FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter of the teachings described herein relates to a surface cleaning apparatus which may be operable as at least one of a sweeper, a vacuum cleaner, a hard floor cleaning apparatus and an extractor and optionally, the surface cleaning apparatus may be operable as two or more of these apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Extractors are a type of surface cleaning apparatus which have a reservoir to apply a cleaning solution to, e.g., carpet and a nozzle to extract the used cleaning solution from the carpet. A separation system is provided to separate the used cleaning solution, which is entrained in dirty air that is drawn into the extractor, and to store the used cleaning solution in a used reservoir. Typically, the nozzle of an extractor is not designed to remove large particulate matter from carpet (e.g., popcorn) and accordingly, a carpet may have to be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner prior to using an extractor to clean the carpet.

Various different surface cleaning apparatus are known which use different cleaning stages that are arranged in series. These include EP 1707094 (Kim et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 7,473,289 (Oh et at.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,552 (Weistra). Various different extractor designs are also known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

According to one aspect of this disclosure, a surface cleaning apparatus may be operable as a traditional vacuum cleaner (e.g., the dirty air inlet may be configured as a traditional vacuum cleaner dirty air inlet to draw in particulate matter, including larger particulate matter, which may then be removed from an air stream. This may be referred to as a vacuum cleaning mode or a dry cleaning mode as a cleaning solution may not yet have been applied to the surface being cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus may also be operable in an extractor or wet cleaning mode, in which it is operable to treat an incoming dirty fluid stream that contains liquid and may also include dirt and other solid debris. Providing a single apparatus that can be operable in both wet and dry cleaning modes may allow a user to use a single apparatus to clean a surface (e.g., carpet) prior to applying a cleaning solution to clean the surface and then to use the same apparatus to apply a cleaning solution to the surface and to remove the cleaning solution from the surface. An advantage of this design is that a user need not use or store two separate machines.

In order to operate in an extractor mode, the surface cleaning apparatus may include a liquid distribution system, including an onboard liquid reservoir and a spray or application nozzle, whereby the apparatus may apply one or more of water, a carpet cleaning solution, a hard floor cleaning solution and/or any other desired liquid to the floor or surface to be cleaned. Accordingly, prior to applying the liquid, the same surface cleaning apparatus may be used to vacuum the surface to help remove at least some of the solid debris before the liquid is applied. The liquid may then be applied and, as needed, allowed to remain on the surface for a pre-determined period of time, and the surface cleaning apparatus may then be used in its extractor mode to extract the liquid from the surface. If the apparatus is not configured to include an onboard liquid distribution system, liquid may be applied to the surface using a separate apparatus.

In accordance with one broad aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein, a surface cleaning apparatus may be provided with two treatment stages. The first treatment stage may be designed to remove liquid from an air stream (e.g., a momentum separator). The second treatment stage may be designed to remove solid particulate matter from the air stream (e.g., one or more cyclones in parallel). It will be appreciated that some solid particulate matter may be removed in the first treatment stage and that some liquid may be removed in the second treatment stage. In accordance with this aspect, the second or solid particulate matter treatment stage may be positioned above the first or liquid treatment stage. An advantage of this design is that the liquid treatment stage may be located at a lower elevation on the surface cleaning apparatus. Due to the volume of liquid an extractor is designed to remove, liquid requires substantially more energy to be drawn upwardly to a liquid treatment stage than entrained solid particulate matter. Accordingly, the energy requirement of a surface cleaning apparatus may be reduced by positioning the liquid treatment stage below the solid particulate matter treatment stage. Such a design is particularly advantageous if the surface treatment apparatus is an upright surface treatment apparatus wherein the treatment stages are provided on the upright section. A further advantage is that, if the treatment stages are at least partially or fully stacked on each other in a generally vertical arrangement, the overall foot print of the surface cleaning apparatus may be reduced.

In accordance with this broad aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a surface cleaning head having a front end having a dirty fluid inlet; and,(b) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position, the upright section comprising a front side, a rear side, a first stage liquid separator having a liquid separator fluid inlet downstream from the dirty fluid inlet and a liquid separator fluid outlet, a second stage cyclone separator comprising a cyclone chamber having a cyclone chamber fluid inlet and a cyclone chamber fluid outlet and a suction motor downstream from the second stage cyclone separator, the suction motor having a suction motor inlet end, wherein the cyclone separator is positioned above and downstream from the first stage liquid separator when the upright section is in the storage position.

In any embodiment, the first stage liquid separator may include a momentum separator.

In any embodiment, the suction motor may be positioned above the cyclone separator.

In any embodiment, the liquid separator fluid outlet may be positioned at an upper end of the liquid separator and the cyclone chamber fluid outlet may be positioned at an upper end of the cyclone chamber and the suction motor inlet end may face towards the cyclone chamber fluid outlet.

In any embodiment, the liquid separator fluid inlet may be provided in a lower surface of the liquid separator.

In any embodiment, the second stage cyclone separator may include a dirt collection chamber exterior to the cyclone chamber and the cyclone chamber has a dirt outlet at an upper end of the cyclone chamber.

In any embodiment, when the upright section is in the storage position, at least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be positioned at a same elevation as a separated liquid reservoir (separated liquid container) of the liquid separator.

In any embodiment, a fluid passage may extend from the liquid separator fluid outlet to the cyclone chamber fluid inlet, and at least a portion of the fluid passage that extends upwardly when the upright section is in the storage position may be located at the front side of the upright section.

In accordance with this broad aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a surface cleaning head having a front end having a dirty fluid inlet; and,(b) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position, the upright section comprising a front side, a rear side, a first stage liquid separator having a liquid separator fluid inlet downstream from the dirty fluid inlet and a liquid separator fluid outlet, a second stage cyclone separator positioned downstream from the liquid separator and comprising a cyclone chamber having a cyclone chamber fluid inlet and a cyclone chamber fluid outlet and a suction motor downstream from the second stage cyclone separator, the suction motor having a suction motor inlet end and a suction motor axis of rotation,wherein the upright section includes a fluid passage from the liquid separator fluid outlet to the cyclone chamber fluid inlet, wherein at least a portion of the fluid passage that extends upwardly when the upright section is in the storage position is located at the front side of the upright section.

In any embodiment, the first stage liquid separator may include a momentum separator.

In any embodiment, the cyclone separator may be positioned above the first stage liquid separator and the suction motor is positioned above the cyclone separator.

In any embodiment, the cyclone separator may be positioned above the first stage liquid separator and the liquid separator fluid outlet may be positioned at an upper end of the liquid separator. The cyclone chamber fluid outlet may be positioned at an upper end of the cyclone chamber and the suction motor inlet end may face towards the cyclone chamber fluid outlet.

In any embodiment, the liquid separator fluid inlet may be provided in a lower surface of the liquid separator.

In any embodiment, the second stage cyclone separator may include a dirt collection chamber exterior to the cyclone chamber and the cyclone chamber may have a dirt outlet at an upper end of the cyclone chamber.

In any embodiment, when the upright section is in the storage position, at least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be positioned at a same elevation as a separated liquid reservoir of the liquid separator.

In any embodiment, the cyclone separator may be positioned above the first stage liquid separator.

In any embodiment, the cyclone separator may be positioned overlying the first stage liquid separator.

In any embodiment, the suction motor axis of rotation may intersect the first stage liquid separator and the second stage cyclone separator.

In accordance with another broad aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein, a liquid collection chamber for receiving liquid separated by the first treatment stage and a solid collection chamber for receiving solid particulate matter separated by the second treatment stage are emptyable concurrently. An advantage of this design is that it may facilitate emptying of the treatment unit (which comprises the first and second treatment stages). For example, the solid collection chamber and the liquid collection container may be simultaneously openable. Optionally, a cyclone chamber in the treatment unit may also be openable simultaneously with the solid collection chamber and the liquid collection container.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a surface cleaning head having a front end having a dirty fluid inlet; and,(b) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position, the upright section comprising:(i) a first stage liquid separator having a liquid collection container, a separated liquid separator fluid inlet downstream from the dirty fluid inlet and a liquid separator fluid outlet;(ii) a second stage cyclone separator comprising a cyclone chamber and a solid collection chamber exterior to the cyclone chamber, the cyclone chamber having a cyclone chamber fluid inlet, a cyclone chamber dirt outlet in communication with the solid collection chamber and a cyclone chamber fluid outlet; and,(iii) a suction motor downstream from the second stage cyclone separator,wherein the liquid collection container and the solid collection chamber are emptyable concurrently.

In any embodiment, when the upright section is in the storage position, the solid collection chamber may be positioned at a same elevation as the liquid collection container.

In any embodiment, the solid collection chamber may be positioned laterally beside the liquid collection container.

In any embodiment, the solid collection chamber and the liquid collection container may be removable concurrently from the upright section.

In any embodiment, the solid collection chamber and the liquid collection container may be removable from the upright section in a closed configuration.

In any embodiment, the first stage liquid separator and the second stage cyclone separator may be removable concurrently from the upright section.

In any embodiment, the solid collection chamber and the separated liquid container are of a unitary construction.

In any embodiment, the solid collection chamber and the separated liquid collection container may be integrally formed.

In any embodiment, the first stage liquid separator and the second stage cyclone separator may be removable in a sealed configuration other than the liquid separator fluid inlet and the cyclone chamber fluid outlet.

In any embodiment, the solid collection chamber and the separated liquid collection container may have an openable top.

In any embodiment, the openable top may include the cyclone chamber.

In any embodiment, the solid collection chamber may be positioned laterally beside the separated liquid collection container and the cyclone chamber may have a cyclone axis of rotation that intersects the separated liquid collection container.

In any embodiment, the solid collection chamber may be positioned laterally beside the liquid collection container and the cyclone chamber overlies the liquid collection container.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising(a) a first stage liquid separator having a liquid collection container, a separated liquid separator fluid inlet downstream from the dirty fluid inlet and a liquid separator fluid outlet;(b) a second stage cyclone separator comprising a cyclone chamber and a solid collection chamber exterior to the cyclone chamber, the cyclone chamber having a cyclone chamber fluid inlet, a cyclone chamber dirt outlet in communication with the solid collection chamber and a cyclone chamber fluid outlet; and,(c) a suction motor downstream from the second stage cyclone separator, wherein the liquid collection container and the solid collection chamber are emptyable concurrently.

In any embodiment, the solid collection chamber may be positioned laterally beside the liquid collection container.

In any embodiment, the solid collection chamber and the separated liquid collection container may be removable concurrently from the surface cleaning apparatus.

In any embodiment, the solid collection chamber and the separated liquid collection container may be removable from the surface cleaning apparatus in a closed configuration.

In any embodiment, the first stage liquid separator and the second stage cyclone separator may be removable concurrently from the surface cleaning apparatus.

In any embodiment, the first stage liquid separator and the second stage cyclone separator may be removable in a sealed configuration other than the separated liquid separator fluid inlet and the cyclone chamber fluid outlet.

In any embodiment, the solid collection chamber and the separated liquid collection container may have an openable top and the openable top may include the cyclone chamber.

In accordance with another broad aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein, a surface cleaning apparatus has two or more different brushes (e.g., a hard floor cleaning brush and a carpet cleaning brush) and a liquid (e.g., water or a cleaning solution) may be applied to a selected brush. Further, a different liquid may be applied to each brush. For example, in a hard floor cleaning mode a liquid, which may be a hard floor cleaning solution, may be applied to the hard floor cleaning brush and in a carpet cleaning mode a liquid, which may be a carpet cleaning solution, may be applied to the carpet cleaning brush.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a surface cleaning head having a hard floor cleaning brush and a carpet cleaning brush; and,(b) a liquid delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one liquid,wherein surface cleaning apparatus is operable in a hard floor cleaning configuration in which the liquid is delivered from the at least one nozzle to the soft brush bar, and a carpet cleaning configuration in which the liquid is delivered from the at least one nozzle to the carpet cleaning brush.

In any embodiment, the at least one spray nozzle may include at least one first nozzle that delivers the liquid to the hard floor cleaning brush and at least one second nozzle that delivers the liquid to the carpet cleaning brush.

In any embodiment, the liquid may include a hard floor cleaning solution and a carpet cleaning solution, wherein the at least one first nozzle delivers the hard floor cleaning solution to the hard floor cleaning brush and the at least one second nozzle delivers the carpet cleaning solution to the carpet cleaning brush.

In any embodiment, the at least one first nozzle may be positioned to deliver the hard floor cleaning solution to the hard floor cleaning brush and the at least one second nozzle may be positioned to deliver the carpet cleaning solution to the carpet cleaning brush.

In any embodiment, an actuator may be operably connected to the cleaning solution delivery system wherein, in a hard floor cleaning actuation mode, the at least one first nozzle delivers the liquid to the hard floor cleaning brush and in a carpet cleaning actuation mode, the at least one second nozzle delivers the liquid to the carpet cleaning brush.

In any embodiment, the liquid may include a hard floor cleaning solution and a carpet cleaning solution wherein, in a hard floor cleaning actuation mode, the at least one first nozzle delivers the hard floor cleaning solution to the hard floor cleaning brush and in a carpet cleaning actuation mode, the at least one second nozzle delivers the carpet cleaning solution to the carpet cleaning brush.

In any embodiment, in the hard floor cleaning actuation mode, the hard floor cleaning brush may be rotated and the carpet cleaning brush may be stationary, and in the carpet cleaning actuation mode, the hard floor cleaning brush may be stationary and the carpet cleaning brush may be rotated.

In any embodiment, in both the hard floor cleaning actuation mode and the carpet cleaning actuation mode, both the hard floor cleaning brush and the carpet cleaning brush may be rotated.

In any embodiment, the at least one spray nozzle may be moveably mounted whereby, in the hard floor cleaning configuration, the at least one spray nozzle is positioned to deliver the liquid to the soft brush bar, and in the carpet cleaning configuration, the at least one spray nozzle is positioned to deliver the liquid to the carpet cleaning brush.

In any embodiment, the liquid may include a hard floor cleaning solution and a carpet cleaning solution and the at least one spray nozzle may be moveably mounted whereby, in the hard floor cleaning configuration, the at least one spray nozzle is positioned to deliver the hard floor cleaning solution to the soft brush bar, and in the carpet cleaning configuration, the at least one spray nozzle is positioned to deliver the carpet cleaning solution to the carpet cleaning brush.

In any embodiment, an actuator may be operably connected to the cleaning solution delivery system wherein, in a hard floor cleaning actuation mode, the at least one nozzle may deliver the liquid to the hard floor cleaning brush and in a carpet cleaning actuation mode, the at least one nozzle may deliver the liquid to the carpet cleaning brush.

In any embodiment, in the hard floor cleaning configuration the liquid may delivered at a first rate, and in the carpet cleaning configuration the liquid may be delivered at a second rate that is faster than the first rate. For example, in the hard floor cleaning configuration, the liquid may be delivered at a rate of 10-100 mL/min and in the carpet cleaning configuration, the liquid may be delivered at a rate of at least 100 mL/min.

In any embodiment, in the hard floor cleaning configuration, the hard floor cleaning brush and the carpet cleaning brush may be rotated at a first rate of rotation and in the carpet cleaning configuration, the hard floor cleaning brush and the carpet cleaning brush may be rotated at a second rate of rotation that is faster than the first rate of rotation. For example, in the hard floor cleaning configuration, the hard floor cleaning brush and the carpet cleaning brush may be rotated at a rate of rotation of between about 1000-2400 RPM and in the carpet cleaning configuration, the hard floor cleaning brush and the carpet cleaning brush may be rotated at a rate of rotation of between about 2400-5000 RPM.

In any embodiment, the liquid may include a hard floor cleaning solution and a carpet cleaning solution and the cleaning solution delivery system may include a hard floor cleaning solution reservoir and a carpet cleaning solution reservoir.

In any embodiment, the liquid may include a hard floor cleaning solution and a carpet cleaning solution and the cleaning solution delivery system may include a clean water reservoir and a mixing system for selectively preparing carpet the hard floor cleaning solution and the carpet cleaning solution.

In accordance with another broad aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein a surface cleaning apparatus may have one or more liquid delivery system operable to alternately deliver different liquids (e.g., a carpet cleaning solution and a hard floor cleaning solution). Optionally, the liquid delivery system may have different conduits (which may be removable) for the different liquids which may be delivered (e.g., a water delivery line, a hard floor cleaning solution line and/or a carpet cleaning solution line). An advantage of this design is that different solutions may not be mixed.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a liquid delivery system operable to alternately deliver a carpet cleaning solution and a hard floor cleaning solution; and,(b) an actuator operably connected to the cleaning solution delivery system wherein, in a hard floor cleaning actuation mode, the cleaning solution delivery system delivers the hard floor cleaning solution to at least one delivery nozzle and in a carpet cleaning actuation mode, the cleaning solution delivery system delivers the carpet cleaning solution to the at least one delivery nozzle.

In any embodiment, the actuator may be manually operated by a user.

In any embodiment, the actuator may include a detector operable to determine a surface that is being cleaned.

In any embodiment, the liquid delivery system may include a carpet cleaning solution reservoir and a hard floor cleaning solution reservoir.

In any embodiment, the liquid delivery system may include a carpet cleaning solution delivery line extending from the carpet cleaning solution reservoir to the at least one delivery nozzle and a hard floor cleaning solution delivery line extending from the hard floor solution reservoir to the at least one delivery nozzle.

In any embodiment, the at least one delivery nozzle may include at least one hard floor delivery nozzle and at least one carpet delivery nozzle. The carpet cleaning solution delivery line may extend from the carpet cleaning solution reservoir to the at least one carpet delivery nozzle and the hard floor cleaning solution delivery line may extend from the hard floor solution reservoir to the at least one hard floor delivery nozzle.

In any embodiment, each of the carpet cleaning solution reservoir and the hard floor cleaning solution reservoir may be removable from the surface cleaning apparatus.

In any embodiment, the carpet cleaning solution reservoir may be removable from the surface cleaning apparatus with the carpet cleaning solution delivery line and the hard floor cleaning solution reservoir may be removable from the surface cleaning apparatus with the hard floor cleaning solution delivery line.

In any embodiment, the liquid delivery system may include a water reservoir, a hard floor cleaning concentrate container and a carpet cleaning concentrate container.

In any embodiment, the liquid delivery system may include a mixer chamber, a carpet cleaning concentrate delivery line extending from the carpet cleaning concentrate container, a hard floor cleaning concentrate delivery line extending from the hard floor concentrate container and a water delivery line extending from the water reservoir. The carpet cleaning concentrate delivery line, the hard floor cleaning concentrate delivery line and the water delivery line may be in fluid communication with the mixer nozzle.

In any embodiment, the carpet cleaning concentrate delivery line, the hard floor cleaning concentrate delivery line and the water delivery line may each extend to a position selected from an inlet end of the mixer chamber or a position adjacent the inlet end of the mixer chamber.

In any embodiment, the mixer chamber may be upstream of the at least one delivery nozzle.

In any embodiment, the at least one delivery nozzle may include the mixer chamber.

In any embodiment, at least one pump may be operably coupled to an exterior of each of the carpet cleaning concentrate delivery line and the hard floor cleaning concentrate delivery line. The at least one pump may include a peristaltic pump.

In any embodiment, the liquid delivery system may mix the hard floor cleaning concentrate with water at a first concentrate to water rate and may mix the carpet cleaning concentrate container with water at a second concentrate to water rate that differs to the first rate.

In any embodiment, the cleaning solution delivery system may also be operable to deliver clean water to the at least one delivery nozzle.

In accordance this broad aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising a liquid delivery system comprising a water reservoir, a first compartment for receiving a first cleaning solution concentrate, a mixer chamber, a first cleaning solution concentrate delivery line extending from the first compartment and a water delivery line extending from the water reservoir, wherein the first cleaning solution concentrate delivery line and the water delivery line are in fluid communication with the mixer nozzle.

In any embodiment, an actuator may be operably connected to the cleaning solution delivery system. In a first actuation mode, the cleaning solution delivery system may deliver a cleaning solution prepared from water and the first cleaning solution concentrate to at least one delivery nozzle and in a second actuation mode, the cleaning solution delivery system may deliver water to the at least one delivery nozzle.

In any embodiment, a second compartment for receiving a second cleaning solution concentrate and a second cleaning solution concentrate delivery line may extend from the second compartment. The second cleaning solution concentrate delivery line may be in fluid communication with the mixer nozzle.

In any embodiment, an actuator may be operably connected to the cleaning solution delivery system. In a hard floor cleaning actuation mode, the cleaning solution delivery system may deliver a hard floor cleaning solution prepared from water and the first cleaning solution concentrate to at least one delivery nozzle and, in a carpet cleaning actuation mode, the cleaning solution delivery system may deliver a carpet cleaning solution prepared from the water and the second cleaning solution concentrate to the at least one delivery nozzle.

In any embodiment, the first compartment may be a refillable compartment.

In any embodiment, the first compartment may removably receive a first cartridge containing the first cleaning solution concentrate.

In any embodiment, the first cartridge may be removable with the first cleaning solution concentrate delivery line.

In any embodiment, at least one pump may be operably coupled to an exterior of each of the first cleaning solution concentrate delivery line and water delivery line. The at least one pump may be a peristaltic pump.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaning apparatus which may include a liquid delivery system having a first compartment for receiving a first cleaning solution, a first cleaning solution delivery line extending from the first compartment and at least one pump operably coupled to an exterior of the first cleaning solution delivery line.

In any embodiment, the at least one pump may include a peristaltic pump.

In any embodiment, the first compartment may removably receive a first cartridge containing the first cleaning solution.

In any embodiment, the first cartridge may be removable with the first cleaning solution delivery line.

In accordance with another broad aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein a surface cleaning apparatus may have a solid and liquid separation stage including a combined solid and liquid separator and a collection chamber that receives both solids and liquids from the combined solid and liquid separator. The collection chamber may be subdivided by a water permeable member, such as a screen, so as to enable the separated liquid to be stored separate from the separated solid particulate matter. An advantage of this design is that a single reservoir may not have a build-up of sludge like material.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus having a solid and liquid separation stage comprising:(a) a combined solid and liquid separator having a separated element outlet; and,(b) a solid and liquid collection chamber in communication with the separated element outlet, the solid and liquid separation chamber including a screen provided therein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, the solid and liquid collection chamber has a lower region comprising a liquid collection region whereby, in operation, liquid passes through the screen and solid material collects on the screen.

In any embodiment, the combined solid and liquid separation member may include a cyclone having a cyclone wall, a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone fluid outlet and, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation, the separated element outlet may be at an upper end of the cyclone.

In any embodiment, a baffle may be provided on an outer surface of the cyclone wall proximate the separated element outlet and may be located below the separated element outlet when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation.

In any embodiment, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation, the cyclone fluid inlet and the cyclone fluid outlet may be at a lower end of the cyclone.

In any embodiment, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation, the lower region may extend to a position at a lower elevation than a lower end of the combined solid and liquid separation member.

In any embodiment, the screen may be oriented such that a first direction of flow of liquid through the screen is at an angle to the first direction of flow through the separated element outlet.

In any embodiment, the screen may be configured such that an additional direction of flow of liquid through the screen is at an angle to first direction of flow of liquid through the screen.

In any embodiment, the screen may generally L-shaped.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may include at least one additional screen.

In any embodiment, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation, the solid and liquid collection chamber may have an upper end and the upper end is openable.

In any embodiment, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation, the solid and liquid separation member may have an upper end and the upper end that is openable concurrently with the upper end of the solid and liquid collection chamber.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may be an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising a surface cleaning head and an upright section moveably mounted thereto between a storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position and the solid and liquid separation stage may be provided in the upright section. When the upright section is in the storage position, the separated element outlet may be provided at an upper end of the combined solid and liquid separation member, the lower region may extend to a position at a lower elevation than a lower end of the combined solid and liquid separation member and the solid and liquid collection chamber may have an upper end and the upper end is openable.

In any embodiment, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, the surface cleaning apparatus may have a drive handle located rearwardly on the surface cleaning apparatus and the separated element outlet is located on a rear side of the combined solid and liquid separation member.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaning apparatus having a solid and liquid separation stage comprising:(a) a combined solid and liquid separation member having a separation member wall having a separated element outlet; and,(b) a solid and liquid collection chamber in communication with the separated element outlet,wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, the separated element outlet is provided at an upper end of the combined solid and liquid separation member, a lower end of the solid and liquid collection chamber extends to a position at a lower elevation than a lower end of the combined solid and liquid separation member and the solid and liquid collection chamber has an upper end and the upper end is openable.

In any embodiment, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation, the solid and liquid separation member has an upper end and the upper end may be openable concurrently with the upper end of the solid and liquid collection chamber.

In any embodiment, the solid and liquid separation chamber further may include a screen provided therein and, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation, the solid and liquid collection chamber may have a lower region including a liquid collection region whereby, in operation, liquid passes through the screen and solid material collects on the screen.

In any embodiment, a baffle may be provided on an outer surface of the separation member wall proximate the separated element outlet and may be located below the separated element outlet when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation.

In any embodiment, the combined solid and liquid separation member may include a cyclone having a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone fluid outlet. When the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation, the cyclone fluid inlet and the cyclone fluid outlet are at a lower end of the cyclone.

In any embodiment, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, the surface cleaning apparatus may have a drive handle located rearwardly on the surface cleaning apparatus and the separated element outlet may be located on a rear side of the combined solid and liquid separation member.

In accordance with another aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein, an upright surface cleaning apparatus may be configured as an upright surface cleaning apparatus with an above floor cleaning mode (e.g., a wand and a flexible hose may be removable for above floor cleaning) and/or a cleaning unit may be removably mounted to the upright apparatus with or without a wand and flexible hose. An advantage of these embodiments is that additional cleaning modes may be provided in a single apparatus. In such an embodiment, when used in an extractor mode or without the wand and hose deployed, the wand and hose may not be part of the fluid flow path through the apparatus. An advantage of this design is that the flow path is shorter in an extractor mode, thereby reducing the energy requirement and also reducing the water that may build up in the hose.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a surface cleaning head having a first dirty fluid inlet;(b) at least one treatment unit comprising a first separator;(c) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position, the upright section having the first separator and an above floor cleaning member comprising a second dirty fluid inlet and a flexible hose;(d) a liquid deliver system extending from at least one fluid reservoir to at least one applicator nozzle;(e) a floor cleaning fluid flow path extending from the first dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet, the first fluid flow path including the first separation stage and a suction motor; and,(f) an above floor fluid flow path extending from the second dirty fluid inlet to the clean air outlet and including the first separator, the suction motor and the above floor cleaning member,wherein the upright surface cleaning apparatus is operable in a floor cleaning mode which utilizes the floor cleaning fluid flow path and an above floor cleaning mode which utilizes the above floor fluid flow path. The flexible hose may be isolated from the floor cleaning fluid flow path.

In any embodiment, a valve may alternately connect the first dirty fluid inlet and the second dirty fluid inlet in flow communication with the first separator.

In any embodiment, the floor cleaning fluid flow path may have a portion which extends from the first dirty fluid inlet to an outlet end that is upstream of the at least one cleaning stage and the above floor fluid flow path has a portion which extends from the second dirty fluid inlet to an outlet end that is upstream of the at least one cleaning stage and the outlet end of each of the floor cleaning and above floor fluid flow paths is located at an inlet portion of the valve.

In any embodiment, a valve actuator may be drivingly connected to the valve and the above floor cleaning member may be drivingly connected to the valve actuator whereby the valve is moved to a floor cleaning position in which the at least one cleaning stage is in flow communication with the first dirty fluid inlet when an inlet end of the above floor cleaning member is mounted to the upright surface cleaning apparatus and the valve is moved to an above floor cleaning position in which the at least one cleaning stage is in flow communication with the second dirty fluid inlet when the inlet end of the above floor cleaning member is removed from the upright surface cleaning apparatus.

In any embodiment, the upright section may include a portable surface cleaning unit which is removably mounted to the upright surface cleaning apparatus and the portable surface cleaning unit may include the at least one cleaning stage and the suction motor.

In any embodiment, the portable surface cleaning unit may be removable without the at least one fluid reservoir.

In any embodiment, the at least one fluid reservoir ay be part of the surface cleaning head.

In any embodiment, the at least one separation stage may include a second separation stage that is upstream from the first separation stage and the portable surface cleaning unit may be removable without the second separation stage.

In any embodiment, the at least one separation stage may include a second separation stage that is upstream from the first separation stage and the portable surface cleaning unit may be removable without the second separation stage.

In any embodiment, the second separation stage may be part of the surface cleaning head.

In any embodiment, the second separation stage may include a liquid separator.

In any embodiment, the flexible hose may be isolated from the floor cleaning fluid flow path.

In accordance this aspect, there is also provided an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a surface cleaning head having a first dirty fluid inlet;(b) at least one separation stage comprising a first separation stage;(c) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position, the upright section having a portable surface cleaning unit which is removably mounted to the upright surface cleaning apparatus, wherein the portable surface cleaning unit comprises the first separation stage and an above floor cleaning member, the above floor cleaning member comprising a second dirty fluid inlet and a flexible hose;(d) a cleaning solution delivery system extending from at least one fluid reservoir to at least one applicator nozzle;(e) a floor cleaning fluid flow path extending from the first dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet, the first fluid flow path including the first separation stage and a suction motor; and,(f) an above floor fluid flow path extending from the second dirty fluid inlet to the clean air outlet and including the first separation stage, the suction motor and the above floor cleaning member,wherein the upright surface cleaning apparatus is operable in a floor cleaning mode which utilizes the floor cleaning fluid flow path and an above floor cleaning mode which utilizes the above floor fluid flow path.

In any embodiment, the portable surface cleaning unit may be removable without the at least one fluid reservoir.

In any embodiment, the at least one fluid reservoir may be part of the surface cleaning head.

In any embodiment, the at least one separation stage may include a second separation stage that is upstream from the first separation stage and the portable surface cleaning unit may be removable without the second separation stage.

In any embodiment, the at least one separation stage may include a second separation stage that is upstream from the first separation stage and the portable surface cleaning unit may be removable without the second separation stage.

In any embodiment, the at least one separation stage may include a second separation stage that is upstream from the first separation stage and the second separation stage may be part of the surface cleaning head.

In any embodiment, the second separation stage may include a liquid separator.

In any embodiment, the flexible hose may be isolated from the floor cleaning fluid flow path.

In accordance with another aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein an upright surface cleaning apparatus having a surface cleaning apparatus which removes water from a surface is provided with a fluid flow path upstream from the separation stage (which may be any separation stage known in the art or disclosed herein) wherein at least a portion of the fluid flow path upstream from the separation stage is removable. An advantage of this design is that the removable portion may be removed and washed and/or dried to reduce the build-up of odors in the apparatus.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a cleaning solution delivery system comprising a liquid reservoir and a fluid flow path extending from the liquid reservoir to at least one delivery nozzle;(b) a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet head to a clean air outlet; and,(c) a separation stage positioned in the fluid flow path,wherein the fluid flow path upstream of the separation member comprises a removable portion.

In any embodiment, the removable portion may have an absence of a treatment member.

In any embodiment, the removable portion may comprise a flexible hose.

In any embodiment, the removable portion may comprise a plurality of individual segments.

In any embodiment, at least one of the segments may be rigid.

In any embodiment, one or more of the segments may be removable without removing all of the segments concurrently.

In any embodiment, the removable portion may comprise a pivot joint.

In any embodiment, the removable portion may extend through a pivot joint.

In any embodiment, the removable portion may comprise at least a portion of the removable portion is transparent.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may be an all in the head surface cleaning apparatus comprising a surface cleaning head and the removable portion is provided in the surface cleaning head.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may be an upright surface cleaning apparatus having a surface cleaning head and an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the surface cleaning head including a moveable joint whereby the upright section is moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position, the upright section comprising the separation stage and the removable portion comprises the moveable joint.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may be an upright surface cleaning apparatus having a surface cleaning head and an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the surface cleaning head including a moveable joint whereby the upright section is moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position, the upright section comprising the separation stage and the removable portion extends through the moveable joint.

In any embodiment, the dirty fluid inlet may comprise a brush chamber and the removable portion extends from the brush chamber to the separation stage.

In any embodiment, the separation stage may comprise a liquid separator.

In any embodiment, the removable portion may be removable with the separation stage.

In any embodiment, the separation stage may be removable as a sealed unit other than the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

In any embodiment, the removable portion may be removable with the separation stage.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may be an all in the head surface cleaning apparatus comprising a surface cleaning head and the removable portion is provided in the surface cleaning head.

In accordance with another aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein an upright surface cleaning apparatus having a surface cleaning apparatus has one or more of a liquid separator, a liquid collection container and a cleaning liquid reservoir in the surface cleaning head. An advantage of this design is that, in the case of an upright surface cleaning apparatus or an all in the head surface cleaning apparatus, the experienced handle weight (the weight of the handle experienced by a user when a cleaning solution or recovered dirty water is stored in the unit, is reduced by storing at least some of the liquid other than on the upright section. This may also help reduce the distance and elevation that liquid is conveyed within the fluid flow path of the apparatus, which may help reduce power requirements, and may lower the center of gravity of the apparatus when in use.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a surface cleaning head having a first dirty fluid inlet and a first stage liquid separator;(b) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position, the upright section comprising a second stage solid separator downstream from the first stage liquid separator;(c) a liquid delivery system comprising a cleaning liquid reservoir and a fluid flow path extending from the cleaning liquid reservoir to at least one delivery nozzle; and,(d) a fluid flow path extending from the dirty fluid inlet head to a clean air outlet and comprising the first stage liquid separator, the second stage solid separator and a suction motor.

In any embodiment, the cleaning liquid reservoir may be part of the surface cleaning head.

In any embodiment, the cleaning solution delivery system may be part of the surface cleaning head.

In any embodiment, the second stage solid separator may comprise a cyclone.

In any embodiment, a portion of the fluid flow path located between the first dirty fluid inlet and the first stage liquid separator may be removable. Optionally, the portion of the fluid flow path and the first stage liquid separator may be concurrently removable.

In any embodiment, the upright section may have a portable surface cleaning unit which is removably mounted to the upright surface cleaning apparatus, wherein the portable surface cleaning unit comprises the second stage solid separator, the suction motor and an above floor cleaning member, the above floor cleaning member comprising a second dirty fluid inlet and a flexible hose. Optionally the cleaning liquid reservoir may be part of the surface cleaning head. Alternately, or in addition, a portion of the fluid flow path located between the first dirty fluid inlet and the first stage liquid separator may be removable and the portion of the fluid flow path and the first stage liquid separator may be concurrently removable.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a surface cleaning head having a first dirty fluid inlet;(b) at least one separation stage comprising a first separation stage provided in the surface cleaning head, the first separation stage comprising a liquid collection container;(c) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position, the upright section having a drive handle;(d) a cleaning solution deliver system extending from at least a cleaning liquid reservoir to at least one delivery nozzle; and,(e) a floor cleaning fluid flow path extending from the first dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet, the first fluid flow path including the first separation stage and a suction motor.

In any embodiment, the at least one separation stage may comprise a second separation stage that is downstream from the first separation stage. Optionally, the second separation stage may be part of the surface cleaning head.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may be an all in the head surface cleaning apparatus.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may be an upright surface cleaning apparatus having an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position and the second separation stage is part of the upright section.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provide an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a surface cleaning head having a first dirty fluid inlet;(b) at least one separation stage comprising a first stage liquid separator comprising a liquid collection container;(c) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position;(d) a cleaning solution delivery system comprising a cleaning liquid reservoir and a fluid flow path extending from the cleaning liquid reservoir to at least one delivery nozzle; and,(e) a fluid flow path extending from the first dirty fluid inlet head to a clean air outlet and comprising the first stage liquid separator and a suction motor,wherein at least one of the liquid collection container and the cleaning liquid reservoir is part of the surface cleaning head.

In any embodiment, both of the liquid collection container and the cleaning liquid reservoir may be part of the surface cleaning head.

In any embodiment, the at least one separation stage may comprise a second separation stage that is downstream from the first separation stage and the second separation stage is part of the surface cleaning head.

In any embodiment, the liquid collection container may be in flow communication with the first stage liquid separator and the first stage liquid separator is part of the upright section.

In any embodiment, the liquid collection container may be part of the surface cleaning head.

In accordance with another aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein, an upright surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a cleaning head having two different types of rollers or brushes (e.g., a hard floor cleaning brush and a carpet cleaning brush). The hard floor cleaning brush may be positioned forward of the carpet cleaning brush. The two brushes may be rotatable at different speeds. An advantage of this design is that the cleaning head may be used to treat both hard floors and carpet.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning head comprising:(a) a body having a front end having a dirty fluid inlet, a rear end and a brush chamber;(b) a front hard floor cleaning brush and a rotatable carpet cleaning brush positioned rearward of the front hard floor cleaning brush, each brush having a generally horizontally extending axis of rotation when the surface cleaning head is positioned on a generally horizontal floor;(c) a debriding member which engages an upper rearward portion of the front hard floor cleaning brush; and,(d) the front end having a front wall which extends to a position spaced at least 0.25″ above a hard surface floor when the surface cleaning head is positioned on the hard surface floor,wherein the front hard floor cleaning brush extends to the hard surface floor when the surface cleaning head is positioned on the hard surface floor, andwherein the front hard floor cleaning brush engages at least a portion of an inner surface of a forward portion of the brush chamber.

In any embodiment, engagement of the front hard floor cleaning brush with the inner portion of the brush chamber may essentially inhibit air travelling upwardly over the brush into the brush chamber.

In any embodiment, the front wall may extend to a position spaced between 0.25″ and 1.5″ above a hard surface floor when the surface cleaning head is positioned on the hard surface floor.

In any embodiment, the front wall may extend to a position spaced between 0.5″ and 1.25″, and optionally 0.75″-1″, above a hard surface floor when the surface cleaning head is positioned on the hard surface floor.

In any embodiment, the debriding member may extend forwardly and downwardly from an upper surface of the brush chamber.

In any embodiment, the front hard floor cleaning brush may comprise microfibers.

In any embodiment, the front hard floor cleaning brush may have an absence of self-supporting bristles.

In any embodiment, the front hard floor cleaning brush may comprise a plurality of generally radially extending elastomeric paddles.

In any embodiment, the carpet brush may comprise a plurality of spaced apart rows of bristles positioned circumferentially around the carpet brush wherein some of the rows of bristles have a lower stiffness compared to other rows of bristles that have a higher stiffness.

In any embodiment, a row of bristles having the lower stiffness may be positioned between two circumferentially spaced apart rows of bristles having the higher stiffness.

In any embodiment, the front rotatable brush may have a diameter that is from 75% to 125% of a diameter of the carpet brush and, optionally, the front rotatable brush and the carpet brush have approximately the same diameter.

In any embodiment, the front rotatable brush and the carpet brush may have approximately the same diameter.

In any embodiment, the front rotatable brush and the carpet brush may operate at different speeds.

In any embodiment, the front rotatable brush may have a radially outer portion which travels at a speed which is from 75% to 125% a speed of the surface cleaning head when travelling over carpet.

In any embodiment, the front rotatable brush may have a radially outer portion which travels at a speed which is proximate the speed of the surface cleaning head when travelling over carpet.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaning head comprising:(a) a body having a front end having a dirty fluid inlet, a rear end and a brush chamber;(b) a front hard floor cleaning brush and a rotatable carpet cleaning brush positioned rearward of the front hard floor cleaning brush, each brush having a generally horizontally extending axis of rotation when the surface cleaning head is positioned on a generally horizontal floor; and,(c) the front end having a front wall which extends to a positioned spaced above a hard surface floor when the surface cleaning head is positioned on the hard surface floor,wherein the front rotatable brush and the carpet brush operate at different speeds.

In any embodiment, the front rotatable brush may have a radially outer portion which travels at a speed which is from 75% to 125% a speed of the surface cleaning head when travelling over carpet.

In any embodiment, the front rotatable brush may have a radially outer portion which travels at a speed which is proximate the speed of the surface cleaning head when travelling over carpet.

In any embodiment, the front rotatable brush may have a diameter that is from 0.75% to 1.25 percent of a diameter of the carpet brush.

In any embodiment, the front rotatable brush and the carpet brush may have approximately the same diameter.

In accordance with another aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein an upright surface cleaning apparatus having a surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a cyclone having a liquid blocking collar (e.g., an annular ring), which inhibits and, optionally essentially prevents or prevents liquid separated from an air stream exiting the cyclone chamber via the cyclone air outlet of the cyclone chamber. An advantage of this design is that a single stage cyclone may be used to separate both liquid and particulate matter entrained in an air stream.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a liquid delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one liquid,(b) an inverted cyclone comprising, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, a lower end, a lower end wall, an upper end and an upper end wall, the lower end having a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone air outlet and the upper end has a separated element outlet, wherein the cyclone air outlet comprises a treated air outlet conduit and a liquid blocking collar is provided on an outer surface of the treated air outlet conduit below an inlet to the treated fluid outlet conduit; and,(c) a solid and liquid collection chamber in communication with the separated element outlet.

In any embodiment, the inverted cyclone may have a cyclone sidewall and the separated element outlet is provided in a sidewall of the inverted cyclone.

In any embodiment, the cyclone fluid inlet may have a height extending away from the lower end wall and the liquid blocking collar may be located above a mid-point of the height when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise an outlet screen covering the inlet to the treated air outlet conduit.

In any embodiment, the outlet screen may be frusto-conical in shape and the outlet screen may have a lower end that is wider than an upper end of the outlet screen when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise an outlet conduit screen wherein the outlet conduit screen may be positioned around the treated air outlet conduit at a position below the liquid blocking collar when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation.

In any embodiment, the liquid blocking collar may extend a first lateral distance outward from the treated air outlet conduit and the outlet conduit screen may extend a second lateral distance outward from the treated air outlet conduit and the second lateral distance is less than the first lateral distance.

In any embodiment, the cyclone fluid inlet may have a radial inner end and the outlet conduit screen may be spaced inwardly from the radial inner end whereby a gap is provided between the cyclone fluid inlet and the outlet conduit screen.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a liquid delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one liquid,(b) an inverted cyclone comprising, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, a first end, a first end wall, a second end and a second end wall, the first end having a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone air outlet and the second end has a separated element outlet, wherein the cyclone air outlet comprises a treated air outlet conduit and a liquid blocking collar is provided on an outer surface of the treated air outlet conduit below an inlet to the treated air outlet conduit; and,(c) a solid and liquid collection chamber in communication with the separated element outlet.

In any embodiment, the inverted cyclone may have a cyclone sidewall and the separated element outlet is provided in a sidewall of the inverted cyclone.

In any embodiment, the cyclone fluid inlet may have a height extending away from the first end wall and the liquid blocking collar may be spaced further from the first end wall than a mid-point of the height of the cyclone fluid inlet.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise an outlet screen covering the inlet to the treated air outlet conduit.

In any embodiment, the outlet screen may be frusto-conical in shape and the outlet screen may have a first end that is positioned closer to the inlet of the treated air outlet conduit than a second end of the outlet screen and the first end of the outlet screen may be wider than a second end of the outlet screen.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise an outlet conduit screen wherein the outlet conduit screen may be positioned around the treated air outlet conduit and extends between the first end wall and the liquid blocking collar.

In any embodiment, the outlet conduit screen may be frusto-conical in shape and may have a first end that is positioned closer to the first end wall a second end of the outlet conduit screen and the first end of the outlet conduit screen may be wider than the second end of the outlet conduit screen.

In any embodiment, the liquid blocking collar may extend a first lateral distance outward from the treated air outlet conduit and the outlet conduit screen may extend a second lateral distance outward from the treated air outlet conduit and the second lateral distance may be less than the first lateral distance.

In any embodiment, the cyclone fluid inlet may have a radial inner end and the outlet conduit screen may be spaced inwardly from the radial inner end whereby a gap is provided between the cyclone fluid inlet and the outlet conduit screen.

In any embodiment, the cyclone fluid inlet may have a radial inner end and the outlet conduit screen may be spaced inwardly from the radial inner end whereby a gap is provided between the cyclone fluid inlet and the outlet conduit screen.

In accordance with another aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein, recovered liquid may be transferred from a collection chamber to a separated liquid collection container which may be remote from the collection chamber. For example, the separated liquid collection container may be provided at a location spaced from the treatment unit, such as in a surface cleaning head of an upright surface cleaning apparatus. An advantage of this design is that, in the case of an upright surface cleaning apparatus or an all in the head surface cleaning apparatus, the experienced handle weight experienced by a user when a cleaning solution or recovered dirty water is stored in the unit is reduced by storing at least some of the liquid other than on the upright section. This may also help lower the center of gravity of the apparatus when in use.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a liquid delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one liquid;(b) a separator having a separated element outlet;(c) a collection chamber in communication with the separated element outlet;(d) a separated liquid collection container downstream from the collection chamber; and,(e) a fluid flow path from the collection chamber to the separated liquid collection container.

In any embodiment, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the floor cleaning orientation, the separated liquid collection container may be positioned below the collection chamber.

In any embodiment, separated liquid may pass to the separated liquid collection container by gravity flow.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a pump wherein the pump transfers separated fluid from the collection chamber to the separated liquid collection container.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a sensor which issues a signal when water is detected in the surface cleaning apparatus and the pump is actuated in response to the signal.

In any embodiment, the pump may be actuated when the liquid delivery system is actuated and/or when the surface cleaning apparatus is actuated.

In any embodiment, the collection chamber may comprise a screen positioned between an inlet to the fluid flow path and the separated element outlet.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a valve positioned to prevent fluid passing from the separated liquid collection container to the separated element outlet. The valve may be provided in the fluid flow path.

In any embodiment, the separator may comprise a cyclone.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet and an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position, the upright section comprising the separator and the surface cleaning head comprising the separated liquid collection container. Optionally, separated liquid passes to the separated liquid collection container by gravity flow. Alternately, or in addition, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a pump wherein the pump transfers separated fluid from the collection chamber to the separated liquid collection container.

In any embodiment, the separated liquid collection container may comprise an inflatable bladder. Optionally, the liquid delivery system may comprise a clean liquid container and the inflatable bladder may be provided in the clean liquid container.

In any embodiment, the liquid delivery system may comprise a clean liquid container and the clean liquid container may comprise a deflatable bladder in the separated liquid collection container, wherein the clean liquid container deflates as clean liquid is withdrawn by the liquid delivery system.

In any embodiment, the separated liquid collection container may be a disposable container.

In accordance with another aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein, an upright surface cleaning apparatus, which may be a hand held surface cleaning apparatus, is provided with a system to inhibit, essentially prevent or prevent water from exiting a liquid collection chamber and travelling to a suction motor. For example, if the surface cleaning apparatus is an upright surface cleaning apparatus, the surface cleaning apparatus may include a tilt or recline sensor which inhibits the upright section recline past a certain point when the surface cleaning apparatus is operated in an extractor mode and/or a sensor, such as a moisture sensor which issues a signal when water is detected in, e.g., a liquid collection chamber, the treatment unit or the flow path upstream of the suction motor. It will be appreciated that, surface cleaning apparatus, such as a hand held surface cleaning apparatus, may also incorporate a moisture sensor which issues a signal when water is detected in, e.g., a liquid collection chamber, the treatment unit or the flow path upstream of the suction motor. An advantage of this design is that the unit is inhibited from operating in a manner whereby water may be drawn into the suction motor.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet;(b) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position;(c) a separator and a liquid collection chamber that receives recovered water, wherein the liquid collection chamber is provided on the upright section;(d) a fluid flow path extending from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet, the first fluid flow path including the separator and a suction motor; and,(e) a recline limiter system adapted to inhibit the upright section reclining to a positon at which recovered water enters the separator.

In any embodiment, the recline limiter system may comprise a moisture sensor which issues a signal upon detecting water and a blocking member which, upon issuance of the signal, deploys to inhibit rearward inclination of the upright section further than a particular inclination. The particular rearward inclination of the upright section may be an angle of from 15 to 30° from the floor.

In any embodiment, the auto shut off control system may comprise an inclination sensor which issues a signal upon detecting a particular rearward inclination of the upright section and a blocking member which, upon issuance of the signal, deploys to inhibit rearward inclination of the upright section further than a particular inclination. The particular rearward inclination of the upright section may be an angle of from 15 to 30° from the floor.

In any embodiment, the upright surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a cleaning solution delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one cleaning solution and the recline limiter system is actuated when the cleaning solution delivery system is actuated.

In any embodiment, the recline limiter system may comprise a moisture sensor which issues a water detection signal upon detecting water and an inclination sensor which issues an inclination signal upon detecting a particular rearward inclination of the upright section and the recline limiter system deploys a blocking member that inhibits rearward inclination of the upright section further than a particular inclination upon issuance of the signals.

In any embodiment, the upright surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a solenoid which is actuated to deploy the blocking member upon issuance of the signals.

In any embodiment, the separator may comprise an inverted cyclone comprising, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, a lower end and an upper end, the lower end having a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone fluid outlet and the upper end has a separated element outlet in communication with the collection chamber.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet;(b) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position;(c) a separator and a liquid collection chamber that receives recovered water, wherein the liquid collection chamber is provided on the upright section;(d) a fluid flow path extending from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet, the first fluid flow path including the separator and a suction motor; and,(e) an auto shut off control system adapted to shut the suction motor off prior to the upright section reclining to a positon at which recovered water enters the separator.

In any embodiment, the auto shut off control system may comprise a moisture sensor which issues a signal upon detecting water and the auto shut off control system de-actuates the suction motor upon receipt of the signal.

In any embodiment, the auto shut off control system may comprise an inclination sensor which issues a signal upon detecting a particular rearward inclination of the upright section and the auto shut off control system de-actuates the suction motor upon receipt of the signal.

In any embodiment, the particular rearward inclination of the upright section may be an angle of from 15 to 30° from the floor.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a cleaning solution delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one cleaning solution and the auto shut off control system is actuated when the cleaning solution delivery system is actuated.

In any embodiment, the auto shut off control system may comprise a moisture sensor which issues a water detection signal upon detecting water and an inclination sensor which issues an inclination signal upon detecting a particular rearward inclination of the upright section and the auto shut off control system de-actuates the suction motor when both signals are issued.

In any embodiment, the separator may comprise an inverted cyclone comprising, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, a lower end and an upper end, the lower end having a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone fluid outlet and the upper end has a separated element outlet in communication with the collection chamber.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a cleaning solution delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one cleaning solution and the auto shut off control system comprises an inclination sensor which issues a first inclination signal that inhibits the actuation of the suction motor until the upright section has been reclined beyond an initial angular degree of rotation of the upright section from the upright storage position.

In any embodiment, the auto shut off control system may comprise a moisture sensor which issues a water detection signal upon detecting water and the inclination sensor issues a second inclination signal upon detecting a particular rearward inclination of the upright section and the auto shut off control system de-actuates the suction motor when both the water detection signal and the second inclination signals are issued.

In any embodiment, the inclination sensor may comprise a single inclination sensor which issues both the first and second inclination signals.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may be a hand held surface cleaning apparatus.

In accordance with another aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein, in order to inhibit, essentially prevent or prevent water from exiting a liquid collection chamber and travelling to a suction motor, a valve may be provided to close a flow path back into a separator, such as a cyclone. Alternately, or in addition the separated liquid container may be configured to provide a reservoir to store separated liquid when the orientation of a surface cleaning apparatus is changed from, e.g., a cleaning orientation to a horizontal orientation or a storage orientation to a reclined cleaning orientation.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a liquid delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one liquid;(b) a separation stage comprising a separator and a separated liquid container in communication with a separated element outlet of the separator; and,(c) a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet, the fluid flow path including the separator and a suction motor,wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the separated liquid container has a first portion underlying the separator, a second portion laterally spaced from the first portion and positioned below the separator and a third portion positioned above the second portion, and the third portion has a volume that is at least 80% of a volume of the first portion.

In any embodiment, the separation stage may further comprise a solid collection chamber and the first portion underlies the solid collection chamber, the second portion is laterally spaced from the first portion and is positioned below the solid collection chamber and the third portion is positioned above the second portion, and the third portion has a volume that is at least 80% of a volume of the first portion.

In any embodiment, the third portion may be positioned adjacent the solid collection chamber.

In any embodiment, the third portion may extend along a side of the solid collection chamber.

In any embodiment, the third portion may be in flow communication with the solid collection chamber and the second portion is in flow communication with the third portion.

In any embodiment, the first and second portions may comprise a contiguous volume.

In any embodiment, the separator may comprise an inverted cyclone comprising, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, a lower end and an upper end, the lower end having a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone fluid outlet and the upper end has the separated element outlet, wherein the third portion has a volume whereby, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the first and second portions are full with separated liquid and the third portion is empty and when the surface cleaning apparatus is then moved to a horizontal orientation—an upper surface of the separated liquid is positioned below the separated element outlet.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may be an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a surface cleaning head having the dirty fluid inlet;(b) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position; and,(c) a recline limiter system adapted to inhibit the upright section reclining beyond a particular angle of inclination,wherein the third portion has a volume whereby, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the first and second portions are full with separated liquid and the third portion is empty and when the surface cleaning apparatus is then moved to the particular angle of inclination, an upper surface of the separated liquid is positioned below the separated element outlet.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a valve in a flow connection between the third portion and the solid collection chamber.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a liquid delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one liquid;(b) a separation stage comprising a separator and a separated liquid container in communication with a separated element outlet of the separator; and,(c) a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet, the fluid flow path including the separator and a suction motor,wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the separated liquid container has a first portion underlying the separator, a second portion laterally spaced from the first portion and positioned below the separator and a third portion positioned above the second portion, and the third portion has a volume whereby, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the first and second portions are full with separated liquid and the third portion is empty and when the surface cleaning apparatus is then moved to a horizontal orientation, an upper surface of the separated liquid is positioned below the separated element outlet.

In any embodiment, the separation stage may further comprise a solid collection chamber and the first portion underlies the solid collection chamber, the second portion is laterally spaced from the first portion and is positioned below the solid collection chamber and the third portion is positioned above the second portion, and the third portion has a volume that is at least 80% of a volume of the first portion.

In any embodiment, the third portion may be positioned adjacent the solid collection chamber.

In any embodiment, the third portion may extend alone a side of the solid collection chamber.

In any embodiment, the third portion may be in flow communication with the solid collection chamber and the second portion is in flow communication with the third portion.

In any embodiment, the first and second portions may comprise a contiguous volume.

In any embodiment, the separator may comprise an inverted cyclone comprising, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, a lower end and an upper end, the lower end having a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone fluid outlet and the upper end has the separated element outlet.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may be an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a surface cleaning head having the dirty fluid inlet;(b) an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, the upright section moveable between an upright storage position and a reclined surface cleaning position; and,(c) a recline limiter system adapted to inhibit the upright section reclining beyond a particular angle of inclination,wherein the third portion has a volume whereby, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the first and second portions are full with separated liquid and the third portion is empty and when the surface cleaning apparatus is then moved to the particular angle of inclination, an upper surface of the separated liquid is positioned below the separated element outlet.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a valve in a flow connection between the third portion and the solid collection chamber.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a liquid delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one liquid;(b) a separation stage comprising a separator, a solid collection chamber in communication with a separated element outlet of the separator and a separated liquid container in communication with the solid collection chamber;(c) a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet, the fluid flow path including the separator and a suction motor; and,(d) a valve in a flow connection between the solid collection chamber and the separated liquid container.

In any embodiment, the separated liquid container may have a first portion underlying the solid collection chamber, a second portion laterally spaced from the first portion and positioned below the solid collection chamber and a third portion positioned above the second portion and adjacent the solid collection chamber and the third portion is in flow communication with the solid collection chamber.

In any embodiment, the third portion may have a volume that is at least 80% of a volume of the first portion.

In any embodiment, the separator may comprise an inverted cyclone comprising, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, a lower end and an upper end, the lower end having a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone fluid outlet and the upper end has the separated element outlet.

In accordance with another aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein, an upright surface cleaning apparatus may be a hand held surface cleaning apparatus. The hand held cleaning apparatus may use any of the embodiments of the various aspects disclosed herein which are not limited to designs of an upright or all in the head surface cleaning apparatus.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand held surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet provided at a front end of the hand held surface cleaning apparatus to a clean air outlet, the fluid flow path including a separator and a suction motor, wherein the suction motor is positioned rearward of the dirty fluid inlet;(b) a separation stage comprising the separator, a solid collection chamber in communication with a separated element outlet of the separator and a separated liquid reservoir in communication with the solid collection chamber wherein the solid collection chamber is positioned rearward of the separated liquid reservoir, the separator is positioned rearward of the solid collection chamber; and,(c) a handle.

In any embodiment, the suction motor may be positioned rearward of the separator.

In any embodiment, the separated liquid reservoir may be positioned at the front end.

In any embodiment, the handle may be provided at a rear end of the hand held surface cleaning apparatus.

In any embodiment, a plane may intersect the separated liquid reservoir, the solid collection chamber and the separator.

In any embodiment, the fluid flow path may include an inlet passage that extends from the dirty fluid inlet to an inlet to the separator and a portion of the inlet passage extends through the separated liquid reservoir.

In any embodiment, the fluid flow path may include a downstream portion extending from a separator outlet to the suction motor and the suction motor has an axis of rotation that is generally parallel to the flow axis of the downstream portion.

In any embodiment, the flow axis of the downstream portion may be generally parallel to a flow axis of the inlet passage.

In any embodiment, the separator may comprise an inverted cyclone comprising, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, a lower end and an upper end, the lower end having a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone fluid outlet and the upper end having the separated element outlet.

In any embodiment, the fluid flow path may include an inlet passage that extends from the dirty fluid inlet to an inlet to the cyclone and the cyclone has an axis of rotation that is generally perpendicular to a flow axis of the inlet passage.

In any embodiment, the hand held surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise an on board power source wherein the on board power source is positioned rearward of the separator.

In any embodiment, the hand held surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise an on board power source wherein the on board power source is positioned rearward of the suction motor.

In any embodiment, the fluid flow path may include an inlet passage that extends from the dirty fluid inlet to an inlet to the separator and the hand held surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise an on board power source wherein at least a portion of the on board power source is positioned above of the suction motor when a flow axis of the inlet passage extends generally horizontally.

In any embodiment, the hand held surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a cleaning solution delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one cleaning solution.

In any embodiment, the handle may extend from the separator to a position rearward of an inlet end of the suction motor.

In any embodiment, the handle may extend from the separator to a position adjacent a rear end of the suction motor.

In any embodiment, the fluid flow path may include an inlet passage that extends from the dirty fluid inlet to an inlet to the separator and when a flow axis of the inlet passage extends generally horizontally, all operating components of the hand held surface cleaning apparatus are positioned below the separated element outlet.

In accordance with another aspect of the teachings describe herein, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspects described herein, an upright surface cleaning apparatus may include an open cell material, such as a sponge, which may be positioned between an entrance to a separated liquid reservoir and a portion of the separated liquid reservoir which retains separated liquid. An advantage of this design is that stored separated liquid may be inhibited from reversing direction and travelling from a liquid reservoir to a separator (e.g., cyclone) and then to the suction motor.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet a clean air outlet, the fluid flow path including a separator and a suction motor; and,(b) a separation stage comprising the separator and a separated liquid reservoir wherein the separated liquid reservoir includes a liquid sequestering member.

In any embodiment, the liquid sequestering member may comprise an open cell material. The open cell material may comprise an open cell foam.

In any embodiment, the liquid sequestering member may be deformable and reusable.

In any embodiment, the separated liquid reservoir may comprise a container with an openable lid wherein the liquid sequestering member remains in the container when the lid is opened.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a compression member which is moveable between a first position in which the liquid sequestering member is uncompressed and a second position in which the liquid sequestering member is deformed. The compression member may comprise a plunger.

In any embodiment, the separated liquid reservoir may have a liquid outlet positioned below the compression member when the separated liquid reservoir is positioned in an emptying orientation, whereby, when the liquid outlet is opened and the liquid sequestering member is compressed, liquid trapped in the liquid sequestering member exits the separated liquid reservoir through the liquid outlet while the liquid sequestering member remains in the separated liquid reservoir.

In any embodiment, the separated liquid reservoir may have a separated liquid outlet, the liquid sequestering member may be deformable and reusable, and the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a compression member which is moveable between a first position in which the liquid sequestering member is uncompressed and a second position in which the liquid sequestering member is deformed.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:(a) a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet a clean air outlet, the fluid flow path including a separator and a suction motor; and,(b) a separation stage comprising the separator and a separated liquid reservoir wherein the separated liquid reservoir includes baffle members.

In any embodiment, the baffle members may comprise an open cell material.

In any embodiment, the baffle members may comprise an open cell foam.

In any embodiment, the baffle members may be deformable.

In any embodiment, the separated liquid reservoir may comprise a container with an openable lid wherein the baffle members remain in the container when the lid is opened.

In any embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a compression member which is moveable between a first position in which the baffle members are uncompressed and a second position in which the baffle members are deformed. The compression member may comprise a plunger.

In any embodiment, the separated liquid reservoir may have a liquid outlet positioned below the compression member when the separated liquid reservoir is positioned in an emptying orientation, whereby, when the liquid outlet is opened and the open cell material is compressed, liquid trapped in the open cell material exits the separated liquid reservoir through the liquid outlet while the open cell material remains in the separated liquid reservoir.

In any embodiment, the separated liquid reservoir may have a separated liquid outlet, the baffle members are deformable, and the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a compression member which is moveable between a first position in which the baffle members are uncompressed and a second position in which the baffle members are deformed.

