Patent ID: 12239269

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be exemplary rather than to limit the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS.1-6, a suction head10includes a base12and a piezoelectric element14coupled to the base12. The base12forms a suction chamber16. For example, the base12includes opposing inner surfaces18,20(see, e.g.,FIG.6) separated by a distance22. The opposing inner surfaces18,20can be contiguous. The distance22can decrease as position along the opposing inner surfaces18,20moves in an upward direction24. The base12further forms a suction outlet26. For example, the base12includes opposing surfaces28,30separated by a distance32. The suction outlet26can take a tubular shape. The suction outlet26is in fluid communication with the suction chamber16, and both the suction outlet26and the suction chamber16are in fluid communication with an external environment34(e.g., external to the suction head10). As will be further described, during use of the suction head10, fluid flows from the external environment34into the suction chamber16, and then from the suction chamber16into the suction outlet26. The base12can include a throat36, where fluid flow is narrowed, demarking a separation between the suction chamber16and the suction outlet26. The base12can be formed of plastic such as via injection molding. Other materials are envisioned. The base12can be formed of multiple parts coupled together. The base12can include one or more visually transparent portions38so that the user can see fluid being extracted from the fabric-presenting product during use.

Referring additionally toFIGS.7-11, the piezoelectric element14has a first surface40and a second surface42. At least a portion of the first surface40is open to the suction chamber16. The second surface42faces away from the suction chamber16and toward the external environment34. The piezoelectric element14further includes a thickness44between the first surface40and the second surface42. The piezoelectric element14further includes a through-via46through the thickness44. The through-via46is open at the first surface40and the second surface42.

The piezoelectric element14includes a diaphragm48and a piezoelectric material52disposed on the diaphragm48. The piezoelectric material52can be as quartz or lead zirconate titanate, although any piezoelectric material52suitable for the purposes described herein can be utilized. The piezoelectric material52can have an annular shape, as illustrated, although other shapes such as ring shaped are envisioned. The diaphragm48can be formed of stainless steel, although other materials are contemplated. In embodiments, the diaphragm48has a diameter50within a range of from 15 mm to 25 mm, such as about 20. However, in other embodiments, the diameter50is below or above the stated range. The diaphragm48provides the first surface40and the second surface42, and the through-via46is through the diaphragm48. As mentioned, the piezoelectric material52is disposed on the first surface40of the diaphragm48. The piezoelectric element14further includes electrodes51to receive lead wires53in order to provide a voltage to the piezoelectric material52when activated. The voltage causes the piezoelectric material48to undergo mechanical deformation. Rapidly changing the voltage thus causes the piezoelectric material52, and thus the diaphragm48, to vibrate. In embodiments, the piezoelectric material52vibrates at a frequency within a range of from 50 kHz to 200 kHz, such as from 100 kHz to 120 kHz. However, in other embodiments, the frequency at which the piezoelectric material52vibrates is below or above the stated range.

In embodiments, the piezoelectric element14includes a plurality of through-vias46, of which the through-via46is one. In other words, the through-via46is one of the plurality of through-vias46. Each of the plurality of through-vias46are through the thickness44of the diaphragm48. Each of the plurality of through-vias46are open at both the first surface40and the second surface42. Each of the plurality of through-vias46can be formed via laser perforation methods, although other ways may be possible. In embodiments, the plurality of through-vias46number within a range of from 1,000 to 2,000, although the number of the plurality of through-vias46could be more or less than the stated range. In embodiments, each of plurality of through-vias46of the piezoelectric element14has a diameter54(seeFIG.11) that is within a range of from 5 μm to 20 μm. However, in other embodiments, the diameter54may be outside of that range.

In embodiments, the suction head10includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements14coupled to the base12. The piezoelectric element14already discussed is one of the plurality of piezoelectric elements14. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements14can be identical to the piezoelectric element14already discussed. For example, each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements14provides the first surface40open to the suction chamber16, the second surface42facing the external environment34and away from the suction chamber16, the thickness44, and the plurality of through-vias46through the thickness44. The number of through-vias46, the diameter54of the through-vias46, the diameter50of the diaphragm48, and the frequency at which the piezoelectric material52vibrates for each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements14can be substantially the same (e.g., the same within manufacturing tolerances). In some instances, the plurality of piezoelectric elements14numbers within a range of from 5 to 15. However, the number of piezoelectric elements14forming the plurality of piezoelectric elements14is not particularly limited. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of piezoelectric elements14are arranged in rows56(see, e.g.,FIGS.5and20) of piezoelectric elements14, where a line58extending through centers60of the piezoelectric elements14forming any particular row56is parallel to a similar line58extending through centers60of the piezoelectric elements14forming any another row56. In short, the rows56can be parallel to each other. More or less rows56of piezoelectric elements14can be utilized than the three rows56in the illustrated embodiment.

The base12and the piezoelectric element14define a fluid flow path62(see, e.g.,FIG.6). The fluid flow path62is from the external environment34, through the through-via46of the piezoelectric element14, into the suction chamber16, into the suction outlet26, and then out of the suction outlet26. In embodiments where the piezoelectric element14includes a plurality of through-vias46through the diaphragm48, the fluid flow path62is from the external environment34, through the plurality of through-vias46of the piezoelectric element14, into the suction chamber16, into the suction outlet26, and then out of the suction outlet26. In embodiments where the suction head10includes the plurality of piezoelectric elements14, the flow path is from the external environment34, through the plurality of through-vias46of each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements14, into the suction chamber16, into the suction outlet26, and then out of the suction outlet26.

Referring additionally toFIGS.12-15, in embodiments, the suction head10further includes a bracket64coupled to the base12. The bracket64includes a first surface66, at least a portion of which faces the suction chamber16, and a second surface68that faces away from the suction chamber16toward the external environment34. The bracket64further includes a thickness70(see, e.g.,FIG.14) between the first surface66and the second surface68. The bracket64further includes an aperture72through the thickness70that is open at the first surface66and the second surface68.

The aperture72accommodates the piezoelectric element14. For example, an outer region74of the first surface40of the piezoelectric element14(such as the diaphragm48provides) lies flush against the second surface68of the bracket64. The outer region74may remain unadhered to the second surface68of the bracket64to facilitate vibration of the diaphragm48. At least a portion of the piezoelectric element14, such as the piezoelectric material52, extends into the aperture72of the bracket64. The aperture72of the bracket64surrounds the piezoelectric material52. A portion76of the lead wires53of the piezoelectric element14extend adjacent to the first surface66of the bracket64. The portion76of the lead wires53extending over the first surface66of the bracket64while the outer region74of the first surface40of the piezoelectric element14lies flush against the second surface68of the bracket64together maintain the piezoelectric element14within the aperture72of the bracket64and coupled to the base12. The bracket64can be formed from plastic, such as through injection molding. However, other materials are contemplated. In variations, the diaphragms48are integral with the bracket64and in such a variation, vibration of the piezoelectric materials52causes the bracket64to vibrate and the plurality of through-vias46are through the bracket64.

In embodiments of the suction head10that include the plurality of piezoelectric elements14, the bracket64includes a plurality of apertures72(of which the aperture72is one) to accommodate the plurality of piezoelectric elements14in the same manner. The features of the aperture72of the bracket64described above apply as well to each of the plurality of apertures72. The spatial relationship between the piezoelectric element14and the aperture72of the bracket64described above applies as well to each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements14and each of the plurality of apertures72. Each of the plurality of apertures72of the bracket64accommodates a different one of the plurality of piezoelectric elements14.

As in the illustrated embodiment, the suction head10can further include an outer bracket78attached to the base12. The outer bracket78holds the bracket64to the base12while maintaining the second surface42of the plurality of piezoelectric elements14exposed to the external environment34. In particular, the outer bracket78includes a shoulder80that surrounds a central aperture82. The shoulder80is angled away relative to the second surface68of the bracket64. An outer flange84of the bracket64is similarly angled. The outer bracket78includes fastener receivers86(seeFIG.12) aligned with fastener receivers88of the base12to receive fasteners (not illustrated) that fasten the outer bracket78to the base12. The bracket64is sandwiched between the outer bracket78and the base12, with the shoulder80of the outer bracket78contacting and shouldering the weight of the outer flange84of the bracket64. The central aperture82of the outer bracket78allows the second surface68of the bracket64and the second surface42of the piezoelectric element14to remain exposed to the external environment34. The outer bracket78can be formed from plastic, such as through injection molding. However, other materials are contemplated.

The suction head10can further include a flexible backing90. The flexible backing90takes a sheet-like form and is disposed upon the first surface66of the bracket64. The flexible backing90includes an aperture92that is aligned with the aperture72of the bracket64to accommodate the fluid flow path62from the through-via46(or the plurality of through-vias46, as the case may be) of the piezoelectric element14to the suction chamber16. The flexible backing90further includes a tab94extending over the first surface40of the piezoelectric element14and may contact the piezoelectric material52thereof. In embodiments of the suction head10including the plurality of piezoelectric elements14, the flexible backing90includes a plurality of apertures92(of which the aperture92is one). Each of the plurality of apertures92accommodates the fluid flow path62from a different one of the plurality of piezoelectric elements14to the suction chamber16in the same manner as described above. The outer flange84of the bracket64surrounds a perimeter96of the flexible backing90. The flexible backing90, like the bracket64, is sandwiched between the outer bracket78and the base12.

The suction head10can further include, as in the illustrated embodiment, a backboard98that is disposed upon the flexible backing90, with the flexible backing90disposed between the backboard98and the bracket64. The backboard98, along with the flexible backing90, is sandwiched between the outer bracket78and the base12. The backboard98includes an aperture100to accommodate the fluid flow path62from the piezoelectric element14to the suction chamber16. The aperture100of the backboard98is thus aligned with the aperture92of the flexible backing90, the piezoelectric element14, and the aperture72of the bracket64. The aperture100has a diameter102. The diameter102(seeFIG.5) of at least a portion104of the aperture100is smaller than a diameter106of the aperture72of the bracket64. For example, the diameter102can decrease in a stepwise manner away from the piezoelectric element14. The backboard98, as in the illustrated embodiment, can include an outer wall108that extends away from the bracket64. The outer wall108faces a wall of the base12at least partially defining the suction chamber16. The outer wall108surrounds a portion110of the suction chamber16. The fluid flow path62goes through the aperture100of the backboard98before entering the suction chamber16. In embodiments of the suction head10that include the plurality of piezoelectric elements14, the backboard98includes a plurality of apertures100(of which the aperture100is one). Each of the plurality of apertures100accommodates the fluid flow path62from a different one of the plurality of piezoelectric elements14to the suction chamber16in the same manner as described above.

In embodiments, such as that illustrated, the backboard98further includes projections101(seeFIG.12). The projections101are positioned to extend through cooperating apertures through the flexible backing90and contact the bracket64. The projections101maintain separation between the backboard98and the bracket64, which facilitates airflow therebetween around the plurality of piezoelectric element14. The airflow in turn carries away the micronized liquid along the fluid flow path62as described.

In embodiments, such as that illustrated, the base12further defines a second suction chamber112and an inlet114into the second suction chamber112from the external environment34. The inlet114is in fluid communication with second suction chamber112, which is in fluid communication with the suction outlet26. A second fluid flow path115is defined from the external environment34, through the inlet114, then through the second suction chamber112to the suction outlet26where the second fluid flow path115joins the fluid flow path62from the suction chamber16. For example, the base12includes opposing surfaces116,118(see, e.g.,FIG.6) that are separated from each other to define the second suction chamber112.

The suction head10advantageously positions the piezoelectric element14(or the plurality of piezoelectric elements14) so that the second surface42thereof can contact the fabric-presenting product. For example, the second surface42of the piezoelectric element14forms a plane120, and the second surface42of each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements14can be coplanar with the plane120. From the perspective of the suction head10being placed on a horizontal fabric-presenting product, with the second surface42of each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements14facing the fabric-presenting product, the suction chamber16, the second suction chamber112, the inlet114into the second suction chamber112, and the suction outlet26are all disposed elevationally above the plane120. In other embodiments, however, the base12can position the piezoelectric elements14so that the second surface42of each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements14are separated from the fabric-presenting product.

The suction head10can position the piezoelectric element14(or the plurality of piezoelectric elements14, as the case may be) laterally between the inlet114into the second suction chamber112and the suction outlet26. For example, from the perspective ofFIG.6, the inlet114is forward122of the piezoelectric element14, which is forward122of the suction outlet26. Stated another way, a plane124that is perpendicular to both the second surface42of the piezoelectric element14and a midline126(seeFIG.2) of the suction head10(that conceptually divides the suction head10into two substantially symmetrical halves) extends between the inlet114into the second suction chamber112and the suction outlet26.

The suction head10can further include an ON/OFF switch128(see, e.g.,FIG.3). The ON/OFF switch128is in electrical communication with the piezoelectric element14(or the plurality of piezoelectric elements14, as the case may be). With the ON/OFF switch128, a user can selectively activate or deactivate the piezoelectric element14. The lead wires53can provide the electrical communication between the ON/OFF switch128and the piezoelectric element14. When the suction head10includes the ON/OFF switch128, the base12can further include an aperture130through which the ON/OFF switch128at least partially extends to be available for user manipulation from the external environment34.

The suction head10may be used with, or a component of, an extraction cleaner132, a portable example of which is illustrated atFIGS.16-20. In addition to the suction head10, the extraction cleaner132includes a main housing134, a suction source136, a first fluid storage container138, a fluid distributor140, and a second fluid storage container142. The main housing134can include a handle144to facilitate the user transporting the extraction cleaner132closer to the fabric-presenting product to be cleaned. The main housing134can further include a base12, upon which the first fluid storage container138and the second fluid storage container142may be removably mounted. The main housing134can house the suction source136, which is illustrated as a motor and fan assembly, and a pump146for use with the fluid distributor140.

The first fluid storage container138is configured to hold a fluid148. For example, the first fluid storage container138can be a blow-molded plastic reservoir. The fluid148can be a cleaning fluid. For example, the fluid148that the first fluid storage container138holds can be water, detergent (e.g., surfactant(s), odor eliminators, sanitizers, surface conditioners, stabilizers, and mixtures thereof, among other options. The previous list is not exclusive. The first fluid storage container138is refillable.

The fluid distributor140, as illustrated, can be disposed at the suction head10. The fluid distributor140is in fluid communication with the first fluid storage container138. For example, the extraction cleaner132can further include a flexible hose150. The suction head10is selectively attachable and detachable from the flexible hose150. The flexible hose150includes an internal fluid conduit152that is in fluid communication with the first fluid storage container138. When the suction head10is attached to the flexible hose150, the fluid distributor140is placed in fluid communication with the internal fluid conduit152of the flexible hose150and thus the first fluid storage container138. The pump146is in fluid communication with both the fluid distributor140and the first fluid storage container138. The pump146causes the fluid148from the first fluid storage container138to be expelled from the fluid distributor140onto the fabric-presenting product. The flexible hose150can include an actuator154in electrical communication with the pump146that, when manipulated, activates the pump146to expel the fluid148. The main housing134may further include a heater (not illustrated) to heat the fluid148from the first fluid storage container138before the fluid148is expelled.

The second fluid storage container142is configured to hold fluid148as well. For example, the second fluid storage container142can be a blow-molded plastic reservoir. The fluid148that the second fluid storage container142holds can be fluid148extracted from the fabric-presenting product. The second fluid storage container142is in fluid communication with the suction source136. The suction source136can be placed downstream from the second fluid storage container142.

The second fluid storage container142can include an air/liquid separator assembly156. A purpose of the air/liquid separator assembly156is to separate the fluid148into its constituent air and liquid components. The air/liquid separator assembly156comprises a stack158for the fluid148through the second fluid storage container142and a float assembly160for selectively closing the extraction path through the second fluid storage container142. The stack158includes an inlet conduit162that receives the fluid148from the suction head10and opens into the interior of the second fluid storage container142, and an outlet conduit164that passes substantially clean air, and substantially no liquid, to the suction source136. The separated liquid remains in the second fluid storage container142.

The suction outlet26of the suction head10is in fluid communication with the suction source136and the second fluid storage container142. For example, the flexible hose150includes a conduit166that is in fluid communication with the suction source136and the second fluid storage container142. When the suction head10is attached to the flexible hose150, the suction outlet26of the suction head10is in fluid communication with the conduit166of the flexible hose150. The fluid flow path62as described above for the suction head10thus continues through the conduit166of the flexible hose150to the second fluid storage container142.

The flexible hose150can place the ON/OFF switch128and thus the piezoelectric element14in electrical communication with a power source. The power source can be mains power accessed via a cord168of the extraction cleaner132. Alternatively, the power source can be a battery170housed in the main housing134of the extraction cleaner132. The suction head10and the flexible hose150can include mating electrical connectors172,174(seeFIG.20), respectively, which are placed in electrical communication when the suction head10is attached to the flexible hose150. As another alternative, the suction head10can further include a battery176, which can be replaceable and/or rechargeable, that is in electrical communication with both the ON/OFF switch128and the piezoelectric element14. The inclusion of the battery176can render the electrical connectors172,174unnecessary.

Referring toFIG.21, in use, the user moves the extraction cleaner132near a fabric-presenting product178that the user desires to be deeply cleaned. The user takes hold of the suction head10or the flexible hose150near the suction head10. The user manipulates the actuator154to cause the pump146to distribute the fluid148from the first fluid storage container138through the fluid distributor140onto the fabric-presenting product178. The user can then scrub the fabric-presenting product178, such as with bristles (not illustrated) disposed on the suction head10or elsewhere. Alternatively, or in addition, the user can manipulate the ON/OFF switch128to activate the piezoelectric element14(or the plurality of piezoelectric elements14, as the case may be). The resulting high frequency vibrations agitate the fabric-presenting product178and the fluid148deposited thereupon. The agitation can release dirt within the fabric-presenting product178.

After (or before) the fabric-presenting product178is suitably scrubbed, the user can activate the suction source136of the extraction cleaner132, such as by pressing a switch180on the housing. When both the suction source136and the piezoelectric element14are activated, the extraction cleaner132is in an activated state182. While in the activated state182, the fluid148(now including dirt taken from the fabric-presenting product178), is caused to flow because of the suction along the fluid flow path62from the fabric-presenting product178, through the through-via46(or plurality of through-vias46) of the piezoelectric element14(or the plurality of piezoelectric elements14), through the suction chamber16of the base12of the suction head10, through the conduit166of the flexible hose150, and into the second fluid storage container142. The high frequency vibration from the piezoelectric element14(i) withdraws fluid148from the fabric-presenting product178and (ii) converts liquid of the fluid148into fine mist particles with diameters ranging from 10 μm to 100 μm.

In embodiments of the suction head10that includes the second suction chamber112, when the extraction cleaner132is in the activated state182, the fluid148additionally flows from the fabric-presenting product178through the inlet114of the base12and into the second suction chamber112. The user may have to slightly tilt the suction head10so that the inlet114contacts the fabric-presenting product178. The fluid148from the suction chamber16and the second suction chamber112join and flow combined through the suction outlet26, through the conduit166of the hose, and into the second fluid storage container142.

The transformation of the liquid from the fluid148into fine mist particles is thought to quicken extraction of the fluid148from the fabric-presenting product178. That leads to the fabric-presenting product178drying faster than if the piezoelectric element14had not been activated and suction alone was relied upon. The suction head10provides a sort of “drying multiplier” effect where the suction source136drawing in fluid148from the inlet114into the second suction chamber112extracts potentially a relatively large percentage of the fluid148from the fabric-presenting product178while the piezoelectric element14supplements the extraction by pulling and micronizing additional fluid from the fabric-presenting product178that suction alone was unable to extract. Surface tension may cause some of the fluid148within the fabric-presenting product178to resist extraction via suction alone. The vibrations from the piezoelectric element14can overcome the surface tension and liberate the fluid148from the fabric-presenting product178and allow the same to be extracted therefrom.

In another possible use scenario, the user can utilize the suction source136without activating the piezoelectric element14to extract much of the fluid148from the fabric-presenting product178. The user can then activate the piezoelectric element14while maintaining activation of the suction source136to extract additional fluid148. The user can judge whether the suction source136alone has ceased extracting fluid148from the fabric-presenting product178visually through the portions of the base12of the suction head10that are transparent. Alternatively, the suction head10can include a moisture sensor184in communication with a controller186(either located at the suction head10or the main housing134of the extraction cleaner132). Once the controller186determines, as a function of signals received from the moisture sensor184, that a predetermined minimum level has been achieved, the controller186can then activate the piezoelectric element14.

The suction source136can be operable, for the activated state182, at at least two power levels. When operated at one of the power levels, the suction source136generates less suction at the suction head10and generates less audible noise than when operated at the other of the at least two power levels. For example, the power levels can be a “high” power and a “low” power, where “high” and “low” mean only relative to each other.

Further, the user can cause only the piezoelectric element14(or plurality of piezoelectric elements14) to be activated without simultaneously activating the suction source136. The high frequency vibrations transform the liquid of the fluid148upon and within the fabric-presenting product178into mist, which floats due to air currents within the external environment34away from the fabric-presenting product178. This mode of operation can be useful where the user desires very low levels of audible noise. The user may leave the suction head10with the piezoelectric element14upon the fabric-presenting product178in an activated state182and let the piezoelectric element14cause the fabric-presenting product178unattended. This mode of operation can be useful when the fluid148upon the fabric-presenting product178is relatively clean water and when capture of soiled cleaning fluid is unnecessary.

The suction head10and extraction cleaner132of the present disclosure addresses the aforementioned problems, in at least several ways. First, regarding the problem of extraction cleaners extracting a suboptimal percentage of the fluid148from the fabric-presenting product178, the extraction cleaner132incorporating the suction head10of the present disclosure with the piezoelectric element14extracts a greater volume of the fluid148compared to if the piezoelectric element14was not included. Thus, less dirt remains on the fabric-presenting product178with the non-extracted fluid148, and the fabric-presenting product178dries faster, compared to if the piezoelectric element14was not included. The faster drying provides an added benefit of increasing energy efficiency of the extraction cleaner132to achieve a certain level of dryness. Second, regarding the problem of extraction cleaners generating a suboptimal level of noise, the extraction cleaner132of the present disclosure includes a suction source136that can be operated at more than one power level including a relatively low power level. Although the suction source136is operated at a relatively low power level, the incorporation of the piezoelectric element14draws cleaning fluid from the fabric-presenting product178and transforms it to mist that is moved to and collected within the second fluid storage container142. Without the piezoelectric element14, the suction source136operating at the relatively low power level would be unable to extract as much of the fluid148.

Although the suction head10has been described herein thus far in terms of an attachable/detachable component of the extraction cleaner132, the suction head10can be an integral component of the extraction cleaner132, such as permanently attached to the flexible hose150. Further, although the disclosure described the extraction cleaner132in terms of a portable extraction cleaner, the extraction cleaner132could just as well be an upright extraction cleaner or a handheld extraction cleaner. In the instance of the handheld extraction cleaner132, the body of the suction head10may be provided by the main housing134as an integrated unit.

The suction head10can take different shapes and forms than have been described herein, and the piezoelectric elements14can nevertheless be positioned to contact the fabric-presenting product178to facilitate extraction of the fluid148therefrom. For example, in reference toFIG.22, a suction head10A includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements14aligned in a row56held therein by a base12A. The suction head10A further includes an inlet114A into a suction chamber16A and a second inlet188into the suction chamber16A. The plurality of piezoelectric elements14are disposed between the inlet114and the second inlet188, and the row56is parallel to both the inlet114A and the second inlet188. The suction head10A further includes agitators190in the form of bristles.

EXAMPLES

Example 1—For Example 1, 56 grams of water was added to fabric-presenting product, in particular a carpet. A suction head not of the present disclosure (e.g., not including a piezoelectric element) was attached to a suction source. The suction head with the suction source activated was then passed over the carpet in a single extraction stroke. A down force of 8.1 pounds was applied to the suction head during the single extraction stroke. After the single extraction stroke, 18.8 grams of water remained on the carpet, meaning that the single extraction stroke had extracted 66.38% of the water initially added to the fabric-presenting product.

The suction head not of the present disclosure was then replaced with a suction head of the present disclosure including a plurality of piezoelectric elements. Both the plurality of piezoelectric elements and the suction source were activated. The suction head was then passed over the carpet in four extraction strokes. The same down force of 8.1 pounds was applied during the extraction strokes. After the four extraction strokes, 18.2 grams of water remained in the carpet, meaning that the suction head extracted an additional 3.61% of the water initially added to the carpet.

Example 2—For Example 2, 53.2 grams of water was added to a fabric-presenting product, in particular, a cushion similar to that used on a typical couch. The weight of water remaining as a function of time was measured. From the measured weight, the volume of water lost due to evaporation was calculated to provide a baseline. After 5 minutes, 1.8 mL of water had evaporated.

Next, about 50 grams of water was added to another cushion. A suction head of the present disclosure with a single piezoelectric element was then applied to the couch with a down force of 600 grams. A suction source was not activated to determine the extraction capability of the single piezoelectric element alone. The weight of water remaining as a function of time was measured. From the measured weight, the volume of water extracted was calculated. The volume of water extracted was then plotted as a function of time in the graph reproduced atFIG.23. The line2A represents the data for the single piezoelectric element. After 5 minutes, for example, the single piezoelectric element extracted 11.1 mL of water from the cushion, which is a marked increase over the 1.8 mL baseline of evaporative loss.

Next, about 50 grams of water was added to another cushion. A suction head of the present disclosure with a plurality of piezoelectric elements (specifically, ten piezoelectric elements) was then applied to the couch with a down force of 600 grams. A suction source was not activated to determine the extraction capability of the single piezoelectric element alone. The weight of water remaining as a function of time was measured. From the measured weight, the volume of water extracted was calculated. The volume of water extracted was then plotted as a function of time in the graph reproduced atFIG.23. The line2B represents the data for the ten piezoelectric elements. After 5 minutes, for example, the ten piezoelectric elements extracted 25.1 mL of water from the cushion, which is a marked increase over the 11.1 mL that the single piezoelectric element extracted.

The following Clauses provide representative configurations of suction heads and extraction cleaners as disclosed herein.

Clause 1: A suction head for an extraction cleaner comprising: (a) a base forming a suction chamber and a suction outlet in fluid communication with the suction chamber; and (b) a piezoelectric element coupled to the base, the piezoelectric element comprising a first surface open to the suction chamber, a second surface facing an external environment away from the suction chamber, a thickness between the first surface and the second surface, and a through-via through the thickness open at both the first surface and the second surface.

Clause 2: The suction head of Clause 1, wherein the base and the piezoelectric element define a fluid flow path from the external environment, through the through-via of the piezoelectric element, into the suction chamber, into the suction outlet, and then and out of the suction outlet of the base.

Claims3: The suction head of any one of Clauses 1-2, wherein the piezoelectric element comprises a plurality of through-vias, each of which are through the thickness and open at both the first surface and the second surface.

Clause 4: The suction head of Clause 3, wherein the plurality of through-vias number within a range of from 1,000 to 2,000.

Clause 5: The suction head of any one of Clauses 3-4, wherein each of the plurality of through-vias of the piezoelectric element has a diameter that is within a range of from 5 μm to 20 μm.

Clause 6: The suction head of Clause 1 further comprising: a plurality of piezoelectric elements coupled to the base, of which the piezoelectric element is one, each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements comprising a first surface open to the suction chamber, a second surface facing an external environment and away from the suction chamber, a thickness between the first surface and the second surface, and a plurality of through-vias through the thickness open at both the first surface and the second surface, wherein, the base and the plurality of piezoelectric elements define a fluid flow path from the external environment, in through the plurality of through-vias of each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements, into the suction chamber, into the suction outlet, and then out of the suction outlet.

Clause 7: The suction head of any one of Clauses 1-6 further comprising: a bracket coupled to the base, the bracket comprising a first surface facing the suction chamber, a second surface facing the external environment, a thickness between the first surface and the second surface, and an aperture through the thickness that is open at the first surface and the second surface, wherein, an outer region of the first surface of the piezoelectric element lies flush against the second surface of the bracket, at least a portion of the piezoelectric element extends into the aperture of the bracket, and a portion of lead wires of the piezoelectric element extend adjacent to the first surface of the bracket.

Clause 8: The suction head of Clause 7 further comprising: a plurality of piezoelectric elements, of which the piezoelectric element is one, wherein, the bracket further comprises a plurality of apertures, of which the aperture is one, through the thickness that are open at the first surface and the second surface, and wherein, an outer region of each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements lie flush against the second surface of the bracket, at least a portion of each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements extend into the aperture of the bracket, and a portion of the lead wires of each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements extends adjacent to the first surface of the bracket.

Clause 9: The suction head of any one of Clauses 7-8 further comprising: an outer bracket attached to the base, the outer bracket comprising a shoulder that surrounds a central aperture, wherein, the shoulder contacts an outer flange of the bracket with the aperture through which the portion of the piezoelectric element extends to couple the bracket to the base.

Clause 10: The suction head of any one of Clauses 7-9 further comprising: a flexible backing disposed upon the first surface of the bracket, the flexible backing comprising (i) an aperture aligned with the aperture of the bracket and the piezoelectric element and (ii) a tab extending over the first surface of the piezoelectric element.

Clause 11: The suction head of Clause 10 further comprising: a backboard disposed upon the flexible backing the flexible backing, the backboard and the flexible backing sandwiched between the outer bracket and the base, the backboard comprising an aperture aligned with the aperture of the flexible backing, the aperture of the bracket, and the piezoelectric element, wherein at least a portion of the aperture of the backboard has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the aperture of the bracket.

Clause 12: The suction head of Clause 11, wherein the backboard comprises an outer wall extending away from the bracket, the outer wall facing a wall of the base at least partially defining the suction chamber.

Clause 13: The suction head of any one of Clauses 1-12, wherein (a) the base further defines (i) a second suction chamber that is in fluid communication with the suction outlet and (ii) an inlet into the second suction chamber from the external environment, and (b) the base defines a second fluid flow path from the external environment, through the inlet, through the second suction chamber, and joining the fluid flow path out through the suction outlet.

Clause 14: The suction head of Clause 13, wherein (i) the second surface of the piezoelectric element forms a plane, and (ii) the suction chamber, the second suction chamber, the inlet into the second suction chamber, and the suction outlet are all disposed elevationally above the plane.

Clause 15: The suction head of any one of Clauses 13-14, wherein a plane through the piezoelectric element that is perpendicular to (i) the second surface of the piezoelectric element and (ii) a midline of the suction head extends between the inlet into the second suction chamber and the suction outlet.

Clause 16: The suction head of claim1further comprising: an ON/OFF switch in electrical communication with the piezoelectric element, wherein, the base comprises an aperture through which the ON/OFF switch at least partially extends to be available for manipulation from the external environment.

Clause 17: An extraction cleaner comprising: (a) a main housing; (b) a suction source housed in the housing; (c) a first fluid storage container coupled to the main housing, the first fluid storage container configured to hold a fluid; (d) a fluid distributor in fluid communication with the first fluid storage container, the fluid distributor configured to deliver the fluid from the first fluid storage container to a fabric-presenting product; (e) a second fluid storage container coupled to the main housing and in fluid communication with the suction source, the second fluid storage container configured to hold the fluid extracted from the fabric-presenting product; (f) a suction head comprising a base forming a suction chamber and a suction outlet in fluid communication with the suction chamber, the second fluid storage container, and the suction source; and a piezoelectric element coupled to the base, the piezoelectric element comprising (i) a first surface open to the suction chamber, (ii) a second surface facing an external environment away from the suction chamber, (iii) a thickness between the first surface and the second surface, and (iv) a through-via through the thickness open at both the first surface and the second surface; and (g) an activated state during which (i) the piezoelectric element and the suction source are activated and (ii) fluid flows from an external environment, through the through-via of the piezoelectric element, through the suction chamber of the base of the suction head, and into the second fluid storage container.

Clause 18: The extraction cleaner of Clause 17, wherein (i) the base further comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements coupled to the base, of which the piezoelectric element is one, each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements comprising a first surface open to the suction chamber, a second surface facing an external environment away from the suction chamber, a thickness between the first surface and the second surface, and a plurality of through-vias through the thickness open at both the first surface and the second surface, and (ii) during the activated state, fluid flows from the external environment through the through-vias of each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements, through the suction chamber of the base of the suction head, out the suction outlet, and into the second fluid storage container.

Clause 19: The extraction cleaner of any one of Clauses 17-18, wherein (a) the base further comprises (i) a second suction chamber that is in fluid communication with the suction outlet and (ii) an inlet into the second suction chamber from the external environment, (b) the second surface of the piezoelectric element forms a plane, (c) the suction chamber, the second suction chamber, the inlet into the second suction chamber, and the suction outlet are all disposed elevationally above the plane, and (d) during the activated state, fluid flows from the external environment simultaneously through (i) the through-via of the piezoelectric element, through the suction chamber of the base of the suction head, and into the suction outlet and (ii) the inlet of the base, through the second suction chamber, and into the suction outlet, and then the fluid from the suction chamber and the second suction chamber flows combined through the suction outlet and into the second fluid storage container.

Clause 20: The extraction cleaner of any one of Clauses 17-19, wherein the suction source is operable, for the activated state, at at least two power levels, one of which utilizes less power and generates less audible noise than the other than the other.