WO2023099907A1

WO2023099907A1 - Separator for a carpet cleaning device

Info

Publication number: WO2023099907A1
Application number: PCT/GB2022/053063
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jose CASELLA
Original assignee: Techtronic Cordless Gp; Ashton, Tim
Priority date: 2021-12-03
Filing date: 2022-12-02
Publication date: 2023-06-08

Abstract

A recovery tank (22, 122) and separator (100) for a carpet cleaning device of the type having a motor (30) generating a flow of air through the device on a flow path between a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, the separator being positioned on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor, and separator (100) providing: a cyclone housing providing a cyclone chamber (106) formed between an outer wall and an inner wall; an inlet formed in the outer wall for receiving a flow of fluid comprising a mixture of air with dirty liquid recovered from a carpet, into the cyclone housing; a dirt outlet (120) formed in a lower portion of the outer wall from which dirty liquid separated from a swirling flow of fluid within the cyclone chamber leaves the cyclone housing; and an outlet arrangement (38) provided by one or more openings formed in the inner wall, through which air is drawn from the cyclone chamber into an outlet passage.

Description

SEPARATOR FOR A CARPET CLEANING DEVICE

FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements to surface cleaning devices. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to features of carpet washing devices, and to the separators and recovery tanks used in such devices.

Carpet washing devices dispense cleaning fluids onto a carpet surface and scrub the carpet so as to loosen dirt engrained in the carpet. The dirt is subsequently recovered from the carpet by applying suction to a floor head of the cleaner to draw air, with entrained dirt (and typically with a portion of the dispensed fluid), into the body of the cleaner.

This recovered dirt is separated from the air flow within the body of the cleaner, and cleaned air is subsequently exhausted from the cleaner; the dirt remaining within a recovery tank within the body of the cleaner. A motor is provided within the body of the cleaner, on a flow path between the suction inlet of the floor head, and an exhaust outlet. The recovery tank is located on the flow path between the floor head and the motor.

The present invention provides a recovery tank and separator arrangement as claimed in Claim 1. The present invention also provides preferred embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.

In general, the described inventions provide a more efficient carpet washing device, achieving an improved cleaning efficiency. In this sense, the cleaner has the benefit of reducing the energy usage required for cleaning.

Specifically, the provision of an enclosed cyclonic separator, of the ‘throw-off’ style of separators, in a wet cleaning device such as a carpet washer, provides a particularly efficient mechanism for separating dirty liquid from the air flow.

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a suction cleaner embodying the present disclosure;

FIGURE 2 is a side view of the cleaner of FIGURE 1 ;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the floor head of the cleaner of FIGURE 1 ;

FIGURE 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the floor head and a lower part of a body of the cleaner of FIGURE 1 ;

FIGURE 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the body, and a motor housing, of the cleaner of FIGURE 1 ;

FIGURES 6A and 6B are side cross-sectional views of the motor housing of the cleaner of FIGURE 1 in upright and inclined configurations;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the body of a cleaner embodying the present disclosure;

FIGURE 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a recovery tank of a cleaner embodying the present disclosure;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective side cross-sectional view of the recovery tank of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the recovery tank of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of a separator assembly of the recovery tank of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 12 is a plan view of the separator assembly of FIGURE 11 ;

FIGURE 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the outlet of the separator assembly of FIGURE 11 ;

FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of an alternative separator assembly of a cleaner embodying the present invention;

FIGURE 15 is a plan view of the alternative separator assembly of FIGURE 14;

FIGURES 16A and 16B are perspective side cross-sectional views of the recovery tank of FIGURE 8, illustrating a closure member in respective open and closed configurations;

FIGURE 17 is a side cross-sectional view of a recovery tank of an alternative embodiment of a suction cleaner embodying the present disclosure;

FIGURES 18A and 18B are side cross-sectional views of a portion of a recovery tank of an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a closure member in respective open and closed configurations; and

FIGURES 19 and 20 are perspective views of lids for recovery tanks, connected to respective separator assemblies of embodiments of the present disclosure.

With reference to Figures 1 to 20, we describe a surface cleaning device according to embodiments of the disclosure. The surface cleaning device 10 includes a floor head 12 forming a suction inlet 14, and provides multiple ground-engaging rollers 16 (e.g. wheels) configured to support the device on a floor surface (i.e. on a plane A defined by the floor surface). The device 10 provides a body 18 that is mounted pivotably relative to the floor head 12, and provides a handle 20 graspable by a user to manoeuvre the device 10 over the surface.

The body 18 of the device 10 is moveable relative to the floor head 12 between an upright configuration and an inclined configuration. Generally, the device 10 is stored in its upright configuration, which is illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings. Figure 2 of the drawings illustrates the body 18 in its inclined configuration. When a user cleans a carpet using the device 10, the body 18 is typically inclined as shown, at an angle (offset from the vertical) of up to around 45°. The body 18 may be inclined at an angle greater than 45° from vertical, or alternatively at a smaller angle; for example, in use the body 18 may be inclined at approximately 25° from vertical to allow comfortable handling of the device 10.

As an alternative mode of usage, the device 10 may be operated in its upright position, using a separate cleaning attachment (not shown) rather than the floor head 12 of the device 10. For example, a hose (not shown) may be connected to a portion of the flow path between the suction inlet 14 and a recovery tank 22, having a cleaning tool attachment providing a suction nozzle for handheld use.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the floor head 12 of the device 10 provides at least one agitator 26 partially housed within the floor head 12 and adjacent the suction opening 14, such that in use a portion of the agitator 26 contacts the carpet. In embodiments, and as illustrated, the device 10 includes two agitators 26, each formed generally cylindrically, and providing rows of bristles on their respective outer surfaces. The or each agitator 26 is driven by an agitator motor (not shown) which is operable to drive the agitator(s) 26, causing the agitator(s) 26 to scrub the surface of the carpet. The agitator motor is provided at or within the floor head 12.

The surface cleaning device 10 described in the examples provided is a carpet washing device, suitable for wetting and scrubbing a carpet. To this end the device 10 includes a fluid tank 24 for storing a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is typically water. In embodiments of the technology the device 10 provides a detergent tank for storing a detergent, which is subsequently mixed with water before or during application of the cleaning fluid to the carpet. The detergent tank may be formed integrally with the fluid tank 24. A pump is provided, for delivering cleaning fluid (either with or without detergent) to a fluid dispenser 28 configured to dispense cleaning fluid (which may include detergent as mentioned above) onto a carpet to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid may be dispensed directly onto the carpet (i.e. via a spray or drip feed) or alternatively may be dispensed onto the agitator(s) 26, and subsequently onto the carpet through contact between the agitator 26 and the carpet.

With reference to Figures 5, 6A, 6B and 7, the device 10 provides a motor 30 for generating a flow of air through the device 10 on a flow path between the suction inlet 14 and an exhaust outlet 32. The device 10 further provides a recovery tank 22 disposed on the air flow path between the suction inlet 14 and the motor 30, for recovering dirt and dirty liquid from the incoming dirty fluid entering the suction inlet 14. A separator assembly 34 (herein referred to simply as a ‘separator’) forms part of the recovery tank 22, providing an inlet arrangement 36 for receiving a flow of dirty fluid into the recovery tank 22, and an outlet arrangement 38 via which air leaves the recovery tank 22, and flows to the motor 30. The arrows in Figure 5 illustrate the direction of fluid flow to the separator assembly 34, via the inlet arrangement 36, and from the separator assembly 34 via the outlet arrangement 38. The recovery tank 22 provides a housing having a bottom wall 40 and one or more side walls 42 extending upwards from the bottom wall 40, the housing forming a volume for storing dirt and/or liquid separated from an incoming flow of dirty fluid. The recovery tank 22 further comprises a lid 64, closing the tank at its uppermost end. The lid 64 is preferably removable, and securable to the rest of the recovery tank 22 via releasable securing mechanisms 90 providing a latching arrangement, clips, or the like. Preferably, the recovery tank 22 is removable from the body of the device 10 (so that a user can empty collected waste from the tank, for example).

In embodiments of the described technology, the recovery tank 22 and motor 30 are supported on the body 18 of the device 10. In such embodiments, it should be understood that the recovery tank 22 and motor 30 therefore pivot with the body 18, relative to the floor head 12 and to the surface being cleaned. Where references are made to “above”, “below”, “up”, “down”, “upwards” and “downwards” herein, in the context of the recovery tank 22, separator and motor 30, it should be understood that these relative terms are used in relation to those components when the body 18 is in its upright configuration. With reference to Figures 5, and 6A and 6B, we now describe the motor 30. The motor 30 has a motor housing 44 and comprises a shaft 46 and an impeller 48 supported on the shaft 46 for rotation about a motor axis C defined by the shaft 46. The motor housing 44 provides an intake opening 50 formed at its front end through which an air flow is drawn into the motor 30 in an axial direction (i.e. lengthwise of the shaft axis). The intake opening 50 is a round aperture, aligned with the motor axis C and impeller 48, and leading directly to the impeller 48 situated within the housing 44. The motor 30, and in particular the intake opening 50, is disposed below the recovery tank 22.

The motor 30 is configured such that the motor axis C is inclined relative to the plane of the floor surface A at an angle a in range of 45° to 90° when the body 18 is in its upright position. In embodiments of the technology, the motor axis C is inclined relative to the plane of the floor surface A at an angle a in the range of 65° to 90°, and preferably at an angle a of around 80° to 90°.

As the motor 30 is positioned below the recovery tank 22, the motor 30 draws air through an outlet passage 52 of the separator 34, downwards through the recovery tank 22, and into the intake opening 50 of the motor 30 below it. The outlet passage 52 is formed as a straight passage within the recovery tank 22, and is oriented substantially upright when the body 18 of the device 10 is oriented in its upright configuration.

The intake opening 50 may be aligned with the outlet passage 52, or may be offset at an angle from the outlet passage 52. In other words, the outlet passage 52 defines a central lengthwise axis D, and the motor axis C and aligned intake opening 50 are either aligned with the lengthwise axis D of the outlet passage 52 or are offset from it by a small angle, so that the air flow is drawn in a substantially straight line, or else turns through only a small angle. Preferably, and as illustrated in Figure 5, there is a line of sight (indicated at E) between a mouth 54 of the outlet passage 52 and the intake opening 50 of the motor 30. By the term “line of sight” we mean that a straight line E can be traced between the two positions, through the outlet passage 52, with no obstruction between the mouth 54 of the outlet passage 52 and the intake opening 50 of the motor 30.

In embodiments of the technology, the motor axis C is offset from the lengthwise axis D of the outlet passage 52 by an angle in the range of 0° to 60°. Preferably, the angle 0 of offset is in the range of 0° to 45°, and more preferably within the range of 0° to 25°, and more preferably still the motor axis C is offset from the lengthwise axis D of the outlet passage 52 by around 0° to 10°.

In embodiments of the technology, when the body 18 is in its inclined configuration (i.e. inclined by around 25° from vertical), the motor axis C is inclined relative to the plane of the floor surface A at an angle of at least 60°. It should be understood that in this inclined configuration, the motor 30 may have rotated past its vertical orientation; the angle between the motor axis C and plane of the floor surface A is defined here in terms of the acute angle formed with the plane of the floor surface A.

In embodiments, when the body 18 is in its inclined configuration, the motor axis C is inclined relative to the plane of the floor surface A at an angle a of at least 70°. In some preferred embodiments, the motor axis C forms an angle a of at least 80° with the plane of the floor surface A, or is substantially upright / substantially perpendicular to the plane of the floor surface A.

Figure 6A illustrates an embodiment, and shows the respective motor 30 orientation when the body 18 of the device 10 is in its upright configuration, and Figure 6B shows the body 18 inclined by around 25°, and the corresponding upright orientation of the motor axis C, being inclined from the plane of the floor surface A by around 90°.

With reference to Figure 7, the floor cleaning device 10 as illustrated in the Figures is a cordless cleaner, powered by a battery pack 56. The battery pack 56 may be rechargeable as is known in the art, either in situ on the cleaner 10 or by removing the battery pack 56 and connecting it directly to a charging outlet or via a charging dock. In alternative embodiments, the device 10 provides a power cable (not shown) for connection to a power source such as a mains outlet.

In embodiments of the described technology, the recovery tank 22 and motor 30 may be supported instead on a base portion of the cleaner adjoining the floor head 12. In this way, the body 18 comprises the handle 20, so that the user can incline the handle 20 to an inclined position comfortable for steering the device 10, but in which configuration the motor 30 and recovery tank 22 remain in their original positions, mounted relative to the base portion and floor head 12 (and so remain in an upright configuration). With reference to Figures 8 to 13, we now describe the recovery tank 22 and separator 34 in more detail.

In general terms, the recovery tank 22 provides a volume for receiving and storing dirty fluid received via the suction inlet 14. To this end an inlet passage 58 is provided, fluidly connected to the floor head 12. As an air flow is generated by the motor 30 disposed downstream of the recovery tank 22, suction is applied at the suction inlet 14 to the floor surface, drawing in dirt and dirty fluid from the carpet surface, assisted by the motion of the agitators 26 in dislodging dirt engrained in the surface. The dirty fluid passes through the floor head 12, via a connecting passage, to an inlet passage 58 leading into the recovery tank 22.

The arrows in Figure 8 illustrate the direction of fluid flow to the separator assembly 34, via the inlet arrangement 36, and from the separator assembly 34 via the outlet arrangement 38. The incoming dirty fluid enters the volume within the housing of the recovery tank 22, and swirls with the air flow within that volume. The smoothness of the air path between the inlet and outlet from the tank directly affects both the separation performance of the cleaner, and the strength of the suction produced at the suction inlet 14 (i.e. due to pressure losses within the system). A more circuitous route between the two causes greater turbulence within the recovery tank 22. This can cause splashback so that liquid enters the outlet from the recovery tank 22, and may subsequently be drawn to the motor 30.

A smoother passage of air is more efficient in terms of the suction generated by the motor 30, resulting in lower pressure loss within the system. However, a balance must be found between the faster air flow achieved by a smooth passage through the surface cleaning device 10, and slowing the air within the recovery tank 22 so as to allow greater separation of the entrained dirt and moisture from the air stream as it flows through the recovery tank 22. It is beneficial to cause the air to travel a greater distance through the recovery tank 22 than the most direct route between the inlet and outlet arrangements 36, 38, in order for a greater proportion of the entrained dirt to leave the air stream. Causing the air to move in a less direct path, in addition to natural slowing of the air within the volume of the recovery tank, assists in achieving a desired level of separation of dirt and moisture from the air. For the above reasons, various configurations of inlet and outlet arrangements 36, 38 have been researched, and the described features have been found to provide strong performance. In particular, the configuration of the recovery tank 22 and separator 34 provides a relatively smooth route for air flow through the recovery tank 22, assisted by a generated swirling action of the air flow. By achieving a swirling action, a balance is found between maintaining the efficiency achieved by a smooth flow path and avoiding substantial turbulence of liquid stored within the recovery tank 22, while still achieving good separation of the dirt and liquid from the air flow.

In embodiments of the technology, the outlet arrangement 38 of the separator 34 provides an intake portion 60 and an outlet passage 52. The intake portion 60 provides a deflecting surface 62 configured to cause the air flow passing through the intake portion 60 towards the outlet passage 52 to adopt a swirling motion.

In embodiments of the technology, and as shown, the intake portion 60 provides multiple deflecting surfaces 62; in the example described, five deflecting surfaces 62 are provided. The deflecting surfaces 62 are formed as blades, each extending across the intake portion 60 so as to divide it into multiple intake channels. Preferably, the blades are angularly spaced evenly around the circumference of an inner wall 66 of the intake portion 60.

Where five blades are provided, each is offset by 72° from the respective adjacent blades, for example.

The intake portion 60 is configured to guide air generally in an intake direction (i.e. upwards), and the outlet passage 52 is configured to extend from the intake portion 60 in an outlet direction (i.e. downwards), and opposite to the intake direction. In this way, air flowing through the outlet arrangement 38 travels first generally upwards and then downwards through the outlet passage 52.

The outlet passage 52 has an inlet formed as a mouth 54 at its uppermost end, the mouth 54 being formed in a plane, so that air passing from the intake portion 60 to the outlet passage 52 enters the passage via the mouth 54. In addition, an outer surface 70 of the intake portion 60 is configured to block the route of air flowing between the inlet to the volume within the recovery tank 22 and the outlet passage 52. In other words, the outer surface 70 of the intake portion 60 deflects or otherwise inhibits the passage of air travelling between inlet arrangement 36 and the outlet passage 52, such that the fluid flow is forced to travel downwards from an inlet mouth 72A or inlet guide 72 forming the inlet (discussed below) from which it enters the volume of the recovery tank 22 before it enters the intake portion 60 of the outlet arrangement 38.

As shown, the outlet passage 52 is substantially cylindrical. The intake portion 60 is formed as an annular passage axially aligned with the outlet passage 52, and disposed around the outlet passage 52. It can be seen that an inner wall 66 of the intake portion 60 forms a portion of the wall forming the outlet passage 52, and the blades extend between the inner wall 66 and outer wall 68. In some embodiments, the blades extend fully across the gap between the inner wall 66 and outer wall 68; in other embodiments, the blades extend across only a portion of the gap between the inner wall 66 and outer wall 68.

Looking at Figures 11-13 in more detail, each blade extends from a leading edge 62a to a trailing edge 62b, the trailing edge 62b being positioned downstream of the leading edge 62a in the direction of air flow through the outlet arrangement 38. In embodiments and as shown, viewing the outlet arrangement 38 in top-down plan view as shown in Figure 12, it can be seen that the blades are configured such that the leading edge 62a extends substantially radially of the inner wall 66, and the trailing edge 62b extends substantially tangentially of the inner wall 66. This configuration has been found to force the air passing through the blades to adopt a significant swirling motion. When viewing the intake portion 60 top down, as illustrated, it can be seen that a majority of the surface area of the intake portion 60 is obscured by the surface area of the blades. Preferably, between 50% and 80% of the surface area is obscured by the surface of the blades, causing a significant change in direction of the air flow directly downstream of the blades. It has been found that, in use, the blades cause swirling motion of air flow in the region upstream of the blades, within the volume of the recovery tank 22. In this way, a greater amount of liquid and dirt is separated from the air flow.

Of course, it should be understood that the deflecting surfaces 62 may be provided in a different form to that described. For example, in embodiments of the disclosure (not shown) the deflecting surfaces 62 are each attached only to one of the outer wall 68 or inner wall 66 of the intake portion, extending from the respective wall. In embodiments, fewer or more than five deflecting surfaces 62 may be provided.

With reference to Figure 13, preferably, the blades (and their respective deflecting surfaces 62) are disposed at an angle J relative to the plane of the mouth of around 15°. In other embodiments the blades are disposed at other angles, of between 8° and 35°, and more preferably between 12° and 25°.

Looking now at the inlet arrangement 36 of the separator 34, the inlet comprises an inlet passage 58 configured to channel dirty fluid, and an inlet mouth 72A or inlet guide 72 disposed downstream of the inlet passage 58 and configured to expel dirty fluid into the recovery tank 22. In embodiments of the technology, and as can be seen in Figures 11 and 12, an inlet guide 72 is provided, providing a passage offset from the inlet passage 58 (i.e. not axially aligned with the inlet passage 58), to direct the incoming dirty fluid as it enters the volume. The inlet guide 72 is oriented substantially perpendicular to a wall 74 of the inlet passage 58 in the embodiment described (i.e. generally horizontally, when the body 18 of the device 10 is in its upright configuration). The purpose of the inlet guide 72 is to direct the incoming flow of dirty fluid into a more circuitous path than it would otherwise naturally take. In its most basic form, the inlet guide 72 provides a wall for diverting or directing fluid flowing as it enters the volume formed by the recovery tank housing. In alternative embodiments of the technology, an inlet mouth 72A is formed as an aperture in a wall 74A of the inlet passage 58 through which dirty fluid may pass, to enter the volume within the recovery tank 22 (as shown in Figures 14 and 15, described in more detail below).

In embodiments, the inlet passage 58 is disposed towards a front portion of the recovery tank 22, and the outlet passage 52 is disposed towards a rear portion of the recovery tank 22. In this way, the inlet passage 58 towards the front of the recovery tank 22 is relatively close to the floor head 12 and suction inlet 14, towards the front of the device 10. The outlet passage 52 towards the rear of the recovery tank 22 is close to the motor 30, disposed towards a rear of the body 18 of the cleaner.

The outlet passage 52 of the separator 34 is spaced from the inlet in a travel direction G (i.e. front to back, in the context of the layout described above), and the inlet guide 72 is configured to direct fluid in a guide direction F as it leaves the inlet. In other words, if the inlet was instead to face the outlet, fluid would be drawn more directly between the two, under suction from the motor 30. Instead, the inlet guide 72 blocks the direct route to the outlet, forcing the fluid into a more swirling path within the tank than would otherwise be the case. In the example shown the inlet guide 72 is disposed at 90° to the travel direction G. In other embodiments, the direction of orientation of the inlet guide 72 to the travel direction G is at an angle of 45° or greater, and preferably between 60° and 120°. As can be seen in Figures 8 to 11 , in embodiments the inlet and outlet arrangements 36, 38 of the separator 34 are spaced away from the side walls 42 of the recovery tank housing. As has been described, the inlet arrangement 36 of the separator 34 provides an inlet passage 58, and the outlet arrangement 38 provides an outlet passage 52, each extending from the bottom wall 40 of the recovery tank housing, and each being spaced away from the side walls 42 of the housing. In embodiments of the technology, the inlet passage 58 and outlet passage 52 are disposed parallel to each other, and preferably both are formed as straight passages. As shown, they are each formed as a cylindrical passage, allowing smooth fluid flow within those passages. Spacing the passages from the side walls 42 of the recovery tank volume assists in maintaining the dirt and liquid recovered within the recovery tank 22 without undue turbulence. Any swirling motion of the air flow and/or liquid within the recovery tank volume, around the side walls 42 of the tank, for example, may be around a portion of the outlet passage 52, for example.

The inlet passage 58 being formed as a straight passage is advantageous, since it provides a relatively direct route for the incoming dirty air flow as it passes from the floor head 12 to the separator 34. It is beneficial that there is only a single corner in the passage for air flow leading from the floor head 12 into the recovery tank 22.

In embodiments of the technology, the inlet passage 58 and the outlet passage 52 are each formed of two portions. The inlet passage 58 comprises an inlet passage lower portion 58a that extends from the bottom wall 40 of the tank, and an inlet passage upper portion 58b that extends from the inlet passage lower portion 58a to an inlet guide disposed downstream of the inlet passage 58 and configured to expel dirty fluid into the recovery tank 22. The outlet passage 52 comprises an outlet passage lower portion 52a that extends from the bottom wall 40 of the tank, and an outlet passage upper portion 52b that extends from the outlet passage lower portion 52a to an intake portion 60 from which air enters the outlet passage 52.

Portions of the inlet and outlet passages 52 may be formed as a unitary component. For example, in embodiments, the inlet passage lower portion 58a and the outlet passage lower portion 52a are formed as a unitary component. A connecting formation 76 extends between lower portions 52a, 58a of the passages. In this way the components are held relative to one another during assembly and operation of the device 10. The separator 34 parts may be glued and adhered to the recovery tank 22, with seals provided at each joint to prevent ingress of fluids between the connected parts.

By the term unitary component, we mean that the parts forming the component are joined to one another in such a way that once formed as a single component, they are not intended to be disassembled. This may be achieved by screwing the components together, or by adhering the components, or forming the components in a single moulding, or by joining the components using a technique such as ultrasonic welding, for example. It is not a requirement that they be joined in a manner that means they cannot be disassembled, only that they do not need to be disassembled and can therefore be treated by a user of the cleaning device as a single unitary part. In this way, the user might remove that part as a single piece, for example, for ease of cleaning the device.

By forming portions of the separator 34 as unitary parts in this way, less assembly is required when constructing the recovery tank 22 components. Fewer separate components are needed, and alignment of a single combined piece is simpler and more time effective than having to align and seal multiple components to achieve the same construction.

Now with reference to Figures 14 and 15, we describe an alternative configuration of an inlet arrangement 36A of a separator 34A for use in a surface cleaning device 10 embodying the present invention. It should be understood that the alternative separator 34A may replace the earlier-described separator 34 in a suction cleaner 10 as set out herein.

The separator layout in Figures 14 and 15 provides an outlet arrangement 38A as previously described. The positioning of the outlet arrangement 38A, its intake portion 60A and outlet passage 52A construction are all as described in relation to the embodiments of Figures 1-13.

In this embodiment, the inlet arrangement 36A provides an inlet passage 58A and an inlet mouth 72A (i.e. defining an aperture from the passage through which dirty fluid is expelled into the volume of the recovery tank 22). The inlet mouth 72A is defined in a portion of the wall 74A of the inlet passage 58A facing away from the outlet passage 52A. In a layout as described generally above, in which the inlet passage 58A is disposed towards the front of the recovery tank 22, and the outlet passage 52A is disposed towards the rear of the recovery tank 22, the inlet mouth 72A is formed in a front-facing portion of the wall 74A of the inlet passage 58A, so that dirty fluid expelled from the inlet passage 58A via the inlet mouth 72A is expelled towards the front of the volume.

Describing this in the terms previously used, the outlet passage 52A of the outlet arrangement 38A is spaced from the inlet passage 58A in a travel direction G (i.e. front to back, in the layout described). The inlet mouth 72A is configured such that fluid is expelled from the inlet passage 58A via the inlet mouth 72A generally in a direction of expulsion H. In a broad sense, the direction of expulsion H is offset from the travel direction by an angle greater than 90° (i.e. the dirty fluid enters the chamber in a direction H with a forward component), and preferably, by an angle of at least 120°. More preferably, and as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the inlet mouth 72A is formed facing the front of the recovery tank 22, directly away from the travel direction H towards the outlet passage 52, in which case the direction of expulsion H is substantially opposite to the travel direction G (i.e. offset at an angle of around 180°).

This arrangement causes the incoming fluid to enter towards the front of the volume, which generates a greater swirling motion within the volume of the recovery tank 22. This has been found to be particularly effective in terms of the separation efficiency of the separator, when the body 18 is in the upright configuration. In this configuration the recovery tank 22 is substantially upright, and the inlet passage 58 and outlet passage 52 are also therefore substantially upright. This separator design is also, therefore, advantageous in an embodiment in which the recovery tank 22 is mounted relative to the floor head 12 of the device 10 so as to remain substantially upright during use (i.e. so as not to pivot with the handle 20 / body 18 of the device 10).

In the context of the previously described embodiments, the recovery tank 22 of the cleaning device 10 may be provided with a closure member 86, for the purpose of closing the outlet arrangement 38 when the level of liquid stored in the recovery tank 22 exceeds a certain threshold. In broad terms, the closure member 86 is configured to move linearly between an open configuration (shown in Figure 16A and a closed configuration shown in Figure 16B). In its open configuration, the outlet arrangement 38 is open to receive air leaving the main volume of the recovery tank 22, and a closed configuration in which the outlet arrangement 38 is closed to inhibit fluid leaving the recovery tank 22.

It has been found that a closure member 86 which slides linearly within the recovery tank 22 requires significantly less space within the tank for it to move between its open and closed positions than alternative configurations in which a closure member pivots. In the arrangements described, a sliding closure member 86 may be supported on and relative to the outlet passage 52, for example (as explained below), and therefore requires no separate and additional tether and movement guide, to ensure it opens and closes the outlet arrangement 38 correctly.

The closure member 86 provides a float 84 defining a sealed housing, which provides an air pocket. The float 84 is disposed at a position below the intake portion 60 of the outlet arrangement 38, configured to provide buoyancy to the closure member 86 as the level of liquid in the recovery tank 22 rises during use. The rising float 84 therefore causes the closure member 86 to move towards its closed configuration. This is illustrated by the movement of the float 84 and closure member 86 between the positions shown in Figures 16A and 16B, respectively. Conversely, when the recovery tank 22 is empty of liquid, the closure member 86 naturally adopts its open position again, under gravity, without the buoyancy of the float 84 causing it to lift.

It should be noted that while the float 84 is described as providing an air pocket, it need only be the case that the float is less dense that water (or specifically the dirty liquid collected in the recovery tank 22) so that the float is buoyed by the rising level of liquid in the tank.

The closure member 86 provides a closure portion 78 for closing the intake portion 60 of the outlet arrangement 38. In embodiments of the described technology, the closure portion 78 is formed as a thin disc, which conforms to the shape of the intake portion 60 of the outlet arrangement 38. In embodiments of the described technology, the closure portion is substantially flat.

As described previously, and shown in Figure 16A, the intake portion 60 is formed between the inner wall 66 and outer wall 68, as an annular passage axially aligned with the outlet passage 52, and disposed around the outlet passage 52. The closure portion 78 of the closure member 86 extends between the inner wall 66 and outer wall 68 of the intake portion 60 (i.e. , extending across the gap between the inner wall 86 and outer wall 68 formed at the opening of the intake portion 60), contacting the lower end 80 of the outer wall 68, which forms a mouth of the intake portion 60. In the embodiment illustrated, the intake portion 60 and closure portion 78 of the closure member 86 are both round and of approximately the same diameter. In other embodiments, the closure portion 78 has a greater surface area than that of the intake portion 60, and extends beyond the outer wall 68.

In embodiments of the described technology, the outlet arrangement 38 provides a sealing material around its perimeter (i.e., around the lower end 80 of the outer wall 68) for sealing against a portion of the closure member 86 when in its closed configuration. In addition, or instead, the closure member 86 provides a sealing material adapted to seal against a portion of the outlet arrangement 38 when in its closed configuration. For example, a seal, such as a rubber seal, may be provided around the outer perimeter of the lower end 80 of the outer wall 68, or around the outer perimeter of the closure portion 78 facing the lower end 80 of the outer wall 68.

With reference now to Figures 17, 18A and 18B, we now describe an alternative configuration of separator and recovery tank for use with the suction cleaner 10 as described herein. In this context, all other features of the cleaner as described remain unchanged, aside from the configuration and layout of the separator components within the recovery tank 22.

The separator 100 provides a cyclone housing providing a cyclone chamber 106 formed between an outer wall 108 and an inner wall 112, and with a lower wall 110 providing a chamber floor. The cyclone housing provides an inlet 104 formed in the outer wall 108 for receiving a flow of dirty fluid recovered from a carpet, into the cyclone housing. The inlet 104 is preferably provided as a passage lying tangentially to the cyclone chamber 106, so that dirty fluid entering the chamber adopts a swirling motion around the chamber.

The separator 100 is a ‘throw-off’ type separator, providing a dirt outlet 120 formed in a lower portion of the outer wall 108 from which dirty liquid separated from the swirling flow of fluid leaves the cyclone housing to settle in the volume formed within recovery tank 122. The dirt outlet 120 is formed as a window through the outer wall 108, lying around a portion of the periphery of the cyclone chamber 106.

An outlet arrangement is provided by which air is drawn from the cyclone chamber 106. The outlet arrangement provides one or more openings 116 formed in the inner wall 112, through which air is drawn from the cyclone chamber 106 into the outlet passage 118. The outlet passage 118 is fluidly connected to the intake opening 50 of the motor 30, in the same manner as previously-described embodiments. Typically, the outlet arrangement provides multiple openings 116, spaced around the perimeter of the inner wall 112 of the cyclone housing. In embodiments, the openings 116 are provided by a mesh screen (preferably a metal mesh, but other materials are also envisaged), the screen being suitable to block dirt particles from being drawn into the outlet passage 118. In other embodiments, a grill may be provided in place of a mesh screen.

In embodiments of the technology, the dirt outlet 120 is disposed at a position in the outer wall 108 that lies lower than the openings 116 of the outlet arrangement. In other words, a lowermost part 114 of the outer wall 108, which forms the upper edge of the dirt outlet 120, lies below the openings 116.

An advantage of the separator 100 providing an enclosed cyclone chamber 106, is that a high separation efficiency may be achieved due to the relatively small diameter of the cyclone being housed within only a portion of the recovery tank itself. By contrast with earlier-described embodiments, in which an inlet passage opens into the tank, and air swirls around the relatively larger tank volume, instead this separator confines the incoming fluid to a small space, in which a cyclonic swirling motion is formed within the cyclone chamber 106. A further benefit of this arrangement is that since the swirling fluid is largely confined to the cyclone chamber 106, there is less movement within the recovery tank 122 itself, and so less fluid turbulence within the tank. This results in quieter usage of the surface cleaning device 10.

In embodiments of the described technology, the inner wall 112 is disposed centrally within the cyclone chamber 106, and the inner wall 112 forms a portion of the outlet passage 118.

In some embodiments of the described technology, the separator 100 provides an inlet passage 102 leading to the inlet 104 of the cyclone housing, a portion of the inlet passage 102 lying directly adjacent the outer wall 108 of the cyclone housing, and parallel to a central axis of the cyclone housing. Preferably, the inlet passage 102 is formed integrally with the cyclone housing, so that the separator 100 can be installed and removed as a single component.

In some embodiments of the described technology, a closure member 130 is provided. In a similar way to the closure member 86 described in relation to earlier embodiments of the separator, the closure member 130 is configured to move linearly between an open configuration (as shown in Figure 18A) in which the outlet arrangement is open to receive air leaving the cyclone housing, and a closed configuration (as shown in Figure 18B) in which the outlet arrangement is closed to inhibit fluid leaving the recovery tank 122 via the outlet passage 118.

The closure member 130 provides a sleeve 124 which is adapted to surround a portion of the inner wall 112 in which the openings 116 are formed. Since a portion of the outlet passage 118 is provided by the inner wall 112, the sleeve 124 surrounds a portion of the outlet passage 118.

When the closure member 130 is in its open configuration, the openings 116 in the inner wall 112 of the cyclone housing are open so that air can be drawn from the cyclone chamber 106 into the outlet passage 118. In its closed configuration the sleeve 124 is raised to a position in which it lies directly adjacent the openings 116 to inhibit flow of fluid into the outlet passage 118.

As with the previous embodiments of the closure member 130, it provides a float 128 defining a sealed housing, which provides an air pocket (or, as before, is less dense than the liquid retained in the tank). The float 128 is disposed at a position below the sleeve 124, configured to provide buoyancy to the closure member 130 as the level of liquid in the recovery tank 122 rises during use. The rising float 128 causes the closure member 130 to move towards its closed configuration as the tank is filled.

In embodiments of the described technology, the lower wall 110 of the cyclone housing is provided by a portion of the closure member 130. In such embodiments, the lower wall 110 moves with the closure member 130, so that as it moves to its closed position, the lower wall 110 of the cyclone housing moves upwardly towards the lowermost part 114 of the outer wall 108 of the cyclone housing. As the closure member 130 reaches its closed configuration, as shown in Figure 18B, the lower wall 110 of the cyclone housing meets and/or abuts the lowermost part 114 of the outer wall 108. This closes the dirt outlet 120 of the cyclone housing, so that fluid is inhibited from leaving or entering the cyclone chamber 106 from the main volume of the recovery tank 122 lying outside the cyclone chamber 106. In the event of the liquid in the tank rising beyond the recovery tank 122 capacity, closing the dirt outlet 120 means that liquid cannot rise from the tank into the cyclone chamber 106. In the context of any of the described embodiments of separators, and either of the embodiments of the closure member 86, 130 described above, the closure member 86, 130 may provide a guide portion 82, 126 slidingly connected to a guide formation. In embodiments, the inlet passage 58, 102 provides the guide formation. In other embodiments, the guide formation may be provided by the outlet passage 52, 118, or by a separate guide formation formed in or on a side wall 42 of the recovery tank 22. The purpose of the guide formation is to secure the closure member 86, 130 within the recovery tank 22, and to guide its movement linearly between its open and closed configurations. To achieve this, the portion of the guide formation to which the closure member 86, 130 is secured must be straight, and preferably parallel with a central axis of the intake portion 60.

In an embodiment of the described technology, the guide portion 82, 126 forms a guide sleeve partially surrounding a portion of the guide formation, to be slidable in a direction lengthwise of the guide formation. In the embodiment of Figures 16A and 16B, the guide formation 82 provides a sleeve partially surrounding a portion of the outlet passage 52, allowing the closure member 86 to slide lengthwise of the outlet passage 52. In the embodiment of Figures 18A and 18B, the guide formation 126 provides a sleeve partially surrounding a portion of the inlet passage 102, allowing the closure member 130 to slide lengthwise of the inlet passage 102. Since the inlet passage 58, 102 and outlet passage 52, 118 are parallel one another, this provides the same effect, of allowing the closure member 86, 130 to slide linearly between its open and closed configuration, to open and close the outlet arrangement 38.

As illustrated in Figures 11 and 14 of the drawings, a portion of the inlet passage 58 and a portion of the outlet passage 52 are formed as a unitary component with the separator 34, 34A, 100. This is also illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, shown in combination with a lid 64 which in embodiments of the described technology, also forms a part of the unitary construction. As mentioned above, by a ‘unitary construction’ we mean that the parts are assembled together as a single piece, which can be installed and removed from the cleaner as a single part.

In the embodiments described the portion of the inlet passage 58 formed as part of the unitary component is the inlet passage upper portion 58b, and the portion of the outlet passage 52 formed as part of the unitary component is the outlet passage upper portion 52b. By assembling these components together with the lid 64 and separator components as a single piece, this makes it simple for a user to remove the lid 64 together with the upper parts of the recovery tank 22, so that the body of the tank may be emptied and cleaned, for example, in the event that large dirt had clogged an operational part of the separator, requiring maintenance action to be taken.

Providing the components as a single piece also makes it far easier to reinstall the lid 64, separator 34, 34A, 100, and upper portions of the inlet and outlet passages 58b, 52b. A seal may be provided at the interface between the upper portions of the inlet and outlet passages 58b, 52b, and their respective lower portions 58a, 52a. The alignment of the lid 64 with the side walls of the housing, and securement of the lid 64 in position, results in the upper portions of the inlet and outlet passages 58b, 52b being located correctly and sealed against their respective lower portions 58a, 52a.

In embodiments of the described technology, the lid 64 provides a handle 88 graspable by a user, suitable for a user to grasp in order to lift the recovery tank 22 when the lid 64 is secured in position. The recovery tank 22 preferably provides one or more releasable securing mechanisms 90 operable to secure the lid 64 to the side walls 42 of the recovery tank housing. In the embodiments described, the releasable securing mechanisms 90 are clips for engagement with corresponding formations on the side walls of the recovery tank housing, as is known in the art. In embodiments, three clips are provided - one on either side of the width of the cleaner 10, and one towards the back of the lid 64. Any number of clips or fasteners may be provided, as desired.

As can be seen in Figures 19 and 20, the lid 64 provides a seal 92 for engagement with the rest of the recovery tank housing when the lid 64 is located on the housing. In this way, a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed between the lid 64 and the side walls 42 of the housing when the lid 64 is secured in position.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

REPRESENTATIVE FEATURES

Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and/or drawings of the specification.

1 . A separator for a surface cleaning device of the type having a motor generating a flow of air through the device on a flow path between a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, the separator being positioned on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor, and the separator configured to be provided within a recovery tank of the cleaning device, the separator providing: an inlet for receiving a flow of dirty fluid into the recovery tank; and an outlet arrangement via which air leaves the recovery tank; wherein the outlet arrangement provides an intake portion and an outlet passage, wherein the intake portion provides a deflecting surface configured to cause the air flow passing through the intake portion towards the outlet passage to adopt a swirling motion.

2. A separator according to Clause 1 , wherein the intake portion is configured to guide air generally in an intake direction, and the outlet passage is configured to extend from the intake portion in outlet direction that is opposite to the intake direction, so that air flowing through the outlet arrangement travels generally in the intake direction through the intake passage and in the outlet direction through the outlet passage.

3. A separator according to Clause 2, wherein the intake direction is substantially upward, and the outlet direction is substantially downward. 4. A separator according to any preceding clause, wherein the intake portion provides multiple deflecting surfaces.

5. A separator according to any preceding clause, configured such that air enters the outlet passage through a mouth, the mouth being formed in a plane, and wherein the or each deflecting surface is disposed at an angle relative to the plane of the mouth of between 8° and 35°, preferably between 12° and 25°, and more preferably an angle of 15°.

6. A separator according to any preceding clause, wherein the or each deflecting surface is formed as a blade which extends across the intake portion so as to divide it into multiple intake channels.

7. A separator according to any preceding clause, wherein the intake portion is formed as an annular passage axially aligned with the outlet passage, and disposed around the outlet passage.

8. A separator according to Clause 7, wherein an inner wall of the intake portion forms a portion of the outlet passage.

9. A separator according to Clause 8, where dependent directly or indirectly on Clause 6, wherein the or each blade extends between the inner wall and an outer wall of the intake portion.

10. A separator according to Clause 9, wherein the or each blade extends from a leading edge to a trailing edge, the trailing edge positioned downstream of the leading edge in the direction of air flow through the outlet arrangement, configured such that the leading edge extends substantially radially of the inner wall, and the trailing edge extends substantially tangentially of the inner wall.

11. A separator according to any preceding clause, wherein the inlet comprises an inlet passage configured to channel dirty fluid, and an inlet guide disposed downstream of the inlet passage and configured to expel dirty fluid into the recovery tank, the inlet guide being oriented substantially perpendicular to the inlet passage. 12. A separator according to Clause 11 , wherein the outlet passage is spaced from the inlet in a travel direction, and wherein the inlet guide is configured to direct fluid in a guide direction as it leaves the inlet, the guide direction being offset from the travel direction by an angle of 45° or greater, and preferably between 60° and 120°, and more preferably around 90°.

13. A recovery tank for a surface cleaning device, the recovery tank defining a volume for storing dirt and/or liquid separated from an incoming flow of dirty air, and comprising a separator according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12.

14. A recovery tank according to Clause 13, wherein the volume for storing dirt is formed between at least a bottom wall, and one or more side walls extending upwards from the bottom wall, wherein the separator is disposed at a position spaced apart from the side walls.

15. A surface cleaning device comprising a floor head forming a suction inlet, a motor for creating an air flow through the device between the suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, and a recovery tank according to Clause 13 or Clause 14, the recovery tank being disposed on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor.

16. A surface cleaning device according to Clause 15, wherein the device is a carpet washing device, and further provides a fluid tank for storing cleaning fluid, an agitator for agitating a carpet, and a fluid dispenser configured to dispense cleaning fluid onto a carpet to be cleaned.

17. A recovery tank for a surface cleaning device of the type having a motor generating a flow of air through the device on a flow path between a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, the recovery tank being positioned on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor, the recovery tank providing: a housing having a bottom wall and one or more side walls extending upwards from the bottom wall, the housing forming a volume for storing dirt and/or liquid separated from an incoming flow of dirty air, and a separator comprising: an inlet arrangement for receiving a flow of dirty fluid into the recovery tank; and an outlet arrangement via which air leaves the recovery tank; wherein the separator is disposed at a position spaced apart from the side walls.

18. A recovery tank according to Clause 17, wherein the inlet arrangement provides an inlet passage configured to channel dirty fluid into the volume within the housing, the inlet passage extending from the bottom wall of the tank at a position spaced apart from the side walls.

19. A recovery tank according to Clause 17, wherein the outlet arrangement provides an outlet passage configured to channel air from the volume within the housing, the outlet passage extending from the bottom wall of the tank at a position spaced apart from the side walls.

20. A recovery tank according to Clause 17, wherein the inlet arrangement provides an inlet passage configured to channel dirty fluid into the volume within the housing and the outlet arrangement provides an outlet passage configured to channel air from the volume within the housing.

21 . A recovery tank according to Clause 20, wherein the inlet passage and outlet passage both extend from the bottom wall of the tank at a position spaced apart from the side walls.

22. A recovery tank according to Clause 20 or Clause 21 , wherein the inlet passage and outlet passage are disposed parallel to each other.

23. A recovery tank according to any one of Clauses 20 to 22, wherein the inlet passage and outlet passage are both straight.

24. A recovery tank according to any one of Clauses 20 to 23, wherein a portion of the inlet passage and a portion of the outlet passage are formed as a unitary component.

25. A recovery tank according to any one of Clauses 20 to 23, wherein the inlet passage and the outlet passage are each formed of two portions, such that: the inlet passage comprises an inlet passage lower portion that extends from the bottom wall of the tank, and an inlet passage upper portion that extends from the inlet passage lower portion to an inlet guide disposed downstream of the inlet passage and configured to expel dirty fluid into the recovery tank; and the outlet passage comprises an outlet passage lower portion that extends from the bottom wall of the tank, and an outlet passage upper portion that extends from the outlet passage lower portion to an intake portion from which air enters the outlet passage.

26. A recovery tank according to Clause 25, wherein the inlet passage lower portion and the outlet passage lower portion are formed as a unitary component.

27. A surface cleaning device comprising a floor head forming a suction inlet, a motor for generating an air flow through the device between the suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, and a recovery tank according to any one of Clauses 17 to 26, the recovery tank being disposed on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor.

28. A surface cleaning device according to Clause 27, wherein the device is a carpet washing device, and further provides a fluid tank for storing cleaning fluid, an agitator for agitating a carpet, and a fluid dispenser configured to dispense cleaning fluid onto a carpet to be cleaned.

29. A separator for a surface cleaning device of the type having a motor generating a flow of air through the device on a flow path between a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, the separator being positioned on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor, and the separator configured to be provided within a recovery tank of the cleaning device, the separator providing: an inlet arrangement comprising an inlet passage configured to channel dirty fluid, and an inlet mouth forming an opening in the inlet passage and configured to expel dirty fluid into the recovery tank, and an outlet arrangement via which air leaves the recovery tank; wherein the outlet passage is spaced from the inlet passage in a travel direction, and the inlet mouth is defined in a portion of a wall of the inlet passage facing away from the outlet passage, configured such that fluid is expelled from the inlet passage via the inlet mouth generally in a direction of expulsion, the direction of expulsion being offset from the travel direction by an angle of greater than 90°.

30. A separator according to Clause 29, wherein the direction of expulsion being offset from the travel direction by an angle of at least 120°. 31 . A separator according to Clause 29, wherein the direction of expulsion is substantially opposite to the travel direction.

32. A separator according to any one of Clauses 29 to 31 , wherein the outlet arrangement provides an intake portion and an outlet passage, wherein the intake portion is configured to guide air generally in an intake direction, and the outlet passage is configured to extend from the intake portion in an outlet direction opposite to the intake direction, so that air flowing through the outlet arrangement travels generally in the intake direction through the intake passage and in the outlet direction through the outlet passage.

33. A separator according to Clause 32, wherein the intake direction is substantially upward, and the outlet direction is substantially downward.

34. A separator according to Clauses 32 and 33, wherein an outer surface of the intake portion is configured to block the passage of air flowing between the inlet mouth and the outlet passage, such that the air flow is diverted in the outlet direction before entering the intake portion of the outlet arrangement.

35. A separator according to any one of Clauses 32 to 34, wherein the intake portion provides a deflecting surface configured to cause the air flow passing through the intake portion towards the outlet passage to adopt a swirling motion.

36. A separator according to Clause 35, wherein the intake portion provides multiple deflecting surfaces.

37. A separator according to Clause 35 or Clause 36, configured such that air enters the outlet passage through an outlet mouth, the outlet mouth being formed in a plane, and wherein the or each deflecting surface is disposed at an angle relative to the plane of the mouth of between 8° and 35°, preferably between 12° and 25°, and more preferably an angle of 15° degrees.

38. A separator according to any one of Clauses 35 to 37, wherein the or each deflecting surface is formed as a blade which extends across the intake portion so as to divide it into multiple intake channels. 39. A separator according to any one of Clauses 35 to 38, wherein the intake portion is formed as an annular passage axially aligned with the outlet passage, and disposed around the outlet passage.

40. A separator according to Clause 39, wherein an inner wall of the intake portion forms a portion of the outlet passage.

41 . A separator according to Clause 40, where dependent directly or indirectly on Clause 38, wherein the or each blade extends between the inner wall and an outer wall of the intake portion.

42. A separator according to Clause 41 , wherein the or each blade extends from a leading edge to a trailing edge, the trailing edge positioned downstream of the leading edge in the direction of air flow through the outlet arrangement, configured such that the leading edge extends substantially radially of the inner wall, and the trailing edge extends substantially tangentially of the inner wall.

43. A recovery tank for a surface cleaning device, the recovery tank defining a volume for storing dirt and/or liquid separated from an incoming flow of dirty air, and comprising a separator according to any one of Clauses 29 to 42.

44. A recovery tank according to Clause 43, wherein the volume for storing dirt is formed between at least a bottom wall, and one or more side walls extending upwards from the bottom wall, wherein the separator is disposed at a position spaced apart from the side walls.

45. A surface cleaning device comprising a floor head forming a suction inlet, a motor for generating an air flow through the device between the suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, and a recovery tank according to Clauses 43 or Clause 44, the recovery tank being disposed on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor.

46. A surface cleaning device according to Clause 45, wherein the device is a carpet washing device, and further provides a fluid tank for storing cleaning fluid, an agitator for agitating a carpet, and a fluid dispenser configured to dispense cleaning fluid onto a carpet to be cleaned. 47. A surface cleaning device including: a floor head forming a suction inlet; a motor for creating a flow of air on a flow path through the device between the suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, the motor having a motor housing and comprising a shaft and an impeller supported on the shaft for rotation about a motor axis defined by the shaft, and the motor housing providing an intake opening through which an air flow is drawn into the motor in an axial direction, a recovery tank and separator disposed on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor; and multiple ground-engaging rollers configured to support the device on a plane defining a floor surface; wherein the intake opening is disposed below the recovery tank, and configured such that the motor axis is inclined relative to the plane of the floor surface at an angle in range of 45° to 90°.

48. A surface cleaning device according to Clause 47, wherein the motor axis is inclined relative to the plane of the floor surface at an angle in the range of 65° to 80°.

49. A surface cleaning device according to Clause 47, wherein the motor axis is inclined relative to the plane of the floor surface at an angle in the range of 80° to 90°.

50. A surface cleaning device according to any one of Clauses 47 to 49, wherein the separator provides an outlet passage through which air flows from the recovery tank towards the intake opening of the motor, wherein the outlet passage is formed as a straight passage within the recovery tank.

51 . A surface cleaning device according to Clause 50, configured such that an air flow is drawn into the outlet passage via a mouth, and such that there is a line of sight between the mouth of the outlet passage and the intake opening of the motor.

52. A surface cleaning device according to Clause 50 or Clause 51 , wherein the outlet passage is oriented substantially upright when a body of the device supporting the motor and recovery tank is oriented in an upright position.

53. A surface cleaning device including: a floor head forming a suction inlet; a motor for creating a flow of air on a flow path through the device between the suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, the motor having a motor housing and comprising a shaft and an impeller supported on the shaft for rotation about a motor axis defined by the shaft, and the motor housing providing an intake opening through which an air flow is drawn into the motor in an axial direction, and a recovery tank and separator disposed on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor, providing an outlet passage through which air flows from the recovery tank towards the intake opening of the motor, wherein the outlet passage is formed as a straight passage within the recovery tank and defines a lengthwise axis; wherein the intake opening is disposed below the recovery tank, and configured such that the motor axis is offset from the lengthwise axis of the outlet passage by an angle in the range of 0° to 60°.

54. A surface cleaning device according to Clause 53, wherein the motor axis is offset from the lengthwise axis of the outlet passage by an angle in the range of 0° to 45°.

55. A surface cleaning device according to Clause 53, wherein the motor axis is offset from the lengthwise axis of the outlet passage by an angle in the range of 0° to 25°.

56. A surface cleaning device according to Clause 53, wherein the motor axis is offset from the lengthwise axis of the outlet passage by an angle of around 0° to 10°.

57. A surface cleaning device including: a floor head forming a suction inlet; multiple ground-engaging rollers configured to support the device on a plane defining a floor surface; and a body mounted pivotably relative to the floor head, the body providing: a motor for creating a flow of air on a flow path through the device between the suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, the motor having a motor housing and comprising a shaft and an impeller supported on the shaft for rotation about a motor axis defined by the shaft, and the motor housing providing an intake opening through which an air flow is drawn into the motor in an axial direction, a recovery tank and separator disposed on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor; and a handle graspable by a user to manoeuvre the device; wherein the body is moveable relative to the floor head between an upright configuration and an inclined configuration, the device being configured such that the when the body is in its inclined configuration, the motor axis is inclined relative to the plane of the floor surface at an angle of at least 60°.

58. A surface cleaning device according to Clause 57, wherein when the body is in its inclined configuration, the motor axis is inclined relative to the plane at an angle of at least 70°, and preferably at least 80°.

59. A surface cleaning device according to Clause 57, wherein when the body is in its inclined configuration, the motor axis is substantially upright / substantially perpendicular to the plane of the floor surface.

60. A surface cleaning device according to any one of Clauses 47 to 59, wherein the device is a carpet washing device, and further provides a fluid tank for storing cleaning fluid, an agitator for agitating a carpet, and a fluid dispenser configured to dispense cleaning fluid onto a carpet to be cleaned.

61 . A recovery tank for a surface cleaning device of the type having a motor generating a flow of air through the device on a flow path between a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, the recovery tank being positioned on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor, the recovery tank defining a volume for storing dirty liquid separated from an incoming flow of air, and comprising a separator providing: an inlet arrangement for receiving a flow of dirty fluid into the recovery tank; an outlet arrangement via which air leaves the recovery tank; and a closure member configured to move linearly between an open configuration in which the outlet arrangement is open to receive air leaving the recovery tank, and a closed configuration in which the outlet arrangement is closed to inhibit fluid leaving the recovery tank.

62. The recovery tank of Clause 61 , wherein the outlet arrangement provides an intake portion and an outlet passage, configured such that airflows through the intake portion towards the outlet passage. 63. The recovery tank of Clause 62, wherein the closure member provides a float disposed at a position below the intake portion of the outlet arrangement, configured to provide buoyancy to the closure member as a level of liquid in the recovery tank rises such that the closure member moves towards its closed configuration.

64. The recovery tank of Clause 63 configured such that when the recovery tank is empty of liquid, the closure member is configured to adopt its open position.

65. The recovery tank of any one of Clauses 62 to 64, wherein the closure member provides a closure portion for closing the intake portion of the outlet arrangement.

66. The recovery tank of Clause 65, wherein the intake portion is formed between an inner wall and an outer wall, as an annular passage axially aligned with the outlet passage, and disposed around the outlet passage.

67. The recovery tank of Clause 66, wherein the closure portion extends between the inner wall and outer wall of the intake portion.

68. The recovery tank of any one of Clauses 65 to 67, wherein the closure portion conforms to the shape of the intake portion of the outlet arrangement.

69. The recovery tank of Clause 68, wherein the intake portion and closure portion of the closure member are both round and of the same diameter.

70. The recovery tank of any one of Clauses 61 to 69, wherein the outlet arrangement provides a sealing material around its perimeter for sealing against a portion of the closure member when in its closed configuration.

71 . The recovery tank of any one of Clauses 61 to 70, wherein the closure member provides a sealing material adapted to seal against a portion of the outlet arrangement when in its closed configuration.

72. A recovery tank for a surface cleaning device of the type having a motor generating a flow of air through the device on a flow path between a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, the recovery tank being positioned on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor, the recovery tank defining a volume for storing dirty liquid separated from an incoming flow of air, and comprising a separator providing: an inlet arrangement for receiving a flow of dirty fluid into a cyclone housing; a dirt outlet formed in a lower portion of the cyclone housing from which dirty liquid leaves the cyclone housing; an outlet arrangement formed within the cyclone housing via which air leaves the recovery tank; and a closure member configured to move linearly between an open configuration in which the outlet arrangement is open to receive air leaving the cyclone housing, and a closed configuration in which the outlet arrangement is closed to inhibit fluid leaving the recovery tank.

73. The recovery tank of Clause 72, wherein an outlet passage is disposed centrally within the cyclone chamber, and the outlet arrangement provides one or more openings formed in a wall of the outlet passage around a portion of its perimeter.

74. The recovery tank of Clause 73, wherein the closure member provides a sleeve adapted to surround a portion of the outlet passage.

75. The recovery tank of Clause 74, wherein in its open configuration the or each opening in the wall of the outlet passage is open, and in its closed configuration the sleeve lies directly adjacent the or each opening so as to inhibit flow of fluid into the outlet passage.

76. The recovery tank of any one of Clauses 72 to 75, wherein in its closed configuration, the dirt outlet is closed by the closure member to inhibit fluid entering or leaving the cyclone chamber through the dirt outlet.

77. The recovery tank of any one of Clauses 61 to 76, wherein the closure member provides a guide portion slidingly connected to a guide formation being one of: an inlet passage, an outlet passage, or a guide formation formed in or on a side wall of the recovery tank.

78. The recovery tank of Clause 77, wherein the guide portion forms a guide sleeve partially surrounding a portion of the guide formation to be slidable in a direction lengthwise of the guide formation. 79. A surface cleaning device comprising a floor head forming a suction inlet, a motor for creating an air flow through the device between the suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, and a recovery tank according to any one of Clauses 61 to 78, the recovery tank being disposed on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor.

80. A surface cleaning device according to Clause 79, wherein the device is a carpet washing device, and further provides a fluid tank for storing cleaning fluid, an agitator for agitating a carpet, and a fluid dispenser configured to dispense cleaning fluid onto a carpet to be cleaned.

81 . A separator for a carpet cleaning device of the type having a motor generating a flow of air through the device on a flow path between a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, the separator being positioned on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor, and the separator configured to be provided within a recovery tank of the cleaning device, the separator providing: a cyclone housing providing a cyclone chamber formed between an outer wall and an inner wall; an inlet formed in the outer wall for receiving a flow of fluid comprising a mixture of air with dirty liquid recovered from a carpet, into the cyclone housing; a dirt outlet formed in a lower portion of the outer wall from which dirty liquid separated from a swirling flow of fluid within the cyclone chamber leaves the cyclone housing; and an outlet arrangement provided by one or more openings formed in the inner wall, through which air is drawn from the cyclone chamber into an outlet passage.

82. The separator of Clause 81 , wherein the inner wall is disposed centrally within the cyclone chamber, and the inner wall forms a portion of the outlet passage.

83. The separator of Clause 81 or Clause 82, wherein the outlet arrangement provides multiple openings, spaced around the perimeter of the inner wall of the cyclone housing.

84. The separator of any one of Clauses 81 to 83, wherein the openings are provided by a mesh screen. 85. The separator of any one of Clauses 81 to 84, wherein the inlet is disposed substantially tangentially of the outer wall of the cyclone housing, so that dirty fluid entering the cyclone chamber adopts a swirling motion.

86. The separator of any one of Clauses 81 to 85, further including an inlet passage leading to the inlet of the cyclone housing, a portion of the inlet passage lying directly adjacent the outer wall of the cyclone housing, and parallel to a central axis of the cyclone housing.

87. The separator of Clause 86, wherein the inlet passage is formed integrally with the cyclone housing.

88. A recovery tank for a carpet cleaning device, the recovery tank defining a volume for storing dirty liquid, and comprising a separator according to any one of Clause 81 to 87.

89. The recovery tank of Clause 88, further including a closure member configured to move linearly between an open configuration in which the outlet arrangement is open to receive air leaving the cyclone housing, and a closed configuration in which the outlet arrangement is closed to inhibit fluid leaving the cyclone housing via the outlet passage.

90. The recovery tank of Clause 89, wherein the closure member provides a sleeve adapted to surround a portion of the inner wall.

91 . The recovery tank of Clause 90, wherein in its open configuration the or each opening in the inner wall is open, and in its closed configuration the sleeve lies directly adjacent the or each opening so as to inhibit flow of fluid into the outlet passage.

92. The recovery tank of any one of Clauses 89 to 91 , wherein in its closed configuration, the dirt outlet is closed by the closure member to inhibit fluid entering or leaving the cyclone chamber through the dirt outlet.

93. The recovery tank of any one of Clauses 88 to 92, wherein the volume for storing dirty liquid is formed between at least a bottom wall, and one or more side walls extending upwards from the bottom wall, wherein the separator is disposed at a position spaced apart from the side walls. 94. A carpet cleaning device comprising a floor head forming a suction inlet, a motor for creating an air flow through the device between the suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, and a recovery tank according to any one of Clauses 88 to 93, the recovery tank being disposed on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor.

95. A carpet cleaning device according to Clause 94, further including a fluid tank for storing cleaning fluid, an agitator for agitating a carpet, and a fluid dispenser configured to dispense cleaning fluid onto a carpet to be cleaned.

96. A recovery tank for a surface cleaning device of the type having a motor generating a flow of air through the device on a flow path between a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, the recovery tank being positioned on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor, the recovery tank providing: a separator for separating dirt and/or liquid from an incoming flow of dirty fluid, a housing in which the separator is disposed, the housing forming a volume for storing the separated dirt and/or liquid, an inlet passage configured to channel dirty fluid to the separator, and an outlet passage configured to channel air from the separator for fluid connection with the motor, wherein a portion of the inlet passage and a portion of the outlet passage are formed as a unitary component with the separator.

97. The recovery tank of Clause 96, the housing provides a bottom wall and one or more side walls extending upwards from the bottom wall, and the inlet passage and outlet passage both extend from the bottom wall.

98. The recovery tank of Clause 97, wherein the inlet passage and outlet passage are disposed at a position spaced apart from the side walls.

99. The recovery tank of Clause 97 or Clause 98, wherein the inlet passage and outlet passage are disposed parallel to each other.

100. The recovery tank of any preceding clause, wherein the inlet passage and the outlet passage are each formed of two portions, such that: the inlet passage comprises an inlet passage lower portion that extends from the bottom wall of the tank, and an inlet passage upper portion that extends from the inlet passage lower portion to the separator; and the outlet passage comprises an outlet passage lower portion that extends from the bottom wall of the tank, and an outlet passage upper portion that extends from the outlet passage lower portion to an outlet arrangement of the separator.

101. The recovery tank of Clause 100, wherein the portion of the inlet passage formed as part of the unitary component is the inlet passage upper portion, and the portion of the outlet passage formed as part of the unitary component is the outlet passage upper portion.

102. The recovery tank of Clause 101 , wherein the separator provides an inlet guide configured to expel dirty fluid into the recovery tank.

103. The recovery tank of any one of Clauses 96 to 102, wherein the unitary component further includes a lid of the recovery tank housing.

104. The recovery tank of Clause 103, wherein the lid provides a handle graspable by a user.

106. The recovery tank of Clause 103 or Clause 104, wherein the lid provides one or more releasable securing mechanisms operable to secure the lid to the side walls of the recovery tank housing.

107. The recovery tank of Clause 106, wherein the releasable securing mechanisms are clips for engagement with corresponding formations on the side walls of the recovery tank housing.

108. The recovery tank of Clause 106 or Clause 107, wherein the lid provides a seal for engagement with the side walls of the housing to provide a substantially fluid seal between the lid and the side walls of the housing when the lid is secured to the side walls.

109. A surface cleaning device comprising a floor head forming a suction inlet, a motor for generating an air flow through the device between the suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, and a recovery tank according to any one of Clauses 96 to 108, the recovery tank being disposed on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor.

110. A surface cleaning device according to Clause 109 wherein the device is a carpet washing device, and further provides a fluid tank for storing cleaning fluid, an agitator for agitating a carpet, and a fluid dispenser configured to dispense cleaning fluid onto a carpet to be cleaned.

Claims

37 CLAIMS

1. A recovery tank and separator arrangement for a carpet cleaning device of the type having a motor generating a flow of air through the device on a flow path between a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, the recovery tank defining a volume for storing dirty liquid, positioned on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor, and having a separator providing: a cyclone housing providing a cyclone chamber formed between an outer wall and an inner wall; an inlet arrangement providing an inlet passage extending from the bottom wall of the recovery tank housing to an inlet, the inlet being formed in the outer wall of the cyclone chamber for receiving a flow of fluid comprising a mixture of air with dirty liquid recovered from a carpet, substantially tangentially of the outer wall, so that dirty fluid entering the cyclone chamber adopts a swirling motion tangentially into the cyclone housing; a dirt outlet formed in a lower portion of the outer wall from which dirty liquid separated from a swirling flow of fluid within the cyclone chamber leaves the cyclone housing; and an outlet arrangement provided by one or more openings formed in the inner wall, through which air is drawn from the cyclone chamber into an outlet passage.

2. The recovery tank and separator arrangement of Claim 1 , wherein the inner wall is disposed centrally within the cyclone chamber, and the inner wall forms a portion of the outlet passage.

3. The recovery tank and separator arrangement of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the outlet arrangement provides multiple openings, spaced around the perimeter of the inner wall of the cyclone housing.

4. The recovery tank and separator arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the openings are provided by a mesh screen.

5. The recovery tank and separator arrangement of any preceding claim, further including an inlet passage leading to the inlet of the cyclone housing, a portion of the inlet passage lying directly adjacent the outer wall of the cyclone housing, and parallel to a central axis of the cyclone housing. 38

6. The recovery tank and separator arrangement of Claim 5, wherein the inlet passage is formed integrally with the cyclone housing.

7. The recovery tank and separator arrangement of any preceding claim, further including a closure member configured to move linearly between an open configuration in which the outlet arrangement is open to receive air leaving the cyclone housing, and a closed configuration in which the outlet arrangement is closed to inhibit fluid leaving the cyclone housing via the outlet passage.

8. The recovery tank and separator arrangement of Claim 7, wherein the closure member provides a sleeve adapted to surround a portion of the inner wall.

9. The recovery tank and separator arrangement of Claim 8, wherein in its open configuration the or each opening in the inner wall is open, and in its closed configuration the sleeve lies directly adjacent the or each opening so as to inhibit flow of fluid into the outlet passage.

10. The recovery tank and separator arrangement of any one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein in its closed configuration, the dirt outlet is closed by the closure member to inhibit fluid entering or leaving the cyclone chamber through the dirt outlet.

11 . The recovery tank and separator arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the volume for storing dirty liquid is formed between at least a bottom wall, and one or more side walls extending upwards from the bottom wall, wherein the separator is disposed at a position spaced apart from the side walls.

12. A carpet cleaning device comprising a floor head forming a suction inlet, a motor for creating an air flow through the device between the suction inlet and an exhaust outlet, and a recovery tank and separator arrangement according to any one of Claims 1 to 11 , the recovery tank being disposed on the flow path between the suction inlet and the motor.

13. A carpet cleaning device according to Claim 12, further including a fluid tank for storing cleaning fluid, an agitator for agitating a carpet, and a fluid dispenser configured to dispense cleaning fluid onto a carpet to be cleaned.