CROss-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an accessory tool for a vacuum cleaner,
and more specifically, to a fluid distribution and recovery tool.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Vacuum cleaning appliances are known for removing dry or wet debris from surfaces,
including fabric-covered surfaces like carpets and upholstery, and bare surfaces like
hardwood, linoleum and tile. Conventional dry vacuum cleaners are not capable of distributing
or recovering fluids from surfaces because moisture can damage the motor and filtration
system of the vacuum cleaner. As a result, liquid extraction vacuum cleaning appliances
such as vacuum mops, extractors and carpet cleaners must be used to distribute and/or
remove liquids from surfaces requiring a consumer to keep several large pieces of
equipment available to complete different floor cleaning needs.
[0004] Various attachments have been developed to adapt conventional dry vacuum cleaners
to distribute and recover liquids. Many of these attachments only allow for fluid
recovery, and are not provided with means for fluid distribution. Some attachments
include replacement filter systems that can collect recovered fluid. Other attachments
include hand-held accessory tools, often referred to as wet or wet pick-up tools,
that are coupled to the conventional dry vacuum cleaner using a vacuum hose.
[0005] A noted problem with using a wet pick-up tool to convert a conventional dry vacuum
cleaner into one capable of fluid distribution and/or recovery is preventing fluid
from entering the filtration system and suction source of the vacuum cleaner. Accordingly,
wet pick-up tools often include means for separating working air from recovered fluid
and a container for collecting the recoverd fluid so that fluid is prevented from
passing, along with the working air, to the conventional dry vacuum cleaner through
the vacuum hose. However, if the container is overfilled or turned to an unusual angle,
known wet pick-up tools can allow fluid to remain in the working air and enter the
conventional dry vacuum cleaner, causing damage to the filtration system and suction
source.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to one embodiment of the invention, a vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface
includes a dispenser supplying a cleaning fluid from a treating reservoir to the floor,
a suction system having a suction source, a suction nozzle, and a suction hose fluidly
coupling the suction nozzle to the suction source to establish a suction flow path
from the suction nozzle to the suction source, and an accessory tool housing a portion
of the suction system and coupled to the suction hose and comprising, a recovery tank
fluidly coupled to the suction flow path to store the dispensed treating chemistry
drawn into the suction nozzle, and a backflow preventer located in the fluid path
between the suction nozzle and the recovery tank and configured to prevent escape
of fluid from the recovery tank back into the suction nozzle..
[0007] According to another embodiment of the invention, an accessory tool for use in connection
with a vacuum cleaner with a suction source includes a housing assembly having a suction
outlet opening adapted to be connected to a vacuum hose in fluid communication with
the suction source, a suction nozzle fluidly coupled to the suction opening, a recovery
tank in fluid communication with the suction nozzle to store liquid drawn in through
the suction nozzle, and a backflow preventer configured to prevent escape of fluid
from the recovery tank back into the suction nozzle wherein a suction flow path is
established from the suction nozzle, through the recovery tank, and to the suction
outlet opening when suction is applied at the suction opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an accessory tool according
to the present invention connected to a vacuum hose that is coupled with a conventional
dry vacuum cleaning appliance.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the accessory tool, showing a tool body supporting
a recovery tank assembly and a fan/turbine assembly at a lower portion thereof and
a fluid dispensing system at an upper portion thereof.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the accessory tool from FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken through line 4-4 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of the tool body from FIG. 2.
FIG. 5B is a bottom perspective view of the tool body from FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fluid dispensing assembly from FIG. 2.
FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of a suction fan cover of the fan/turbine assembly
from FIG. 2.
FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the suction fan cover from FIG. 7A.
FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of a turbine cover of the fan/turbine assembly from
FIG. 2.
FIG. 8B is a bottom perspective view of the turbine cover from FIG. 8A.
FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of a separation plate of the fan/turbine assembly
from FIG. 2.
FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of the separation plate from FIG. 9A.
FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a suction fan of the fan/turbine assembly from
FIG. 2.
FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the suction fan from FIG. 10A.
FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a turbine of the fan/turbine assembly from FIG.
2.
FIG. 11B is a bottom perspective view of the turbine from FIG. 11A.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4, illustrating the airflow pathways through
the accessory tool.
FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a nozzle assembly for
the accessory tool according to the present invention, where the nozzle assembly comprises
a suction nozzle and a movable agitator assembly.
FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the nozzle assembly from FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken through line 15-15 of FIG. 13.
FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the nozzle assembly from FIG. 13.
FIG. 17 is a side view of the nozzle assembly from FIG. 13, showing the nozzle assembly
in a first use orientation where the suction nozzle is positioned adjacent the surface
to be cleaned and the agitator assembly is rotated away from the suction to be cleaned.
FIG. 18 is a side view of the nozzle assembly from FIG. 13, showing the nozzle assembly
in a second use orientation where the suction nozzle is moved away from the surface
to be cleaned and the agitator assembly is rotated to a position adjacent the surface
to be cleaned.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a recovery tank assembly for
the accessory tool according to the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken through line 20-20 of FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 is a side view of the recovery tank assembly from FIG. 19, showing the partially-full
recovery tank assembly in a first use orientation.
FIG. 22 is a side view of the recovery tank assembly from FIG. 19, showing the partially
full recovery tank assembly in a second use orientation.
FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the accessory tool according to the present invention,
comprising a second embodiment of a fan/turbine assembly according to the present
invention.
FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of a turbine of the fan/turbine assembly from
FIG. 23.
FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of the suction of the fan/turbine assembly from
FIG. 23.
FIG. 26 is a sectional view of an accessory tool according to another embodiment of
the invention comprising a fluid dispensing assembly having a turbine-driven pump.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of an accessory tool connected
to a wet extraction cleaning appliance.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the accessory tool shown in FIG. 27.
FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the accessory tool shown in FIG. 27.
FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of the accessory tool shown FIG. 27.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0009] Referring to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of an
accessory tool 10 according to the present invention is illustrated that comprises
a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid
to a surface to be cleaned, and a fluid recovery system for removing the spent cleaning
fluid and dirt from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid
and dirt. The accessory tool 10 is configured for removable mounting to a vacuum hose
12, which is in turn coupled with a source of suction. Preferably, the source of suction
is a conventional dry vacuum cleaner 14; however any commonly known vacuum cleaning
appliance comprising a suction source and vacuum hose is acceptable. As used herein,
the term "dry vacuum cleaner" is used to denote a floor surface cleaner that is not
capable of fluid distribution or fluid recovery without the accessory tool 10, unless
it is specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the accessory tool 10 can be utilized
with other vacuum cleaning appliances, such as a wet carpet cleaner or liquid extractor.
[0010] The vacuum cleaner 14 can comprise any type of vacuum cleaner utilizing a vacuum
hose, such as an upright, canister, stick-type, or hand-held vacuum cleaner, or with
a built-in central vacuum cleaning system. Further, the vacuum cleaner 14 can be used
to clean fabric-covered surfaces, such as carpets and upholstery, or bare surfaces,
such as hardwood, linoleum, and tile. The vacuum cleaner 14 draws in dirt-laden air
through the hose 12 and into a filtration system where the dirt is trapped for later
disposal. Exemplary filtration systems can include a filter bag or a bagless cyclonic
filter. As illustrated, the vacuum cleaner 14 comprises an upright vacuum cleaner
using at least a cyclone separator as the filtration system. Details of a suitable
vacuum cleaner for use with the accessory tool 10 are disclosed in commonly assigned
U.S. Patent No. 6,810,557 to Hansen et al.
[0011] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the accessory tool 10 comprises a tool body 16 that removably
supports a recovery tank assembly 18 and a fan/turbine assembly 20 at a lower portion
thereof, lower being defined as relative to the typical use position of the accessory
tool 10, and a fluid dispensing assembly 22 at an upper portion thereof. The recovery
tank assembly 18 stores recovered cleaning fluid and dirt, while the fluid dispensing
assembly 22 stores cleaning fluid before it is distributed to the surface to be cleaned.
The recovery tank assembly 18 can further comprise an air/liquid separator from separating
air from recovered cleaning fluid and dirt. The cleaning fluid can comprise any suitable
cleaning fluid, including, but not limited to, water, concentrated detergent, diluted
detergent, and the like. The fan/turbine assembly 20 is generally positioned between
the tool body 16 and the recovery tank assembly 18 and is used generate fluid and
air flow through the accessory tool 10.
[0012] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5A, and 5B, the tool body 16 comprises a fluid dispensing assembly
receiver 24 that removably mounts the fluid dispensing assembly 22 positioned on an
upper portion of the tool body 16, a nozzle receiver 26 having an arcuate lower surface
28 positioned at a forward end of the tool body 16, and a hollow hose connector 30
positioned at a rear end of the tool body 16, opposite the nozzle receiver 26. The
fluid dispensing assembly receiver 24 at least partially receives the fluid dispensing
assembly 22 and can comprise a retaining feature, such as a ridge 31 that retains
a portion of the fluid dispensing assembly 22 within the fluid dispensing assembly
receiver 24. The hose connector 30 is configured to fluidly couple with the vacuum
hose 12, or another accessory tool (not shown), such as an extension pipe coupled
with the vacuum hose 12. Furthermore, the hose connector 30 provides a convenient
place for the user to grip the accessory tool 10. A working air conduit inlet opening
32 is formed on a lower surface of the tool body 16, opposite the fluid dispensing
assembly receiver 24 and is in fluid communication with the fan/turbine assembly 20.
A working air conduit 34 is formed through the tool body 16 and extends between the
working air conduit inlet opening 32 and the hose connector 30. Thus, the working
air conduit 34 fluidly communicates with a source of suction, such as the vacuum cleaner
14, via the vacuum hose 12, or another accessory tool. A turbine cover tab receiver
35 is formed on a lower surface of the tool body 16, between the working air conduit
inlet opening 32 and the hose connector 30 and is configured to receive a portion
of the fan/turbine assembly 20, as will be presently described.
[0013] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the recovery tank assembly 18 comprises a recovery tank
36 and a suction nozzle 38 in communication with the recovery tank 36 via a recovery
tank inlet 40. The recovery tank 36 comprises a generally cylindrical peripheral wall
42 having a closed bottom 44 and forms a recovery chamber 46 in which recovered cleaning
fluid and dirt passing through the suction nozzle 38 is received via the recovery
tank inlet 40. Multiple recesses 48 are formed in the upper edge of the peripheral
wall 42 and form exhaust outlets 50 when the recovery tank 34 is mounted to the fan/turbine
assembly 20. Preferably, one or both of the recovery tank 36 and the suction nozzle
38 are translucent or transparent to allow the contents to be at least partially visible
to the user. The recovery tank 36 is removably mounted to the fan/turbine assembly
20 and can be removed therefrom to empty the contents of the recovery chamber 46 after
a cleaning operation is complete.
[0014] The suction nozzle 38 comprises a rear nozzle body 52, which, as illustrated, is
integrally formed with the recovery tank 36 and a front nozzle body 54 removably mounted
to the rear nozzle body 52 to form a fluid flow path 56 therebetween. In another embodiment
(not illustrated), the front nozzle body 54 is not removable from the rear nozzle
body 52. In yet another embodiment (not illustrated), the recovery tank 36 is removable
from the suction nozzle 38. The fluid flow path 56 extends between a suction nozzle
opening 58, which, in operation, is positioned adjacent the surface to be cleaned,
and the recovery tank inlet 40.
[0015] The rear nozzle body 52 comprises a generally planar upper wall 60 and two spaced
side walls 62 joined to a rear wall 64. The front nozzle body 54 comprises a front
wall 66 having two spaced side walls 68 configured to snap-fit to the side walls 62
of the rear nozzle body 52 to releasably secure the front nozzle body 54 to the rear
nozzle body 52. The front wall 66 further comprises an upper portion 70 that extends
above the side walls 68 and comprises an arcuate upper surface 72. When the front
nozzle body 54 is mounted to the rear nozzle body 52, the upper portion 70 extends
above the upper wall 60 of the rear nozzle body 54 and the arcuate upper surface 72
conforms to the arcuate lower surface 28 of the nozzle receiver 26. The upper portion
70 further forms an area where the user can grip the front nozzle body 54 to remove
it from the rear nozzle body 52. The front wall 66 further has a generally flat glide
surface 74 at a lower portion thereof, adjacent the suction nozzle opening 58, which
rests on the surface to be cleaned during operation and helps distribute the weight
of the accessory tool 10 over a relatively large surface area so that the user may
glide the accessory tool 10 over the surface to be cleaned with less exertion.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 6, the fluid dispensing assembly 22 can comprise any vessel that
can store and distribute the cleaning fluid. As illustrated, the fluid dispensing
assembly 22 comprises a cleaning fluid container 76 for storing the cleaning fluid
and a manually actuable dispensing cap 78 mounted to the cleaning fluid container
76. The cleaning fluid container 76 is preferably shaped to complement the shape of
the fluid dispensing assembly receiver 24, and can comprise a recessed portion 79
that can be press-fit over the ridge 31 of the fluid dispensing assembly receiver
24 to mount the fluid dispensing assembly 22 to the tool body 16. The dispensing cap
78 comprises a spray nozzle 80 for distributing cleaning fluid onto the surface of
the cleaned and a conventional pump (not shown) used in non-aerosol dispensers that
is operated by a movable discharge button 82. In operation, the user depresses the
discharge button 82 to distribute a dose of cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle 80
onto the surface to be cleaned. The user may repeatedly depress the discharge button
82 to distribute multiple doses until a desired amount of cleaning fluid has been
applied to onto the surface to be cleaned. When empty, the fluid dispensing assembly
22 can be removed, discarded and replaced with a new fluid dispensing assembly, or
the fluid dispensing assembly 22 can be refilled with cleaning fluid and reused. It
is understood that in some cleaning operations, the user may desire to only recover
fluid from the surface to be cleaned, and in this case, cleaning fluid is not dispensed
from the fluid dispensing assembly 22.
[0017] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fan/turbine assembly 20 comprises a suction fan 84
in fluid communication with the suction nozzle 38 to create suction force to draw
cleaning fluid and dirt from the surface to be cleaned into the recovery tank 36,
and a turbine 86 coupled to the suction fan 86 to drive the suction fan 86 using working
air drawn over and through the turbine by the vacuum cleaner 14. The fan/turbine assembly
20 further comprises a suction fan cover 88, a turbine cover 90, and a separation
plate 92. Together, the suction fan cover 88 and the separation plate 92 define a
suction fan chamber 89 in which the suction fan 84 is received. Similarly, the turbine
cover 90 and the separation plate 92 define a turbine chamber 91, which is separate
from the suction fan chamber 89, in which the turbine 86 is received. The suction
fan cover 88 is in turn at least partially received by the recovery tank 36 and the
turbine cover 90 is mounted to the lower surface of the tool body 16 and rests upon
the recovery tank 36. The suction fan 84 and the turbine 86 are rotatably mounted
to the separation plate 92 by a coupling, which is illustrated herein as an axle 94
retained within a bearing 96 mounted to the separation plate 92. The axle 94 comprises
two ends that pass through the bearing 96, each of which respectively mounts one of
the suction fan 84 and the turbine 86.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the suction fan cover 88 comprises a generally flat
circular body 98 having an upper surface 100, a lower surface 102, and a peripheral
edge 104. At least one fan inlet opening 106 is formed in the body 98, which fluidly
communicates the recovery tank 36 with the suction fan 84. As illustrated, four fan
inlet openings 106 are provided. A U-shaped baffle 108 centered around the fan inlet
openings 106 extends from the lower surface 102 and into the recovery chamber 46 and
forms the air/liquid separator of the recovery tank 36. The baffle 108 forces air
passing through the recovery tank 36 from the suction nozzle 38 to take a more circuitous
path to the suction fan 84 and aids in the separation of air from recovered cleaning
fluid drawn into the recovery tank 36. A plurality of spaced upstanding partitions
110 is formed on the upper surface 100 and is arranged in an arc along the periphery
of one half of the body 98. The partitions 110 form fan outlets 112 therebetween that
are in fluid communication with the exhaust outlets 50 when the recovery tank 34 is
mounted to the fan/turbine assembly 20. Formed on the periphery of the other half
of the body 98 is an upstanding arcuate wall 114. The wall 114 comprises an outer
surface 116, which is continuous with the peripheral edge 104, an inner surface 118,
and an upper surface 120. A step 122 is formed between the outer and upper surfaces
116, 120. An arcuate groove 124 is formed on the lower surface 102 and is generally
aligned with the arcuate wall 114.
[0019] When the accessory tool 10 is assembled, the suction fan 84 is received within the
area bounded by the partitions 110 and the arcuate wall 114 of the suction fan cover
88, and the suction fan cover 88 is received within the recovery tank 36. While not
illustrated, the suction fan cover 88 can be provided with a float valve assembly
for sealing the fan inlet openings 106 when the amount of fluid in the recovery chamber
46 rises above a certain level to insure that fluid does not enter the fan/turbine
assembly 20. For example, the baffle 108 could be modified to include a float valve
assembly. Alternately, the float valve assembly can be formed with the recovery tank
assembly 18.
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the turbine cover 90 comprises a dish-shaped circular
body 126 having an upper wall 128 and a peripheral wall 130 depending from the upper
wall 128 at an outward angle. A plurality of spaced turbine inlet openings 132 are
formed in the turbine cover 90 and are preferably formed in the peripheral wall 130.
At least one turbine outlet opening 134 is formed in the upper wall 128, which is
generally aligned with the working air conduit inlet opening 32 of the tool body 16
and fluidly communicates the turbine 86 with the working air conduit 34. A tab 136
extends from the body 126, near the junction between the upper wall 128 and the peripheral
wall 130, and is received by the tab receiver 35 on the tool body 16 to mount the
turbine cover 90, which can optionally be pre-assembled with the fan/turbine assembly
20 and the recovery tank assembly 18, to the tool body 16. The peripheral wall 130
further comprises a generally planar lower surface 138 and a generally planar inner
step 140, which is spaced from the lower surface 138 and formed below the turbine
inlet openings 132. When the accessory tool 10 is assembled, the lower surface 138
rests atop the peripheral wall 42 of the recovery tank 36 and the inner step 140 rests
atop the separation plate 92.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 3, 9A and 9B, the separation plate 92 comprises a generally flat
circular body 142 having an upper surface 144, a lower surface 146, and a peripheral
edge 148 that angles outwardly from the upper surface 144 to the lower surface 146.
A central hub 150 protrudes from the upper and lower surfaces 144, 146 and comprises
a bearing opening 152 passing therethrough. The bearing 96 is received within the
bearing opening 152 and in turn mounts the axel 94. A depending rim 154 is formed
around the periphery of the lower surface 146 and is continuous with the peripheral
edge 148. When the accessory tool 10 is assembled, the rim 154 abuts the partitions
110 and the step 122 in the arcuate wall 114 of the suction fan cover 88.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the suction fan 84 comprises a generally circular
body 156 having an upper surface 158, a lower surface 160, and a peripheral edge 162.
The upper surface 158 is generally flat near the peripheral edge 162 and tapers to
a central depression 164 in which a hub 166 is provided. The lower surface 160 is
also generally flat near the peripheral edge 162 and tapers to a central protrusion
168 which continues the hub 166. An axle opening 170 passes through the hub 166 and
receives the axle 94 to rotatably couple the suction fan 84 with the turbine 86. A
plurality of arcuate fan blades 172 extend radially outwardly from the hub 166 to
the peripheral edge 162 and are generally equally spaced from one another.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the turbine 86 comprises a generally circular body
174 having an upper surface 176, a lower surface 178, and a peripheral edge 180. The
upper surface 176 is generally flat near the peripheral edge 180 and tapers to a central
protrusion 182 on which a hub 184 is located. The lower surface 178 is also generally
flat near the peripheral edge 180 and tapers to a central depression 186 in which
the hub 184 is located. An axle opening 188 passes through the hub 184 and receives
the axle 94 to rotatably couple the turbine 86 with the suction fan 84. A plurality
of turbine blades 190 are provided on the upper surface 176 and are generally positioned
a ring orientation near the peripheral edge 180. Each turbine blade 190 is generally
triangular in shape when view from above, and comprises an outer straight segment
192 joined to a similar inner straight segment 194 by a rounded tip segment 196, with
an arced segment 198 positioned opposite the rounded tip segment 194 joining the outer
and inner straight segments 192, 194. As illustrated, the turbine blades 190 are hollow,
which reduces the weight of the turbine 86 and saves material; however, the turbine
86 can alternately be formed with solid blades, which would increase the weight of
the turbine 86 near the peripheral edge 180, thereby increasing the angular momentum
of the turbine 86.
[0024] In operation, when the turbine blades 190 are exposed to a moving air stream, such
as that created by the vacuum cleaner 14, the axle 94 rotates with the turbine blades
190. Specifically, the exposure of the arced segment 198 of the turbine blades 190
to a moving air stream causes the turbine body 174, and consequently the axle 94,
to rotate. The rotation of the axle 94 cases the suction fan 86 to rotate. As the
suction fan 84 rotates, the fan blades 172 pull air from the recovery chamber 46 through
the fan openings 106, thereby creating a partial vacuum within the recovery tank 36
and suction nozzle 38 and suction at the suction nozzle opening 58.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 12, the airflow pathway though the accessory tool 10 is illustrated.
Arrow A indicates the "dry" portion of the pathway, where air enters the turbine chamber
91 through the turbine inlet openings 132 (shown in FIG. 2) and passes through and
over the turbine 86, thereby providing motive force thereto. The air then passes out
of the fan/turbine assembly 20 through the turbine outlet opening 134 and into the
working air conduit 34 via the working air conduit inlet opening 32. From the working
air conduit 34, the air passes sequentially through the vacuum hose 12 and the vacuum
cleaner 14.
[0026] Arrow B indicates the "wet" portion of the pathway, where recovered cleaning fluid
and dirt enters the suction nozzle 38 and is collected in the recovery tank 36. Some
air also enters the suction nozzle 38, and passes around the baffle 108 and into the
suction fan chamber 89 via the fan inlet openings 106 (shown in FIG. 7A). The air
then passes through and over the suction fan 84, passes out of the fan/turbine assembly
20 via the fan outlets 112, and is exhausted from the accessory tool 10 through the
recovery tank air outlets 50.
[0027] Because the suction fan 84 and the turbine 86 are contained within separate chambers
89, 91, fluid from the wet portion of the pathway B is prevented from entering the
vacuum cleaner 14 through the dry portion of the airflow pathway A. Furthermore, a
seal (not shown) can be used at the bearing to prevent fluid from getting into the
bearing 96, and potentially into the dry portion of the pathway A.
[0028] In a variation of the embodiment of the accessory tool of FIGS. 1-12, at least some
of the main operating components of the accessory tool can be arranged along a generally
non-vertical axis relative to the tool body, rather than a generally vertical axis.
For example, at least some of the main operating components, such as the fan/turbine
assembly 20, can be arranged along a generally horizontal axis. Benefits of arranging
the operating components of the accessory tool along a non-vertical axis can include
increased fluid capacity in the fluid dispensing assembly 22 and/or the recovery tank
36, and flexibility with regard to the overall aesthetic shape. Furthermore, the airflow
pathway through the accessory tool can be reshaped to eliminate one or more 90 degree
bends in either the "dry" or "wet" portion of the pathway, which can offer improved
performance.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 13-16, an alternative nozzle assembly 200 for the accessory tool
according to the invention is illustration. While not specifically shown, the nozzle
assembly 200 can be substituted for the suction nozzle 38 on the recovery tank assembly
18. Furthermore, the nozzle assembly 200 can be employed on other cleaning tools and
apparatus. The nozzle assembly 200 comprises a rear nozzle body 202, which may or
may not be integrally formed with a recovery container, such as recovery tank 36,
and a front nozzle body 204 removably mounted to the rear nozzle body 202 to form
a fluid flow path 206 therebetween. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the front
nozzle body 204 is not removable from the rear nozzle body 202. The fluid flow path
206 extends between a suction nozzle opening 208, which, in operation, is positioned
adjacent the surface to be cleaned, and an inlet 210 that fluid communicates with
a recovery container, such as recovery tank 36.
[0030] A pair of agitator retainers 212, 214 is formed on either side of the rear nozzle
body 202 and moveably mounts an agitator assembly 216. The first agitator retainer
212 comprises a closed end wall 218, while the second agitator retainer 214 comprises
an end wall 220 having an opening 222 formed through which the agitator assembly 216
can be inserted during assembly of the nozzle assembly 200.
[0031] The agitator assembly 216 comprises a generally cylindrical agitator body 224 having
a first end 226 that is mounted within the first agitator retainer 212 and a second
end 228 that is mounted within the second agitator retainer 214. An agitator surface,
such as bristles 230, is provided on the agitator body 224 between the first and second
ends 226, 228 for scrubbing or otherwise agitating the surface to be cleaned. The
bristles 230 can be sufficiently resilient so that they deform to allow the agitator
assembly 216 to be inserted through the opening 222. A locking projection or detent
232 is formed on the agitator body 224 and is received in one of two spaced locking
slots 234, 236 formed adjacent the opening 222 on the second agitator retainer 214.
As illustrated, the first locking slot 234 is generally formed at the nine o'clock
position with respect to the opening 222, and the second locking slot 236 is generally
formed at the twelve o'clock position with respect to the opening 222, such that the
locking slots 234, 236 are spaced roughly 90° apart. However, the locking slots 234,
236 can be positioned at many different orientations with respect to each other.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 17, when the locking projection 232 is received within the first
locking slot 234, the nozzle assembly 200 is in a first use orientation in which the
suction nozzle opening 208 is positioned adjacent the surface to be cleaned S and
the agitator assembly 216 is positioned with the bristles 230 away from the suction
to be cleaned S. The first use orientation corresponds to an extraction mode of the
accessory tool, where the accessory tool can recover fluid and dirt from the surface
to be cleaned S. Referring to FIG. 18, when the locking projection 232 is received
within the second locking slot 236, the nozzle assembly 200 is in a second use orientation
in which the suction nozzle opening 208 is moved away from the surface to be cleaned
S and the agitator assembly 216 is positioned with the bristles 230 adjacent the surface
to be cleaned S. The second use orientation corresponds to a scrubbing mode of the
accessory tool, where the accessory tool can agitate the surface to be cleaned S after
the application of cleaning solution. A knob 238 for moving the agitator assembly
216 between the first and second use orientations is provided on the second end 228
of the agitator body 224 and projects exteriorly of the second agitator retainer 214
to be easily accessible to the user for manual actuation.
[0033] To move the agitator assembly 216 from the first to the second use orientation, the
agitator body 224 is rotated, preferably using the knob 238, in a clockwise direction
with respect to the orientation of FIG. 17 and 18 so that the locking projection 232
emerges from the first locking slot 234 and is recaptured in the second locking slot
236. This requires a roughly 90° rotation as illustrated. A similar method is used
to move the agitator assembly 216 back to the first use orientation.
[0034] The rotatable agitator assembly 215 allows the extraction mode to be separated from
the scrubbing mode. The position of the bristles 230 in scrubbing mode (Fig. 18) spaces
the suction nozzle opening 208 from the surface to be cleaned to keep fluid from being
extracted before it is agitated.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 19, an alternative recovery tank assembly 300 for the accessory
tool 10' according to the invention is illustrated. The recovery tank assembly 300
can be substituted for the recovery tank assembly 18 on the accessory tool 10, and
like elements of the accessory tool 10 are designated by the same reference numerals
bearing a prime symbol ('). Furthermore, the recovery tank assembly 300 can be employed
on other cleaning tools and apparatus. While illustrated slightly differently, components
of the accessory tool 10' other than the recovery tank assembly 300 can be assumed
to be the same as described above.
[0036] The recovery tank assembly 300 comprises a recovery tank 302 and a suction nozzle
304 in communication with the recovery tank 302 via a recovery tank inlet 306. The
recovery tank 302 comprises a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 308 having a closed
bottom 310, and forms a recovery chamber 312 in which recovered cleaning fluid and
dirt passing through the suction nozzle 304 is received via the recovery tank inlet
306. The recovery tank 302 is removably mounted to a tank cap 314, which is fixedly
attached to the fan/turbine assembly 20' and can be removed therefrom to empty the
contents of the recovery chamber 312 after a cleaning operation is complete. Preferably,
one or both of the recovery tank 302 and the suction nozzle 304 are translucent or
transparent to allow the contents to be at least partially visible to the user.
[0037] Optionally, the recovery tank 302 further includes a support frame 316 that adds
rigidity to the recovery tank 302 and can comprise multiple vertical pieces 318 extending
along the peripheral wall 308 from the closed bottom 310 to the tank cap 314 that
are joined by a circular piece 320 extending around the inside circumference of the
peripheral wall 308.
[0038] The suction nozzle 304 comprises a one-piece nozzle body 322 integrally formed with
the recovery tank 302. The nozzle body 322 is hollow to form a fluid flow path 324
extending between a suction nozzle opening 326, which, in operation, is positioned
adjacent the surface to be cleaned, and the recovery tank inlet 306.
[0039] A hollow rotating column 328 configured for 360° rotation about an axis of rotation
R is provided within the recovery chamber 312 and is coupled with a bearing plate
330 formed on the interior side of the closed bottom 310 of the recovery tank 302.
The column 328 is divided into an upper section 332 and a lower section 334 by a horizontal
wall 336 formed in the hollow interior of the column 328. An air exit 338 is formed
in the upper section 332 and fluidly communicates the recovery chamber 312 with a
recovery tank outlet 340 formed in the tank cap 314 via an air flow path 342 defined
by air exit 338 and the upper section 332. The recovery tank outlet 340 is in fluid
communication with the fan/turbine assembly 20'. The lower section 334 comprises at
least one opening 344 through the column 328 to allow water to enter the hollow interior
of the lower section 334. As illustrated, four such openings 334 are provided, but
only two of the openings 334 are visible in FIG. 19.
[0040] Referring additionally to FIGS. 21 and 22, the column 328 is configured to rotate
so that the air exit 338 is above a level of fluid F in the recovery chamber 312 when
the axis of rotation in non-vertical. In other words, the air exit 338 will have an
upward orientation when the recovery tank assembly 300 is tilted from a typical position,
shown in FIG. 21, used when cleaning a generally horizontal surface to be cleaned
S
H to a position used when cleaning a non-horizontal surface to be cleaned. An example
of such a position is shown in FIG. 22, where the surface to be cleaned S
V is generally vertical. The column 328 can be weighted to effect this rotation. As
illustrated, the upper section 332 comprises a weight 346 that encircles the column
328, but that has a majority of its weight distributed on the opposite side of the
column 328 as the air exit 338. As the recovery tank assembly 300 is tilted from the
use position shown in FIG. 21, gravity forces the weight 346 downward to its lowest
possible orientation, causing the column 328 to rotate and orient the air exit upward
to its highest possible orientation. As shown in FIG. 22, the horizontal wall 336
prevents fluid from entering the air flow path 342 when the recovery tank 302 is tilted.
This allows more fluid to be stored in the recovery chamber 312. While only two use
orientations are illustrated, it can be appreciated that any number of different use
orientations are possible.
[0041] The arrangement of the recovery tank assembly 300 allows the accessory tool 10' to
be held and used in many different orientations without liquid inadvertently being
ingested into the fan/turbine assembly 20', as well as maximizing the amount of fluid
that can be contained in the recovery chamber 312. While not illustrated, the rotating
air exit can be applied to other cleaning tools and apparatus, and it is contemplated
that the rotating air exit 338 can be used in other diverse applications.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 23-25, an alternative fan/turbine assembly 400 for the accessory
tool 10" according to the invention is illustrated. The fan/turbine assembly 400 is
substantially similar to the fan/turbine assembly 20, with some exceptions. The fan/turbine
assembly 400 can be substituted for the fan/turbine assembly 20 on the accessory tool
10", and like elements of the accessory tool 10" are designated by the same reference
numerals bearing a double prime symbol ("). Furthermore, the fan/turbine assembly
400 can be employed on other cleaning tools and apparatus.
[0043] The suction fan 84" is not directly physically coupled with the turbine 86", but
rather is magnetically coupled with the turbine 86" through the separation plate 92".
The suction fan 84" comprises at least one magnet 402 on its lower surface 178" and
the turbine 86" comprises at least one magnet 404 on its upper surface 158". Preferably,
the suction fan 84" and the turbine 86" each comprise multiple magnets 402, 404 spaced
from each other. As illustrated, four magnets 402, 404 spaced at 90° intervals are
provided on the suction fan 84" and the turbine 86".
[0044] Accordingly, the separation plate 92" does not include a through opening, and the
suction fan 84" and the turbine 86" are separately rotatably mounted within the suction
fan chamber 89" and the turbine chamber 91". As illustrated, the separation plate
92" comprises opposing bearing seats 406, 408 on its upper and lower surfaces 144,
146, respectively. Each bearing seat 406, 408 receives a bearing 410, 412 which in
turn mounts a turbine axle 414 and a fan axle 416, respectively. The turbine axle
414 is received by the axle opening 170" of the turbine 86" and the fan axle 416 is
received by the axle opening 188" of the suction fan 84".
[0045] In operation, when the turbine 86" is exposed to a moving air stream, such as that
created by the vacuum cleaner 14, the turbine 86" will rotate with the turbine axle
414. The circular movement of the turbine magnets 404 generates a magnetic field which
causes the suction fan magnets 402 to move correspondingly, and, consequently the
suction fan 84" to rotate about the suction fan axle 416. As the suction fan 84" rotates,
a partial vacuum is created within the recovery tank 36" and suction nozzle 38" and
suction is created at the suction nozzle opening 58".
[0046] Since the suction fan 84" and the turbine 86" have separate bearings and axles, maintenance
and replacement of parts can be performed separately. Furthermore, since the separation
plate 92" does not have a through opening, the need for an expensive seal at the bearing
412 is negated, and the separation of the dry and wet portions of the airflow pathway
is more clearly defined.
[0047] The concept of a magnetically-coupled suction/drive system can be applied to other
cleaning tools and apparatus. For example, the concept can be applied to a vacuum
cleaning appliance having a motor-driven suction fan. A suction motor having a motor
shaft is retained within a first enclosure and the suction fan is retained within
a second enclosure that is separate from the first enclosure. The suction fan is rotatably
mounted within the second enclosure and is magnetically coupled with the motor shaft.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 26, a sectional view of an accessory tool 10"' according to another
embodiment of the invention is shown, and comprises an alternate fluid dispensing
assembly 500. The fluid dispensing assembly 500 can be substituted for the fluid dispensing
assembly 22 on the accessory tool 10, and like elements of the accessory tool 10 are
designated by the same reference numerals bearing a triple prime symbol ("'). Furthermore,
the fluid dispensing assembly 500 can be employed on other cleaning tools and apparatus.
[0049] The fluid dispensing assembly 500 comprises a removable fluid reservoir 502 defining
a fluid chamber 504 in which cleaning fluid is stored before it is distributed onto
the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid can comprise any suitable cleaning fluid,
including, but not limited to, water, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, and
the like. The fluid reservoir 502 includes a removable cap 506 that is removed to
fill the fluid chamber 504 with cleaning fluid. Optionally, the fluid reservoir 502
can be a single-use container that is discarded when empty and replaced with a new
fluid reservoir 502.
[0050] The fluid dispensing assembly 500 further comprises a turbine-driven fluid pump 508
for dispensing cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir 502. The fluid pump 508 can
comprise any common fluid pump suitable for being driven by the turbine 86"'. As illustrated,
the fluid pump 508 includes a pump housing 510 formed on the tool body 16"' which
houses a pump fan 512 rotatably coupled with the turbine 86"' by an axle 514. The
axle 514 also couples the suction fan 84"' with the turbine 86"', as previously described
for the first embodiment of the accessory tool. A seal 532 is provided about the axle
514 to prevent fluid from leaking out of the fluid pump 508 and into the working air
conduit 34"'. While only one turbine 86"' is illustrated, the accessory tool 10"'
can alternately be provided with separate turbines for the suction fan 84"' and the
fluid pump 508.
[0051] The pump housing 510 defines a pump chamber 516 in which cleaning fluid from the
fluid reservoir 502 can be received, in addition to the pump fan 512. The pump housing
510 comprises an inlet 518 to the pump chamber 516 that is in communication with the
fluid reservoir 502 when it is received in the tool body 16"', and an outlet from
the pump chamber 516 that is in communication with a fluid distributor. The fluid
reservoir 502 preferably comprises a common dry disconnect coupling (not shown) that
is in communication with the inlet 518 when the fluid reservoir 502 is seated on the
tool body 16"', so that cleaning fluid will flow from the fluid reservoir 502 by gravity
feed.
[0052] The outlet of the pump housing 510 preferably comprises a fluid flow controller 520,
such as a solenoid valve or a mechanical valve, that allows pressurized fluid to flow
from the pump chamber 516 to a fluid distributor 522 upon actuation of the fluid flow
controller 520, which can be effected using an electrical or mechanical coupling between
the fluid flow controller 520 and a user-accessible actuator 524. The user-accessible
actuator 524 is preferably provided on the tool body 16"'near the hose connector 30"',
which provides a convenient place for the user to grip the accessory tool 10"' while
being able to selectively press the actuator 524 using the thumb or finger of the
gripping hand. The fluid distributor 522 comprises a fluid conduit 526 extending along
the suction nozzle 38"' that defining a fluid flow path 528 between the fluid flow
controller 520 and a spray nozzle 530 positioned to spray fluid onto the surface to
be cleaned, forwardly of the suction nozzle 38"'.
[0053] In operation, when the turbine 86"' is exposed to a moving air stream, such as that
created by the vacuum cleaner 14, the axle 514 rotates with the turbine. The rotation
of the axle 514 cases the pump fan 512. The suction fan 86"' also rotates, as previously
described. As the pump fan 512 rotates, the cleaning fluid in the pump chamber 516
is pressurized. Pressing the actuator 524 opens the fluid flow controller 520, allowing
pressurized cleaning fluid to flow from the pump chamber 516, through the fluid flow
path 528, and onto the surface to be cleaned, via the spray nozzle 530.
[0054] The accessory tool according to any of the above embodiments can expand the cleaning
capability of a conventional dry floor surface cleaning appliance by allowing the
dry vacuum cleaner to be used to distribute cleaning fluid as well as recover fluid.
The accessory tool can also be used with a wet extraction cleaning appliance for both
distributing and recovering fluid. The accessory tool is designed such that the water
recovery path is separated and isolated from the conventional working air path of
the vacuum cleaning appliance to prevent water laden working air from entering the
vacuum cleaning appliance. Other embodiments of the accessory tool not specifically
shown herein are possible. For example, the accessory tool can include an agitating
surface, such as a scrubbing pad or a brush. The agitating surface can further be
configured for movement, and can be coupled with the turbine to provide motive power
thereto.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 27, a perspective view of another embodiment of an accessory
tool 610 attached to a vacuum cleaner in the form of an extraction cleaner 612 is
shown. The embodiment illustrated may be similar in some aspects to the earlier described
embodiments and part numbers begin with the 600 series. It may be understood that
while like parts may not include like numerals the descriptions of the like parts
of the earlier embodiments apply to the embodiment, unless otherwise noted.
[0056] A representative example of an extraction cleaner can be found in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,237, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As illustrated herein,
the extraction cleaner 612 is an upright extraction cleaner having a housing 614 that
includes an upright handle assembly 616 that is pivotally connected to a base assembly
618 for directing the base assembly 618 across the surface to be cleaned.
[0057] The extraction cleaner 612 may include a fluid delivery system for storing and delivering
a cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system or a suction
system for extracting and storing the dispensed cleaning fluid and debris from the
surface to be cleaned. The components of the fluid delivery system and the fluid recovery
system can be supported by either or both the base assembly 618 and the handle assembly
616. In the illustrated embodiment, the components are primarily supported by the
base assembly 618.
[0058] The fluid delivery system can include a fluid supply tank 620 for storing a supply
of cleaning fluid, an auxiliary fluid distributor 622 for depositing a cleaning fluid
onto the cleaning surface, and a fluid conduit (not shown) between the fluid supply
tank 620 and the auxiliary fluid distributor 622. A pump 608 can be mounted to the
housing 614 or accessory tool 610 for conveying cleaning fluid from the fluid supply
tank 620, through the fluid conduit and auxiliary fluid distributor 622. The fluid
pump 608 can comprise any fluid pump suitable for conveying liquid such as a solenoid
pump, centrifugal pump, manual piston pump or turbine-driven fluid pump 508 previously
described, for example. The fluid supply tank 620 and the auxiliary fluid distributor
622 may be mounted to the base assembly 618 as illustrated. Various combinations of
optional components can be incorporated into the fluid delivery system such as a heater
or fluid control and mixing valves as is commonly known in the art.
[0059] The fluid recovery system can include an extraction path in the form of an extraction
nozzle 624 extending towards a surface to be cleaned, a recovery tank 626 and a working
air conduit (not shown) associated with the base assembly 618 and in fluid communication
with the extraction nozzle 624 and the recovery tank 626. The fluid recovery system
can also comprise a suction source such as a motor/fan assembly 628 in fluid communication
with the recovery tank 626 and configured to generate a working airflow to draw liquid
and entrained debris through the extraction nozzle 624 and into the recovery tank
626.
[0060] A vacuum or suction hose 630 can also be operably coupled to the extraction cleaner
612 and can be fluidly coupled to the motor/fan assembly 628. The accessory tool 610
can be removably mounted to the suction hose 630 such that the accessory tool 610
can be operably coupled to the extraction cleaner 612. More specifically, the accessory
tool 610 includes a housing assembly 640 having a suction outlet opening 642 adapted
to be connected to the suction hose 630 such that it can be in fluid communication
with the motor/fan assembly 628. A suction nozzle 644 can be included in the housing
assembly 640 and can be fluidly coupled to the suction outlet opening 642.
[0061] As more easily seen in FIG. 28, in the illustrated example the suction nozzle 644
is at one end of the housing assembly 640 and the suction outlet opening 642 is at
the opposing end. When assembled, the suction hose 630 can fluidly couple the suction
nozzle 644 of the accessory tool 610 to the motor/fan assembly 628 to establish a
suction flow path from the suction nozzle 644 of the accessory tool 610 through the
suction hose 630, recovery tank 626 and working air conduit associated with the base
618, to the motor/fan assembly 628. An auxiliary recovery tank 650 can be coupled
to the housing assembly 640. Referring to Fig. 29, the accessory tool may also include
a fluid dispensing assembly 660, an agitator assembly 656, and a backflow preventer
670.
[0062] As illustrated, the auxiliary recovery tank 650 can have a retaining mechanism 652,
which can interface with a portion of the housing assembly 640 and can be used to
removably mount the auxiliary recovery tank 650 to the housing assembly 640. Any suitable
retaining mechanism can be used and bayonet tabs have been illustrated for exemplary
purposes only. More specifically, the tabs 653 are configured to engage corresponding
slots 655 and grooves 657 in the housing assembly 640. The tabs 653 can be inserted
into the slots 655 and then rotated within in the grooves 657 to secure the tank 650
to the housing assembly 640. A detent 661 on the outer surface of the auxiliary recovery
tank 650 can create an interference fit with a corresponding feature (not shown) on
the housing assembly 640 for securing the auxiliary recovery tank 650 to the housing
assembly 640. A user can overcome the interference fit exerting force to rotate the
recovery tank 650 relative to the housing assembly 640 and thus remove the recovery
tank 650 from the housing assembly 640 to empty the contents located in the auxiliary
recovery tank 650 after a cleaning operation is complete.
[0063] The auxiliary recovery tank 650 can be fluidly coupled to the suction flow path and
can be in fluid communication with the suction nozzle 644 to store liquid drawn into
the suction nozzle 644. The auxiliary recovery tank 650 like the earlier embodiments
includes a generally cylindrical peripheral wall having a closed bottom and forms
a recovery chamber in which recovered cleaning fluid and dirt passing through the
suction nozzle 644 can be received and retained. One or both of the auxiliary recovery
tank 650 and the suction nozzle 644 can be translucent or transparent to allow the
contents to be at least partially visible to the user.
[0064] The housing assembly 640 can include a cover 648 and an air/liquid separator 654
for separating air from liquid drawn into the auxiliary recovery tank 650 through
the suction nozzle 644. The air/liquid separator 654 can be secured to either of the
housing assembly 640 or auxiliary recovery tank 650. Alternatively, the air/liquid
separator can be formed integrally with the housing assembly 640 or the auxiliary
recovery tank 650. As shown in Figures, the air/liquid separator 654 has been illustrated
as a separate component that is fastened to the housing assembly 640 for exemplary
purposes only.
[0065] The fluid dispensing assembly 660 can distribute cleaning fluid onto a surface to
be cleaned and can include a fluid delivery tube 662, a spray nozzle 664, and a fluid
inlet 668, which can be fluidly coupled to a cleaning fluid source. It is contemplated
that the cleaning fluid source can be a separate fluid cleaning source such as an
auxiliary reservoir (not shown) or that the fluid inlet 668 can be fluidly coupled
to the fluid supply tank 620. A trigger assembly (not shown) can be configured to
selectively actuate a pump or a valve for selectively distributing cleaning fluid
onto the surface to be cleaned. The trigger assembly can be operably coupled between
the fluid inlet 668 and the cleaning fluid source and can be operated by a user to
distribute cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle 664 onto the surface to be cleaned.
The user can repeatedly depress the trigger or continuously depress the trigger to
distribute cleaning fluid until a desired amount of cleaning fluid has been applied
onto the surface to be cleaned. It is understood that in some cleaning operations,
the user can desire to only recover fluid from the surface to be cleaned, and in this
case, cleaning fluid is not dispensed from the fluid dispensing assembly 660.
[0066] The agitator assembly 656 can be mounted in the accessory tool 619 and can be associated
with the suction nozzle 644. The agitator assembly 656 can include an agitator body
659 with an agitator surface, such as bristles 658, provided on the agitator body
659 for scrubbing or otherwise agitating the surface to be cleaned.
[0067] A backflow preventer 670 can be located in the suction flow path upstream from the
auxiliary recovery tank 650 to prevent liquid leakage therefrom. With reference to
FIG. 30 it can be seen that a backflow preventer 670 can be located in the portion
672 of the suction flow path between the suction nozzle 644 and the auxiliary recovery
tank 650. The backflow preventer 670 can be a valve or any other suitable mechanism
for preventing the escape of fluid from the auxiliary recovery tank 650 back into
the suction nozzle 644. In the illustrated example, the backflow preventer 670 is
a duckbill valve backflow preventer 670.
[0068] The suction flow path can include a tortuous path portion 680 between the auxiliary
recovery tank 650 and the suction outlet opening 642 through which the air travels
after it has been separated from the liquid in the auxiliary recovery tank 650. The
tortuous path portion 680 can be defined between corresponding surfaces of the auxiliary
recovery tank 650, the air/liquid separator 654 and the housing assembly 640 to form
an air-passable barrier between the recovery tank 650 and the suction outlet opening
642.
[0069] Alternatively or in addition to the tortuous path, a liquid flow preventer 682 can
be included in the accessory tool 610 between the auxiliary recovery tank 650 and
the suction outlet opening 642. The liquid flow preventer 682 can be any suitable
mechanism to prevent the flow of liquid to the suction outlet opening 642 and has
been schematically illustrated as a valve. The valve can be an umbrella valve or a
duckbill valve.
[0070] Regardless of whether the tortuous flow path and/or the liquid flow preventer is
included in the accessory tool 610, the result will be that separated air can travel
from the auxiliary recovery tank 650 to the suction outlet opening 642 when suction
is applied at the suction outlet opening 642. If the liquid flow preventer 682 is
included, it will open upon exposure to a working airflow to permit the working airflow
to pass around it. When the suction source is de-energized or when the accessory tool
610 is detached from the suction hose 630, the liquid flow preventer 682 automatically
closes and prevents liquid leakage through the suction outlet opening 642. Likewise,
the tortuous flow path portion 680 permits airflow to pass therethrough while simultaneously
preventing liquid from flowing to the suction outlet opening 642.
[0071] Optionally, a shut-off float can be incorporated within the auxiliary recovery tank
650 to prevent liquid leakage through the tortuous path portion 680 when suction is
applied at the outlet opening 642. For example, a commonly known shut-off float assembly
with a buoyant shut-off member can be adapted to block the working airflow path between
the auxiliary recovery tank 650 and suction outlet opening 642 when the recovered
liquid in the tank reaches a predetermined level, or when the tank and liquid therein
are oriented in a predetermined position.
[0072] In operation, when the motor/fan assembly 628 of the extraction cleaner 612 is activated
a suction flow path is established from the suction nozzle 644, through the auxiliary
recovery tank 650, and to the suction outlet opening 642 when suction is applied at
the suction outlet opening 642. Fluid and dirt drawn in through the suction nozzle
644 are deposited and retained in the auxiliary recovery tank 650 and separated air
can travel from the auxiliary recovery tank 650 to the suction outlet opening 642.
[0073] The arrangement of the backflow preventer 670 prevents fluid from leaking out of
the auxiliary recovery tank 650 and exiting the accessory tool 610 through the suction
nozzle 644. The backflow preventer 670 opens when the accessory tool 610 is connected
to the suction hose 630 and exposed to a working airflow and allows air and liquid
to pass freely there through in the direction from the suction nozzle 644 into the
auxiliary recovery tank 650. The working airflow is schematically illustrated as arrows
686. However, the backflow preventer 670 closes and blocks the flow of air and liquid
in the reverse direction, from the auxiliary recovery tank 650 through the suction
nozzle 644. Moreover, when the suction source is de-energized or when the accessory
tool 610 is detached from the suction hose 630 and no longer exposed to a working
airflow, the backflow preventer 670 automatically closes or seals to prevent liquid
leakage therethrough. Accordingly, the backflow preventer 670 allows a user to tilt
the accessory tool 610 in many different orientations during use and storage without
liquid inadvertently leaking out of the accessory tool 610 through the suction nozzle
644.
[0074] Further, the tortuous path portion 680 and optional liquid flow preventer 682 can
prevent liquid from leaking out of the auxiliary recovery tank 650 and exiting the
accessory tool 610 through the suction outlet opening 642. Accordingly, the accessory
tool 610 can be tilted in many different orientations during use and storage without
liquid inadvertently being leaked out of the tool through the suction outlet opening
642. Moreover, the tortuous path portion 680 prevents soiled liquid in the auxiliary
recovery tank 650 from being transported through the suction hose 630, recovery tank
626 and working air conduit and being ingested into the motor/fan assembly 628.
[0075] While the above embodiment of the invention is described in the context of the extraction
cleaner 612, it is within the scope of the invention for any suitable type of extraction
device to be used. For example, the accessory tool 610 can be used with a portable
extraction cleaner. It will also be understood that the accessory tool 610 can be
used with the dry vacuum cleaners described above and that the previously described
accessory tools can be used with the extraction cleaner 612.
[0076] While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific
embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and
not of limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly
as the prior art will permit. For example, while the figures describe a device with
the main operating components arranged along a generally vertical axis relative to
the tool body, it is understood that the components can be arranged along a generally
horizontal axis or at any angle therebetween.