from the air stream the solid material may be retained in the cyclone <NUM>. Accordingly, a region of the cyclone <NUM>, e.g., opposed to the cyclone air outlet <NUM>, may be the dirt collection region of the cyclone <NUM>. Alternately, a dirt collection chamber may be provided that is external to the cyclone <NUM>. Accordingly, the cyclone <NUM> may have a dirt outlet of any design known in the cyclonic arts. As exemplified in <FIG>, the dirt outlet is a slot <NUM> proximate the cyclone second end <NUM>. The slot may be formed as a gap between an end face of the cyclone sidewall and the end wall of the cyclone <NUM> at second end <NUM>. It will be appreciated that water may also exit through the slot <NUM>.

The slot <NUM> may be in flow communication with a liquid collection region that is isolated from the liquid collection region that is in flow communication with the screen <NUM> of the cyclone. Alternately, both the screen <NUM> and the slot <NUM> may be in flow communication with a single liquid collection region. If the liquid separation stage has two liquid separators as exemplified in <FIG>, then this single liquid collection region may be isolated from the liquid collection region of a first stage liquid separator (e.g., volume <NUM>), it may be in flow communication with the liquid collection region of a first stage liquid separator (e.g., volume <NUM>), of the first and second liquid collection regions may be a single continuous liquid collection region which may underlie part or all of the first stage liquid separator (e.g., volume <NUM>) and the cyclone <NUM>.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the liquid collection region <NUM> is positioned at a lower elevation than the screen <NUM>. It will be appreciated that, as with the volume <NUM>, the screen (porous member) <NUM> may be positioned at a higher elevation than the liquid collection region <NUM> and part or all of the screen may overlie the liquid collection region <NUM>. Therefore, as water is separated in the cyclone <NUM>, water may flow downwardly into the liquid collection region <NUM>.

As discussed previously, the liquid collection region <NUM> of the cyclone stage <NUM> may have a one or more baffles <NUM> (e.g., a plurality of upwardly extending baffles), which may be disposed laterally between the first and second laterally opposed walls. Accordingly, the baffles <NUM> may extend generally parallel to the cyclone axis of rotation <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the liquid collection region of the cyclone <NUM> may be opened in a similar manner as discussed with respect to the opening of volume <NUM>. If the cyclone is the sole liquid separation member as exemplified in <FIG>, <FIG>, then the liquid collection region may be openable for emptying by itself or concurrently with the cyclone <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG>, <FIG>, the liquid separation region <NUM> has a separated liquid outlet port <NUM>. As described previously, the liquid outlet port <NUM> is openable. The openable separated liquid outlet port <NUM> may be provided anywhere on the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG>, the openable separated liquid outlet port <NUM> is provided on a lateral side of the liquid separation stage <NUM>.

The liquid separation stage <NUM> may be opened in various ways. As exemplified in <FIG>, the liquid separation stage <NUM> has an openable wall <NUM>, with the cyclone axis of rotation <NUM> extending through the openable wall when the openable wall is in the closed position. As shown, both the cyclone <NUM> and the liquid collection region <NUM> are opened when the openable wall <NUM> is in the openable position. Accordingly, each of the solid collection region <NUM> (e.g., the interior of the cyclone <NUM> as exemplified in <FIG>) and the liquid collection region <NUM> are emptyable concurrently. In some embodiments the liquid collection region <NUM> and the solid collection region <NUM> may be independently openable.

<FIG> exemplify a surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> having a first liquid separation stage <NUM> and a second liquid separation stage <NUM>. As illustrated, the first liquid separation stage <NUM> may be a non-cyclonic momentum separator and the second liquid separation stage <NUM> may be cyclone <NUM>.

<FIG> exemplify an embodiment wherein the second liquid separation stage <NUM> is openable separately from the first liquid separation stage <NUM>. As exemplified, the second liquid separation stage <NUM> has a second liquid collection region <NUM>. The second liquid collection region <NUM> may form a part of the first liquid collection region <NUM>, but in the exemplified embodiment, it is separate. As exemplified in <FIG>, the second liquid collection region <NUM> is external to a second liquid separation chamber <NUM> (e.g., the cyclone chamber as exemplified in <FIG>). The second liquid separation stage may in this embodiment is opened by an openable door <NUM>, which is opened separately from door <NUM>. Accordingly, the first liquid collection region <NUM> and the second liquid collection region <NUM> may be emptied independently.

If door <NUM> opens both the cyclone <NUM> and the second liquid collection region <NUM>, then both the cyclone <NUM> and the second liquid collection region <NUM> may be emptied concurrently. If door <NUM> opens both the volume <NUM> and the first liquid collection region <NUM>, then both the volume <NUM> and the first liquid collection region <NUM> may be emptied concurrently. It will be appreciated that a single door, which essentially comprises both doors <NUM> and <NUM>, may be provided, in which case volume <NUM>, the first liquid collection region <NUM>, the cyclone <NUM> and the second liquid collection region <NUM> may be emptied concurrently.

Optionally, first liquid collection region <NUM> and second liquid collection region <NUM> may be in flow communication with a single separated liquid outlet port <NUM>. In such an embodiment, liquid collected in the first liquid collection region <NUM> and additional liquid collected in the second liquid collection region <NUM> may be emptiable concurrently through a single separated liquid outlet port <NUM>.

Alternately, there may be a conduit that provides for flow communication between the first liquid collection region <NUM> and the second liquid collection region <NUM>. Accordingly, for example, liquid collected in the second liquid collection region <NUM> may pass through the conduit to the first liquid collection region <NUM> and may then be subsequently emptied from the first liquid collection region <NUM> through the separated liquid outlet port <NUM> of the first liquid collection region <NUM>.

Alternately, each liquid collection region may have its own outlet port and the outlets ports may be openable concurrently, e.g., a single door may open both. Such an embodiment is exemplified in <FIG>, wherein at least a portion of the second liquid collection region <NUM>, or a conduit from the second liquid collection region <NUM>, is positioned underneath the first liquid collection region <NUM>. As shown, the first liquid collection region <NUM> has a first separated liquid outlet port <NUM> and the second liquid collection region <NUM> has a second separated liquid outlet port <NUM>. during operation, the openable end may be lifted such that both of the first separated liquid outlet port <NUM> and the second separated liquid outlet port <NUM> may be opened concurrently, such that liquid collected in each region may be emptied concurrently.

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the liquid separation stage <NUM> has a cyclone assembly <NUM> having two or more cyclones <NUM> in parallel. An advantage of this aspect is that even if one cyclone <NUM> is partially or completely blocked with solid debris, the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> may continue to operate through suction in the second cyclone <NUM>. This aspect may be used with one or more of the surface cleaning head with a liquid separation stage, the porous liquid separation chamber, the angled floor of the liquid separation chamber, the emptying of the separated liquid storage region, the baffled wall of the separated liquid storage region, the emptying of the liquid separation chamber, the downflow region, the cyclonic liquid separator, the pre-motor filter housing, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage with an emptying channel, and the vertical cyclone with a downstream liquid separation stage.

The cyclones <NUM> are positioned over the liquid collection region <NUM>, which is separated by a porous member <NUM> in each cyclone <NUM>.

As exemplified in <FIG>, two cyclones <NUM> are positioned laterally side by side. When the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> is positioned on a floor in a storage position if the cyclones are provided in an upright section of an upright surface cleaning apparatus, the cyclone axis of rotation <NUM> extends generally vertically.

As exemplified in <FIG>, each cyclone <NUM> has a separated liquid outlet <NUM> having a porous member <NUM> positioned over the liquid collection region <NUM>. In other words, the liquid collection region <NUM> underlies the two cyclones <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the liquid collection region <NUM> may be located anywhere that is at a lower elevation than the separated liquid outlet <NUM> such that separated liquid will flow into the liquid collection region <NUM> due to gravity.

It will be appreciated that a single liquid collection region <NUM> may be shared by each cyclone <NUM>, or as exemplified in <FIG>, each cyclone may have its own liquid collection region that are independent from one another. For example, the liquid collection region <NUM> may include a first portion 302a in flow communication with the first cyclone 202a and a second portion 302b in flow communication with the second cyclone 202b. The first portion 302a and the second portion 302b are isolated from each other. It will be appreciated that, alternately, they may form a single contiguous region in communication with the cyclones <NUM>.

If the cyclone <NUM> is oriented vertically, then a lower end of the liquid separation stage <NUM> may be openable to empty the cyclone chamber <NUM> and/or the pre-motor filter liquid collection region. As exemplified in <FIG>, an upper end <NUM> of the pre-motor filter liquid collection region <NUM> is located at the elevation of the porous member <NUM>. The upper end <NUM> of the liquid collection region <NUM> is moveably mounted to ta lower end of the liquid separation stage <NUM> between a closed position and an open emptying position in which the liquid collection region <NUM> is moved with respect to the cyclone chamber <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the porous member <NUM> may move to an open position when the liquid collection region <NUM> is moved to the open emptying position. In some embodiments, the porous member <NUM> may remain in position when the liquid collection region <NUM> is moved to the open emptying position.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the liquid collection region <NUM> may have one or more drain plugs <NUM> positioned in openings. During operation, the drain plug <NUM> is removed from the opening to allow liquid to drain from the liquid collection region <NUM>. Drain plugs may be used in any liquid collection region and may be provided in any surface of the liquid collection region.

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> may include a pre-motor filter housing <NUM> in which a pre-motor filter media <NUM> is positionable. This aspect may be used with one or more of the surface cleaning head with a liquid separation stage, the porous liquid separation chamber, the angled floor of the liquid separation chamber, the emptying of the separated liquid storage region, the baffled wall of the separated liquid storage region, the emptying of the liquid separation chamber, the downflow region, the cyclonic liquid separator, the dual cyclone liquid separation stage, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage with an emptying channel, and the vertical cyclone with a downstream liquid separation stage.

Optionally, as exemplified in <FIG>, the pre-motor filter housing <NUM> is positioned in the surface cleaning head <NUM> rearward of the cyclone assembly <NUM>. The pre-motor filter housing <NUM> may extend from the first lateral side to the second lateral side of the surface cleaning head <NUM>.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the liquid separation stage <NUM> may be removably mounted in the surface cleaning head <NUM>. The pre-motor filter housing <NUM> may also be removable from the surface cleaning head <NUM>, optionally concurrently with the liquid separation stage <NUM> as exemplified in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning head <NUM> may include a pre-motor filter liquid collection region that is in flow communication with the pre-motor filter housing <NUM>. The pre-motor filter liquid collection region may be positioned rearward of the first liquid collection region <NUM>. As discussed with respect to the second liquid collection region <NUM>, this pre-motor filter liquid collection region may be emptied independently from or concurrently with the first liquid collection region <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter liquid collection region may be contiguous with the first liquid collection region <NUM>.

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the liquid separation stage <NUM> is a cyclonic liquid separation stage having one or more cyclones <NUM> with a cyclone axis of rotation <NUM> that extends generally vertically and with a separated liquid outlet <NUM>, which may be a porous member <NUM>, provided at a lower end of the cyclone(s) <NUM> and optionally positioned above a liquid collection region <NUM>. This aspect may be used with one or more of the surface cleaning head with a liquid separation stage, the porous liquid separation chamber, the angled floor of the liquid separation chamber, the emptying of the separated liquid storage region, the baffled wall of the separated liquid storage region, the emptying of the liquid separation chamber, the downflow region, the cyclonic liquid separator, the dual cyclone liquid separation stage, the pre-motor filter housing, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage with an emptying channel, and the vertical cyclone with a downstream liquid separation stage.

An advantage of this aspect is that by positioning the liquid collection region <NUM> below the cyclone assembly <NUM>, the centre of mass may be lowered, thereby making the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> easier for the user to operate, particularly if the cyclone assembly <NUM> is provided on the upright portion <NUM> of an upright vacuum cleaner as exemplified in <FIG>. Liquid collected by the cyclone assembly <NUM> can increase in weight rapidly during cleaning. Accordingly, lowering the centre of mass of the upright portion <NUM> may make it easier for the user to move the apparatus while also reducing the likelihood of injury.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the liquid separation stage <NUM> is positioned on the upright portion <NUM> of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>. The upright portion <NUM> is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head <NUM> between an upright storage position and a reclined in use position. The suction motor <NUM> may be positioned above the liquid separation stage <NUM>, as exemplified in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> or may be positioned below the liquid separation stage as exemplified in <FIG>.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the upright portion <NUM> has a single cyclone <NUM> with a cyclone axis of rotation <NUM> that extends generally vertically when the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> is positioned on a floor and the upright portion <NUM> is in a storage position.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the liquid collection region <NUM> may underly the porous member <NUM> such that the cyclone axis of rotation <NUM> extends through the liquid collection region <NUM>. As exemplified, the liquid collection region <NUM> underlies the separated liquid outlet <NUM>, which comprises or consists of a porous member <NUM>. In other words, the porous member <NUM> is positioned at the lower end of the cyclone <NUM> with the liquid collection region <NUM> positioned at an elevation below the porous member <NUM>. The cyclone stage second end <NUM> has a lower wall <NUM> that forms a liquid collection surface of the liquid collection region <NUM>. As discussed previously, the liquid collection region <NUM> may be at a lower elevation than the outlet <NUM> and need not partially or fully underlie the cyclone <NUM>.

Optionally, the cyclone chamber <NUM> may have a cyclone chamber lower end wall <NUM>. The cyclone chamber lower end wall <NUM> may be, for example, a moveable plate as discussed subsequently. As exemplified in <FIG>, the lower end wall <NUM> is positioned at an elevation above the porous member <NUM> and the separated liquid outlet <NUM> includes a gap <NUM> between the cyclone chamber lower end wall <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM>. Accordingly, solid material may exit the cyclone chamber via the gap <NUM> and collect in a solid collection region that is located between the plate and the screen <NUM>. Liquid may also exit the cyclone chamber via the gap <NUM> and then flow downwardly through the screen in to the liquid collection region.

It will be appreciated that each of the cyclone chamber, the solid collection region and the liquid collection region may be emptiable concurrently or one or more, and optionally all, may be emptied concurrently. Accordingly, as discussed previously with respect to <FIG>, the lower end of the cyclone assembly <NUM> may be openable to empty the liquid collection region and/or the cyclone <NUM>.

<FIG> exemplifies an embodiment wherein the cyclone chamber and the liquid collection region are opened concurrently. As exemplified, the cyclone stage second end <NUM> is openable such that liquid collection region is opened. The porous member <NUM> is, e.g., pivotally mounted to a sidewall of the cyclone chamber <NUM> such that, when cyclone stage second end <NUM> is opened, the porous member <NUM> is moveable from the in use position in which the screen overlies the lower wall <NUM> of the liquid collection region <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) to an emptying position in which the porous member <NUM> is moved (pivots) downwardly to an open position (as shown in <FIG>). In the open position, the cyclone chamber <NUM> is opened.

<FIG> exemplifies an embodiment wherein the cyclone chamber, the solid collection region and the liquid collection region are opened concurrently. As exemplified, the cyclone chamber lower end wall <NUM> is moveable between an in use position, in which the cyclone chamber lower end wall <NUM> closes the cyclone chamber other than the gap <NUM> and an emptying position in which the cyclone chamber lower end wall <NUM> is moved (e.g., rotated) so as to open the lower end of the cyclone chamber.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the cyclone chamber lower end wall <NUM> and the porous member <NUM> are supported by lower wall <NUM> such that cyclone chamber lower end wall <NUM>, porous member <NUM> and lower wall <NUM> move concurrently to open each of the cyclone chamber, the solid collection region and the liquid collection region.

As exemplified in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the cyclone chamber lower end wall <NUM> is moveable separately from the porous member <NUM> and lower wall <NUM>. As exemplified, the cyclone chamber lower end wall <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the cyclone chamber sidewall. When the lower wall <NUM> is opened, the porous member <NUM> moves concurrently with the lower end wall <NUM> such that the liquid collection region remains closed. The cyclone chamber lower end wall <NUM> moves when the lower end wall <NUM> opens whereby the cyclone chamber and the solid collection region may be emptied concurrently. Accordingly solid material collected in the cyclone chamber and the solid collection region may be empties separately from liquid collected in the liquid collection region.

As discussed previously, one or more baffles may be provided in the liquid collection region <NUM>. The baffles may extend generally axially in the liquid collection region <NUM>, extending from the lower wall <NUM>. The baffles may extend perpendicular to the forward direction of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>.

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, a vertically oriented cyclone has a pour out channel to enable the liquid collection region to be empties without moving the porous member <NUM>. This aspect may be used with one or more of the surface cleaning head with a liquid separation stage, the porous liquid separation chamber, the angled floor of the liquid separation chamber, the emptying of the separated liquid storage region, the baffled wall of the separated liquid storage region, the emptying of the liquid separation chamber, the downflow region, the cyclonic liquid separator, the dual cyclone liquid separation stage, the pre-motor filter housing, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage, and the vertical cyclone with a downstream liquid separation stage.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> has a top openable cyclone assembly to enable liquid collected in the liquid collection region <NUM> to be poured out of the cyclone assembly <NUM>. In this embodiment, liquid emptying channel <NUM> extends between the liquid collection region <NUM> and the cyclone first end <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the liquid emptying channel <NUM> is positioned between the cyclone chamber sidewall <NUM> and the sidewall of the cyclone assembly. The liquid emptying channel <NUM> has an upper end <NUM> that is openable such that liquid from the liquid collection region <NUM> may be poured out when the cyclone assembly <NUM> is inverted. Accordingly, a user may remove the liquid separation stage from the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> and tilt the liquid separation stage <NUM> to pour out collected liquid from the liquid collection region <NUM> through the liquid emptying channel <NUM>.

Optionally, as exemplified in <FIG>, the cyclone first end <NUM> may be openable concurrently with the upper end <NUM> of the liquid emptying channel <NUM> such that the cyclone chamber <NUM> is opened concurrently with the liquid emptying channel <NUM>. Accordingly, the solid and the liquid debris may be emptied through the same end of the liquid separation stage <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cyclone chamber <NUM> and liquid emptying channel <NUM> may be emptied independently of each other.

If the lower end of the cyclone assembly <NUM> is openable, then the upper end of the liquid emptying channel <NUM> may open with the lower end of the cyclone assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, as exemplified in <FIG>, opening the lower end of the cyclone assembly may open the cyclone chamber and the solid collection region and liquid collected in the liquid collection region may then be poured out through upper end <NUM> of the liquid emptying channel <NUM> (upper end <NUM> of the liquid emptying channel <NUM> may be positioned beside second liquid emptying port <NUM> but is not shown in <FIG>.

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> may include a second liquid separation stage <NUM> downstream from the vertical cyclone(s). This aspect may be used if the vertical cyclone(s) are the first liquid separation stage. This aspect may be used with one or more of the surface cleaning head with a liquid separation stage, the porous liquid separation chamber, the angled floor of the liquid separation chamber, the emptying of the separated liquid storage region, the baffled wall of the separated liquid storage region, the emptying of the liquid separation chamber, the downflow region, the cyclonic liquid separator, the dual cyclone liquid separation stage, the pre-motor filter housing, the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage and the vertical cyclonic liquid separation stage with an emptying channel.

The second liquid separation stage <NUM> may be any system capable of separating liquid from air flow. As exemplified, the second liquid separation stage <NUM> may be a filter media.

The second liquid separation stage <NUM> has a second liquid collection region <NUM> that is at a lower elevation than the second liquid separation stage <NUM> such that separated water may flow to the second liquid collection region <NUM> due to gravity.

As discussed previously, the second liquid collection region <NUM> may be isolated from the first liquid collection region <NUM> and emptiable separately or concurrently therewith. Alternately, the second liquid collection region <NUM> may be in flow communication with or contiguous with the first liquid collection region <NUM>. Any embodiment discussed herein to enable a second liquid collection region <NUM> and a first liquid collection region <NUM> to be emptied separately or concurrently may be used. Accordingly, the second liquid collection region <NUM> may be openable concurrently with the cyclone chamber <NUM> and/or the liquid emptying channel <NUM>.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the second liquid separation stage <NUM> may be positioned above the first cyclonic liquid separation stage <NUM> when the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> is in the storage position and the liquid separation stages are provided on an upright portion <NUM> that is in the upright storage position. Optionally, the cyclone first end <NUM> comprises an openable lid <NUM> and the second liquid separation stage <NUM> is positioned in the openable lid <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the second liquid collection region <NUM> may be positioned at an elevation below the openable lid <NUM>.

The second liquid collection region <NUM> may have a second liquid emptying channel <NUM> extending between the second liquid separation stage <NUM> and the second liquid separation region <NUM>. As exemplified in <FIG>, water separated by the second liquid separation stage may pass through upper port <NUM> and fall downwardly due to gravity through the second liquid emptying channel <NUM> to the second liquid collection region <NUM>. The second liquid emptying channel <NUM> may be openable concurrently with the cyclone first end <NUM>, as exemplified in <FIG>. Accordingly, as exemplified in <FIG>, the second liquid collection region <NUM> may be emptied through the second liquid emptying port <NUM> of the second liquid emptying channel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as exemplified in <FIG>, the first liquid collection region <NUM> and the second liquid collection region <NUM> may be isolated from each other during use of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> to clean a floor, but may be connected in flow communication when the liquid separation stage <NUM> is to be emptied. As exemplified, the second liquid collection region <NUM> is positioned above the first liquid collection region <NUM>, and may partially or fully overlie it. Alternately or in addition, the second liquid emptying channel <NUM> may be isolated from the first liquid emptying channel <NUM> during a cleaning operation and connected in flow communication when the liquid separation stage <NUM> is to be emptied. Accordingly, the second liquid emptying channel <NUM> may be positioned above the first liquid emptying channel <NUM>, and may partially or fully overlie it. In the exemplified embodiment, the liquid collection regions comprise the channels.

As shown, a valve <NUM> separates the first liquid emptying channel <NUM> from the second liquid emptying channel <NUM>. The valve <NUM> is closed while the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> is in operation (<FIG>) and may be opened (<FIG>) when the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> is turned off or the cyclone assembly <NUM> is opened. Accordingly, during operation, liquid may collect in the first liquid collection region <NUM> and in the second liquid collection region <NUM>. When the user opens the openable lid <NUM> to empty the liquid collection regions, the valve <NUM> may be opened such that liquid from both regions may be emptied simultaneously.

Alternately, the valve <NUM> may be a solenoid valve that is coupled to the power supply to the suction motor <NUM>. Accordingly, when the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> is in use, the valve <NUM> may be in the closed position, as exemplified in <FIG>. When the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> is no longer in use, the solenoid valve <NUM> may move to the open position, as exemplified in <FIG>, causing liquid collected in the second liquid collection region <NUM> to combine with the liquid collected in the first liquid collection region <NUM>, thereby allowing for concurrent emptying of both liquid collection regions.

Claim 1:
A surface cleaning apparatus (<NUM>) comprising a surface cleaning head (<NUM>), an upright section (<NUM>) having a drive handle and moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head (<NUM>) between an upright storage position and a reclined in use position, characterized in that the surface cleaning head (<NUM>) comprises:
(a) a liquid separation stage (<NUM>) having a separated liquid storage region (<NUM>); and,
(b) an air treatment stage (<NUM>) that is downstream from the liquid separation stage (<NUM>), the air treatment stage (<NUM>) having a separated solid storage region (<NUM>).