CN116369800A

CN116369800A - Surface cleaning device with vapor delivery

Info

Publication number: CN116369800A
Application number: CN202211708377.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 约瑟夫·D·福尔达尔; 汤姆·明赫·恩古延
Original assignee: Pizza Hut Inc
Current assignee: Pizza Hut LLC
Priority date: 2021-12-30
Filing date: 2022-12-28
Publication date: 2023-07-04
Also published as: AU2022287607A1; EP4205622A1; US20230210333A1; CA3185702A1

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus including vapor delivery. The device includes a hand-held body adapted to be held by a user, the hand-held body having a main housing, a supply tank, and a heater. A flexible hose is mounted to the hand-held body and a hand-held cleaning tool is mounted to the end of the hose. The tool has a liquid distributor for delivering a liquid cleaning fluid and a vapor distributor for delivering vapor. Various features for controlling the operation of the electronic components of the extraction cleaner are disclosed.

Description

Surface cleaning device with vapor delivery

Citation of related applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/294,890 filed on 12 months and 30 days 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

Extractors are known surface cleaning devices for deep cleaning carpets and other textile surfaces, such as interiors. Most extractors include a fluid delivery system and a fluid recovery system. Fluid delivery systems typically comprise: one or more fluid supply tanks for storing supplied cleaning fluid; a fluid dispenser for applying a cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned; and a fluid supply conduit for delivering cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank to the fluid dispenser. Fluid recovery systems generally include: a recovery box; a nozzle adjacent to the surface to be cleaned and in fluid communication with the recovery tank through a conduit; and a suction source in fluid communication with the conduit to draw cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the conduit to the recovery tank. Other wet cleaning devices include steam cleaners that dispense steam and topical cleaners that dispense liquid and scrub a surface without recovering the liquid.

The extractor and other wet cleaners can be adapted to be held in the hand of a user and in some cases contain a hose coupled to a tool carrying the fluid dispenser and nozzle.

Disclosure of Invention

A surface cleaning apparatus with vapor delivery is provided herein. In certain embodiments, the surface cleaning device is a portable extraction cleaner or a portable deep cleaner adapted to be held by a user to a carpeted area to clean relatively small areas, such as small mats and upholstery. Vapor delivery can be provided by a hand tool of a portable extraction cleaner.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the apparatus comprises: a hand-held body adapted to be held by a user, the hand-held body having a main housing, a supply tank, a liquid supply pump, a vapor supply pump, and a heater; a flexible hose mounted to the hand-held body; and a hand-held cleaning tool mounted to the end of the hose.

In one aspect thereof, the apparatus has a first pressure relief device in the supply path between the supply tank and the hose to limit the pressure in the fluid path, the first pressure relief device being configured to open at a predetermined set pressure.

In another aspect thereof, the apparatus has a second pressure relief device in the supply path between the heater and the hose to limit the pressure in the fluid path, the second pressure relief device being configured to open at a predetermined negative set pressure.

In another aspect thereof, the apparatus has a pressure control device to cut off power to the steam supply pump at a predetermined control pressure.

In yet another aspect thereof, the device has a temperature switch that controls power to the steam supply pump, wherein the temperature switch senses the temperature at the heater and supplies power to the steam supply pump at a predetermined minimum temperature.

In yet another aspect thereof, the device has a temperature switch to cut off power to the heater at a predetermined temperature.

In another aspect, the device has a single trigger that controls the dispensing of liquid and vapor.

In yet another aspect, an apparatus has a user interface on a main housing, the user interface comprising: a power button for activating and deactivating at least one electronic component of the extractor cleaner; and a mode selector selecting one of a plurality of cleaning modes, wherein the mode selector includes a dial surrounding the power button. In some aspects, the vacuum motor remains activated/turned on in each of these cleaning modes.

In yet another aspect, the apparatus has a recovery system comprising a vacuum motor mounted within a main housing and a recovery tank disposed on the main housing, and the hand-held cleaning tool includes an extraction nozzle to recover soiled cleaning fluid from a surface to be cleaned.

Embodiments of the surface cleaning apparatus with steam disclosed herein can enable a better cleaning experience to be produced. Steam is selectively dispensed when and when needed to provide a better spot and stain cleaning experience.

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the specific embodiments when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of operation or the construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in various other forms and of being practiced or of being carried out in various other ways not specifically disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Furthermore, the enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the enumerated uses should not be construed as limiting the invention to any particular order or number of components. Nor should the use of the recitation be interpreted to exclude the presence of any additional steps or elements from the scope of the recitation of steps or elements that may be combined with or into the recited steps or elements. Any reference to claim elements as "at least one of X, Y and Z" is intended to encompass any one of X, Y or Z, and any combination of X, Y and Z, e.g., X, Y, Z, alone; x, Y; x, Z; y, Z

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portable extraction cleaner with steam distribution according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the portable extraction cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the trigger and valve-actuator assembly taken through line III-III of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a user interface of the portable extraction cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic system for the portable extraction cleaner of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a portable extraction cleaner with vapor distribution according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a user interface of the portable extraction cleaner of FIG. 1, according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an electronic system for the portable extraction cleaner of FIG. 1, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing a trigger and valve-actuator assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; and

fig. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the valve-actuator assembly of fig. 9, with the trigger shown in phantom for clarity.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates generally to a surface cleaning apparatus with vapor delivery. Aspects of the disclosure described herein relate to a surface cleaning apparatus that delivers cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, such as an extraction cleaner that extracts cleaning fluid and debris from the surface. Aspects of the invention described herein also relate to a portable extraction cleaner (e.g., deep cleaner) adapted to be held by a user to carpeted, upholstery, and other areas for cleaning relatively small areas.

Fig. 1 to 2 show a surface cleaning apparatus with steam delivery in the form of a portable extraction cleaner 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The extraction cleaner 10 includes a handheld body comprising: a main housing 12; a fluid delivery system 14 configured to store a cleaning fluid and deliver the cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned; and a fluid recovery system 16 configured to remove fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and store the recovered fluid and debris.

The fluid delivery system 14 can be more specifically a liquid/vapor delivery system 14 configured to store a cleaning fluid and deliver the cleaning fluid as a liquid, a vapor, or both to a surface to be cleaned. As discussed in further detail below, the portable extraction cleaner 10 is provided with various features and improvements relating to vapor delivery, which features and improvements are described in further detail below.

For purposes of description in relation to the drawings, the terms "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to an exemplary extraction cleaner 10 as oriented in fig. 1, wherein the extraction cleaner 10 rests on a surface or is carried by a handle. However, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

The main housing 12 is adapted to selectively mount components of the fluid delivery system 14 and the fluid recovery system 16 to form an easily portable unit that can be transported by a user to different locations having surfaces to be cleaned. The extractor cleaning device 10 is adapted to be held by a user to a carpeted area for cleaning a relatively small area and to extract cleaning fluid and debris from the surface. In addition, non-limiting examples of areas that can be cleaned include area mats, interior trim, vehicle interiors, tents, and mattresses.

The fluid delivery system 14 can include: a supply tank 18 for storing a supply of cleaning fluid; a liquid dispenser 20 disposed on a hand-held cleaning tool 22; and a steam dispenser 24 provided on the hand-held cleaning tool 22. A heater 26 is provided in the flow path between the supply tank 18 and the steam distributor 24 to heat the cleaning fluid to generate steam.

The cleaning fluid stored by the supply tank 18 can include one or more of any suitable cleaning liquids including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated cleaners, diluted cleaners, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. For example, the fluid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent. The cleaning fluid can be stored in liquid form.

The supply tank 18 can be refillable and can be formed of a transparent or colored translucent material that allows a user to view its contents. The supply tank 18 can be detachably mounted on the main casing 12.

The heater 26 preferably heats the cleaning fluid to about 100 ℃, where "about" includes + -10 ℃. The temperature may be the temperature at the vapor distributor 24. The set point of the heater 26 may be higher because some heat loss between the outlet of the heater 26 and the steam distributor 24 is possible. One non-limiting example of a set point for heater 26 is about 165 deg.c to about 180 deg.c. Some non-limiting examples of suitable heaters 26 include, but are not limited to, flash heaters, boilers, submerged heaters, and flow-through steam generators.

The heater 26 may generate steam. As used herein, the term "vapor" includes liquids such as, but not limited to, water or solutions containing water (like water mixed with cleaning chemicals, fragrances, etc.), at least partially converted to a vapor phase or a vapor phase. The liquid can be boiled or otherwise converted to a gas or vapor phase by heating or mechanical action like atomization. In other embodiments, heater 26 produces heated cleaning fluid in a mixture of vapor and liquid phases. It should also be appreciated that regardless of the phase of the cleaning fluid output by the heater 26, the phase composition of the cleaning fluid may change between the heater 26 and the vapor distributor 24, with heat loss and/or condensation, returning a portion of the fluid in the vapor phase to the liquid phase. Likewise, the temperature of the cleaning fluid output by the vapor distributor 24 may be less than the temperature of the cleaning fluid output by the heater 26. For example, the heater 26 may have a set point in the range of about 165 to about 180 ℃, however, the fluid dispensed by the vapor dispenser 24 (after traveling along about 6 feet of tubing between the outlet of the heater 26 and the vapor dispenser 24) may include a mixture of vapor and liquid droplets having a temperature of less than about 100 ℃. For example, the mixture of vapor and liquid droplets dispensed by vapor dispenser 24 can have a temperature of from about 90 ℃ to about 100 ℃, from about 90 ℃ to about 99 ℃, from about 90 ℃ to about 98 ℃, from about 90 ℃ to about 97 ℃, from about 90 ℃ to about 96 ℃, from about 90 ℃ to about 95 ℃, from about 90 ℃ to about 94 ℃, from about 94 ℃ to about 100 ℃, from about 94 ℃ to about 99 ℃, from about 94 ℃ to about 98 ℃, from about 94 ℃ to about 97 ℃, from about 94 ℃ to about 96 ℃, from about 94 ℃ to about 95 ℃, from about 95 ℃ to about 100 ℃, from about 95 ℃ to about 99 ℃, from about 95 ℃ to about 98 ℃, from about 95 ℃ to about 96 ℃, from about 96 ℃ to about 100 ℃, from about 96 ℃ to about 99 ℃, from about 96 ℃ to about 98 ℃, from about 96 ℃ to about 97 ℃, from about 97 ℃ to about 100 ℃, from about 97 ℃, from about 99 ℃ to about 98 ℃, from about 98 ℃ to about 98 ℃ from about 99 ℃ to about 100 ℃. Without being bound by any theory, the temperature differential of the fluid exiting the heater 26 and the fluid dispensed from the vapor dispenser 24 may be due, at least in part, to heat loss to the surrounding environment as the fluid travels between the heater 26 and the vapor dispenser.

The fluid recovery system 16 can include: an extraction path, in the form of an extraction nozzle 28, provided on the cleaning tool 22, which is adapted for use on a surface to be cleaned; a recovery box 30; and a flexible hose assembly 32 defining a portion of a vacuum or suction conduit 33 in fluid communication with the extraction nozzle 28 and the recovery tank 30. The recovery tank 30 can contain an air/liquid separator (not shown) containing floats for directing air and liquid through the stack of recovery tanks and for selectively closing the extraction path through the recovery tanks. Examples of suitable air/liquid separators are disclosed in U.S. patent No. 7,073,226 issued 11 at 7 and U.S. patent No. 9,615,703 issued 11 at 4 and 2017, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other air/liquid separators are possible. The recycling bin 30 can be formed of a transparent or colored translucent material, which allows a user to view its contents. The recovery tank 30 can be removably mounted on the main housing 12.

The fluid recovery system 16 also includes a suction source 34, for example in the form of a motor/fan assembly including a vacuum motor 36, in fluid communication with the extraction nozzle 28 for generating a working air stream to draw liquid and entrained debris through the extraction path. Suction source 34 can be fluidly disposed downstream of recovery tank 30, although other extraction paths are possible.

Different arrangements for the housing 12 and the

tanks

18, 30 are possible. In one arrangement, the main housing 12 can contain a handle 42 to form an easily portable unit with the supply and

recovery tanks

18, 30 that can be transported by a user to different locations with the surface to be cleaned. The main housing 12 can further include: a base 38 on which the supply and

recovery tanks

18, 30 are at least partially supported; and a partition 40 extending upward from the base 38 between the supply tank 18 and the recovery tank 30. The partition 40 can include a housing that houses one or more components of the extraction cleaner 10, such as the heater 26 and the suction source 34.

The base 38 can include a housing having a flat bottom adapted to rest directly on a surface, such as a horizontal surface or a floor surface. Conveniently, the handle 42 can be disposed opposite the flat bottom so that a user can easily pick up the extractor cleaning device 10.

In fig. 1, the hand tool 22 and hose 32 are shown in a use or operational position. The hand tool 22 and hose 32 may be stored on the main housing 12, for example, by wrapping the hose 32 around the base 38 and the tool 22 clipped or otherwise attached to the housing 12.

A brush 44 can be provided on the implement 22 for scrubbing the surface to be cleaned. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the brush 44 can include a plurality of bristles. The bristles can be bundled together in clusters to provide the desired stiffness and durability for agitation. Other agitators for tool 22 are possible.

The user can provide input through the user interface 46 to control the extraction cleaner 10, including its systems or components. As described in further detail below, the user interface 46 accepts input to control the supply of power from the power source of the extractor cleaning device 10 to one or more electronic components of the extractor cleaning device 10. The power source for the extractor cleaning device 10 can, for example, include a power cord 48 or a battery on the extractor cleaning device 10. The user interface 46 is shown herein as being disposed adjacent to the handle 42. Other configurations of the user interface 46 are possible.

Various other components and combinations of components can be incorporated into fluid delivery system 14, such as pumps, valves, and/or fluid control features, as well as suitable conduits or pipes fluidly connecting components of fluid delivery system 14 together to effect the supply of cleaning fluid from supply tank 18 to

dispensers

20, 24.

In one embodiment, fluid delivery system 14 includes a flow control system for controlling the flow of fluid from supply tank 18 to

dispensers

20, 24. In one configuration, the flow control system can include: a liquid supply pump 50 pressurizing a liquid dispensing path 52 of the system 14 and controlling delivery of cleaning fluid to the liquid dispenser 20; and a steam supply pump 54 that pressurizes a steam distribution path 56 of the system 14 and controls delivery of steam to the steam distributor 24. The

pumps

50, 54 can be electromagnetic pumps, centrifugal pumps, or the like. Although

separate pumps

50, 54 are shown for supplying fluid to the

dispensers

20, 24, respectively, it is within the scope of the invention to utilize a single, split or multi-stage pump to supply fluid to the

dispensers

20, 24.

In some embodiments, the liquid pump 50 delivers cleaning fluid at a higher flow rate than the vapor pump 54. In one non-limiting example, the liquid pump 50 delivers cleaning liquid at a flow rate of about 400mL/min measured at the liquid distributor 20, and the vapor pump 54 delivers vapor at a flow rate of about 40mL/min measured at the vapor distributor 24. In other embodiments, the

pumps

50, 54 can have multiple speeds and/or flow rates such that the flow rates of the cleaning fluid exiting the

dispensers

20, 24 can be varied.

Paths

52, 56 can include one or more pipes, tubes, hoses, etc. that fluidly couple components of fluid delivery system 14 together. As shown in fig. 2, portions of the suction conduit 33, liquid dispensing path 52, and vapor dispensing path 56 can be defined by the hose assembly 32 and tool 22. For example,

paths

52, 56 can contain separate liquid and vapor conduits through hose assembly 32, such as inside suction conduit 33 for extraction. In another embodiment, one or both of the liquid and vapor conduits can be routed along the exterior of the suction conduit 33. Suitable air, liquid and vapor connectors (not shown) can be provided at either end of hose assembly 32 for connection with the fluid supply and recovery components of main housing 12 and tool 22.

The dispensing of cleaning fluid by tool 22 may be controlled by a user. For example, the extraction cleaner 10 can include dispensing

valves

58, 60 that control the flow of cleaning fluid through the dispensers to the

dispensers

20, 24, respectively, and the

dispensers

20, 24 are configured to dispense the cleaning fluid upon opening the dispensing

valves

58, 60. In addition to this function, the dispensing valves 58 are not particularly limited and may include any components and/or configurations suitable for/serving as dispensing valves. The dispensing

valves

58, 60 can be disposed, for example, on the hand-held cleaning tool 22 or on a wand connecting the cleaning tool 22 to the hose 32, and can be associated with an appropriate user control for operating the

valves

58, 60.

The

dispensers

20, 24 can include any structure, such as a nozzle, spray tip, or manifold, and can include one or more outlets for cleaning fluid. In one non-limiting example, liquid dispenser 20 is a spray tip configured to dispense cleaning fluid when valve 58 is open, and vapor dispenser 24 is a spray tip configured to dispense cleaning fluid when valve 60 is open. Referring to fig. 1, vapor distributor 24 is shown on the underside of tool 22 adjacent liquid distributor 20. In this position, the steam dispenser 24 is positioned behind the extraction nozzle 28 and brush 44 so that steam dispensed from the dispenser 24 can be viewed by a user and is not drawn into the nozzle 28 until it reaches the surface to be cleaned. In another embodiment, the vapor distributor 24 can be a manifold located behind the inlet of the extraction nozzle 28 and in front of the brush 44.

Tool 22 can include at least one dispensing controller operatively connected to one of the

valves

58, 60 to affect and control the opening and closing of the

valves

58, 60. Non-limiting examples of dispensing controls include triggers, buttons, triggers, keys, switches, etc., or any combination thereof.

Referring to fig. 1 and 3, the release of cleaning fluid can be controlled by a trigger 68. The trigger 68 is capable of operating both

valves

58, 60, wherein depressing the trigger 68 opens both

valves

58, 60. Release of the trigger 68 closes the

valves

58, 60. The trigger 68 and

valves

58, 60 can be located on the tool 22 or on a stem 70 that connects the tool 22 to the hose 32.

In one embodiment, the trigger 68 operates a dual lever valve body 72 coupled with a valve head 74 for the liquid valve 58 and a valve head 76 for the vapor valve 60, wherein the valve heads 74, 76 are capable of opening or closing the dispensing

paths

52, 56 to the

dispensers

20, 24. The trigger 68 and valve body 72 are biased outwardly from the tool 22 or stem 70 by at least one and optionally more than one spring 78 to a position in which the valve heads 74, 76 block, block or otherwise close the dispensing

paths

52, 56 to the

dispensers

20, 24. In fig. 3, trigger 68 is not depressed and

valves

58, 60 are closed, with

valve heads

74, 76 closing the upstream portions of dispensing paths 52U, 56U from the downstream portions of dispensing

paths

52D, 56D. Depressing the trigger 68 forces the valve body 72 to move against the bias of the spring 78 and forces the valve heads 74, 76 to unlock, pull out, or otherwise open the dispensing

paths

52, 56 to the

dispensers

20, 24.

The dual stem valve body 72 can include integrally formed stems 75, 77, each stem supporting or coupling one of the valve heads 74, 76 such that the entire valve body 72 moves as a unit by depressing the trigger 68 or under the biasing force of one or more springs 78.

Referring to fig. 9-10, in an alternative embodiment, the trigger 68 operates

separate valve bodies

120, 122 for the liquid valve 58 and the vapor valve 60, respectively. The trigger 68 may still operate both

valves

58, 60 and may be operable with reduced force as compared to a dual lever configuration.

The liquid valve body 120 can include a valve stem 124 that supports or couples the valve head 126 and is biased by a spring 128 to a position in which the valve head 126 blocks, plugs, or otherwise closes the dispensing path 52 (fig. 2) to the liquid dispenser 20.

The vapor valve body 122 can include a valve stem 130 that supports or couples a valve head 132, and that is biased by a spring 134 to a position in which the valve head 132 blocks, plugs, or otherwise closes the dispensing path 54 (fig. 2) to the vapor dispenser 24.

In fig. 9, trigger 68 is not depressed and

valves

58, 60 are closed. Depressing the trigger 68 forces the

valve bodies

120, 122 to move against the bias of the

springs

128, 134 and forces the valve heads 126, 132 to unlock, unplug or otherwise open the dispensing

paths

52, 56 to the

dispensers

20, 24.

The valve heads 126, 132 and/or the trigger 68 may have anti-rotation features that prevent rotation of the

rods

124, 130 that can block flow inside the

valves

58, 60. The valve heads 126, 132 may be aligned, for example, with ribs 136 on the inner surface of the trigger 68 to prevent rotation. Additionally or alternatively, the

valve head bodies

120, 122 may have

flats

138, 140, respectively, that are engaged by the ribs 136 or another portion of the trigger 68 to prevent rotation.

1-2, as described in further detail below, in some embodiments, the release of liquid and/or vapor upon depression of the trigger 68 can depend on the mode. In other words, depending on the selected cleaning mode of the extractor cleaning appliance 10, depressing the trigger 68 may or may not release liquid to the liquid dispenser 20 and may or may not release vapor to the vapor dispenser 24. In some aspects, the vacuum motor remains activated/turned on in each of the selectable cleaning modes such that suction remains activated when trigger 68 is depressed and when trigger 68 is not depressed.

In yet another embodiment, a separate vapor dispensing control (not shown) selectively operates the vapor valve 60 to control vapor dispensing while the trigger 68 selectively operates the liquid valve 58 to control liquid dispensing. The user can operate both controls simultaneously for simultaneous liquid and vapor dispensing.

Referring to fig. 2, in some embodiments, an optional check valve 62 in the fluid path between the feed tank 18 and the vapor feed pump 54 provides for unidirectional flow of fluid through the path 56, i.e., prevents backflow into the tank 18. When present, check valve 62 is configured to flow in one direction into or through vapor supply pump 54 (e.g., in one direction from tank 18 to pump 54). In addition to this function, the check valve 62 is not particularly limited and may include any component and/or configuration suitable for/serving as a check valve. In some aspects, when present, check valve 62 may prevent forward flow of liquid from supply tank 18 in the event of a negative pressure in fluid path 56 as heater 26 cools. This may inhibit and/or minimize climbing (creepage) of liquid from the supply tank 18 through the path 56 when the heater 26 is turned off after use. The ascent of liquid from the supply tank 18 after deactivation of the heater 26 may cause liquid to remain in the path 56 such that the next time the user activates the cleaner 10 in a vapor-containing mode, liquid remaining in the path 56 from a previous use will be dispensed before vapor, which is undesirable to the user.

A first pressure relief device 64 or positive pressure relief device in the fluid path between the supply tank 18 and the hose 32 controls or limits the pressure in the fluid delivery system 14. First pressure relief device 64 opens at a predetermined set positive pressure to protect fluid delivery system 14 from experiencing high pressures exceeding its design criteria. When the set pressure is met or exceeded, the pressure relief device 64 diverts the cleaning fluid to the recovery tank 30 through the bypass line 66. In addition to this function, pressure relief device 64 is not particularly limited and may include any component and/or configuration suitable for use in/as a pressure relief device. In one embodiment, pressure relief device 64 is a spring valve that opens at a predetermined set pressure.

During steam generation, unless pressure is released, pressure will build up in the fluid delivery system 14. For example, when trigger 68 is depressed to dispense steam from steam dispenser 24, pressure is released. When trigger 68 or vapor valve 60 is not depressed and otherwise remains closed for a period of time, pressure will build up in fluid delivery system 14 as the liquid heats up and vapor is generated when heater 26 is activated. When the pressure within fluid delivery system 14 reaches a set pressure, pressure relief device 64 opens and cleaning fluid is circulated back to recovery tank 30 via bypass line 66, allowing the pressure to drain via recovery system 16. Once the pressure in fluid delivery system 14 drops below the set pressure, pressure relief device 64 closes, such as if trigger 68 is pressed to release cleaning fluid or if cleaner 10 is de-energized. The recovery tank 30 is fluidly coupled to the airflow generated by the vacuum motor 36 such that when the vacuum motor 36 is de-energized, the recovery tank 30 is vented to atmosphere through the vacuum motor exhaust.

The set pressure may be, for example, about 10PSI to about 30PSI, about 10PSI to about 20PSI, about 10PSI, about 11PSI, about 12PSI, about 13PSI, about 14PSI, about 15PSI, about 16PSI, about 17PSI, or about 18PSI, although it should be appreciated that the set pressure may vary depending on the design constraints of the portable extraction cleaner 10. In some embodiments, the first pressure relief device 64 may be configured to begin opening when a first predetermined set pressure is reached and then to fully open when a second predetermined set pressure greater than the first predetermined set pressure is reached. For example, the first pressure relief device 64 may be configured to begin opening when the pressure reaches approximately 10PSI and to fully open when the pressure reaches approximately 18 PSI.

The cleaner 10 can include a second pressure relief device 65 or a negative pressure relief device disposed in the vapor distribution path 56. The second pressure relief device 65 can be used alone or in combination with the first pressure relief device 64. The second pressure relief device 65 can be configured to open to the ambient environment at a predetermined set negative pressure. In addition to this function, the pressure relief device 65 is not particularly limited and may include any component and/or configuration suitable for use in/as a pressure relief device. In one embodiment, the second pressure relief device 65 is a spring valve that opens at a predetermined set pressure.

When the heater 26 cools (such as when the cleaner 10 is powered down or a user selects a mode that does not include steam), a negative pressure may be generated in the steam distribution path 56. The system may attempt to equalize the pressure by drawing liquid from the tank 14 into the vapor distribution path 56. This may result in liquid remaining in the vapor distribution path 56 during storage or between use conditions. This liquid remaining in the vapor dispensing path 56 may then be dispensed the next time the user depresses the trigger 68, which may be surprising and undesirable. Furthermore, liquid remaining in the vapor distribution path 56 during long storage periods may be undesirable. The second pressure relief device 65 can be configured to open to atmosphere at a predetermined set negative pressure (e.g., -1 PSI) to prevent or minimize the amount of liquid drawn from the tank 14 into the vapor distribution path 56 during cooling of the heater 26. Once the pressure in the vapor distribution path 56 rises above the set negative pressure, the pressure relief device 65 closes.

FIG. 4 is a top view of one embodiment of a user interface 46. The user interface 46 can have a power button 80 to activate and deactivate at least one electronic component of the extractor cleaner 10; and a mode selector selecting a cleaning mode. The mode selector includes a dial 82 surrounding the power button 80. The turntable 82 has a plurality of positions corresponding to different cleaning modes. In another embodiment, the user interface 46 can include a rotating dial selector that can be rotated by a user between a plurality of positions to select a cleaning mode and turn off the extraction cleaner. In yet another embodiment, the user interface 46 can include a separate button or switch that allows the user to select a particular cleaning mode, optionally with a separate power switch.

The extraction cleaner 10 can have a liquid/vapor cleaning mode, a liquid cleaning mode, and a vapor cleaning mode. Each location has an

icon

84, 86, 88 in the form of a graphic, symbol, text, or combination thereof that gives the user an indication of the cleaning mode corresponding to the location of the dial 82. For example, the location corresponding to the liquid/vapor cleaning mode has an icon 84 depicting a graphical form of vapor and liquid droplets, the location corresponding to the liquid cleaning mode has an icon 86 depicting a graphical form of liquid droplets, and the location corresponding to the vapor cleaning mode has an icon 88 depicting a graphical form of vapor.

The user interface 46 has at least one status indicator that communicates to the user the status or state of the extractor cleaning device 10, including but not limited to communicating the selected cleaning mode to the user. Non-limiting examples of status indicators include visual indicators, such as lights (e.g., LEDs), icon displays, text displays, graphic displays, and the like, or any combination thereof. The user interface 46 can also include an audible output component, such as a speaker. In fig. 4, the status indicator is an indicator light 90 carried by the dial 82. In operation, a user can select a desired cleaning mode by rotating the dial 82 until the indicator light 90 points to the

icon

84, 86, 88 associated with the desired cleaning mode.

The cleaning mode can have associated operating parameters for the heater 26, vacuum motor 36, liquid pump 50, and/or vapor pump 54 (fig. 2). Upon actuation of the power button 80 depending on the selected cleaning mode, the power cord 48 provides power from a power source (such as a household power source) to the electronics of the extractor cleaner 10. Alternatively, the extractor cleaning device 10 can be cordless and powered by a portable power source (such as a battery) upon actuation of the power button 80 depending on the cleaning mode selected. As mentioned above, in all cleaning modes, the release of cleaning fluid can be controlled by trigger 68. Alternatively, the release of cleaning liquid can be controlled by trigger 68 and the release of steam can be controlled by a separate steam controller. In some aspects, the vacuum motor 36 is activated in each of the selectable cleaning modes and remains activated in each cleaning mode regardless of whether the trigger 68 is depressed by the user.

Some non-limiting examples of operating parameters for the cleaning mode are listed in table 1 below, including whether the heater 26, vacuum motor 36, liquid pump 50, and vapor pump 54 are on or off. Other operating parameters for the cleaning mode and other cleaning modes are possible.

TABLE 1

Cleaning mode	Vacuum motor	Liquid pump	Steam pump	Heater
					Liquid/vapor	Opening device	Opening device	Opening device	Opening device
Liquid	Opening device	Opening device	Switch for closing	Switch for closing
					Steam generation	Opening device	Switch for closing	Opening device	Opening device

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic system for the portable extraction cleaner 10 of fig. 1-4. The power to the vacuum motor 36, the liquid pump 50, and the heater 26 is controlled by switches (e.g., micro-switches) 94, 96, 98, respectively. When the extractor cleaning device 10 is turned on, for example, by a user pressing the power button 80 (FIG. 4), the vacuum motor 36 is activated. Until one of the cleaning modes with liquid delivery is selected, the liquid pump 50 is activated. In other words, the liquid pump 50 is activated in the liquid/vapor cleaning mode and the liquid cleaning mode. Similarly, the heater 26 is activated until one of the cleaning modes with steam is selected. In other words, the heater 26 is turned on in the liquid/vapor cleaning mode and the vapor cleaning mode. Depending on the cleaning mode selected, the dial 82 (FIG. 4) rotates to select to selectively actuate the pump switch 96 and the heater switch 98. For example, the dial 82 can be coupled with a cam (not shown) that selectively closes the

micro-switches

96, 98 depending on the cleaning mode selected.

The power to the steam pump 54 is controlled by a first temperature switch 100 that controls when the steam pump 54 is energized to limit any unheated water from exiting the tool 22 at the beginning of the operation. The temperature switch 100 senses the temperature at the heater 26 and turns on the steam pump 54 at a predetermined minimum temperature. The minimum temperature can correspond to a minimum temperature at which steam is generated by the heater 26. When the minimum temperature is met or exceeded, the temperature switch 100 energizes the steam pump 54 to pressurize the steam distribution path 56 and deliver steam to the tool 22. In addition to this function, the temperature switch 100 is not particularly limited and may include any component and/or configuration suitable for use in/as a temperature switch. In one embodiment, the temperature switch 100 is a Normally Open (NO) thermostat on the heater 26. When the minimum temperature is reached or exceeded, the thermostat turns off and power is supplied to the steam pump 54.

The minimum temperature may be, for example, 165 ℃, but it should be appreciated that the minimum temperature may vary depending on the design constraints of the portable extraction cleaner 10 and the desired characteristics of the steam being dispensed. The minimum temperature may be set based on a desired minimum operating temperature of the heater 26 that will produce steam having a desired steam quality.

The extraction cleaner 10 can include an indicator light 102 to indicate to a user when the steam is ready and available for dispensing. The indicator light 102 can be energized via the first temperature switch 100. Indicator light 102 can include at least one light source behind a transparent or translucent cover and can be located on main housing 12, such as on partition 40 and/or on user interface 46, or on tool 22. Light can include any element or component capable of emitting light and can include, for example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) as shown herein. Other lamps include incandescent lamps such as halogen lamps, arc lamps, and gas discharge lamps (e.g., fluorescent).

The second temperature switch 104 shuts off power to the heater 26 at a predetermined maximum temperature to control or limit the temperature of the heater 26. The temperature switch 104 senses the temperature at the heater 26 and cuts off power to the heater 26 at a predetermined maximum temperature. The maximum temperature can be a temperature at which the heater 126 can operate within the design limits of the surrounding components of the extractor cleaner 10, and can also be above a threshold at which the heater 26 is not required to operate to produce the desired steam output for effective cleaning. When the maximum temperature is reached or exceeded, the temperature switch 104 cuts off power to the heater 26 to allow the heater 26 to cool. Once the temperature of the heater 26 drops below the maximum temperature, the temperature switch 104 supplies power to the heater 26 and the heater 26 is energized. In addition to this function, the temperature switch 104 is not particularly limited and may include any component and/or configuration suitable for use in/as a temperature switch. In one embodiment, the temperature switch 104 is a Normally Closed (NC) thermostat on the heater 26. When the maximum temperature is reached or exceeded, the thermostat opens and cuts off power to the heater 26. When the temperature of the heater 26 falls below the maximum temperature, the thermostat is closed and the heater 26 is energized.

The predetermined maximum temperature may be 180 ℃, for example, but it should be appreciated that the maximum temperature may vary depending on the design constraints of the portable extraction cleaner 10 and the desired characteristics of the steam being dispensed.

Fig. 6 shows a portable extraction cleaner 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein like elements are denoted by the same reference numerals as for the first embodiment. In a second embodiment, the pressure control device 92 shuts off power to the vapor pump 54 to control or limit the pressure in the fluid delivery system 14. The pressure control device 92 shuts off power to the steam pump 54 at a predetermined control pressure to prevent waste of excess cleaning fluid through the first pressure relief device 64. When the control pressure is reached or exceeded, the pressure control device 92 shuts off power to the steam pump 54 to prevent the cleaning fluid from flowing through the steam distribution path 56. Once the pressure drops below the control pressure, the pressure control device 92 powers the steam pump 54 and the steam pump 54 is energized. In addition to this function, the pressure control device 92 is not particularly limited, and may include any component and/or configuration suitable for use as a control device for a pump. In one embodiment, the pressure control device 92 is an electrical switch, such as a Normally Closed (NC) pressure switch.

The control pressure is preferably lower than the set pressure at which the pressure relief device 64 is open so that the pressure can be relieved first by turning off the steam pump 54 and not circulating fresh cleaning fluid into the recovery tank 30. If pressure continues to rise or pressure control device 92 fails, pressure relief device 64 acts as a backup. For example, the control pressure may be 4PSI, but it should be understood that the control pressure may vary depending on the design constraints of the portable extraction cleaner 10.

Fig. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of a user interface 106 for the extraction cleaner 10 of fig. 1. The user interface 106 includes a rotating dial selector 108 that can be rotated by a user between a plurality of positions to select a cleaning mode and turn off the extractor cleaning. Each location has

icons

110, 112, 114, 116 in the form of graphics, symbols, text, or a combination thereof that give the user an indication of the cleaning mode corresponding to the location of the dial selector 108. For example, an icon 110 in the form of the text "off" corresponds to the position where the extractor cleaning device is turned off, an icon 112 in the form of a graphic depicting a droplet and vapor corresponds to the position where the liquid/vapor cleaning mode is used, an icon 114 in the form of a graphic depicting a droplet corresponds to the position where the liquid cleaning mode is used, and an icon 116 in the form of a graphic depicting vapor corresponds to the position where the vapor cleaning mode is used. In fig. 7, the dial selector 108 is in the "off" position and pointing to the icon 110. To turn on the extraction cleaner 10 and select the desired cleaning mode, the user can rotate the dial selector 108 until it points to the

icon

112, 114, 116 associated with the desired cleaning mode.

Fig. 8 is another embodiment of an electronic system schematic for the portable extraction cleaner 10 of fig. 1. A single multi-position rotary switch 118 can provide different actuation states to the multiple circuits S1, S2, S3 for controlling the operation of the heater 26, vacuum motor 36, liquid pump 50, and vapor pump 54. The rotary switch 118 can, for example, comprise a 4-bit rotary switch 118 controlled by the dial selector 108 (fig. 7). The switches S1, S2, S3 are connected to a connector A, B providing an input signal indicative of the start-up state of the circuits S1, S2, S3 in order to provide four modes of operation with the three circuits S1, S2, S3. The liquid pump 50 is activated by circuit S1, the heater 26 and vapor pump 54 are activated by circuit S2, and the vacuum motor 36 is activated by circuit S3.

Table 2 provides a list of mode selection possibilities for the 4-bit rotary switch 118 with the circuits S1, S2, S3 in different start-up states.

TABLE 2

Switch position	S1	S2	S3
				Switch for closing	0	0	0
Liquid/vapor	1	1	1
				Liquid	1	0	1
Steam generation	0	1	1

When the extractor cleaning device 10 is turned on, the vacuum motor 36 is activated by the circuit S3, for example, by the user rotating the dial selector 108 (FIG. 7) until it points to the

icon

112, 114, 116 of the desired cleaning mode. Until one of the cleaning modes with liquid delivery is selected, the liquid pump 50 is activated. In other words, the circuit S1 activates the liquid pump 50 in the liquid/vapor cleaning mode and the liquid cleaning mode. The heater 26 is activated until one of the steam cleaning modes is selected. In other words, the circuit S2 turns on the heater 26 in the liquid/vapor cleaning mode and the vapor cleaning mode. The power to the steam pump 54 is controlled by the first temperature switch 100 as described for the embodiment of fig. 5, except for the second loop S2. Other components such as indicator light 102 and second temperature switch 104 also operate as described for the embodiment of fig. 5.

Although shown as being located on a portable device adapted to be held by a user for cleaning a relatively small area, in other embodiments the functional system of the surface cleaning device with vapor delivery can be arranged in other configurations, such as a tank device or commercial device having a base and upstanding means for guiding the base through a surface to be cleaned, a cleaning appliance connected to the wheeled base by a vacuum hose. Any of the foregoing cleaners can be adapted to incorporate a flexible vacuum hose that can form part of the working air conduit between the nozzle and the suction source.

Although the apparatus is shown as an extraction cleaner, in other embodiments, the surface cleaning device with vapor delivery can be an applicable surface cleaning device with vapor delivery capability but without extraction capability.

To the extent not described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments of the disclosure may be used in combination with one another as desired. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

The foregoing description relates to general and specific embodiments of the present disclosure. However, various substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which substitutions and changes are to be construed in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents. As such, the present disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the disclosure or as limiting the scope of the claims to the particular elements shown or described in connection with these embodiments. Any reference to an element in the singular, for example, using the articles "a," "an," "the," or "said" is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Likewise, it is also to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the expressions and specific combinations, compositions or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between specific embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any markush group used herein to describe particular features or aspects of various embodiments, different, specific and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each element of the corresponding markush group independently of all other markush elements. Each element of the markush group may be relied upon individually and/or in combination and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a handheld body adapted to be held by a user, the handheld body comprising:

a main housing;

a supply tank disposed on the main casing;

a liquid supply pump;

a steam supply pump; and

a heater;

a flexible hose mounted to the hand-held body and comprising a first conduit in fluid communication with the liquid supply pump and a second conduit in fluid communication with the vapor supply pump;

a hand-held cleaning tool mounted to an end of the hose and comprising a liquid dispenser delivering a liquid cleaning fluid and a vapor dispenser delivering vapor; and

A first pressure relief device is located in the supply path between the supply tank and the hose to limit the pressure in the supply path, the first pressure relief device being configured to open at a predetermined set pressure.

2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 including a vacuum motor mounted within the main housing and a recovery tank disposed on the main housing, wherein:

the flexible hose includes a third conduit in fluid communication with the recovery tank; and

the hand-held cleaning tool includes an extraction nozzle to recover soiled cleaning fluid from a surface to be cleaned.

3. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2 including a bypass line diverting cleaning fluid from the supply path to the recovery tank, wherein the first pressure relief device normally closes the bypass line, and wherein the first pressure relief device opens the bypass line at the predetermined set pressure.

4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first pressure relief device is fluidly downstream of the steam supply pump and fluidly upstream of the heater.

5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 including a check valve in a supply path between the supply tank and the steam supply pump to provide one-way flow of cleaning fluid from the supply tank to the steam supply pump.

6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 including a pressure control device to shut off power to the steam supply pump at a predetermined control pressure.

7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 6 wherein the pressure control device detects a pressure fluidly downstream of the steam supply pump and fluidly upstream of at least one of:

the heater; and

the first pressure relief device.

8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 6 wherein the predetermined control pressure is less than the predetermined set pressure.

9. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 6 wherein the pressure control device is a normally closed pressure switch.

10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 including a temperature switch controlling power to the steam supply pump, wherein the temperature switch senses the temperature at the heater and supplies power to the steam supply pump at a predetermined minimum temperature.

11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 including a temperature switch to cut off power to the heater at a predetermined temperature.

12. The surface cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 comprising:

A liquid distribution valve controlling the flow of cleaning liquid to the liquid distributor;

a steam distribution valve controlling a flow of steam to the steam distributor; and

and a trigger controlling the liquid dispensing valve and the vapor dispensing valve, wherein depressing the trigger opens both the liquid dispensing valve and the vapor dispensing valve.

13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 12 including a wand connecting the hand-held cleaning tool to the hose, wherein the trigger and the valve are located on the wand.

14. The surface cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 comprising a user interface on the main housing, the user interface comprising:

a power button to activate and deactivate at least one electronic component of the surface cleaning apparatus; and

and a mode selector selecting one of the plurality of cleaning modes.

15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 14 comprising:

a power supply;

a vacuum motor switch controlling power supply from the power source to a vacuum motor, wherein selection of the power button closes the vacuum motor switch to supply power to the vacuum motor;

A pump switch controlling the supply of power from the power source to the liquid supply pump, wherein selection of the power button selectively closes the pump switch to supply power to the liquid supply pump depending on the selected cleaning mode; and

a heater switch controlling the supply of power from the power source to the heater, wherein selection of the power button selectively closes the heater switch to supply power to the heater depending on the selected cleaning mode.

16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein:

the plurality of cleaning modes includes a liquid/vapor cleaning mode, a liquid cleaning mode, and a vapor cleaning mode;

in the liquid/vapor cleaning mode, selection of the power button closes the pump switch to power the liquid supply pump and closes the heater switch to power the heater;

in the liquid cleaning mode, selection of the power button closes the pump switch to power the liquid supply pump and does not close the heater switch; and

in the steam cleaning mode, selection of the power button closes the heater switch to power the heater and does not close the pump switch.

17. The surface cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the handheld body comprises:

a main housing comprising a base adapted to rest directly on a floor surface;

a partition extending upward from the base; and

a handle located on an upper portion of the partition;

wherein the supply tank is removably mounted to the main housing on a first side of the partition and the recovery tank is removably mounted to the main housing on a second side of the partition;

wherein the heater, the liquid supply pump and the vapor supply pump are positioned below the handle.

18. The surface cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 comprising a second pressure relief device in a portion of a supply path between the heater and the hand-held cleaning tool to limit pressure in the supply path, wherein the first pressure relief device is configured to open at a first set pressure and the second pressure relief device is configured to open at a second set pressure different from the first set pressure.

19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first pressure relief device opens under positive pressure and the second pressure relief device opens under negative pressure.

20. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 19 wherein the second pressure relief device opens to the ambient environment at a predetermined pressure.