US20230210333A1

US20230210333A1 - Surface cleaning apparatus with steam delivery

Info

Publication number: US20230210333A1
Application number: US18/080,945
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph D. Fordahl; Tom Minh Nguyen
Original assignee: Bissell Inc
Current assignee: Bissell Inc
Priority date: 2021-12-30
Filing date: 2022-12-14
Publication date: 2023-07-06
Also published as: AU2022287607A1; CA3185702A1; CN116369800A; EP4205622A1

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes steam delivery. The apparatus includes a hand-carried body adapted to be hand carried by a user, the hand-carried body having a main housing, a supply tank, and a heater. A flexible hose is mounted to the hand-carried body and a hand-held cleaning tool mounted to an end of the hose. The tool has a liquid distributor to deliver liquid cleaning fluid and a steam distributor to deliver steam. Various features for controlling the operation of electrical component of the extraction cleaner are disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/294,890, filed Dec. 30, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Extractors are well-known surface cleaning devices for deep cleaning carpets and other fabric surfaces, such as upholstery. Most extractors comprise a fluid delivery system and a fluid recovery system. The fluid delivery system typically includes one or more fluid supply tanks for storing a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid distributor for applying the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a fluid supply conduit for delivering the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank to the fluid distributor. The fluid recovery system usually comprises a recovery tank, a nozzle adjacent the surface to be cleaned and in fluid communication with the recovery tank through a conduit, and a source of suction in fluid communication with the conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the conduit to the recovery tank. Other wet cleaning apparatuses include steam cleaners that dispense steam, and spot cleaners that may dispense liquid and scrub the surface, but do not recover liquid.
Extractors and other wet cleaners can be adapted to be hand-carried by a user, and in some cases include a hose coupled with a tool carrying the fluid distributor and nozzle.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A surface cleaning apparatus with steam delivery is provided herein. In certain embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus is a portable extraction cleaner or portable deep cleaner adapted to be hand carried by a user to carpeted areas of cleaning relatively small areas, such as small rugs and upholstery. Steam delivery can be provided through a hand tool of the portable extraction cleaner.
According to one aspect of the disclosure, the apparatus includes a hand-carried body adapted to be hand carried by a user, the hand-carried body having a main housing, a supply tank, a liquid supply pump, a steam supply pump, and a heater, a flexible hose mounted to the hand-carried body, and a hand-held cleaning tool mounted to an end of the hose.
In one of its aspects, the apparatus has a first pressure relief device in a supply path between the supply tank and the hose to limit the pressure in the fluid path, the first pressure relief device configured to open at a predetermined set pressure.
In another of its aspects, the apparatus has a second pressure relief device in a supply path between the heater and the hose to limit the pressure in the fluid path, the second pressure relief device configured to open at a predetermined negative set pressure.
In another of its aspects, the apparatus has a pressure control device to cut off power to the steam supply pump at a predetermined control pressure.
In yet another of its aspects, the apparatus has a temperature switch to control power to the steam supply pump, wherein the temperature switch senses temperature at the heater and powers the steam supply pump at a predetermined minimum temperature.
In still another of its aspects, the apparatus has a temperature switch to cut off power to the heater at a predetermined temperature.
In a further aspect, the apparatus has a single trigger controlling liquid and steam dispensing.
In yet a further aspect, the apparatus has a user interface on the main housing, the user interface including a power button to activate and de-active at least one electrical component of the extraction cleaner, and a mode selector to select one of a plurality of cleaning modes, wherein the mode selector comprises a dial surrounding the power button. In some aspects, a vacuum motor remains actuated/on in each of the cleaning modes.
In still a further aspect, the apparatus has a recovery system including a vacuum motor mounted within the main housing and a recovery tank disposed on the main housing, and the hand-held cleaning tool comprises an extraction nozzle to recover soiled cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned.
The embodiments of a surface cleaning apparatus with steam disclosed herein enable a better cleaning experience. Selectively dispensing steam when and where it is needed provides 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 particular embodiments, when viewed in accordance with 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 to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are 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. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable extraction cleaner with steam dispensing according to a first embodiment of the invention;

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

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view showing a 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 from FIG. 1 ;

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

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

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

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

FIG. 9 is a cross-section 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 line for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure generally relates to a surface cleaning apparatus with steam 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 also extracts cleaning fluid and debris from the surface. Aspects of the disclosure described herein are further related to a portable extraction cleaner (e.g. a deep cleaner) that is adapted to be hand carried by a user to carpeted, upholstered, and other areas for cleaning relatively small areas.
FIGS. 1-2 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 hand-carried body including a main housing 12, a fluid delivery system 14 configured to store cleaning fluid and to deliver the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a fluid recovery system 16 configured to remove the fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and to store the recovered fluid and debris.
The fluid delivery system 14 can more particularly be a liquid/steam delivery system 14 configured to store cleaning fluid and to deliver the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned as liquid, steam, or both. As discussed in further detail below, the portable extraction cleaner 10 is provided with various features and improvements related to steam delivery, which are described in further detail below.
For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the exemplary extraction cleaner 10 as oriented in FIG. 1 , with the extraction cleaner 10 resting on a surface or being carried by the carry handle. However, it is to be understood that aspects of the present 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 easy-to-carry unit that can be transported by a user to different locations with surfaces to be cleaned. The extraction cleaner 10 is adapted to be hand carried by a user to carpeted areas for cleaning relatively small areas and extract cleaning fluid and debris from the surface. Additional, non-limiting examples of areas that can be cleaned include area rugs, upholstery, vehicle interiors, drapery, and mattresses.
The fluid delivery system 14 can include a supply tank 18 for storing a supply of cleaning fluid, a liquid distributor 20 provided on a hand-held cleaning tool 22, and a steam distributor 24 provided on a 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 produce steam.
The cleaning fluid stored by the supply tank 18 can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning liquids, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example, the fluid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent. The cleaning fluid can be stored in liquid form.
The supply tank 18 can be refillable, and can be formed of a transparent or tinted translucent material, which permits a user to view the contents thereof. The supply tank 18 can be removably mounted on the main housing 12.
The heater 26 preferably heats the cleaning fluid to about 100° C., where “about” includes ±10° C. This temperature may be the temperature at the steam distributor 24. Since some heat loss between the outlet of the heater 26 and the steam distributor 24 is possible, the setpoint of the heater 26 may be higher. One non-limiting example of a setpoint for the heater 26 is from about 165 to about 180° C. Some non-limiting examples of a suitable heater 26 include, but are not limited to, a flash heater, a boiler, an immersion heater, and a flow-through steam generator.
The heater 26 may produce steam. As used herein, the term “steam” includes a liquid, such as but not limited to water or solutions containing water (like water mixed with a cleaning chemistry, fragrance, etc.), at least partially converted to a gas or vapor phase. The liquid can be boiled or otherwise converted to the gas or vapor phase by heating or mechanical action like nebulizing. In other embodiments, the heater 26 produces heated cleaning fluid in a mixture of vapor phase and liquid phase. It is also understood that, regardless of the phase of cleaning fluid output by the heater 26, the phase composition of the cleaning fluid may change between the heater 26 and the steam 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 steam distributor 24 may be less than the temperature of cleaning fluid output by the heater 26. For example, the heater 26 may have a setpoint in the range of about 165 to about 180° C., however, the fluid dispensed by the steal distributor 24 (after traveling along about 6 foot of tubing between an outlet of the heater 26 and the steam distributor 24) may comprise a mixture of vapor and liquid droplets having a temperature of less than about 100° C. For example, the mixture of vapor and liquid droplets dispensed by the steam distributor 24 can have a temperature in a range of from about 90° C. to about 100° C., about 90° C. to about 99° C., about 90° C. to about 98° C., about 90° C. to about 97° C., about 90° C. to about 96° C., about 90° C. to about 95° C., about 90° C. to about 94° C., about 94° C. to about 100° C., about 94° C. to about 99° C., about 94° C. to about 98° C., about 94° C. to about 97° C., about 94° C. to about 96° C., about 94° C. to about 95° C., about 95° C. to about 100° C., about 95° C. to about 99° C., about 95° C. to about 98° C., about 95° C. to about 97° C., about 95° C. to about 96° C., about 96° C. to about 100° C., about 96° C. to about 99° C., about 96° C. to about 98° C., about 96° C. to about 97° C., about 97° C. to about 100° C., about 97° C. to about 99° C., about 97° C. to about 98° C., about 98° C. to about 100° C., about 98° C. to about 99° C., or about 99° C. to about 100° C. Without being limited by any theory, the difference in temperature of the fluid exiting the heater 26 and the fluid dispensed from the steam distributor 24 may be due at least in part to loss of heat to the surrounding environment as the fluid travels between heater 26 and the steam distributor.
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 to be used on the surface to be cleaned, a recovery tank 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 include an air/liquid separator (not shown) that includes a stack for guiding air and liquid through the recovery tank 30 and a float for selectively closing the extraction path through the recovery tank 30. Examples of suitable air/liquid separators are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,226, issued Jul. 11, 2006, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,615,703, issued Apr. 11, 2017, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other air/liquid separators are possible. The recovery tank 30 can be formed of a transparent or tinted translucent material, which permits a user to view the contents thereof. The recovery tank 30 can be removably mounted on the main housing 12.
The fluid recovery system 16 further 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 airflow to draw liquid and entrained debris through the extraction path. The suction source 34 can be provided fluidly downstream of the recovery tank 30, although other extraction paths are possible.
Various arrangements for the housing 12 and tanks 18, 30 are possible. In one arrangement, the main housing 12 can include a carry handle 42 to form an easy-to-carry unit with the supply and recovery tanks 18, 30 that can be transported by a user to different locations with surfaces 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 upwardly from the base 38, between the supply and recovery tanks 18, 30. The partition 40 can comprise an enclosure housing one or more components of the extraction cleaner 10, such as the heater 26 and the suction source 34.
The base 38 can comprise a housing with a flat bottom that is adapted to rest directly on a surface, such as a horizontal surface or floor surface. Conveniently, the carry handle 42 can be provided opposite the flat bottom so that a user can easily pick up the extraction cleaner 10.
In FIG. 1 , the hand-held tool 22 and hose 32 are shown in a use or operational position. The hand-held 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 tool 22 for scrubbing the surface to be cleaned. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the brush 44 can comprise a plurality of bristles. The bristles can be bundled together in tufts to provide the desired stiffness and durability for agitation. Other agitators for the tool 22 are possible.
A user interface 46 through which the user can provide inputs to control the extraction cleaner 10, including the systems or components thereof, is provided on the cleaner 10. As described in further detail below, the user interface 46 accept inputs to control the supply of power from a power source of the extraction cleaner 10 to one or more electrical components of the extraction cleaner 10. The power source of the extraction cleaner 10 can, for example, comprise a power cord 48 or a battery onboard the extraction cleaner 10. The user interface 46 is shown herein as provided adjacent the carry handle 42. Other configurations for the user interface 46 are possible.
Various other components and combinations of components can be incorporated into the fluid delivery system 14, such as pumps, valves, and/or fluid control features, as well as suitable conduits or tubing fluidly connecting the components of the fluid delivery system 14 together to effect the supply of cleaning fluid from the supply tank 18 to the distributors 20, 24.
In one embodiment, the fluid delivery system 14 includes a flow control system for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply tank 18 to the distributors 20, 24. In one configuration, the flow control system can comprise a liquid supply pump 50 which pressurizes a liquid dispensing path 52 of the system 14 and controls the delivery of cleaning fluid to the liquid distributor 20, and a steam supply pump 54 which pressurizes a steam dispensing path 56 of the system 14 and controls the delivery of steam to the steam distributor 24. The pumps 50, 54 can be a solenoid pump, a centrifugal pump, or the like. While separate pumps 50, 54 are illustrated for supplying fluid to the distributors 20, 24, respectively, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for a single, split, or multi-stage pump to be utilized to supply fluid to the distributors 20, 24.
In some embodiments, the liquid pump 50 delivers cleaning fluid at a higher flow rate than the steam pump 54. In one non-limiting example, the liquid pump 50 delivers cleaning liquid at a flow rate of about 400 mL/min measured at the liquid distributor 20 and the steam pump 54 delivers steam at a flow rate of about 40 mL/min measured at the steam distributor 24. In other embodiments, the pumps 50, 54 can have multiple speeds and/or flow rates so that a flow rate of cleaning fluid out of the distributors 20, 24 can be varied.
The paths 52, 56 can include one or more ducts, tubing, hoses, etc. fluidly coupling the components of the fluid delivery system 14 together. As shown in FIG. 2 , portions of the suction conduit 33, the liquid dispensing path 52, and the steam dispensing path 56 can be defined by the hose assembly 32 and the tool 22. For example, the paths 52, 56 can include separate liquid and steam conduits routed through the hose assembly 32, such as inside the suction conduit 33 used for extraction. In another embodiment, one or both of the liquid and steam conduits can be routed along an exterior of the suction conduit 33. Suitable air, liquid, and steam connectors (not shown) can be provided at either end of the hose assembly 32 for connection with the fluid supply and recovery components of the main housing 12 and the tool 22.
The dispensing of cleaning fluid by the tool 22 may be controlled by the user. For example, the extraction cleaner 10 can include dispensing valves 58, 60 that control the flow of cleaning fluid through the distributors, respectively to the distributors 20, 24, with the distributors 20, 24 configured to distribute cleaning fluid upon opening of the dispensing valves 58, 60. Aside from this function, the dispensing valves 58, are not particularly limited, and may comprise any components and/or configurations suitable for use in/as a dispensing valve. The dispensing valves 58, 60 can, for example, be disposed on the hand-held cleaning tool 22 or on a wand connecting the cleaning tool 22 to the hose 32 and may be associated with appropriate user controls for operating the valves 58, 60.
The distributors 20, 24 can comprise any structure, such as a nozzle, a spray tip, or a manifold, and can comprise one or multiple outlets for cleaning fluid. In one non-limiting example, the liquid distributor 20 is a spray tip configured to distribute cleaning fluid upon opening of the valve 58 and the steam distributor 24 is a spray tip configured to distribute cleaning fluid upon opening of the valve 60. Referring to FIG. 1 , the steam distributor 24 is shown located on an underside of the tool 22 adjacent the liquid distributor 20. In this location, the steam distributor 24 is located behind the extraction nozzle 28 and the brush 44, so that steam dispensed from the distributor 24 can be viewed by the user and does not get suctioned into the nozzle 28 before reaching the surface to be cleaned. In another embodiment, the steam distributor 24 can be a manifold located behind the inlet of the extraction nozzle 28 and in front of the brush 44.
The tool 22 can comprise at least one dispensing control operably connected to one of the valves 58, 60 to affect and control opening and closing of the valves 58, 60. Non-limiting examples of a dispensing control include a trigger, button, toggle, key, switch, or the like, or any combination thereof.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 , the release of cleaning fluid can be controlled by a trigger 68. The trigger 68 can operate both valves 58, 60, where 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 wand 70 connecting the tool 22 to the hose 32.
In one embodiment, the trigger 68 operates a dual-stem valve body 72 coupled with a valve head 74 for the liquid valve 58 and a valve head 76 for the steam valve 60, where the valve heads 74, 76 can open or close the dispensing paths 52, 56 to the distributors 20, 24. The trigger 68 and valve body 72 are biased outwardly from the tool 22 or wand 70 by at least one, and optionally more than one, spring 78 to a position where the valve heads 74, 74 block, plug, or otherwise close the dispensing paths 52, 56 to the distributors 20, 24. In FIG. 3 , the trigger 68 is undepressed and the valves 58, 60 are closed, with the valve heads 74, 74 closing off an upstream portion of the dispensing paths 52U, 56U from a downstream portion of the dispensing paths 52D, 56D. Depression of the trigger 68 forces the valve body 72 to move, against the bias of the spring or springs 78, and the valve heads 74, 76 to unlock, unplug, or otherwise open the dispensing paths 52, 56 to the distributors 20, 24.
The dual-stem valve body 72 can include integrally-formed stems 75, 77, each supporting or coupled with one of the valve heads 74, 76, such that the entire valve body 72 moves as one by depression of the trigger 68 or under the biasing force of the spring or springs 78.
Referring to FIGS. 9-10 , in an alternative embodiment, the trigger 68 operates individual valve bodies 120, 122 for the liquid valve 58 and steam valve 60, respectively. The trigger 68 may still operate both valves 58, 60, and may be operable under decreased force in comparison to the dual-stem configuration.
The liquid valve body 120 can include a valve stem 124 supporting or coupled with a valve head 126, and biased by a spring 128 to a position where the valve head 126 blocks, plugs, or otherwise closes the dispensing path 52 to the liquid distributor 20 (FIG. 2 ).
The steam valve body 122 can include a valve stem 130 supporting or coupled with a valve head 132, and biased by a spring 134 to a position where the valve head 132 blocks, plugs, or otherwise closes the dispensing path 54 to the steam distributor 24 (FIG. 2 ).
In FIG. 9 , the trigger 68 is undepressed and the valves 58, 60 are closed. Depression of the trigger 68 forces the valve bodies 120, 122 to move, against the bias of the springs 128, 134, and the valve heads 126, 132 to unlock, unplug, or otherwise open the dispensing paths 52, 56 to the distributors 20, 24.
The valve heads 126, 132 and/or the trigger 68 may have anti-rotation features to prevent rotation of either stem 124, 130 that could block flow internal to the valves 58, 60. The valve heads 126, 132 may, for example, align with ribs 136 on an inner surface of the trigger 68 to prevent rotation. Additionally or alternatively, the valve heads 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.
Referring to FIGS. 1-2 , as described in further detail below, in some embodiments, release of liquid and/or steam upon depression of the trigger 68 can be mode-dependent. In other words, depending on a selected cleaning mode of the extraction cleaner 10, depression of the trigger 68 may or may not release liquid to the liquid distributor 20 and may or may not release steam to the steam distributor 24. In some aspects, the vacuum motor remains actuated/on in each of the selectable cleaning modes, such that suction remains actuated both when the trigger 68 is depressed and also when it is not depressed.
In yet another embodiment, a separate steam dispensing control (not shown) selectively operates the steam valve 60 to control steam dispensing, while the trigger 68 selectively operates the liquid valve 58 to control liquid dispensing. A user may operate both controls at the same time for simultaneous liquid and steam dispensing.
Referring to FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, an optional check valve 62 in the fluid path between the supply tank 18 and the steam supply pump 54 provides unidirectional flow of fluid through the path 56, i.e., preventing backflow into the tank 18. When present, the check valve 62 is configured for unidirectional flow into or through the steam supply pump 54 (e.g. in one direction from the tank 18 to the pump 54). Aside from this function, the check valve 62 is not particularly limited, and may comprise any components and/or configurations suitable for use in/as a check valve. In some aspects, when present, the check valve 62 may inhibit forward flow of liquid from the supply tank 18 in the event of negative pressure in the fluid path 56 as the heater 26 cools. This may inhibit and/or minimize creepage of liquid from the supply tank 18 through the path 56 when the heater 26 is de-activated after use. The creepage of liquid from the supply tank 18 after de-activation of the heater 26 may result in liquid remaining in the path 56 such that the next time the user activated the cleaner 10 in a mode that includes steam, this liquid remaining in the path 56 from the previous use would be dispensed in front of the steam, which may be undesirable to the user.
A first or positive pressure relief device 64 in the fluid path between the supply tank 18 and the hose 32 controls or limits the pressure in the fluid delivery system 14. The first pressure relief device 64 opens at a predetermined set positive pressure to protect the fluid delivery system 14 from being subjected to high pressures that exceed their design criteria. When the set pressure is met or exceeded, the pressure relief device 64 diverts cleaning fluid through a bypass line 66 to the recovery tank 30. Aside from this function, the pressure relief device 64 is not particularly limited, and may comprise any components and/or configurations suitable for use in/as a pressure relief. In one embodiment, the pressure relief device 64 is a spring valve that opens at a predetermined set pressure.
During steam generation, pressure will build in the fluid delivery system 14 unless the pressure is released. Pressure is released, for example, when the trigger 68 is depressed to dispense steam from the steam distributor 24. When the trigger 68 is not pressed or the steam valve 60 otherwise remains closed for a period of time, when the heater 26 is activated, pressure will build in the in the fluid delivery system 14 as liquid is heated and steam is generated. When the pressure in the fluid delivery system 14 reaches the set pressure, the pressure relief device 64 opens, and cleaning fluid circulates back to the recovery tank 30 via the bypass line 66, allowing pressure to vent via the recovery system 16. Once pressure in the fluid delivery system 14 drops below the set pressure, such as may occur if the trigger 68 is pressed to release cleaning fluid or if the cleaner 10 is powered off, the pressure relief device 64 closes. The recovery tank 30 is fluidly coupled with the airflow generated by the vacuum motor 36 such that the recovery tank 30 vents to atmosphere by way of the vacuum motor exhaust when the vacuum motor 36 is powered off.
The set pressure may be, for example, about 10 PSI to about 30 PSI, about 10 PSU to about 20 PSI, about 10 PSI, about 11 PSI, about 12 PSI, about 13 PSI, about 14 PSI, about 15 PSI, about 16 PSI, about 17 PSI, or about 18 PSI, although it is understood that the set pressure may vary depending on the design limits of the portable extraction cleaner 10. In some embodiments, the first pressure relief device 64 can be configured to begin opening when a first predetermined set pressure is reached and then fully open when a second predetermined set pressure, greater than the first, is reached. For example, the first pressure relief device 64 can be configured to begin to open when the pressure reaches about 10 PSI and fully open when the pressure reaches about 18 PSI.
The cleaner 10 can include a second or negative pressure relief device 65 provided in the steam dispensing 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. Aside from this function, the pressure relief device 65 is not particularly limited, and may comprise any components and/or configurations suitable for use in/as a pressure relief. In one embodiment, the second pressure relief device 65 is a spring valve that opens at a predetermined set pressure.
As the heater 26 cools (such as when the cleaner 10 is powered off or the user selects a mode that does not include steam), a negative pressure may be generated in the steam dispensing path 56. The system may attempt to equalize this pressure by drawing liquid from the tank 14 into the steam dispensing path 56. This may result in liquid remaining in the steam dispensing path 56 during storage or in between use conditions. This liquid remaining in the steam dispensing path 56 may then be dispensed the next time the user depresses the trigger 68, which may be surprising and undesirable. In addition, liquid remaining in the steam dispensing path 56 during long storage periods may not be desirable. 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 into the steam dispensing path 56 from the tank 14 during cooling of the heater 26. Once pressure in the steam dispensing path 56 rises above the set negative pressure, the pressure relief device 65 closes.
FIG. 4 is a top view of one embodiment of the user interface 46. The user interface 46 can have a power button 80 to activate and de-active at least one electrical component of the extraction cleaner 10 and a mode selector to select a cleaning mode. The mode selector comprises a dial 82 surrounding the power button 80. The dial 82 has multiple positions corresponding to different cleaning modes. In another embodiment, the user interface 46 can include a rotary dial selector that can be rotated by a user between multiple positions to select a cleaning mode and to turn the extraction cleaner off. In yet another embodiment, the user interface 46 can include individual buttons or switches that allow a user to select a particular cleaning mode, optionally with a separate power switch.
The extraction cleaner 10 can have a liquid/steam cleaning mode, a liquid cleaning mode, and a steam cleaning mode. Each position has an icon 84, 86, 88 in the form of a graphic, symbol, word, or a combination thereof that gives the user an indication of the cleaning mode corresponding to that position of the dial 82. For example, the position corresponding to the liquid/steam cleaning mode has an icon 84 in the form of a graphic depicting a drop of liquid and steam, the position corresponding to the liquid cleaning mode has an icon 86 in the form of a graphic depicting a drop of liquid, and the position corresponding to the steam cleaning mode has an icon 88 in the form of a graphic depicting steam.
The user interface 46 has at least one status indicator that communicates a condition or status of the extraction cleaner 10 to the user, 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, textual displays, graphical displays, or the like, or any combination thereof. The user interface 46 can also include an auditory 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 turning the dial 82 until the indicator light 90 points to the icon 84, 86, 88 associated with the desired cleaning mode.
The cleaning modes can have associated operating parameters for the heater 26, vacuum motor 36, liquid pump 50, and/or steam pump 54 (FIG. 2 ). The power cord 48 provides power to the electrical components of the extraction cleaner 10 from a source of power, such as a home power supply, upon actuation of the power button 80 dependent on the selected cleaning mode. Alternatively, the extraction cleaner 10 can be cordless and powered by a portable power supply, such as a battery, upon actuation of the power button 80 dependent on the selected cleaning mode. As noted above, in all cleaning modes, the release of cleaning fluid can be controlled by the trigger 68. Alternatively, release of cleaning liquid can be controlled by the trigger 68 and release of steam can be controlled by a separate steam control. 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 or not the trigger 68 is depressed by the user.
Table 1 below lists some non-limiting examples of operating parameters for the cleaning modes, including whether the heater 26, vacuum motor 36, liquid pump 50, and steam pump 54 are on or off. Other operating parameters for the cleaning modes and other cleaning modes are possible.

TABLE 1

Cleaning Mode	Vacuum Motor	Liquid Pump	Steam Pump	Heater

Liquid/Steam	ON	ON	ON	ON
Liquid	ON	ON	OFF	OFF
Steam	ON	OFF	ON	ON

FIG. 5 is an electrical system schematic for the portable extraction cleaner 10 of FIG. 1-4 . Power to the vacuum motor 36, liquid pump 50 and heater 26 are controlled by switches (e.g., microswitches) 94, 96, 98, respectively. When the extraction cleaner 10 turns on, e.g. by a user pressing the power button 80 (FIG. 4 ), the vacuum motor 36 is activated. The liquid pump 50 is not activated until one of the cleaning modes with liquid delivery is selected. In other words, the liquid pump 50 turns on in the liquid/steam cleaning mode and in the liquid cleaning mode. Similarly, the heater 26 is not activated until one of the cleaning modes with steam is selected. In other words, the heater 26 turns on in the liquid/steam cleaning mode and in the steam cleaning mode. Rotation of the dial 82 (FIG. 4 ) to select a cleaning mode selectively actuates the pump switch 96 and the heater switch 98, dependent on the selected cleaning mode. For example, the dial 82 can be coupled with a cam (not shown) that selectively closes the microswitches 96, 98 dependent on the selected cleaning mode.
Power to the steam pump 54 is controlled by a first temperature switch 100 that controls when the steam pump 54 energizes to limit any unheated water from coming out of the tool 22 at the beginning of operation. The temperature switch 100 senses temperature at the heater 26 and turns the steam pump 54 on at a predetermined minimum temperature. The minimum temperature can correspond to a minimum temperature at which steam is produced by the heater 26. When the minimum temperature is met or exceeded, the temperature switch 100 powers the steam pump 54 to pressurize the steam dispensing path 56 and deliver steam to the tool 22. Aside from this function, the temperature switch 100 is not particularly limited, and may comprise any components and/or configurations 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 met or exceeded, the thermostat closes and powers the steam pump 54.
The minimum temperature may be, for example, 165° C., although it is understood that the minimum temperature may vary depending on the design limits of the portable extraction cleaner 10 and the desired characteristics of the dispensed steam. The minimum temperature may be set based on an expected minimum operating temperature for the heater 26 that will produce steam with a desired stream quality.
The extraction cleaner 10 can include an indicator light 102 to indicate to the user when steam is ready and available for dispensing. This indicator light 102 can be energized by the first temperature switch 100. The indicator light 102 can comprise at least one light source behind a transparent or translucent cover, and may be located on the main housing 12, such as on the partition 40 and/or on the user interface 46, or on the tool 22. The light can comprise any element or assembly capable of emitting light, and can, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) as shown herein. Other lights include incandescent lamps, e.g. halogen, arc lamps, and gas-discharge lamps, e.g. fluorescent.
A second temperature switch 104 cuts 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 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 may operate within the design limits of the surrounding components of the extraction cleaner 10, and may also be a threshold above which heater 26 need not operated to produce a desired steam output for effective cleaning. When the maximum temperature is met 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. Aside from this function, the temperature switch 104 is not particularly limited, and may comprise any components and/or configurations 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 met or exceeded, the thermostat opens and cuts off power to the heater 26. When the temperature of the heater 26 drops below the maximum temperature, the thermostat closes and the heater 26 is energized.
The predetermined maximum temperature may be, for example, 180° C., although it is understood that the maximum temperature may vary depending on the design limits of the portable extraction cleaner 10 and the desired characteristics of the dispensed steam.
FIG. 6 shows a portable extraction cleaner 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which like elements are referred to with the same referenced numerals used for the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, a pressure control device 92 cuts off power to the steam pump 54 to control or limit the pressure in the fluid delivery system 14. The pressure control device 92 cuts off power to the steam pump 54 at a predetermined control pressure to prevent excessive cleaning fluid from being wasted through the first pressure relief device 64. When the control pressure is met or exceeded, the pressure control device 92 cuts off power to the steam pump 54 to stop cleaning fluid from flowing through the steam dispensing path 56. Once the pressure drops below the control pressure, the pressure control device 92 supplies power to the steam pump 54 and the steam pump 54 is energized. Aside from this function, the pressure control device 92 is not particularly limited, and may comprise any components and/or configurations suitable for use in/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 opens, so that the pressure can first be alleviated by turning off the steam pump 54 and not circulating fresh cleaning fluid into the recovery tank 30. If pressure continues to rise or the pressure control device 92 fails, the pressure relief device 64 acts as a backup. The control pressure may be, for example, 4 PSI, although it is understood that the control pressure may vary depending on the design limits 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 included a rotary dial selector 108 that can be rotated by a user between multiple positions to select a cleaning mode and to turn the extraction cleaner off. Each position has an icon 110, 112, 114, 116 in the form of a graphic, symbol, word, or a combination thereof that gives the user an indication of the cleaning mode corresponding to that position of the dial selector 108. For example, the position corresponding to turning the extraction cleaner off has an icon 110 in the form of the word “OFF”, the position corresponding to the liquid/steam cleaning mode has an icon 112 in the form of a graphic depicting a drop of liquid and steam, the position corresponding to the liquid cleaning mode has an icon 114 in the form of a graphic depicting a drop of liquid, and the position corresponding to the steam cleaning mode has an icon 116 in the form of a graphic depicting steam. In FIG. 7 , the dial selector 108 is in the “OFF” position and points to icon 110. To turn the extraction cleaner 10 on and select a desired cleaning mode, a user can turn 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 electrical system schematic for the portable extraction cleaner 10 of FIG. 1 . A single multi-position rotary switch 118 can provide different actuation states for multiple circuits S1, S2, S3 for controlling operation of the heater 26, vacuum motor 36, liquid pump 50, and steam pump 54. The rotary switch 118 can, for example, comprise a 4-position rotary switch 118 controlled by the dial selector 108 (FIG. 7 ). The switches S1, S2, S3 are connected to connectors A, B which provide input signals indicative of the activation state of circuits S1, S2, S3 in order to provide four modes of operation utilizing the three circuits S1, S2, S3. The liquid pump 50 is activated by circuit S1, the heater 26 and steam pump 54 are activated by circuit S2, and the vacuum motor 36 is activated by circuit S3.
Table 2 provides a list of the mode selection possibilities of the 4-position rotary switch 118 with circuits S1, S2, S3 in the different activation states.

TABLE 2

Switch Position	S1	S2	S3

OFF
0	0	0
Liquid/Steam	1	1	1
Liquid	1	0	1
Steam	0	1	1

When the extraction cleaner 10 turns on, e.g. by a user rotating the dial selector 108 (FIG. 7 ) until it points to the icon 112, 114, 116 of the desired cleaning mode, the vacuum motor 36 is activated by circuit S3. The liquid pump 50 is not activated until one of the cleaning modes with liquid delivery is selected. In other words, circuit S1 turns the liquid pump 50 on in the liquid/steam cleaning mode and in the liquid cleaning mode. The heater 26 is not activated until one of the cleaning modes with steam is selected. In other words, the circuit S2 turns the heater 26 on in the liquid/steam cleaning mode and in the steam cleaning mode. In addition to the second circuit S2, power to the steam pump 54 is controlled by first temperature switch 100 as described for the embodiment of FIG. 5 . Other components such as the indicator light 102 and second temperature switch 104 also operate as described for the embodiment of FIG. 5 .
While shown on a portable device adapted to be hand carried by a user for cleaning relatively small areas, in other embodiments the functional systems of the surface cleaning apparatus with steam delivery can be arranged into other configurations, such as an upright device having a base and an upright body for directing the base across the surface to be cleaned, a canister device having a cleaning implement connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose, or a commercial device. Any of the aforementioned cleaners can be adapted to include a flexible vacuum hose, which can form a portion of the working air conduit between a nozzle and the suction source.
While the device is illustrated as an extraction cleaner, in other embodiments the surface cleaning apparatus with steam delivery can be may be applicable surface cleaning apparatus which have steam delivery capability but not extraction capabilities.
To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in combination with each other as desired. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described.
The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of the disclosure. However, various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. As such, this disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the disclosure or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. Any reference to elements 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 express and particular compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between particular embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of various embodiments, different, special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a hand-carried body adapted to be hand carried by a user, the hand-carried body comprising:

a main housing;

a supply tank disposed on the main housing;

a liquid supply pump;

a steam supply pump; and

a heater;

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

a hand-held cleaning tool mounted to an end of the hose and comprising a liquid distributor to deliver liquid cleaning fluid and a steam distributor to deliver steam; and

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

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

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

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

3. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2, comprising 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, comprising a check valve in a supply path between the supply tank and the steam supply pump to provide unidirectional flow of cleaning fluid from the supply tank to the steam supply pump.

6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, comprising a pressure control device to cut 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 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, comprising a temperature switch to control power to the steam supply pump, wherein the temperature switch senses temperature at the heater and powers the steam supply pump at a predetermined minimum temperature.

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

12. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, comprising:

a liquid dispensing valve to control the flow of cleaning liquid to the liquid distributor;

a steam dispensing valve to control the flow of steam to the steam distributor; and

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

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

14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, comprising a user interface on the main housing, the user interface comprising:

a power button to activate and de-active at least one electrical component of the surface cleaning apparatus; and

a mode selector to select one of a plurality of cleaning modes.

15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 14, comprising:

a power source;

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

a pump switch to control a supply of power from the power source to the liquid supply pump, wherein selection of the power button selectively closes the pump switch to power the liquid supply pump dependent on the selected cleaning mode; and

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

16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15, wherein:

the plurality of cleaning modes comprise a liquid/steam cleaning mode, a liquid cleaning mode, and a steam cleaning mode;

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

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

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

17. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hand-carried body comprises:

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

a partition extending upwardly from the base; and

a carry handle 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 a 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 steam supply pump are positioned below the carry handle.

18. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, comprising a second pressure relief device in a portion of the supply path between the heater and the hand-held cleaning tool to limit the 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 than the first set pressure.

19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first pressure relief device opens at a positive pressure and the second pressure relief device opens at a 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.