Patent Description:
<CIT> describes a vacuum cleaner according to the generic part of claim <NUM>.

The invention is defined by the combination of features of main claim <NUM>. Further developments are given in the dependent claims.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One difference is that a combination wet/dry recovery tank <NUM> is provided.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It will be understood that in either of the aspects of <FIG> or <FIG>, the solenoid piston can be located at any suitable position on the base <NUM> such that actuation of the solenoid piston raises or lowers any portion of the wet suction nozzle <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the solenoid piston can be located on a front surface or a top surface of the base <NUM> or dry suction nozzle <NUM> in any of the exemplary aspects.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claim 1:
A vacuum cleaner (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
an upright body (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a base (<NUM>, <NUM>) operably coupled to the upright body (<NUM>, <NUM>) and including a dry suction nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>) and adapted for movement along a surface to be cleaned;
a wet extraction module (<NUM>) selectively operably couplable and removable from the base (<NUM>, <NUM>), the wet extraction module (<NUM>) including a wet suction nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a suction source (<NUM>, <NUM>) at least selectively fluidly coupled to the dry suction nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the wet suction nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) via a fluid recovery pathway,
characterized in that the wet extraction module further comprises a wet recovery tank (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that can be removably mounted on the base (<NUM>, <NUM>).