Extraction type cleaner

Abstract

The removable cleaner (100) may include a base (104), an upright body (102) pivotally coupled to the base (104), a supply bin (106) removably coupled to the upright body (102), and a recovery bin (108) removably coupled to the upright body (102). The base (104) may include a non-removable door (204) and a removable suction nozzle (114). At least one fluid dispensing nozzle (114) may be provided on the door (204). A door (204) may be pivotally coupled to the base (104) for providing access to the agitator (124). The cleaner (100) may include an automatic spray configuration. The cleaner (100) may include a support (2902) for use on an upright portion (102) of the recycling bin (108). The cleaner (100) may include an additional tank (107) received in a container of the supply tank (106). The recycling bin (108) may include a float (3312) and / or an airflow management feature (3310). The cleaner (100) may include a cleaning tool (105) and a suction change-over valve (127) and / or a fluid change-over valve (123). The cleaner (100) may include a mixing valve (111) for supplying fluid to the fluid conversion valve (123). Also provided is a cleaning composition comprising a water-based cleaning solution mixed with a water-based oxidizing solution as desired.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to surface treating devices and, more particularly, to extraction cleaners. Background Art

[0002] A surface treatment device is configured to be maneuvered over a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor). While being maneuvered over the surface to be cleaned, the surface treatment device can collect at least a portion of any debris deposited on the surface to be cleaned. An example of a surface treatment device is an extraction cleaner. An extraction cleaner is configured to apply a liquid to the surface to be cleaned and to extract at least a portion of the applied liquid from the surface to be cleaned. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The features of the present embodiments will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings described herein. The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated in various figures may be represented by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing.

[0004] Figure 1 One example of an extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0005] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of another exemplary extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A front perspective and partially exploded view of the base of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0007] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A front perspective view of the base of an extraction cleaner is shown with the suction nozzle removed.

[0008] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A front perspective cutaway view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0009] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A bottom perspective view of the extraction nozzle of the extraction cleaner is shown.

[0010] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0011] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown illustrating the connector end of the suction nozzle.

[0012] Figure 9 Is set in Figure 2 A top perspective view of a connector body and an energizing spring at the connector end of a suction nozzle of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0013] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 A top perspective view of the door of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0014] Figure 11 yes Figure 2 A top perspective view of the base of an extractor cleaner is shown in FIG. 1 with the cover on the door removed.

[0015] Figure 12 yes Figure 2 A bottom perspective view of the door of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0016] Figure 13 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the fluid supply and base supply line connections of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0017] Figure 14 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the base supply line connections of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0018] Figure 15 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0019] Figure 16 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0020] Figure 17 yes Figure 2 A front cross-sectional view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0021] Figure 18 is a partially exploded perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of an extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of an extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A partially exploded perspective view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0024] Figure 21 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of an extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of an extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a wicking configuration according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 24 yes Figure 2 A front perspective view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0028] Figure 25 yes Figure 2 A front perspective view of an automatic spray detector for an extractor cleaner is shown.

[0029] Figure 26 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0030] Figure 27 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of an extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 28 yes Figure 2 A front perspective view of the supply tank and additional tank of an extractor cleaner is shown.

[0032] Figure 29 yes Figure 2 A rear cross-sectional view of a portion of the extraction cleaner is shown.

[0033] Figure 30 yes Figure 2 A front perspective view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0034] Figure 31 yes Figure 2 A bottom perspective view of the recovery tank of the extraction cleaner is shown.

[0035] Figure 32 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0036] Figure 33 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a recovery tank of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0037] Figure 34 yes Figure 33 Front cutaway view of the recycling bin shown.

[0038] Figure 35 yes Figure 33 A rear perspective view of the float of the recovery tank is shown.

[0039] Figure 36 yes Figure 33 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of a recovery tank is shown.

[0040] Figure 37 yes Figure 2 A front perspective view of a suction switching valve of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0041] Figure 38 yes Figure 37 A side perspective view of the housing of a suction switching valve is shown.

[0042] Figure 39 yes Figure 37 A front perspective view of the rotor of a suction switching valve is shown.

[0043] Figure 40 yes Figure 2 A side view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown with the handle of the rotor in a downward orientation.

[0044] Figure 41 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown with the handle of the rotor in a downward orientation.

[0045] Figure 42 yes Figure 2 A rear perspective view of a portion of the extraction cleaner is shown.

[0046] Figure 43 yes Figure 2 A rear perspective view of a portion of the extraction cleaner is shown.

[0047] Figure 44 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0048] Figure 45 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a fluid switching valve of an extraction cleaner is shown, and the operation of the suction switching valve is schematically illustrated.

[0049] Figure 46 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a fluid switching valve of an extraction cleaner is shown, and the operation of the suction switching valve is schematically illustrated.

[0050] Figure 47 yes Figure 2 A top perspective view of a mixing valve of an extraction cleaner is shown.

[0051] Figure 48 yes Figure 47 A side cross-sectional view of a mixing valve is shown.

[0052] Figure 49 yes Figure 47 A top cross-sectional view of a mixing valve is shown.

[0053] Figure 50 yes Figure 47 Exploded view of the mixing valve shown.

[0054] Figure 51 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of an exemplary extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The present disclosure generally relates to an extractor cleaner and a cleaning composition thereof. In some embodiments, the extractor cleaner includes a main body, a supply tank removably connected to the main body, an additional tank removably connected to the main body, a recovery tank removably connected to the main body, a fluid pump fluidly connected to the supply tank and the additional tank, a suction motor fluidly connected to the recovery tank, and a base including a fluid applicator fluidly connected to the pump and a fluid suction inlet fluidly connected to the recovery tank. The supply tank is configured to store a first fluid, and the additional tank is configured to store a second fluid, and the first fluid and the second fluid can be different fluids. The pump is configured to actuate one or more of the first fluid and / or the second fluid through the fluid applicator of the base so that the first fluid and / or the second fluid are applied to the surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor). The suction motor is configured to pump at least a portion of the applied first fluid and / or the second fluid into the suction inlet of the base to be placed in the recovery tank for later disposal.

[0056] In some embodiments, the extraction cleaner may further include a flexible hose configured to couple the cleaning tool fluid to a recovery tank. The flexible hose may include a first end portion (e.g., removably or non-removably) coupled to the main body and a second end portion (e.g., removably or non-removably) coupled to the cleaning tool so that the cleaning tool can be moved independently of the main body of the extraction cleaner to perform target cleaning operations, e.g., to clean a specific point, a small area that the base cannot enter, a pet, etc. The pump may be configured to actuate the liquid from the supply tank and / or the additional tank through the cleaning tool and onto the target surface. The suction motor may be configured to actuate debris and fluid from the target surface into the cleaning tool and into the recovery tank for later disposal.

[0057] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of an extraction cleaner 100 according to the present disclosure. As shown, extraction cleaner 100 includes an upright body 102, a base 104 pivotally coupled to upright body 102, a flexible hose 103 having a cleaning tool 105 coupled to an end thereof, a supply tank 106, an additional tank 107, and a recovery tank 108. Extraction cleaner 100 can be configured to operate using one or more batteries and / or mains power (e.g., via an electrical connection to a household electrical outlet).

[0058] Fluid can be selectively dispensed from the supply tank 106 and / or the additional tank 107 through one or more nozzles 114 (shown in phantom) coupled to the base 104 and / or one or more nozzles 115 coupled to the cleaning tool 105. The user can selectively fluidly couple the recovery tank 108 to the base airflow path 119 through the base 104 or to the cleaning tool airflow path 129 through the cleaning tool 105. Thus, the user can use fluid dispensing and suction at the base 104 to selectively clean a surface to be cleaned 110, such as carpet or flooring, or use fluid dispensing and suction at the cleaning tool 105 to clean a targeted surface, such as a specific spot, a small area that the base cannot access, a pet, etc.

[0059] In the example shown, supply tank 106 is configured to receive a first cleaning fluid, such as water, detergent, soap, fragrance, and / or other cleaning fluids. Additional tank 107 is configured to receive a second cleaning fluid, such as water, detergent, soap, and / or a cleaning fluid combination, for cleaning a specific type of dirt on a cleaning surface. The second cleaning fluid may be different from the first cleaning fluid.

[0060] In some cases, the extraction cleaner 100 can be configured to deliver only the first cleaning fluid, only the second cleaning fluid and / or the combination of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to the base 104 and / or the cleaning tool 105. For example, the user of the extraction cleaner 100 can be able to select between delivering only the first cleaning fluid, only the second cleaning fluid or the combination of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to the surface 114 to be cleaned from the base 104 and / or the cleaning tool 105. By further example, the extraction cleaner 100 can be configured to deliver only the combination of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid from the base 104 and / or the cleaning tool 105 to the surface 114 to be cleaned. In this example, the extraction cleaner 100 can be configured to deliver the combination of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid until at least one of the first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid is exhausted. Alternatively, in this example, when one of the first cleaning fluid or the second cleaning fluid is exhausted, the other of the first cleaning fluid or the second cleaning fluid can continue to be delivered to the surface 114 to be cleaned until it is exhausted.

[0061] In some embodiments, a boost fluid can be used in combination with a base cleaning fluid. For example, the second cleaning fluid can include a boost fluid that is mixed with the base cleaning fluid. Additionally or alternatively, the second cleaning fluid can include a boost fluid, and the first cleaning fluid can include a base cleaning fluid. This approach can be used to avoid a reaction between the boost fluid and the base cleaning fluid, and ultimately, the boost fluid decomposing, until they are mixed by a mixing valve. For example, a user can fill a supply tank with water to a specified level, such as indicated by a fill line on the supply tank, and then add a predetermined amount of base cleaning fluid to the water in the supply tank.

[0062] The enhancing fluid may comprise, for example, an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. The base cleaning fluid may comprise, for example, water, detergent, soap, fragrance and / or other cleaning fluids. The enhancing fluid may have a pH (hydrogen ion concentration) less than the pH of the base cleaning fluid to prevent the enhancing fluid from decomposing in the second cleaning fluid. In some embodiments, for example, the pH of the enhancing fluid may be less than or equal to approximately 4.5, and the pH of the base cleaning fluid may be greater than or equal to approximately 9. When cleaning with cleaning tool 105, using enhancing fluid in the first and / or second cleaning fluid may be particularly useful, for example, for cleaning a heavily soiled target area.

[0063] In the example shown, a supply tank line 109 (shown in phantom) fluidly couples the supply tank 106 to a mixing valve 111 (shown in phantom) to deliver a first clean fluid as an input to the mixing valve 111. An additional tank line 113 (shown in phantom) fluidly couples the additional tank 107 to the mixing valve 111 to deliver a second clean fluid as an input to the mixing valve 111. The mixing valve 111 is configured to provide one or more of the first clean fluid, the second clean fluid, and / or an adjustable mixture of the first and second clean fluids to one or more supply lines 112 (shown in phantom), and / or can be configured to allow a user to selectively provide only one of the first clean fluid or the second clean fluid to the supply lines 112. The fluid in the supply lines 112 can therefore include the first clean fluid and / or the second clean fluid. In embodiments where a boost fluid is used in combination with a base cleaning fluid, the boost fluid and the base cleaning fluid may be separated in a respective one of the additional tank and the supply tank to prevent any reaction therebetween, and then mixed, for example, by a mixing valve or in a fitting, such as a t-connector, to cause a chemical reaction between the boost fluid and the base fluid, thereby improving the cleanliness and / or stability of the mixed boost fluid and base fluid.

[0064] The supply line 112 is fluidically coupled to a fluid switching valve 123 (shown in phantom). The fluid switching valve 123 can be selectively configured to be in a base supply state and a cleaning tool supply state. The state of the fluid switching valve 123 can be selected by a mechanical and / or electrical switch or by directly physically manipulating the fluid switching valve 123 or another component of the extraction cleaner 100 (e.g., the suction switching valve 127 described herein). In some embodiments, for example, when the upright body 102 is upright relative to the base 104, the fluid switching valve 123 can be automatically placed in the cleaning tool supply state by a mechanical and / or electrical switch, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the upright body 102 is tilted relative to the base 104 and is not in the vertical upright position, the fluid switching valve 123 can be automatically placed in the base supply state. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid switching valve 123 can be placed in the base supply state or the cleaning tool supply state by user input to the control panel 141.

[0065] When the fluid switching valve 123 is in the base supply state, the one or more fluid supply lines 112 are fluidically coupled to the one or more fluid dispensing nozzles 114 coupled to the base 104 via base supply lines 117 (shown in phantom). Thus, fluid from the one or more supply lines 112 can be directly and / or indirectly dispensed onto the surface to be cleaned 110 via the one or more fluid dispensing nozzles 114. In some embodiments, the one or more nozzles 114 can be disposed within an agitator cavity 116 (shown in phantom) defined within the base 104. Additionally or alternatively, the nozzles 114 can be disposed on an outer surface of the base 104.

[0066] When the fluid switching valve 123 is in the cleaning tool supply state, one or more fluid supply lines 112 are fluidically coupled to one or more fluid dispensing nozzles 115 coupled to the cleaning tool 105 via a cleaning tool supply line 121 (shown in dotted lines). Thus, the fluid from the supply line 112 can be directly and / or indirectly dispensed onto the target surface via the one or more fluid dispensing nozzles 115. For example, the one or more nozzles 115 can be disposed within the cleaning tool 105 and / or can be disposed on the outer surface of the cleaning tool 105. In some embodiments, a pump 125 (shown in dotted lines) can be coupled to the supply line 112 so that the pump 125 actuates the fluid through the fluid switching valve 123 and reaches the nozzles 114 or 115.

[0067] The recovery tank 108 is fluidly coupled to the suction motor 118 (shown in phantom), the recovery conduit 120, and the suction switching valve 127. The suction switching valve 127 can be selectively configured to be in a base suction state or a cleaning tool suction state. The state of the suction switching valve 127 can be selected by a mechanical and / or electrical switch or by directly physically manipulating the suction switching valve 127 or other components of the extraction cleaner 100. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the upright body 102 is vertically upright relative to the base 104, the suction switching valve 127 can be automatically placed in the cleaning tool suction state through a mechanical and / or electrical switch, and when the upright body 102 is tilted relative to the base 104 and is not in the vertical upright position, the suction switching valve 127 can be automatically placed in the base suction state. Additionally or alternatively, the suction switching valve 127 can be placed in the base suction state or the cleaning tool suction state through user input to the control panel 141.

[0068] When the suction switch valve 127 is in the base suction state, the recovery conduit 120 and the recovery tank 108 are fluidly coupled to the base airflow path 119 (shown in phantom) through the switch valve 127. The base airflow path 119 extends from the suction switch valve 127 to the suction inlet 131 at the bottom and to the front of the base 104. When the suction switch valve 127 is in the base suction state, the suction motor 118 can therefore urge fluid placed on the surface to be cleaned 110 into the suction inlet 131, through the base airflow path 119, and into the recovery tank 108.

[0069] When the suction switching valve 127 is in the cleaning tool suction state, the recovery conduit 120 and the recovery tank 108 are fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool airflow path 129 through the switching valve 127. The cleaning tool airflow path 129 extends from the cleaning tool suction inlet 135 at the bottom of the cleaning tool 105, through the flexible hose 103 and to the suction switching valve 127. When the suction switching valve 127 is in the cleaning tool suction state, the suction motor 118 can establish a suction airflow to urge fluid placed on the target surface into the cleaning tool suction inlet 135, through the cleaning tool airflow path 129, and into the recovery tank 108.

[0070] In some embodiments, the recovery tank 108 may include a debris separator 122 (shown in phantom) configured to separate solid debris from liquid within the recovery tank 108. The debris separator 122 may also be configured to prevent liquid from flowing from the recovery tank 108 into the suction motor 118.

[0071] The agitator cavity 116 of the base 104 can include an agitator 124 that is configured to engage the surface to be cleaned 110. In some embodiments, the agitator 124 can be a longitudinal cylindrical body configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the body. The agitator 124 can be driven by a motor (not shown) to rotate about the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the agitator 124 can be configured to vibrate relative to the base 104. The agitator 124 includes any combination of flaps, bristles, and / or microfibers. In some embodiments, the agitator 124 can be a non-absorbent agitator.

[0072] The extraction cleaner 100 may also include a controller 145 (shown in phantom). The controller 145 may be coupled to receive user input from the control panel 141 and / or input from sensors and / or switches in the extraction cleaner 100, and may be configured to provide control outputs for controlling components of the extraction cleaner 100 in response to the inputs. For example, the controller 145 may be configured to control the state of the fluid switching valve 123 and / or the suction switching valve 127 in response to user input and / or in response to a sensor or switch that is responsive to the position of the upright body 102 relative to the base 104. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 145 may be configured to control the operation of the mixing valve 111, the suction motor 118, the pump 125, and / or a motor (not shown) for driving the agitator. Many configurations of the controller 145 will be apparent from this disclosure.

[0073] The upright body 102 may have a handle 137 coupled to an end thereof for a user to grasp, and the base 104 may include one or more wheels 139 coupled thereto and positioned to engage the surface 110 to be cleaned. The wheels 139 allow the base 104 to be maneuvered along the surface 110 to be cleaned. To clean using suction and fluid delivery at the base 104, the user may configure the suction switching valve 127 to be in the base suction state and the fluid switching valve 123 to be in the base supply state. The user may grasp the handle 137 and push and / or pull the base 104 along the surface 110 to be cleaned. Fluid 139 may be dispensed directly and / or indirectly from the nozzle 114 onto the surface 110 to be cleaned, for example, during forward and / or rearward movement of the base 104, and the surface 110 to be cleaned with the fluid thereon may be agitated by the agitator 124. At least a portion of the fluid 139 may be recovered from the surface to be cleaned 110 by operation of the suction motor 118 to create suction for drawing the fluid into the base airflow path 119 and the recovery tank 108 .

[0074] In order to use suction and fluid delivery to clean at cleaning tool 105 place, the user can be configured to suction conversion valve 127 and be in the cleaning tool suction state, and fluid conversion valve 123 is configured to be in the cleaning tool supply state.The user can grip cleaning tool 105 and manipulate cleaning tool 105 on the target surface.Fluid 143 can for example be directly and / or indirectly distributed on the target from nozzle 115 in response to the operation of the trigger on the cleaning tool by the user.At least a portion of fluid 143 can be reclaimed from surface to be cleaned 110 by the operation of suction motor 118, to set up the suction that is used to be pumped into cleaning tool air flow path 129 and recovery tank 108.

[0075] Supply tank 106 and / or additional tank 107 can be configured to provide fabric / cleaning composition together and / or separately for removing stains and dirt from substrates such as carpets and fabrics (surface to be cleaned 110). Fabric / cleaning composition is preferably formed by a combination of a water-based cleaning solution and a water-based oxidizing solution just before being applied to the substrate. In some embodiments, the water-based cleaning solution can be the first cleaning fluid received in supply tank 106, for example, a base cleaning fluid, and the water-based oxidizing solution can be the second cleaning fluid received in additional tank 107, for example, a booster fluid. It is contemplated that two separate solutions will be used and mixed as needed to maintain storage stability and optimize cleaning effectiveness while allowing for determination and effective levels of active components to be achieved on selected surfaces at a desired pH.

[0076] The first aqueous cleaning solution preferably contains a mixture of ingredients in a relatively alkaline solution (pH>7.0), and the second aqueous oxidizing solution contains a mixture of ingredients in a relatively acidic solution (pH<7.0). The first aqueous cleaning solution herein comprises an aqueous solution, which is a relatively alkaline solution (pH>7.0) as described above. More preferably, the pH of the first aqueous cleaning solution is in the range of 8.5 to 10.0, including all values ​​and increments therein. Therefore, the pH is 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9 or 10.0. A particularly preferred pH range is 8.5 to 9.5, or even more preferably 9.0 to 9.5. The second aqueous oxidizing solution herein also comprises an aqueous solution, which is a relatively acidic solution (pH<7.0), as described. More preferably, the pH of the oxidizing solution is less than or equal to 5.0, and preferably falls within the range of 3.0 to 5.0, including all individual values ​​and increments therein. Thus, the pH is 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9 or 5.0.

[0077] The second aqueous oxidizing solution contains a peroxide compound, i.e., a peroxide anion O2 2- or O-O single bonds, such as H2O2. When the first and second aqueous solutions are combined, the peroxide is then provided and activated by the carbonate component to bond with a given substrate for cleaning, and in particularly preferred cases, the H2O2 is in the range of 0.20 wt.% to 0.70 wt.%, including all values ​​and increments therein, such as 0.20 wt.%, 0.30 wt.%, 0.40 wt.%, 0.50 wt.%, 0.60 wt.%, and 0.70 wt.%. A particularly preferred range of the weight percentage of the H2O2 compound upon which the substrate to be treated for stain and soil removal is based is 0.30 wt.% to 0.40 wt.%.

[0078] Thus, peroxygen compounds herein are intended to include water-soluble peroxygen agents including hydrogen peroxide and inorganic alkali metal peroxides in acidic solutions at pH < 7.0. Such peroxygen compounds thus include sodium peroxide (Na2O2) and organic peroxides such as urea hydroperoxide (CH6N2O3) and melamine hydroperoxide (C3H8N6O2). Also contemplated are alkyl hydroperoxides (RO-OH) where R is an alkyl group, such as in methyl hydroperoxide (CH3OOH), tert-butyl hydroperoxide ((CH3)3C-O-OH), or aryl peroxides where R is an aryl group, such as in benzoyl peroxide (C3H8N6O2). 14 H 10 The peroxygen compounds herein may also preferably be used with or without peroxidases (enzymes that catalyze the decomposition of peroxides).

[0079] The first aqueous cleaning solution preferably contains the following ingredients: (1) a nonionic surfactant, preferably an alcohol ethoxylate, which refers to a nonionic surfactant containing a hydrophobic alkyl chain connected to a hydrophilic ethylene oxide chain via an ether bond, which can be obtained from Dow's Ecosurf TM EH-9 (trade name, which is ethoxylated propoxylated 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, CAS No. 64366-70-7) and Ecosurf TM EH-6 (also available from Dow, CAS No. 64366-70-7) and alkyl polyglycosides (APG, which refers to the reaction product of a fatty alcohol and a sugar and is characterized by a sugar unit and one or more hydrophobic alkyl chains, such as decyl glucoside available from Brenntag, CAS No. 68515-73-1); (2) carbonate anions (CO3 2-) source, such as a water-soluble alkali metal carbonate or alkali metal bicarbonate; (3) a metal chelator, such as ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS), more preferably biodegradable (S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS, CAS No. 178949-82-1); (4) an organic alkyl alcohol, preferably ethanol; (5) a dispersant polymer, preferably exemplified by Acusol 505N (acrylic acid polymer, CAS No. 60472-42-6); (6) a metal hydroxide, such as sodium hydroxide, to provide the desired pH greater than 7; (7) a free radical scavenger; (8) a fragrance and / or odor control agent or other aesthetic agent; and (9) water.

[0080] With regard to free radical scavengers, they are preferably selected from aliphatic amino acids, preferably glycine (C2H5NO2, CAS No. 56-40-6). Other free radical scavengers are expected to include sarcosine (N-methylglycine), lysine, serine, glutamic acid and mixtures thereof. Free radical scavengers herein are also expected to be selected from 2-methoxyethylamine, glucosamine, morpholine, piperidine, ethylamine and 3-amino-1-propanol and mixtures thereof. It is expected that such free radical scavengers can trap free radicals, such as hydroxyl radicals (HO . ) to reduce or eliminate the damage that such free radicals may cause to a given substrate fabric.

[0081] The second aqueous oxidizing solution preferably contains the following ingredients: (1) a peroxy compound, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); (2) a nonionic surfactant, preferably an alcohol ethoxylate, which refers to a nonionic surfactant containing a hydrophobic alkyl chain connected to a hydrophilic ethylene oxide chain via an ether bond, which can be obtained from Dow's Ecosurf TM EH-9 (trade name, which is ethoxylated propoxylated 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, CAS No. 64366-70-7) and Ecosurf TM EH-6 (also available from Dow, CAS No. 64366-70-7); (3) anionic surfactant, preferably exemplified by sodium octanoyl sulfonate (CAS No. 13419-61-9); (4) dispersant polymer, preferably exemplified by Acusol 460N, a carboxylated polyelectrolyte copolymer based on maleic anhydride / olefin copolymer; (5) a multifunctional aliphatic organic acid to provide the desired pH of less than 7.0, preferably citric acid (CAS No. 77-92-9); (6) a defoamer, preferably XFO-64, a silicone polymer; and (7) water.

[0082] In the above, it should be noted that the carbonate anion (CO3 2) source and the metal chelating agent are limited to the first aqueous cleaning solution. In addition, the source of the peroxygen compound is limited to the second aqueous oxidizing solution. Therefore, it should be understood that the other ingredients identified (e.g., nonionic surfactants, organic alkyl alcohols, free radical scavengers, fragrances and / or odor control agents, anionic surfactants, dispersant polymers) can be derived from the first aqueous oxidizing solution and / or the second aqueous oxidizing solution.

[0083] Reference is now made to Table 1, which identifies the preferred formulations of the two-component fabric and cleaning compositions herein, all expressed as weight percent values. Table 1 also serves as a basis for describing a preferred method for preparing a two-part solution for placement in two tanks of a cleaning apparatus and for use on a given substrate at the resulting molar concentration levels of the components upon mixing the two solutions.

[0084] Table 1 Preferred formulations

[0085]

[0086]

[0087] The preferred filling and mixing of the aqueous cleaning solution and the aqueous oxidizing solution is carried out as follows. The preferred formulation of the aqueous cleaning solution (column I) is poured into a first tank on the cleaning device, such as the supply tank 106, and then preferably diluted with 20 parts of water to 1 part of the cleaning solution. The preferred formulation of the aqueous oxidizing solution (column II) is poured into a second tank on the cleaning device, such as the additional tank 107. Column III shows the preferred weight percentages of the active components of the oxidizing solution. Column IV shows the preferred weight percentages of the cleaning solution components after a 20:1 water dilution. The aqueous cleaning solution diluted with water at a ratio of 20:1 is then combined with the aqueous oxidizing solution, with the combination being carried out in a ratio of 10 parts diluted aqueous cleaning solution (column IV) to 1 part aqueous oxidizing solution.

[0088] The weight percentages of the components present in the preferred mixed solution and applied to a given surface for cleaning are then shown in column V. In column V, the five (5) components used for cleaning include water, a peroxy compound, a metal chelator, a free radical scavenger (preferably shown as glycine), and a carbonate anion. Additionally, it should be noted that the pH of the combined and mixed aqueous cleaning solution and aqueous oxidizing solution is preferably greater than or equal to 9.0, and more preferably within the pH range of greater than or equal to 9.0 to 10.0, including all individual values ​​and increments therein, such as 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, and 10.0. A particularly preferred pH range for the combined aqueous cleaning solution and aqueous oxidizing solution is 9.4 to 9.6.

[0089] In addition, it can be seen from Table 1 that the carbonate anions (CO3 2- % )(preferably provided by a metal bicarbonate such as sodium bicarbonate) is 0.14 wt.%. However, in the broad context of the present disclosure, the level of carbonate anions in the mixed solution is preferably 0.10 wt.% to 0.40 wt.%, including all individual values ​​and increments therein, such as 0.15 wt.%, 0.20 wt.%, 0.25 wt.%, 0.30 wt.%, 0.35 wt.% or 0.40 wt.%. A particularly preferred range of carbonate anions in the mixed solution is 0.14 wt.% to 0.25 wt.%. Furthermore, while sodium bicarbonate is preferably provided as a source of carbonate anions in the aqueous cleaning solution, it is contemplated herein that sources of carbonate anions include other alkali metal carbonates, such as sodium carbonate (NaCO3), and other bicarbonates, such as potassium bicarbonate.

[0090] It should be noted that metal chelating agents that can be used in aqueous cleaning solutions and are then present in the mixed solution applied to a given substrate are understood herein to be any compound that binds to metal ions, in particular transition metal ions such as iron and copper. Furthermore, metal chelating agents are preferably divalent metal ions of water hardness, such as magnesium (Mg 2+ ) and calcium (Ca 2+ ) and has a relatively low binding affinity for transition metal ions, such as iron and copper. This is preferably provided by EDDS. Metal chelation affinity refers to the stability constant (also called formation constant or binding constant), which reflects the strength of the interaction between the agents that together form a complex.

[0091] Therefore, the preferred property of the metal chelator herein is to be resistant to Cu in the preferred pH range of 9 to 10. 2+ Has a relatively high binding constant with water hardness ions Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ It has a relatively low binding constant. It is also desirable that the metal chelator be readily biodegradable to prevent accumulation in the environment. Table 2 below shows the log K values ​​(K is the binding constant) calculated for the preferred metal chelator EDDS at pH 7.0:

[0092] Table 2

[0093] Binding constant of EDDS

[0094] Metal ions <![CDATA[LogK EDDS 4- ]]> <![CDATA[Cu 2+ ]]> 18.45 <![CDATA[Ca 2+ ]]> 4.72 <![CDATA[Mg 2+ ]]> 6.09

[0095] While it is preferred that the metal chelator EDDS be present in the mixed solution at a level of 0.09 wt.% as shown in Table 1, it is contemplated herein that the level of the metal chelator may be in the range of 0.05 wt.% to 0.15 wt.%, including all individual values ​​and increments therein. A particularly preferred range is 0.08 wt.% to 0.13 wt.%. It is expected that the preferred metal chelators herein (which, as described above, more actively bind to the metal ions of copper and iron found in tap water) are therefore relatively more effective in neutralizing these metals in tap water, which otherwise might catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to form hydroxyl (OH) radicals and result in reduced bleaching activity and fabric damage.

[0096] As also shown in Table 1, preferred levels of free radical scavengers herein in the mixed solution for engagement with the substrate for cleaning are from 0.02 wt.% to 0.80 wt.%, including all individual values ​​and increments therein.

[0097] Table 3 below now presents the molar concentration ranges of the identified components (peroxy compound, metal chelating agent, carbonate anion, and free radical scavenger) in aqueous solution when the cleaning solution and the enhancement solution are mixed and applied to a substrate for cleaning, wherein the pH of the mixture is greater than or equal to 9.0 to 10.0. The molar concentration refers to the number of moles of the component per liter of solution.

[0098] Table 3

[0099] Molar concentration of key components applied to the substrate for cleaning

[0100] Components Molar concentration Peroxides <![CDATA[5.0x10 -2 to 2.1x10 -1 ]]> Metal chelators <![CDATA[1.70x10 -3 to 5.2x10 -3 ]]> <![CDATA[Carbonate anion (CO3 2- )]]> <![CDATA[1x10 -2 to 5.0x10 -2 ]]> Free radical scavengers <![CDATA[2.0x10 -3 to 1.1x10 -1 ]]>

[0101] As shown in Table 2, the molar concentrations of the four key components after mixing can be readily determined from the weight percentages of the components identified in the mixed aqueous cleaning solution and aqueous oxidizing solution, examples of which are provided in Table 1. The formula for converting concentrations in weight percent to molar concentrations is: Molar concentration = ((weight percent) * 10) / (molecular weight of 100% active material).

[0102] Thus, the present disclosure provides a composition, method and kit for cleaning carpet or fabric, preferably using two separate solutions and mixing as needed, which provide effective levels of defined components on a selected surface at a desired pH to optimize cleaning performance.

[0103] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an extractor cleaner 100a, which may be Figure 1The illustrated example extraction cleaner 100a includes an upright body 102a, a base 104a pivotally coupled to the upright body 102a, a flexible hose 103a, a cleaning tool 105a having a cleaning tool suction inlet 135a coupled to an end of the flexible hose 103a, a supply bin 106a, an additional bin 107a, a recovery bin 108a, and a container for dispensing the cleaning tool along a surface 110 ( Figure 1 ) Wheels 139a and handle 137a of mobile base 104a.

[0104] The recovery tank 108a is removably coupled to the upright body 102a and fluidly coupled to the base 104a and the cleaning tool 105a via a suction switching valve 127a such that the suction motor 118a ( Figure 5 ) can establish suction so that debris and / or liquid are pumped through the base 104a or the cleaning tool 105a and into the recovery tank 108a. Cleaning fluid can be provided to the nozzles on the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a from the supply tank 106a and / or the additional tank 107a through the fluid switching valve 123a. The upright body 102a may include a control panel 141a. The control panel 141a may be configured to receive one or more inputs from the user. For example, the control panel 141a may be configured to receive input corresponding to the cleaning behavior (e.g., increased / decreased fluid flow rate, pulsed / modulated fluid flow rate, control of the fluid and / or suction of the base 104a or the cleaning tool 105a, increased / decreased suction, etc.).

[0105] The base 104a includes a frame 201, a suction nozzle 202, and a door 204. In the example shown, the suction nozzle 202 is removable from the base 104a, and the door 204 is not removable from the base 104a. In other examples, the suction nozzle 202 and / or the door 204 are removable from the base 104a, or the suction nozzle 202 and / or the door 204 may not be removed from the base 104a. As used herein, when used in connection with the relationship of a first part or assembly to a second part or assembly, the term "removable" means that the first part or assembly can be completely separated from the second part or assembly by a user without the use of tools and without destroying the first part or assembly or the second part or assembly, so that the first part or assembly can be reengaged with the second part or assembly and can be operated for its intended purpose.

[0106] Figure 3 and Figure 4 1 is a perspective view of the base 104a of the extraction cleaner 100a. Figure 3 The base 104a is shown with the suction nozzle 202 removed from the base 104a and the door 204 in a closed position. Figure 4The door 204 is shown pivoted to an open position and not removable from the base 104a. Typically, the suction nozzle 202 can be removed from the base 104a to access the agitator cavity 116a and the agitator 124. Figure 3 As shown, the gate 204 can then be Figure 3 The closed position shown is pivoted to Figure 4 The open position shown. Figure 4 In the open position shown, the agitator cavity 116a and the agitator 124 can be accessed for cleaning or maintenance. In some embodiments, when the door 204 is in the open position, the agitator 124 can be removed from the agitator cavity 116a for cleaning or maintenance.

[0107] Suction nozzles 202 according to the present disclosure may be provided in various configurations. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of exemplary extraction cleaner 100a showing suction nozzle 202 attached to base 104a. Figure 6 It is a bottom perspective view of the suction nozzle 202 . Figure 7 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the extraction cleaner 100a with the connector end 610 of the suction nozzle 202 disconnected from the base 104a. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the suction nozzle 202 has a front wall 602, a rear wall 604, a first side wall 606, a second side wall 608, a connector end 610 including a spring-loaded connector 612, and first and second toe-in features 614, 616.

[0108] The suction nozzle path 502 is formed between the front wall 602, the rear wall 604, and the first and second side walls 606 and 608. The suction nozzle path 502 extends from the suction inlet 131a at the front of the nozzle to the suction outlet 618 at the rear of the nozzle, and gradually decreases from a first width W1 at the suction inlet 131a to a smaller second width W2 at the suction outlet 618. In some embodiments, for example, the width W1 of the suction nozzle path 502 at the suction inlet 131a may be 90% or more of the maximum width W3 of the suction nozzle 202, and the width W2 of the suction nozzle path 502 at the suction outlet 618 may be 25% or less of the width W3 of the suction nozzle 202.

[0109] In the example shown, the suction nozzle is generally L-shaped, and the suction inlet 131a is positioned adjacent the surface to be cleaned 110 during operation of the extraction cleaner 110a. The suction outlet 618 is oriented downward relative to the top 620 of the suction nozzle 202 and has a seal 622. Figure 11, when the suction nozzle 202 is assembled to the base 104a, the rear wall 604 of the suction nozzle 202 is in opposing facing relation with the top surface 1002 of the door 204. The seal 622 on the suction outlet 618 is removably coupled to an opposing upwardly directed seal 1102 on the suction inlet 1104 of the internal suction duct 504 disposed in the base 104a. In the example shown, the suction inlet 1104 of the internal suction duct 504 is adjacent to the opening 302 through the door 204 (see also Figure 10 ) arrangement. The internal suction conduit 504 extends through the base 104a and is fluidly coupled to the base inlet port 512 of the suction switching valve 127a via the elbow conduit 510. The suction nozzle track 502 is removably coupled to the internal suction conduit 504 to at least partially define a base airflow path 119a extending from the suction inlet 131a and through the base 104a. In the example shown, the suction nozzle track 502 is in fluid communication with the internal suction conduit 504 and the base inlet port 512 of the suction switching valve 127a to define the base airflow path 119a.

[0110] The outlet port 514 of the suction switching valve 127a is fluidly coupled to a recovery conduit 120a that forms part of the recovery tank 108a. Figure 5 , the suction switching valve 127a is in the base suction state, and the recovery conduit 120a is fluidly coupled to the base airflow path 119a through the switching valve 127a. When the suction switching valve 127a is in the base suction state, the suction motor 118a can establish suction at the suction inlet 131a to urge fluid placed on the surface to be cleaned 110 into the suction inlet 131a, through the base airflow path 119a, through the recovery conduit 120a and into the recovery tank 108a. In the base suction state, the suction switching valve 127a prevents fluid communication between the recovery conduit 120a and the cleaning tool inlet port 516 of the suction switching valve 127a.

[0111] A variety of latch configurations for removably coupling the suction nozzle 202 to the base 104a will be apparent in light of this disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the suction nozzle 202 is removably coupled to the base 104a via a spring-applied connector 612 at a connector end 610 of the suction nozzle 202 and first and second toe-in features 616, 618 at a front end 622 of the nozzle. Figure 8 804. FIG. 805 is a cross-sectional view of a spring that includes a portion of a suction nozzle 202 that includes a spring-applied connector 612. As shown, the spring-applied connector includes a connector body 802 disposed in a housing 804.

[0112] Figure 9802 and a first spring 902 and a second spring 904 for forcing the connector body 802 toward the latched position. The connector body 802 has a first latch 906 and a second latch 908 extending outward from its end and a release handle 910 defined at its top. The first spring 902 is coupled to a post 912 on a first side of the connector body 802, and the second spring 904 is coupled to a post (not shown) on a second side of the connector body 802. The springs 902 and 904 can be positioned against the inner surface of the suction nozzle 202 to force the first latch 906 and the second latch 908 outward from the housing 804 at the connector end 610. Applying force to the first latch 906 or the second latch 908 can overcome the force of the springs 902 and 904 and cause the first latch 906 and / or the second latch 908 to enter the housing 804. When the force is released, the springs 902 , 904 may push the first latch 906 and the second latch 908 outward from the housing 804 .

[0113] Reference again Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the first toe-in feature 614 is disposed on a first side of the suction nozzle 202, and the second toe-in feature 616 is disposed on a second side of the suction nozzle 202. The first toe-in feature 614 and the second toe-in feature 616 open downwardly and are positioned to extend to associated openings 1106, 1108 defined in the frame 201 of the base 104a ( Figure 11 ) to rest on the associated buckles 1112, 1114 ( Figure 11 )superior.

[0114] The suction nozzle 202 can be mounted to the base 104a by inserting the first and second toe-in features 614, 616 into the associated openings 1106, 1108 to rest on the catches 1112, 1114, and then pivoting the suction nozzle 202 about the catches 1112, 1114 to rotate the connector end 610 of the suction nozzle 202 toward the top of the base 104a. The connector end 610 can then be latched to the base 104a via the connector 612.

[0115] For example, when the suction nozzle 202 moves to Figure 8In the closed position shown, the bottom surfaces 914, 916 of the first and second latches 906, 908 engage the angled top surface 806 of the catch 808 on the frame 201 of the base 104a, thereby forcing the connector body 612 into the housing 804 against the force of the springs 902, 904. When the suction nozzle 202 is pushed downward, the latches 906, 908 are pushed inward sufficiently to clear the front face 810 of the catch 808. The latches 906, 908 then extend outward from the housing 804 under the force of the springs 906, 908, with the top surfaces 918, 920 of the first and second latches 906, 908 extending below the bottom surface 812 of the catch 808. Interference between the top surfaces 918 , 920 of the first and second latches 906 , 908 and the bottom surface 812 of the catch 808 removably connects the connector end 610 of the suction nozzle 202 to the base 104 a .

[0116] To release the connector end 610 of the suction nozzle 202 from the base 104a, the user can actuate the release handle 910 in a direction away from the buckle 808 to overcome the force of the springs 902, 904 until the first latch 906 and the second latch 908 disengage from the front face 810 of the buckle 808. The user can then pull the connector end 610 upward to disconnect the connector end 610 of the suction nozzle 202 from the base 104a and then pivot the suction nozzle 202 about the buckles 1112, 1114 in a direction away from the base 104a, for example, to Figure 7 The toe-in features 614, 616 can then be positioned from the openings 1106, 1108 ( Figure 11 ) to remove the suction nozzle 202 from the base 104a.

[0117] Although the exemplary embodiment shown includes a spring-loaded connector 612 on the suction nozzle 202, many other configurations for removably coupling the suction nozzle 202 to the base 104a will be apparent in light of this disclosure. For example, the spring-loaded connector 612 can be provided on the base 104a, or known tab fittings can be provided on the suction nozzle 202 or the base 104a. Other known latch configurations can be implemented on the base 104a and / or the suction nozzle 202.

[0118] Doors 204 according to the present disclosure may be provided in various configurations. Figure 10 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary door 204. The door 204 includes a top surface 1002, wherein the opening 302 through the top surface 1002 is adjacent to the suction inlet 1104 ( Figure 11As previously described, the suction outlet 618 of the suction nozzle 202 is coupled to the suction inlet 1104 adjacent the opening 302 for fluidly coupling the suction nozzle channel 502 with the internal suction conduit 504. Thus, the base airflow path 119a extends from the suction inlet 131a and through the opening 302.

[0119] The first cover 1004 and the second cover 1006 are disposed on the top surface 1002 of the door 204 for covering at least a portion of the associated fluid supply connectors 1116, 1118 ( Figure 11 ). The first cover 1004 and the second cover 1006 are positioned on either side of the opening 302 and extend forward from the opening 302 and then outward toward the respective sides of the door 204. The side walls 1008, 1010 of the first and second covers 1004, 1006 and the top surface 1002 of the door 204 define a cavity 1012 for receiving the connector end 610 of the suction nozzle 202.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first cover 1004 and the second cover 1006 can be removed from the top surface 1002 . Figure 11 is a top perspective view of the door 204 with the first cover 1004 and the second cover 1006 removed. Figure 12 It is a bottom perspective view of the door 204 . Figure 13 1 is a perspective view illustrating fluid supply connection 1116. As shown, each of fluid supply connections 1116, 1118 includes an inlet port 1120, a supply tube 1122, and a fluid dispensing nozzle 114a. Inlet port 1120 and fluid dispensing nozzle 114a can be mounted to top surface 1002 via fasteners that extend into door 204 through associated mounting bosses 1126, 1128. Inlet port 1120 can be fluidically coupled to fluid dispensing nozzle 114a via supply tube 1122 disposed above top surface 1002 of door 204.

[0121] Especially Figure 12 As shown, the door 204 has a bottom surface 1202, and the front portion of each of the fluid dispensing nozzles 114a extends through an associated opening 1204 that passes through the top surface 1002 and the bottom surface 1202 of the door 204. The fluid dispensing nozzle 114a is thus exposed at the bottom surface 1202 of the door for dispensing fluid onto the surface to be cleaned 110. The inlet port 1120 also extends through an associated opening 1206 that passes through the top 1002 and the bottom surface 1202 of the door 204 for removably fluidly coupling to the base supply line 117a below the bottom surface 1202 of the door 204.

[0122] When the door 204 is in the closed position, the bottom surface 1202 of the door 204 rests on and is supported by the frame 201 of the base 104a. In some embodiments, when the suction nozzle 202 is coupled to the base 104a, the door 204 is held against the frame 201 of the base 104a by the suction nozzle 202. In other embodiments, the door 204 can be secured to the frame 201 of the base 104a using a latch or bump fitting (not shown) on the door 204 or the base 104a. In some embodiments, one or more springs (not shown) can be disposed between the door 204 and the base 104a to force the door 204 away from the base 104a toward the open position. A release button (not shown) for releasing the door 204 from the base 104a can be disposed on the door 204 or the base 104a.

[0123] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 15 , the front end 1208 of the door 204 can be pivotally coupled to the frame 201 of the base 104a by a first pivot pin 1210 and a second pivot pin 1212 extending outwardly from opposite side surfaces 1214, 1216 of the door 204. Each of the pivot pins 1210, 1212 can extend into the frame 201 of the base 104a. Thus, the door 204 can be pivoted about the pivot pins 1210, 1212 in a manner such as, for example, Figure 7 The closed position shown and Figure 15 In some embodiments, the pivot pins 1210, 1212 can be fixed to the door 204 and the frame 201 so that the door 204 cannot be removed from the base 104a.

[0124] When the door 204 is in the closed position, e.g. Figure 16 As shown, the bottom surface 1202 of the door 204 defines the front wall 1602 and at least a portion of the top wall 1604 of the agitator cavity 116a. The suction nozzle 202 does not form any part of the agitator cavity 116a. At least a portion of the rear wall 1606 of the agitator cavity 116a is defined by the frame 201 of the base 104a. The agitator 124 is supported in the agitator cavity 116a in a known manner. When the door 204 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the user cannot access the agitator from the top of the base 104a. Figure 4 and Figure 15 As shown, a user can access the agitator 124 from the top of the base 104a for cleaning or maintenance.

[0125] When the door 204 is in the closed position, the inlet port 1120 is coupled to the base supply line 117a, and when the door is in the open position, the inlet port 1120 is disconnected from the base supply line 117a. In light of this disclosure, various configurations for coupling and disconnecting the inlet port 1120 to and from the base supply line 117a as the door 204 moves between the open and closed positions will be apparent. Figure 13 and Figure 14 For example, the base supply line 117a can have a connector 1402 disposed at an end thereof for mating with and removably fluidly coupling the base supply line 117a to the inlet port 1120. When the door 204 is in the closed position, for example Figure 7 As shown, the inlet port 1120 cooperates with the connector 1402 to fluidly couple the nozzle 114a to the base supply line 117a. Figure 15 As shown, the inlet port 1120 is disconnected from the supply line connector 1402 and the base supply line 117a , but the nozzle 114a , the supply tube 1122 , and the inlet port 1120 remain coupled to the door 204 .

[0126] When the door 204 and the suction nozzle 202 are assembled to the base 104a, the nozzle 114a is fluidly coupled to the base supply line 117a for dispensing a cleaning fluid 1608 comprising a first cleaning fluid 1608 from the supply tank 106a and / or a second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a directly or indirectly onto the surface 110 to be cleaned. Figure 16 As shown, the nozzle 114a can be positioned to spray the cleaning fluid 1608 in front of the agitator 124 toward the inlet 131a of the suction nozzle 202. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to spray the cleaning fluid 1608 so that the cleaning fluid 1608 contacts the surface to be cleaned 110 within a distance D of about 1.5 cm, and preferably within about 5 mm, from the rear wall 1202 of the door 204. This allows for efficient cleaning of the surface to be cleaned 110 and a fast drying time because at least a portion of the cleaning fluid 1608 can be immediately removed from the surface to be cleaned 110 by suction from the suction inlet 131a.

[0127] like Figure 17As shown, each of the nozzles 114a sprays cleaning fluid 1608 in an associated fan shape, and the nozzles 114a are positioned at a distance from the surface 110 to be cleaned so that the combined fan-shaped spray of the nozzles 114a extends across the entire width W1 of the suction inlet 131a. In some embodiments, the fan-shaped sprays of the cleaning fluid 1608 from the nozzles 114a can overlap or be separated by 5mm or less at positions 1702 between the nozzles 114a, where they all impact the surface 110 to be cleaned. The extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure may include any number of spray nozzles 114a, including only one fluid distribution nozzle 114a. By spraying fluid from one or more fluid distribution nozzles 114a in a fan pattern, the cleaning fluid 1608 can cover the entire width W1 of the suction inlet 131a for effective cleaning.

[0128] Although the exemplary embodiment shown includes a removable suction nozzle 202 and a non-removable door 204 that is pivotally attached to the base 104a adjacent the front of the base 104a at the front end 1208 of the door 204, a variety of configurations of suction nozzles 202 and doors 204 may be provided in an extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure. For example, the suction inlet 131a and the suction nozzle path 502 may be defined by the inner surface of the door 204 and a separate channel assembly that is removably or non-removably coupled to the inner surface of the door 204.

[0129] In some embodiments, the door 204 can be configured to pivot at a rear end of the door 204 adjacent the upright body 102a and the rear of the base 104a. Figure 18 As shown, the frame 201a of the base 104b can include a suction inlet 131b extending across the base 104b, and a removable or non-removable door 204a can be coupled to the base 104b and the suction inlet 131b. When the door 204a is assembled to the base 104b, the suction inlet 131b can be fluidly coupled to a suction nozzle path in the removable or non-removable door 204a. In some embodiments, the door 204a can be pivotally attached to the base 104b at a rear portion of the door adjacent the upright body 102a and can be rotated to a closed position in which the suction nozzle path is in fluid communication with the inlet 131b defined by the base 104a.

[0130] In another embodiment, for example, Figure 19 and Figure 20As shown, the suction nozzle 202a can be removably coupled to the door 204b, and when assembled to the base 104c, the bottom surface 2002 of the suction nozzle 202a can define at least a portion of the agitator cavity 116b. The suction nozzle 202a can rest on and be supported by the door 204b and can be removably coupled to the door 204b or the base 104c via a latch, a tab fitting, etc. The door 204b can be pivotally coupled to the base 104c via a pivot 2004 at a rear portion of the door 204b and can be pivoted to an open position when the suction nozzle 202a is removed from the base 104c, as shown. Figure 20 The door 204b may be removable or non-removable from the base 104c, and the fluid dispensing nozzle 114a may be coupled to the door.

[0131] The fluid dispensing nozzles 114 according to the present disclosure may be provided in various configurations. For example, one or more fluid dispensing nozzles 114 may be coupled to an inlet adjacent to the side wall of the door 204 rather than to an inlet adjacent to the connector end 610. In another embodiment, for example, Figure 21 As shown, one or more fluid dispensing nozzles 114b may be coupled to the side walls 2102, 2104 of the frame 201b of the base 104d. The nozzles 114b may be coupled to associated arms 2106, 2108 that are pivotally coupled to the side walls 2102, 2104 to allow the nozzles 114b to be pivoted downwardly toward the surface 110 to be cleaned to access the agitator 124. In another embodiment, as shown Figure 22 As shown, one or more nozzles 114c can be coupled to the top and rear of the base 104e adjacent the upright body 102a. The nozzles 114c can be coupled to associated arms 2202, 2204 that are pivotally coupled to the base 104e to allow the nozzles 114a to pivot upward, as shown. Figure 22 , for accessing the agitator 124. In some embodiments, a door (e.g., door 204) can be mounted to the base 104e with arms 2202, 2204 positioned below the bottom surface of the door. When the door is removed, the arms 2202, 2204 can be spring-loaded to pivot upward, thereby allowing access to the agitator 124.

[0132] Numerous configurations for distributing cleaning fluid directly or indirectly to the surface 110 to be cleaned will also be apparent from this disclosure. For example, a wicking configuration may be provided instead of using one or more discrete fluid dispensing nozzles 114a. For example, Figure 23As shown, the wicking structure 2302 may include a hollow body 2304 and an absorbent fabric 2306 coupled to the hollow body 2304. The absorbent fabric may have a first end 2308 in fluid communication with the interior 2310 of the hollow body 2304 and a second end 2312 defining a plurality of drip points 2314. In the example shown, the drip points 2314 are a series of triangular-shaped tips formed in the absorbent fabric 2306. The hollow body 2304 may be mounted to a door (e.g., door 204) or a base (e.g., base 104a) and fluidly coupled to the base supply lines 117, 117a at one or both ends. Fluid from the base supply lines 117, 117a may be wicked out of the interior 2310 of the hollow body 2304 through the absorbent fabric 2306 and drip directly or indirectly from the drip points 2314 onto the surface 110 to be cleaned.

[0133] In another embodiment, the agitator 124 can have an absorbent material thereon that is wetted with a cleaning fluid, for example, from one or more nozzles 114a or an absorbent fabric 2306. The absorbent material of the agitator 124 can be saturated with the cleaning fluid, and the centrifugal force associated with the rotating agitator 124 can spray the cleaning fluid outward from the absorbent material and directly and / or indirectly onto the surface to be cleaned 110. In another embodiment, a channel (e.g., a u-shaped channel) can be formed on the inner surface of a door (e.g., door 204) and can extend across the width of the suction inlet (e.g., inlet 131a). The channel can be fluidically coupled to the base supply lines 117, 117a. Multiple outlets can be formed in the channel to allow cleaning fluid to drip from the channel and directly or indirectly onto the surface to be cleaned 110.

[0134] The extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure may include an automatic spray configuration for automatically dispensing cleaning fluid directly or indirectly onto the surface 110 to be cleaned when the extraction cleaner is moved forward and / or backward by a user, and without requiring further input from the user other than moving the extraction cleaner in the forward or backward direction. The automatic spray configuration may include at least one detector responsive to motion applied by the user and a control mechanism for controlling the dispensing of the cleaning fluid in response to the motion detected by the detector.

[0135] Figure 242 is a front perspective view of an extractor cleaner 100a with a portion of the frame 201 of the base 104a removed. The exemplary extractor cleaner shown includes a detector 2402 and a control mechanism in the form of a switch 2406, wherein the detector 2402 includes a floor contact member 2404 extending downwardly from the detector 2402 toward the surface 110 to be cleaned. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the floor contact member 2404 is in the form of a plurality of bristles, and the switch 2406 is in the form of a micro switch. However, it should be understood that in an extractor cleaner according to the present disclosure, a variety of configurations of the floor contact member 2404 and the switch 2406 are possible. For example, the floor contact member 2404 can be configured as a resilient flap, a rigid member with a flexible member at its end, etc. The switch can be any type of switch configuration configured to respond to the position of the detector 2402, such as a Hall effect switch, an optical switch, etc.

[0136] Figure 25 , a perspective view of the detector is shown in FIG. As shown, the detector 2402 includes a detector body 2502 with a floor contacting member 2404 extending downwardly from the detector body 2502 and at a non-zero angle relative to the vertical axis 2504 of the detector body 2502. In some embodiments, the angle may be between approximately 20 and 40 degrees.

[0137] A first side 2503 of the detector body 2502 includes a receptacle 2506 for receiving a pivot pin 2508 extending into the frame 201 of the base 104a. In response to movement of the base 104a, the detector body 2502 pivots relative to the frame 201 about the pivot pin 2508. A second side 2510 of the detector body 2502 includes an extension 2512. The extension 2512 extends outward from the second side 2510 of the detector body 2502 and has a hammer 2514 disposed at its distal end.

[0138] like Figure 24 and Figure 26 As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG, hammer 2514 is disposed adjacent to switch arm 2408 of switch 2406. Rotation of detector body 2502 about pivot pin 2508 causes hammer 2514 to contact switch arm 2408 to place switch 2406 in an on or off state. In the exemplary embodiment shown, when base 104a is moved forward by a user, i.e., Figure 24 The floor contacting member 2404 contacts the surface to be cleaned 110 in the direction of arrow 2410, causing the detector body 2502 to pivot about the pivot pin 2508. Figure 24 and Figure 26In this position, hammer 2514 can be retracted relative to switch arm 2408, thereby placing switch 2406 in an on or off state. In response to the state of switch 2406, controller 145 of extraction cleaner 100a can cause cleaning fluid to flow through supply line 112, for example by activating pump 125, and to nozzle 114a for distribution to surface 110 to be cleaned.

[0139] When the base 104a is moved backward by the user, that is, Figure 24 24. In the embodiment of the present invention, the floor contacting member 2404 contacts the surface to be cleaned 110 in the direction of arrow 2412, thereby causing the detector body 2502 to pivot about the pivot pin 2508 and move the hammer 2514 toward the switch arm 2408 and the switch 2406. In this position, the hammer 2514 can be forced against the switch arm 2408, thereby placing the switch 2406 in an open or closed state. In response to the state of the switch 2406, the controller 145 of the extraction cleaner can reduce or interrupt the flow of cleaning fluid through the supply line 112 to the nozzle 114a.

[0140] In some embodiments, when the extraction cleaner 100a moves in a forward direction, the controller 145 can dispense cleaning fluid at a high first flow rate in response to the state of the switch, and when the extraction cleaner 100a moves in a rearward direction, the controller 145 can dispense cleaning fluid at a lower, non-zero second flow rate in response to the state of the switch. For example, the high flow rate dispensing can provide the cleaning fluid described herein with respect to Figure 16 and Figure 17 The fan-shaped spray pattern described above. Low flow rate delivery can also provide a fan-shaped spray pattern, wherein the fan-shaped pattern associated with the nozzle 114a does not extend across the entire width W1 of the suction inlet 131a and / or does not overlap. Providing fluid delivery during both forward and rearward movement of the base 104a can provide effective cleaning compared to providing delivery during only one of the forward and rearward movements.

[0141] The detectors and control mechanisms in the automatic spraying configuration according to the present disclosure can be provided in various configurations. For example, the detector can be a Hall effect or optical sensor configured to sense movement of a component of the extraction cleaner 100a associated with forward and / or backward movement. In another embodiment, the detector can include a ratchet disposed on the wheel 139a of the extraction cleaner for moving a component to enable or disable the control mechanism.

[0142] In another embodiment, for example, Figure 27As shown, the upright body 102a of the extractor cleaner can be coupled to the base 104a of the extractor cleaner via a pivot joint 2702 that allows for both pivotal movement of the upright body 102a relative to the base 104a and linear movement of the upright body 102a relative to the base 104a as indicated by arrow 2704. For example, the pivot joint 2702 can be disposed in a slot 2706 defined in the base 104a. A switch 2708 having a switch arm 2710 can be positioned adjacent a front end of the slot 2706. When a user pulls the base 104a rearward using the handle 137a on the upright body 102a, the pivot joint 2702 can move rearward in the slot 2706, retracting the pivot joint 2702 from the switch arm 2710 and placing the switch 2708 in an on or off state. In response to the state of switch 2708, the controller 145 of the extraction cleaner can reduce or interrupt the flow of cleaning fluid through the supply line 112 to the nozzle 114a. When the user pushes the base 104a forward using the handle 137a on the upright body 102a, the pivot joint 2702 can move forward in the slot 2706, and a portion of the pivot joint 2702 can contact the switch arm 2710 to place the switch 2708 in an on or off state. In response to the state of switch 2708, the controller 145 can, for example, by energizing the pump 125, cause the cleaning fluid to flow through the supply line 112 and to the nozzle 114a for distribution to the surface 110 to be cleaned.

[0143] In some embodiments, the control mechanism can be a mechanical valve. For example, the detector can include a portion that contacts or retracts from a portion of the mechanical valve to initiate fluid delivery to the nozzle 114a, or a portion that contacts or retracts from a portion of the mechanical valve to reduce or interrupt fluid delivery to the nozzle 114a. In other embodiments, the mechanical valve can be configured as a one-way pressure relief valve in a recirculation loop. The detector can include a portion that contacts or retracts from a portion of the pressure relief valve to control fluid delivery based on forward and / or rearward movement of the base 104a.

[0144] The supply tank 106a and the additional tank 107a in the extractor cleaner according to the present disclosure can be provided in various configurations. In some embodiments, the supply tank 106a and the additional tank 107a are configured to be removably coupled to the upright body 102a, and the additional tank 107a is configured to be removable from the supply tank 106a. For example, a user can remove one or more of the supply tank 106a and / or the additional tank 107a to replenish the first cleaning fluid stored in the supply tank 106a and / or the second cleaning fluid stored in the additional tank 107a.

[0145] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 28, the upright body 102a can define a cleaning fluid support 206 configured to support the supply tank 106a and a bottom 208 of the additional tank 107a. The supply tank 106a can define an additional tank receptacle 2802 for removably receiving at least a portion of the additional tank 107a.

[0146] The additional box receptacle 2802 can extend from the top surface 2804 of the supply box 106a toward the bottom 208 of the supply box 106a and can extend between the first track 2806 and the second track 2808 defined by the supply box 106a. In some embodiments, the bottom 2810 of the additional box 107a can be inserted into the top of the additional box receptacle 2802 at the top surface 2804 of the supply box 106a, wherein the opposite sides 2812, 2814 of the additional box 107a slidably engage the associated tracks 2806, 2808. The additional box 107a can be lowered downward in the additional box receptacle 2802 to rest on the support 206 and / or the supply box 106a. In other embodiments, the additional box 107a can be pushed into the additional box receptacle 2806 from the side of the supply box 106a to slidably engage the tracks 2806, 2808.

[0147] When the supply box 106a and the additional box 107a are coupled to the upright body 102a, the additional box 107a is at least partially received within the additional box receptacle 2802, and the supply box 106a can help support the additional box 107a in an upright position. This configuration can generally be described as a nested configuration. When the additional box 107a is arranged in the additional box receptacle 2802, the additional box receptacle 2802 can extend around at least a portion of the additional box 107a.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second cleaning fluid in the additional tank 107a and / or the first cleaning fluid in the supply tank 106a may be sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, the additional tank 107a and / or the supply tank 106a may be constructed of a transparent material that is configured to at least partially filter out wavelengths of light that may degrade the second cleaning fluid or the first cleaning fluid.

[0149] The recovery bins 108, 108a and supports for the recovery bins 108, 108a according to the present disclosure may be provided in various configurations. For example, Figure 29 is a partial rear cross-sectional view of the extraction cleaner 100a showing the recovery bin 108a removably supported on the support 2902 . Figure 30 is a top perspective view of a portion of extraction cleaner 100a illustrating support member 2902 . Figure 313 is a bottom perspective view of the main body of the recycling bin 108a. As shown, the bottom surface 3102 of the recycling bin 108a can define a support member cavity 3104 for receiving the support member 2902. The support member 2902 can be received in the support member cavity 3104 of the recycling bin 108a. The recycling bin 108a can rest on and be removably supported by the support member 2902, wherein the outer periphery 2904 of the recycling bin 108a depends from the support member 2902, as shown in FIG. Figure 29 The outlet port 514 of the suction switching valve 127a can extend upward into the support 2902, and a seal 2906 can be provided on the outlet port 514. The recovery conduit 120a can be formed as part of the recovery tank 108a, and the inlet 3106 of the recovery conduit 120a can be seated on the seal 2906 to provide fluid communication between the outlet port 514 of the suction switching valve 127a and the recovery conduit 120a.

[0150] The recovery box 108a may include a protrusion 3108 extending downward from its bottom surface 3102. The protrusion 3108 may be positioned within the support cavity 3104 and toward the front of the support cavity 3104. The support 2902 may include a retaining wall 2906 defined in its top surface 2908 and toward the front of the support 2902. Figure 32 As shown, when the recovery bin 108a is mounted on the support 2902a, the front surface of the protrusion 3108 on the recovery bin 108a engages the retaining wall 2906 to removably retain the recovery bin 108a on the support 2902a.

[0151] Figure 33 FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the recovery tank 108a. As shown, the recovery tank 108a includes a tank body 3302 and a lid 3304 positioned above the top open end 3306 of the tank body 3302. The lid includes a top 3308, an airflow management structure 3310 coupled to the top 3308, and a float 3312 coupled to the airflow management structure 3310.

[0152] In the exemplary embodiment shown, when the cleaner 100a is operated to provide suction at the suction inlet 131a or the cleaning tool suction inlet 135a, the suction motor 118a can generate a suction airflow through the recovery conduit 120a and the recovery tank 108a, as shown by arrow 3314, to propel fluid and / or debris (the fluid and / or debris referred to herein as "recovery fluid") into the tank body 3302. At least a portion of the float 3312 is buoyant and floats on the recovery fluid in the tank body 3302. When the recovery fluid in the tank body 3302 rises, the float 3312 is pushed upward to the Figure 332902. The suction motor 118a is turned off when the suction airflow path is closed. The suction motor 118a is turned off when the suction airflow path is closed (e.g., in response to a sensor output indicating that the airflow path is closed). Utilize this configuration to allow recovery fluid to be extracted from the surface 110 to be cleaned or the target surface and stored in the box body 3302 of the recovery box 108a. When the recovery box 108a is full, the suction motor 118a is turned off. The user can then remove the recovery box 108a from the support 2902 to empty the recovery box 108a.

[0153] Also refer to Figure 34 In a cross-sectional view, airflow management structure 3310 includes an airflow management body 3316, a screen 3318, a shroud 3320, and a foam filter 3322. Airflow management body 3316 includes an outer wall 3324 defining a semicircular cavity 3326 for receiving a top portion 3328 of recovery duct 120a, and a first flange 3402 and a second flange 3406 extending outward toward respective sides of tank body 3302. Shroud 3320 defines a cavity for receiving foam filter 3322 and has an opening at its bottom that defines an inlet 3330 for foam filter 3322. The bottom portion 3332 of shroud 3320 is angled inward toward the inlet 3330 of foam filter 3332. Advantageously, outer wall 3324 encourages airflow from recovery duct 120a downward through the bottom end of outer wall 3324, as indicated by arrow 3314. The airflow bypasses the flanges 3402, 3406 and enters the inlet 3330 of the foam filter 3332. When the airflow is not blocked by the float 3312, it passes through the screen 3318 and then flows out through the outlet 3334 that is fluidly coupled to the suction motor 118a. The suction air can then bypass the suction motor 118a and pass through the vents in the side of the upright body 102a of the extraction cleaner 100a. Advantageously, the flanges 3402, 3406 limit the high-speed airflow from carrying water droplets into the inlet 3330 of the foam filter 3323. In addition, the shield 3320 surrounding the foam filter 3323 limits water droplets in the suction airflow and on the walls of the tank body 3302 from entering the inlet 3330 of the foam filter 3323.

[0154] Figure 35 3 is a perspective view of float 3312. As shown, float 3312 includes a buoyancy member 3502, an arm 3504, and a valve member 3506. Buoyancy member 3502 may be a hollow structure coupled to one side of arm 3504. Buoyancy member 3502 is hollow and has a flat side surface 3508, a portion of which faces retrieval conduit 120a only on one side. Arm 3504 extends upward from buoyancy member 3502, and valve member 3506 is disposed on top of arm 3504.

[0155] The float 3312 is supported by the airflow management body 3316. Figure 33 , a lug 3510 extends outwardly from each side 3512 of the arm 3504 and is positioned to ride in a corresponding slot 3336 defined in the airflow management body 3316 such that the slots 3336 define upper and lower limits of travel of the float 3312 when the buoyant member 3502 floats on recovered fluid in the tank body 3302. In some embodiments, the float 3312 can be assembled to the airflow management body 3316 by flexing the sides 3512 inwardly to position the lug 3510 adjacent the slot 3336, and then releasing the sides 3512 to allow the lug 3510 to enter the slot 3336.

[0156] As the recovered fluid in the tank rises, the valve member is pushed upward until the raised portion of the valve member 3506 blocks the inlet of the screen 3318, as shown in FIG. Figure 36 In this position, the suction airflow is blocked from leaving the recovery tank 108a through the outlet 3334. The suction motor 118a can then be turned off by the controller 145, and the recovery tank 108a can be removed from the extraction cleaner 100a for emptying.

[0157] As previously described, the suction airflow generated by the suction motor 118a can be selectively fluidly coupled to the base 104a to establish a suction airflow at the suction inlet 131a, or fluidly coupled to the flexible hose 103a to establish a suction airflow at the cleaning tool suction inlet 135a, depending on the state of the suction switching valve 127a. The suction switching valve 127a according to the present disclosure can be provided in a variety of configurations.

[0158] Figure 37 37 is a perspective view of the suction switching valve 127a. The example embodiment shown is configured as a rotary valve having a housing 3702 and a rotor 3704. Figure 38 , the housing 3702 defines a base inlet port 512, a cleaning tool inlet port 516, an outlet port 514, and a generally circular rotor cavity 3802. The rotor cavity 3802 is configured to receive at least a portion of the rotor 3704. The rear wall 3804 of the rotor cavity 3902 has an opening 3806 therein that is substantially coaxial with the rotor cavity 3802.

[0159] like Figure 39As shown, rotor 3704 includes a rotor body 3902 and a rotor arm 3904. Rotor body 3902 includes a first end 3906, a second end 3908, and a plug 3910 extending between first end 3906 and second end 3908. First end 3906 is generally cylindrical and configured to be rotatably received in rotor cavity 3802. A first side of plug 3910 is coupled to and extends along a portion of the periphery of an inner surface 3912 of first end 3906. Second end 3908 has an outer periphery shaped as an arc having substantially the same diameter as cylindrical first end 3906. The outer surface of second end 3908 includes a cylindrical boss 3914 extending axially from second end 3908 and configured to be received in opening 3806 in rear wall 3804 of rotor cavity 3802. The second side of plug 3910 is coupled to and extends along the outer periphery of inner surface 3916 of second end portion 3908 .

[0160] The rotor arm 3904 includes a rotor arm body 3918 and a handle 3920. The rotor arm body 3918 is generally cylindrical, and the handle 3920 extends radially outward from the rotor arm body 3918. The rotor arm body 3918 is coupled to the first end 3906 of the rotor body 3902.

[0161] At least a portion of the rotor body 3902 can be received in the rotor cavity 3802, wherein the boss 3914 on the second end 3908 of the rotor body 3902 is disposed in the opening 3806 in the rear wall 3804 of the rotor cavity 3802. In some embodiments, the rotor 3704 can include a protrusion 3922 on the outer surface of the first end 3906 of the rotor body 3902 or the rotor arm body 3918, which can be received in a corresponding slot 3808 defined in the housing 3702 for assembling the rotor 3704 to the housing 3702.

[0162] For example, the second end 3908 of the rotor body 3902 can be inserted into the rotor cavity 3802 with the boss 3914 aligned to extend into the opening 3806 in the rear wall 3804 of the rotor cavity 3802. The rotor 3704 can be positioned to align the protrusion 3922 with the slot 3808 in the housing 3704, and the rotor body 3902 can be pushed inward into the rotor cavity 3802 such that the boss 3914 is disposed in the opening 3806. The rotor 3704 can then be rotated such that the protrusion 3922 and the slot 3808 are no longer aligned, and the rotor body 3902 is at least partially and rotatably secured in the rotor cavity 3802.

[0163] When the rotor body 3902 is rotatably arranged in the rotor cavity 3802, the user can move the suction switching valve 127a between the base suction state and the cleaning tool suction state by manually manipulating the handle 3920 of the rotor arm 3904. For example, in order to place the suction switching valve 127a in the base suction state, the user can move the handle 3920 to the left. Figure 2 and Figure 32 3902 and the plug 3910 are oriented upwardly, thereby rotating the body 3902 and the plug 3910 within the rotor cavity 3802. In this upward orientation of the handle 3920, the plug 3910 blocks fluid communication between the cleaning tool inlet port 516 and the outlet port 514 of the housing 3702. With the plug 3910 in this position, the base inlet port 512 is fluidly coupled to the outlet port 514, and the recovery conduit 120a is fluidly coupled to the base airflow path 119a ( Figure 5 ). Thus, the suction motor 118a can actuate the recovery fluid from the surface to be cleaned 110 through the base airflow path 119a and into the recovery tank 108a.

[0164] To place the suction switching valve 127a in the cleaning tool suction state, the user can move the handle 3920 to Figure 40 and Figure 41 The handle 3920 is oriented downwardly so that the rotor body 3902 and the plug 3910 rotate within the rotor cavity 3902. In this downward orientation of the handle 3920, the plug 3910 blocks fluid communication between the base inlet port 512 and the outlet port 514 of the housing 3702. When the plug 3910 is in this position, the cleaning tool inlet port 516 is fluidly coupled to the outlet port 514, and the recovery conduit 120a is fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool airflow path 129a. Therefore, the suction motor 118a can actuate the recovery fluid placed on the target surface through the cleaning tool airflow path 129a and into the recovery tank 108a.

[0165] The suction switching valve 127a according to the present disclosure can be provided in various manual, automatic or semi-automatic configurations. In some embodiments, the suction switching valve 127a can be placed in a selected state using an electrically driven component such as a solenoid. The electrically driven component can be controlled by user input, such as by a mechanical or graphical user interface (GUI) button on the control panel 141, for selecting the desired state of the suction switching valve 127a, and / or by an output from the controller 145 to set the state of the suction switching valve 127a in response to the output of one or more sensors. In some embodiments, for example, the base suction state and / or the cleaning tool suction state can be selected by the user by manually manipulating or energizing the electrically controlled valve when the cleaner is in an upright position, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2In some embodiments, when the cleaner is in the upright position, a mechanical or electrical switch can automatically move the suction switching valve 127a to the cleaning tool suction state, and when the cleaner is moved to the tilted position for floor cleaning, the mechanical or electrical switch can automatically move the suction switching valve 127a to the base suction state. In some embodiments, when the cleaning tool 105a is removed from the storage position, for example, Figure 2 As shown, the action of removing the cleaning tool 105a can change the state of the mechanical or electrical switch to move the suction switching valve 127a to the cleaning tool suction state. Replacing the cleaning tool 105a in the storage position can again change the state of the switch to move the suction switching valve 127a to the base suction state. In some embodiments, installing or removing the recovery tank 108a, the supply tank 106a, and / or the additional tank 107a from the cleaning device 100a can change the state of the mechanical or electrical switch to place the suction switching valve 127a in the cleaning tool suction state or the base suction state.

[0166] In some embodiments, the suction conversion valve 127a according to the present disclosure may have a removal position. When the suction conversion valve 127a is in the removal position, the rotor 3704 can be removed from the housing 3702 to clean or maintain the suction conversion valve 127a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the suction conversion valve 127a can be placed in the removal position by moving the handle 3920 forward relative to the upright orientation, so that the protrusion 3922 is aligned with the groove 3808. When the protrusion 3922 is aligned with the groove 3808, the rotor 3704 can be manually withdrawn from the rotor cavity 3802 by axially pushing the rotor 3704 and sliding the protrusion 3922 outward from the groove 3808. This allows access to the rotor 3704 and the rotor cavity 3802 for cleaning. For example, when the handle 3920 is relative to Figure 2 and Figure 32 When moved forward approximately 30 degrees from the illustrated upright orientation, the suction switch valve 127a can be placed in the removed position.

[0167] Various other configurations of the suction switching valve will be apparent from this disclosure. In some embodiments, for example, the suction switching valve 127a can include a removable sealing portion to allow cleaning or maintenance of the suction switching valve 127a. For example, Figure 37The seal 2906 shown can be removably or pivotally coupled to the housing 3702 to allow access to the interior of the housing 3702. In some embodiments, the flexible hose 103a coupled to the cleaning tool inlet port 512 of the suction conversion valve 127a can be removable to allow access to the interior of the housing 3702 for cleaning or maintenance. Additionally or alternatively, the rotor 3704 of the suction conversion valve 127a can include one or more features extending therefrom, such as wipers, teeth, etc., that remove debris from the interior of the suction conversion valve 127a when the rotor 3704 rotates in the rotor cavity 3802 and / or when the rotor 3704 is removed from the housing 3702. The interior of the suction conversion valve 127a can also include one or more internal suction paths through the suction conversion valve 127a that are used to remove debris. The rotor 3704 may also be positioned within the rotor cavity 3802 to provide a gap between the rotor 3704 and the portion of the housing 3702 defining the rotor cavity 3802 to avoid trapping debris within the rotor cavity 3802 .

[0168] In some embodiments, movement of the suction switch valve 127a to the base suction state automatically places the fluid switch valve 123 in the base supply state to provide fluid delivery to the nozzles 114a on the base 104a, and movement of the suction switch valve 127a to the cleaning tool suction state places the fluid switch valve 123 in the cleaning tool supply state to provide fluid delivery to the fluid dispensing nozzles 115 on the cleaning tool 105a. For example, an electrical switch (e.g., a micro switch, a Hall effect switch, an optical switch, etc.) can be positioned adjacent to the suction switch valve 127a and configured to control the electrically actuated fluid switch valve 123 directly or via the controller 145 in response to the position of the suction switch valve 127a. In other embodiments, the suction conversion valve 127a can be mechanically connected to the fluid conversion valve 123 so that movement of the suction conversion valve 127a to the base suction state also moves the fluid conversion valve 123 to the base supply state, and movement of the suction conversion valve to the cleaning tool suction state also moves the fluid conversion valve 123a to the cleaning tool supply state.

[0169] For example, Figure 42 The mechanical coupling between the suction switching valve 127a and the fluid switching valve 123a is shown. The exemplary embodiment shown includes a connecting rod 4202 coupled between the suction switching valve 127a and the fluid switching valve 123a. Figure 39 、 Figure 43 and Figure 44The rotor 3704 of the suction switch valve 127a includes a cam 4302 that extends axially outward from the outer surface of the boss 3914 and is adjacent to the periphery of the boss 3914. The cam 4302 extends into an opening 4304 in a cam follower 4306, which is configured to move linearly between an upward position and a downward position relative to the suction switch valve 127a. When the handle 3920 of the suction switch valve 127a is moved to an upright orientation and the suction switch valve 127a is moved to the base suction state, the cam 4302 engages the cam follower 4306 to actuate the cam follower 4306 to the upward position. When the handle 3920 is moved to a downward orientation and the suction switch valve 127a is moved to the cleaning tool suction state, the cam 4302 engages the cam follower 4306 and actuates the cam follower 4306 to the downward position.

[0170] The distal end of the cam follower 4306 is coupled to one end of the connecting rod 4202. The connecting rod 4202 is disposed in the upright body 102a for linear movement corresponding to the linear movement of the cam follower 4306. In some embodiments, the connecting rod 4202 and the cam follower 4306 can be urged toward an upward or downward position by a spring 4204 disposed between the connecting rod 4202 and the upright body 102a.

[0171] Also refer to Figure 44 , opposite ends of the connecting rod 4202 include valve engagement surfaces 4402, 4404 that are positioned adjacent to associated engagement surfaces 4406, 4408 of respective valve members 4410, 4412 of the fluid switching valve 123a. The valve engagement surfaces 4402, 4404 are configured to contact the engagement surfaces 4406, 4408 of the valve members 4410, 4412 to urge the valve members 4410, 4412 into a configuration that places the fluid switching valve 123a in a state corresponding to the state of the suction switching valve 127a. That is, when the suction switching valve 127a is moved to the base suction state, the engagement surfaces 4402, 4404 position the valve members 4410, 4412 in a position that places the fluid switching valve 123a in the base supply state to supply cleaning fluid to the base. When the suction switch valve 127a is moved to the cleaning tool suction state, the engagement surfaces 4402, 4404 position the valve members 4410, 4412 to place the fluid switch valve 123a in the cleaning tool supply state to supply cleaning fluid to the cleaning tool 105a.

[0172] The connecting rod 4202 and fluid switching valve 123a according to the present disclosure can be provided in various configurations. For example, the fluid switching valve 123a can include only a single valve member, and the connecting rod 4202 can include only a single valve engagement surface for urging the valve member into a position corresponding to the state of the suction switching valve 127a. Any number of valve engagement surfaces and valve members can be provided in the fluid switching valve 123a, and the fluid switching valve 123a can be configured to provide various combinations of fluid paths depending on the position of the valve member.

[0173] The fluid switching valve 123a can also or alternatively be placed in a selection state using an electrically driven member such as a solenoid controlled by a user input, such as a mechanical or graphical user interface (GUI) button on the control panel 141, for selecting a desired position of the fluid switching valve, and / or setting the position of the fluid switching valve 123a in response to the output of one or more sensors via an output from the controller 145. In addition, in a system according to the present disclosure, any number of fluid switching valves can be fluidically coupled, for example, via one or more control valves, for selectively coupling the first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid to the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a. In some embodiments, for example, the fluid switching valves and the control valves can be controlled by user input to allow the user to selectively supply a desired combination of fluids to the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a, such as only the boost fluid, only the base cleaning fluid, and / or a desired mixture of the boost fluid and the base cleaning fluid. Figure 45 and Figure 46 Schematically shows Figure 42 and Figure 44 The operation of the exemplary fluid switching valve 123a is shown. The fluid switching valve 123a shown includes a first valve member 4410 disposed in a first chamber 4502 of a housing 4504 and a second valve member 4412 disposed in a second chamber 4506 of the housing 4504. The first valve member 4410 and the second valve member 4412 can be opened and closed in the first chamber 4502 and the second chamber 4506. Figure 45 Shown in extended position and Figure 46 Each of the valve members 4410 , 4412 can be urged toward the extended position by an associated spring 4508 , 4510 disposed between the valve member 4410 , 4412 and the housing 4504 .

[0174] The housing 4504 defines a pump output port 4516 that is selectively in fluid communication with the second chamber 4506 depending on the position of the second valve member 4412, as well as a first fluid input port 4512 and a second fluid input port 4514. The housing 4504 further defines a pump input port 4518, a base output port 4520, and a cleaning tool output port 4522 that are selectively in fluid communication with the first chamber 4502 depending on the position of the first valve member 4410.

[0175] The pump output port 4516 can be coupled to the input of the pump 125a, and the pump input port 4518 can be coupled to the output of the pump 125a. The first fluid input port 4512 can be coupled to the supply line 112 ( Figure 1 ) is connected to the mixing valve 111 ( Figure 1 ) output portion, and the second input port 4514 can be supplied through the supply line 112 ( Figure 1 ) is coupled to a second output of the mixing valve 111. The base output port 4520 can be fluidly coupled to the base supply line 117a to supply cleaning fluid to one or more fluid dispensing nozzles 114a coupled to the base 104a. The cleaning tool output port 4522 can be coupled to the cleaning tool supply line 121 ( Figure 1 ) to supply cleaning fluid to one or more fluid dispensing nozzles 115 coupled to the cleaning tool 105a.

[0176] like Figure 45 As shown, when the first valve member 4410 and the second valve member 4412 are in the extended position, the first fluid input port 4512 can be fluidly coupled to the pump output port 4516 via the second chamber 4506, and fluid communication between the second fluid input port 4514 and the pump output port 4516 can be blocked by the second valve member 4412. Additionally, the pump input port 4518 can be fluidly coupled to the base output port 4520 via the first chamber 4502, and fluid communication between the cleaning tool output port 4522 and the pump input port 4518 can be blocked by the first valve member 4410. In this configuration, the cleaning fluid provided from the mixing valve 111 to the first fluid input port 4512 can be pumped by the pump 125a into the pump input port 4518 and out to the base supply line 117a coupled to the base output port 4520.

[0177] like Figure 46As shown, when the first valve member 4410 and the second valve member 4412 are in the retracted position, the second fluid input port 4514 can be fluidly coupled to the pump output port 4516 via the second chamber 4506, and fluid communication between the first fluid input port 4512 and the pump output port 4516 can be blocked by the second valve member 4412. Additionally, the pump input port 4518 can be fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool output port 4522 via the first chamber 4502, and fluid communication between the base output port 4520 and the pump input port 4518 can be blocked by the first valve member 4410. In this configuration, the cleaning fluid provided from the mixing valve 111 to the second input port 4514 can be pumped by the pump 125a into the pump input port 4518 and out to the cleaning tool supply line 121 coupled to the cleaning tool output port 4522.

[0178] Thus, depending on the selected positions of the valve members 4410, 4412, a single pump 125a can be used to pump cleaning fluids from different input ports 4512, 4514 to the base 104a or the cleaning tool 105a. In some embodiments, for example, the output of the mixing valve 111 to the first input port 4512 can include only the first cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a, only the second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a, or a mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid. The output of the mixing valve 111 to the second input port 4514 can include only the first cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a, only the second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a, or a mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid. Thus, in the illustrated configuration, different cleaning fluids or combinations of cleaning fluids can be provided from the mixing valve 111 to the first input port 4512 and the second input port 4514 to provide different cleaning fluids to the base 104a or the cleaning tool 105a, respectively. In some embodiments, for example, only the first cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a may be provided to the first input port 4512 for providing only the first cleaning fluid to the base 104a, and a mixture of the first cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a and the second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a may be provided to the second input port 4514 for providing the mixture of the first and second cleaning fluids to the cleaning tool 105a.

[0179] The mixing valve 111a can be provided in a variety of configurations. Figure 47An example of a mixing valve 111a useful in embodiments according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. The mixing valve 111a includes a first mixing valve inlet 4702, a second mixing valve inlet 4704, a first mixing valve outlet 4706, and a second mixing valve outlet 4708. The mixing valve 111a is configured to receive a first cleaning fluid at the first mixing valve inlet 4702 and a second fluid at the second mixing valve inlet 4704, and to provide a mixture of the first and second cleaning fluids at the first mixing valve outlet 4706 and only the first cleaning fluid at the second mixing valve outlet 4708.

[0180] For example, in some embodiments, the first mixing valve inlet 4702 is fluidly coupled to the supply tank 106a, the second mixing valve inlet 4704 is fluidly coupled to the additional tank 107a, the first mixing valve outlet 4706 is coupled to the second input port 4514 of the fluid switching valve 123a, and the second mixing valve outlet 4708 is coupled to the first inlet port 4512 of the fluid switching valve 123a. When cleaning fluid is supplied from both the supply tank 106a and the additional tank 107a, the cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a is provided at the second mixing valve outlet 4708 and is fluidly coupled to the first inlet port 4512 of the fluid switching valve 123a, and a mixture of the cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a and the cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a is provided at the first mixing valve outlet 4706 and is fluidly coupled to the second inlet port 4514 of the fluid switching valve 123a. With this construction, the fluid conversion valve 123a supplies the first cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a to the base 104a when in the base supply state, and supplies a mixture of the first cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a and the second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a to the cleaning tool 105a when in the cleaning tool supply state, and a single pump 125a is used to pump the fluid to the base 104a and the cleaning tool 105a.

[0181] Figure 48 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the mixing valve 111a. As shown, the mixing valve 111a includes a first mixing valve inlet 4702 ( Figure 14 ) and a first cavity 4800 fluidly coupled to the second mixing valve outlet 4708, a second cavity 4802 corresponding to the second mixing valve inlet 4704, and a mixing cavity 4804 fluidly coupled to the first cavity 4800 and the second cavity 4802 and fluidly coupled to the first mixing valve outlet 4706. Also refer to Figure 49 , the first cavity 4800 includes one or more first cavity ports 4902 fluidly coupling the first cavity 4800 to the mixing cavity 4804 , and the second cavity includes one or more second cavity ports 4904 fluidly coupling the second cavity 4802 to the mixing cavity 4804 .

[0182] As shown, mixing valve 111a includes a plurality of umbrella valves 4806, each corresponding to a respective one of first cavity 4800 or second cavity 4802. Umbrella valves 4806 are configured to function as one-way valves, substantially preventing the cleaning fluid within mixing cavity 4804 from flowing back into first cavity 4800 and / or second cavity 4802. In addition to or as an alternative to umbrella valves 4806, one or more check valves may be fluidically coupled to first mixing valve inlet 4702 and / or second mixing valve inlet 4704. In addition to or as an alternative to mixing valve 111a, a venturi coupling or valve, a T-coupling or valve, and / or a Y-coupling or valve may be used to mix the first and second cleaning fluids. In these embodiments, one or more check valves may be fluidically coupled between the valve or coupling and a respective one of supply tank 106a and / or additional tank 107a.

[0183] Figure 16 Figure A shows an exploded perspective view of the mixing valve 111a. As shown, the mixing valve 111a includes a top cover 5002, a bottom cover 5004, and a middle plate 5006. The top cover 5002 defines the first cavity 4800 and the second cavity 4802, while the bottom cover defines the mixing cavity 4804. The middle plate 5006 includes first and second cavity ports 4902, 4904, and a valve mounting opening 5008 for coupling to the umbrella valve 4806. As shown, the middle plate 5006 includes four first cavity ports 4902 and one second cavity port 4904. The diameter of the first cavity port 4902 can be, for example, two to four times the diameter of the second cavity port 4904. As a further example, the diameter of the first cavity port 4902 can be 3.125 times the diameter of the second cavity port 4904. As yet another example, the diameter of the first cavity port 4902 can be approximately (eg, within 1%, 5%, or 10% thereof) 2.5 millimeters (mm), and the diameter of the second cavity port can be approximately 0.8 mm.

[0184] The number and size of the first cavity ports 4902 and the second cavity ports 4904 can be based at least in part on a desired mixing ratio of the first fluid to the second fluid. For example, the mixing ratio of the first cleaning fluid to the second cleaning fluid can be in the range of 5:1 to 15:1. As a further example, the mixing ratio of the first cleaning fluid to the second cleaning fluid can be in the range of 9:1 to 11:1. As yet another example, the mixing ratio of the first cleaning fluid to the second cleaning fluid can be 10:1.

[0185] The extractor cleaner according to the present disclosure can be provided in various configurations to allow a user to selectively control the supply of the first and / or second cleaning fluids to the base 104a and / or cleaning tool 105a (and / or the ratio of the first and second cleaning fluids). For example, the second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a (e.g., alone or mixed with the first cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a) can be provided only to the cleaning tool 105a, without being provided to the base 104a. This can allow the user to use the second cleaning fluid to clean the target area with or without the booster fluid, while avoiding waste of the second cleaning fluid and / or potential damage to the surface 110 to be cleaned and surrounding surfaces or objects that may be caused by the dispensing of the second cleaning fluid from the base 104a.

[0186] In some embodiments, for example, Figure 51 As shown, the control valve 5102 can be coupled to the additional tank 107a at the output of the additional tank 107a, for example, to allow the user to selectively deliver the second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a (e.g., alone or mixed with the first cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a). For example, the user can manipulate an input, such as a mechanical or graphical user interface (GUI) button on the control panel 141, to control the control valve 5102 directly or through the controller 145 to control the delivery of the second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a to the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a through the mixing valve 111a and / or one or more supply lines 112. In some embodiments, the controller 145 can be implemented as a timer to automatically control the control valve 5102 to stop delivering the second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107 after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 20 seconds). This can avoid accidental use of the second cleaning fluid after the user has already started using it through an input on the control panel 141.

[0187] In some embodiments, the control valve 5103 can be fluidly coupled to the supply tank 106a, for example, at the output of the additional tank 106a, to allow a user to selectively deliver a first cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a, for example, alone or mixed with a second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a. For example, a user can manipulate an input, such as a mechanical or graphical user interface (GUI) button on the control panel 141, to control the control valve 5103 directly or through the controller 145 to control the delivery of the first cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a to the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a through the mixing valve 111a and / or the one or more supply lines 112.

[0188] In some embodiments, the delivery of the first cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a and / or the second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a can be controlled in response to one or more sensors 5109 providing one or more control outputs to the controller 145. The controller 145 can control the state of the control valve 5102 and / or the control valve 5103 in response to the control output from the sensor 5109. For example, the sensor 5109 can include a known surface-type detection sensor coupled to the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a to provide a different control output associated with each of a plurality of different floor types, such as hard floor, carpet, and / or different types of hard floor or carpet, on which the cleaner 100a is positioned. The controller 145 can be configured to control the control valve 5102, the control valve 5103, and / or the mixing valve 111a to deliver the first cleaning fluid, the second cleaning fluid, and / or a desired mixture of the first and second cleaning fluids to the base 104a or the cleaning tool 105a based on the floor type detected by the surface-type sensor. In some embodiments, for example, when the surface-type detection sensor provides a first output to the controller 145 indicating that the base 104a or the cleaning tool 105a is positioned on a hard floor, the controller 145 can control the control valve 5102, the control valve 5103 and / or the mixing valve 111a to deliver only the first cleaning fluid to the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a, and when the surface-type detection sensor provides a second output to the controller 145 indicating that the base 104a or the cleaning tool 105a is positioned on a carpet, the controller 145 can control the control valve 5102, the control valve 5103 and / or the mixing valve 111a to deliver a desired mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid.

[0189] In some embodiments, the sensor 5109 may comprise a known turbidity and / or debris sensor coupled to the cleaner 100a for detecting the amount of debris in the recovery fluid pumped from the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a into the recovery tank. The controller 145 may be configured to control the control valve 5102, the control valve 5103, and / or the mixing valve 111a to deliver the first cleaning fluid, the second cleaning fluid, and / or a desired mixture of the first and second cleaning fluids to the base 104a or the cleaning tool 105a based on the amount of debris in the recovery fluid detected by the turbidity and / or debris sensor. In some embodiments, for example, the controller 145 can control the control valves 5102, 5103, and / or the mixing valve 111a to deliver only the first cleaning fluid to the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a when the turbidity and / or debris sensor provides a first output to the controller 145 indicating that the amount of debris in the recovered fluid is at a relatively low level, and to deliver a desired mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid when the turbidity and / or debris sensor provides a second output to the controller indicating that the amount of debris in the recovered fluid is at a relatively high level. With this configuration, when the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a is cleaning a particularly dirty area, the fluid (e.g., boost fluid) from the additional tank 107a can be automatically delivered to the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a, and then when the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a is not cleaning a particularly dirty area, the delivery of the boost fluid can be automatically stopped.

[0190] Various other configurations can be provided in the extractor cleaner for controlling the supply of the first and / or second cleaning fluids to the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a. For example, any number of mixing valves can be provided in combination with an associated control valve to allow a user to selectively supply a desired fluid combination to the base 104a and / or the cleaning tool 105a, for example, only the first cleaning fluid, only the second cleaning fluid, and / or a desired mixture / ratio of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid. In addition, in some embodiments, the mixing valve 111a can be omitted, and one or more fittings (e.g., known T-connectors) can be used to achieve the desired mixture of the first and second cleaning fluids.

[0191] In some embodiments where a mixture of the first cleaning fluid from supply tank 106a and the second cleaning fluid from additional tank 107a is supplied to base 104a and / or cleaning tool 105a, a known flow sensor 5104 is provided at the output of supply tank 106a. Flow sensor 5104 can provide an output indicating that the flow of the first cleaning fluid from supply tank 106a has been interrupted to controller 145. In response, controller 145 can control fluid to be coupled to control valve 5102 of additional tank 107a, for example, at the output of additional tank 107a to interrupt the flow of the second cleaning fluid from additional tank 107, and / or control fluid to be coupled to mixing valve 111a of additional tank 107a to interrupt the flow of the additional fluid from mixing valve. This can avoid that the second cleaning fluid is delivered to base 104a or cleaning tool 105a separately from additional tank 107a, that is, not mixed with the first cleaning fluid from supply tank 106a. This may prevent damage to the surface to be cleaned 110 or the target surface due to application of only the second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a.

[0192] In some embodiments, the extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure can provide a visual indicator that the second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a is supplied to the base 104a or the cleaning tool 105a. For example, a known flow sensor 5106 can be provided at the output of the additional tank 107a, and when the second cleaning fluid is conveyed from the additional tank 107a, the controller 145 can illuminate one or more lights 5108, such as LED lights, in response to the output of the flow sensor 5106. In some embodiments, the second cleaning fluid from the additional tank 107a and the first cleaning fluid from the supply tank 106a can include components that produce different colors when mixed. For example, the first cleaning fluid can have a yellow color, and the second cleaning fluid can have a blue color. When both the first and second cleaning fluids are conveyed to the surface to be cleaned 110 or the target surface, the mixture of the first and second cleaning fluids produces a mixed cleaning fluid with a green color indicating that both fluids have been applied.

[0193] Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an extraction cleaner comprising: a base; an upright body pivotally connected to the base; an agitator arranged in an agitator cavity of the base and configured to agitate a surface to be cleaned; a supply tank for storing cleaning fluid; and a recovery tank configured to receive recovered fluid extracted from the surface to be cleaned by suction established at a suction inlet.

[0194] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the base may include a frame, a door coupled to the frame, a suction nozzle coupled to the base, and at least one fluid dispensing nozzle. According to another aspect, the door may be irremovably coupled to the frame, and the suction nozzle may be removably coupled to the base. According to another aspect, the door may include a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the door defining at least a portion of the agitator cavity, and at least one fluid dispensing nozzle may be coupled to the door and exposed at the bottom surface of the door, the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle being configured to dispense a cleaning fluid directly or indirectly onto the surface to be cleaned. According to another aspect, the suction nozzle may have a front wall, a rear wall, and a suction nozzle path defined between the front wall and the rear wall, the rear wall being positioned in a relationship opposite to the top surface of the door, the suction nozzle path having a suction inlet configured to be arranged adjacent to the surface to be cleaned and a suction outlet configured to be removably coupled to an internal suction duct of the base to at least partially define a base airflow path extending from the suction inlet and through the base.

[0195] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the door can be pivotally coupled to the frame to pivot between a closed position in which the agitator is inaccessible from the top of the base and an open position in which the agitator is accessible from the top of the base. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the door can be pivotally coupled to the frame by a first pivot pin and a second pivot pin extending outwardly from opposing side surfaces of the door and into associated sides of the frame. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a bottom surface of the door defines a front wall and at least a portion of a top wall of the agitator cavity.

[0196] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the base may further include at least one inlet port extending through an associated opening in the door, the inlet port being fluidly coupled to a base supply line below the bottom surface of the door and fluidly coupled to a supply fitting above the top surface of the door, the supply fitting being fluidly coupled to at least one fluid dispensing nozzle.

[0197] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the door can be pivotally coupled to the frame to pivot between a closed position and an open position, wherein the agitator is not accessible from the top of the base, and the agitator is accessible from the top of the base and the inlet port is removably fluidly coupled to the base supply line, whereby when the door is moved to the closed position, the inlet port is fluidly coupled to the base supply line, and when the door is moved to the open position, the inlet port is disconnected from the base supply line.

[0198] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the base further includes at least one cover disposed on the top surface of the door and over at least a portion of the fluid dispensing nozzle, the supply tube, and the inlet port.

[0199] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the door includes an opening therein, and the base airflow path extends from the suction inlet and through the opening.

[0200] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one fluid dispensing nozzle includes a first fluid dispensing nozzle and a second fluid dispensing nozzle, and the base also includes a first inlet port and a second inlet port, the first inlet port and the second inlet port are each fluidly connected to the base supply line below the bottom surface of the door, the first inlet port is fluidly connected to the first supply pipe above the top surface of the door, and the second inlet port is fluidly connected to the second supply pipe above the top surface of the door, the first supply pipe and the second supply pipe are fluidly connected to the first fluid dispensing nozzle and the second fluid dispensing nozzle, respectively.

[0201] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the base also includes: a first cover, which is arranged on the top surface of the door and is arranged on the first fluid dispensing nozzle, the first supply pipe and at least a portion of the first inlet port; and a second cover, which is arranged on the top surface of the door and is arranged on the second fluid dispensing nozzle, the second supply pipe and at least a portion of the second inlet port.

[0202] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a portion of the suction nozzle is received in a cavity defined by a top surface of the door, a side surface of the first cover, and a side surface of the second cover.

[0203] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one fluid dispensing nozzle is configured to dispense cleaning fluid in a spray pattern toward the front of the agitator and onto the surface to be cleaned.

[0204] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle is positioned such that cleaning fluid dispensed from the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle impacts the surface to be cleaned at a location within 1 cm of the rear wall of the suction nozzle.

[0205] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one fluid dispensing nozzle includes a first fluid dispensing nozzle and a second fluid dispensing nozzle, the first fluid dispensing nozzle being configured to dispense cleaning fluid in a first spray pattern toward the front of the agitator and dispense it onto the surface to be cleaned, and the second fluid dispensing nozzle being configured to dispense cleaning fluid in a second spray pattern toward the front of the agitator and dispense it onto the surface to be cleaned, wherein the first spray pattern and the second spray pattern overlap at a position between the first fluid dispensing nozzle and the second fluid dispensing nozzle.

[0206] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the suction outlet is oriented downwardly relative to a top surface of the suction nozzle for removable coupling to the internal suction conduit.

[0207] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the connector end of the suction nozzle disposed adjacent the upright portion is configured to be removably coupled to the base. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the connector end comprises a spring-applied connector for removably coupling to the base.

[0208] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the suction nozzle is configured to be removably coupled to the base adjacent a front end portion of the suction nozzle. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the suction nozzle includes first and second toe-in features adjacent to the front end portion of the suction nozzle and configured to be removably coupled to first and second catches defined by the frame.

[0209] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the rear wall of the suction nozzle does not form any part of the agitator cavity.

[0210] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the base further comprises an automatic spray detector responsive to movement of the base and configured to dispense cleaning fluid from the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle when the base moves in a forward direction. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid may be dispensed at a first flow rate when the base moves in a forward direction, and at a second, non-zero flow rate when the base moves in a rearward direction.

[0211] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the base may include an automatic spray detector that responds to movement of the base and is configured so that cleaning fluid is dispensed from at least one fluid dispensing nozzle when the base moves in a forward direction, wherein the automatic spray detector includes a detector body pivotally connected to the frame, a floor contact member extending downward from the bottom of the detector body at a non-zero angle relative to the vertical axis of the detector body for contacting the surface to be cleaned, an extension extending outward from a side surface of the detector body, and a hammer arranged at a distal end of the extension, the hammer being configured to contact a switch arm of a switch to change a state of the switch when the detector body rotates, and wherein cleaning fluid is dispensed from the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle in response to the state of the switch.

[0212] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the supply tank includes a container, and the extractor further includes an additional tank for storing a second cleaning fluid, at least a portion of the additional tank being removably received in the container.

[0213] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the upright portion defines a support, and wherein the bottom of the recovery bin is removably supported on the support, wherein the outer periphery of the recovery bin depends from the support. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support defines a retaining wall at a front portion thereof, and wherein the bottom of the recovery bin has a protrusion extending therefrom for engaging the retaining wall.

[0214] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the recovery tank includes a tank body and a cover, the tank body includes a recovery conduit and is configured to hold a recovered fluid; the cover has an outlet fluidically connected to a suction motor, the suction motor generates a suction airflow through the recovery tank, the cover also includes a float, the float has a buoyancy member configured to float on the recovered fluid and a valve member configured to stop the suction airflow when the recovered fluid reaches a full liquid level, the buoyancy member having a flat side surface arranged on only one side of the recovery conduit.

[0215] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the float further comprises an arm, and wherein the buoyancy member is disposed at a first end of the arm and the valve member is disposed at a second end of the arm, wherein the arm has lugs extending outwardly from opposite sides thereof, the lugs being configured to be received within corresponding slots in the airflow management body of the cover.

[0216] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a recovery tank includes a tank body and a lid, the lid having an outlet fluidly coupled to a suction motor, the suction motor generating a suction airflow through the recovery tank, and wherein the recovery tank further includes a foam filter disposed in the shroud and defining an inlet, and wherein the suction airflow passes through the inlet. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a bottom portion of the shroud is angled inwardly toward the inlet.

[0217] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the recovery box includes a box body and a cover, the box body includes a recovery duct and is configured to hold a recovery fluid, the cover has an outlet fluidically connected to a suction motor, the suction motor generates a suction airflow through the recovery box, the cover includes an airflow management body, the airflow management body includes a flange extending outward from it and toward the side wall of the box body, the flange being configured to guide the suction airflow from the top of the recovery duct downward toward the bottom of the box body.

[0218] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes a flexible hose; a cleaning tool coupled to the flexible hose and having a suction inlet, wherein a cleaning tool airflow path extends from the suction inlet and through the flexible hose; and at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the cleaning tool.

[0219] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the extraction cleaner also includes a suction conversion valve, which includes: a base inlet port, the base inlet port fluidly connected to the base airflow path; a cleaning tool inlet port, the cleaning tool inlet port fluidly connected to the cleaning tool airflow path; and an outlet port, the outlet port fluidly connected to the recovery tank, the suction conversion valve has a base suction state and a cleaning tool suction state. In the base suction state, the outlet port is fluidly connected to the base inlet port, for receiving recovered fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the base airflow path and entering the recovery tank. In the cleaning tool suction state, the outlet port is fluidly connected to the cleaning tool inlet port, for receiving recovered fluid from the target surface through the cleaning tool inlet port and entering the recovery tank.

[0220] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a suction switching valve includes: a housing defining a base inlet port, a cleaning tool inlet port, an outlet port, and a rotor cavity; and a rotor rotatably disposed in the rotor cavity and including a plug, the rotor being rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein the suction switching valve is in a base suction state and the plug blocks fluid communication between the outlet port and the cleaning tool inlet port, and wherein the suction switching valve is in a cleaning tool suction state and the plug blocks fluid communication between the outlet port and the base inlet port. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the rotor includes a handle extending outwardly from the rotor and configured to be manipulated by a user to move the rotor between the first orientation and the second orientation.

[0221] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the extraction cleaner also includes a fluid conversion valve, which has a base supply state and a cleaning tool supply state. In the base supply state, the cleaning fluid is fluidly connected to the base supply pipeline, and in the cleaning tool supply state, the second cleaning fluid is fluidly connected to the cleaning tool supply pipeline, and wherein the fluid conversion valve is connected to the suction conversion valve, whereby when the suction conversion valve is placed in the base suction state, the fluid conversion valve is placed in the base supply state, and when the section conversion valve is placed in the cleaning tool suction state, the fluid conversion valve is placed in the cleaning tool supply state.

[0222] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the suction switch valve is coupled to the fluid switch valve by a connecting rod having at least one valve engagement surface for contacting at least one valve member to move the fluid switch valve to the base supply state or the cleaning tool supply state.

[0223] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a suction switching valve includes a cam configured to cause linear movement of a cam follower, and wherein a connecting rod is coupled to the cam follower.

[0224] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the extractor cleaner further includes a fluid switching valve having a base supply state and a cleaning tool supply state. In the base supply state, a cleaning fluid is fluidically coupled to a base supply line, which is coupled to at least one fluid dispensing nozzle of the base. In the cleaning tool supply state, a second cleaning fluid is fluidically coupled to the cleaning tool supply line, which is fluidically coupled to at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cleaning fluid is different from the second cleaning fluid.

[0225] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid conversion valve includes a first fluid input port, a second fluid input port, a pump output port, a pump input port, a base output port, and a cleaning tool output port, the first fluid input port being fluidly coupled to receive a cleaning fluid, the second fluid input port being fluidly coupled to receive a second cleaning fluid, the pump output port being coupled to an inlet port of the pump, the pump input port being fluidly coupled to an outlet of the pump, the base output port being fluidly coupled to a base supply line, and the cleaning tool output port being fluidly coupled to a cleaning tool supply line.

[0226] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid conversion valve includes at least one valve member, wherein when the fluid conversion valve is in a base supply state, the at least one valve member fluidically couples the first fluid input port to the pump output port and fluidically couples the pump input port to the base output port, and blocks fluid communication from the second fluid input port to the pump output port and fluid communication from the pump input port to the cleaning tool output port, and when the fluid conversion valve is in a cleaning tool supply state, the at least one valve member fluidically couples the second fluid input port to the pump output port and fluidically couples the pump input port to the cleaning tool output port, and blocks fluid communication from the first fluid input port to the pump output port and fluid communication from the pump input port to the base output port.

[0227] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one valve member includes a first valve member arranged in a first chamber and a second valve member arranged in a second chamber, wherein, when the first valve member is in a first position in the first chamber and the second valve member is in a first position in the second chamber, the fluid conversion valve is in a base supply state, and when the first valve member is in a second position in the first chamber and the second valve member is in a second position in the second chamber, the fluid conversion valve is in a cleaning tool supply state.

[0228] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the extractor cleaner further includes a mixing valve having a first mixing valve inlet, a second mixing valve inlet, a first mixing valve outlet, and a second mixing valve outlet. The first mixing valve inlet, the second mixing valve inlet, and the first mixing valve outlet are fluidly coupled to a mixing chamber, whereby a first fluid received at the first mixing valve inlet and a second fluid received at the second input port are mixed in the mixing chamber, and a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid is provided at the first mixing valve outlet. The first mixing valve inlet is fluidly coupled to the second mixing valve outlet for providing the first fluid received at the first mixing valve inlet at the second mixing valve outlet. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second mixing valve outlet is fluidly coupled to the first fluid input port of the fluid switching valve, and the first mixing valve outlet is fluidly coupled to the second fluid input port of the fluid switching valve.

[0229] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the extractor cleaner further comprises: a flexible hose; a cleaning tool coupled to the flexible hose and having a suction inlet, wherein the cleaning tool airflow path extends from the suction inlet and through the flexible hose; at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the cleaning tool; an additional tank for storing a second cleaning fluid; and a valve fluidly coupled to the additional tank for controlling the supply of the second cleaning fluid to the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle or the cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle.

[0230] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes a controller configured to control the valve to stop supplying the second cleaning fluid to the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle or the cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle after a predetermined amount of time.

[0231] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the extractor cleaner further includes a flow sensor fluidly coupled to an output of the supply tank and a controller configured to control a valve in response to an output of the flow sensor to stop supplying the second cleaning fluid to at least one fluid dispensing nozzle or the cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle.

[0232] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the extraction cleaner further includes a flow sensor fluidly coupled to an output of the additional tank and a controller configured to illuminate a light in response to an output of the flow sensor to indicate that the second cleaning fluid is being delivered from the additional tank.

[0233] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an extractor cleaner is provided, which includes: a base; an upright body pivotally connected to the base; at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle connected to the base, the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle being configured to dispense a first fluid directly or indirectly onto a surface to be cleaned; a flexible hose; a cleaning tool connected to the flexible hose; at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle connected to the cleaning tool, the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle being configured to dispense a second fluid directly or indirectly onto a target surface; a supply tank for storing a first cleaning fluid; an additional tank for storing a second cleaning fluid; and at least one fluid conversion valve, which is fluidically connected to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle and the at least one cleaning fluid dispensing nozzle, the at least one fluid conversion valve having a base supply state and a cleaning tool supply state, in which the first cleaning fluid is fluidly connected to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle, and in the cleaning tool supply state, the second cleaning fluid is fluidly connected to the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle.

[0234] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the at least one fluid switching valve is in the base supply state, the second cleaning fluid is not supplied to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle.

[0235] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the at least one fluid switching valve is in the cleaning tool supply state, a mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid is supplied to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle.

[0236] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second cleaning fluid includes a boosting fluid having a first pH mixed with a base cleaning fluid having a second pH, wherein the second pH is greater than the first pH. The first pH may be less than or equal to about 4.5, and the second pH may be greater than or equal to about 9. The boosting fluid may include hydrogen peroxide.

[0237] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid conversion valve includes a first fluid input port, a second fluid input port, a pump output port, a pump input port, a base output port and a cleaning tool output port, the first fluid input port is fluidically connected to receive a first cleaning fluid, and the second fluid input port is fluidically connected to receive a second cleaning fluid, the pump output port is fluidically connected to an inlet port of the pump, the pump input port is fluidically connected to an outlet of the pump, the base output port is fluidically connected to at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle, and the cleaning tool output port is fluidically connected to at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle.

[0238] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid conversion valve includes at least one valve member, wherein when the fluid conversion valve is in a base supply state, the at least one valve member fluidically couples the first fluid input port to the pump output port and fluidically couples the pump input port to the base output port, and blocks fluid communication from the second fluid input port to the pump output port and fluid communication from the pump input port to the cleaning tool output port, and when the fluid conversion valve is in a cleaning tool supply state, the at least one valve member fluidically couples the second fluid input port to the pump output port and fluidically couples the pump input port to the cleaning tool output port, and blocks fluid communication from the first fluid input port to the pump output port and fluid communication from the pump input port to the base output port.

[0239] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one valve member includes a first valve member arranged in a first chamber and a second valve member arranged in a second chamber, wherein, when the first valve member is in a first position in the first chamber and the second valve member is in a first position in the second chamber, the fluid conversion valve is in a base supply state, and when the first valve member is in a second position in the first chamber and the second valve member is in a second position in the second chamber, the fluid conversion valve is in a cleaning tool supply state.

[0240] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the extractor cleaner further includes a mixing valve having a first mixing valve inlet, a second mixing valve inlet, a first mixing valve outlet, and a second mixing valve outlet, the first mixing valve inlet, the second mixing valve inlet, and the first mixing valve outlet being fluidly coupled to a mixing chamber, whereby a first fluid received at the first mixing valve inlet and a second fluid received at the second input port are mixed in the mixing chamber, and a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid is provided at the first mixing valve outlet, the first mixing valve inlet being fluidly coupled to the second mixing valve outlet for providing the first fluid received at the first mixing valve inlet at the second mixing valve outlet, wherein the second mixing valve outlet is fluidly coupled to the first fluid input port of the fluid switching valve, and the first mixing valve outlet is fluidly coupled to the second fluid input port of the fluid switching valve.

[0241] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the base includes a base suction inlet configured to be positioned adjacent to the surface to be cleaned, and wherein the cleaning tool includes a cleaning tool suction inlet configured to be positioned adjacent to the target surface, the extraction cleaner further comprising a recovery tank configured to receive recovered fluid extracted from the surface to be cleaned by suction established at the base suction inlet or extracted from the target surface by suction established at the cleaning tool suction inlet.

[0242] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the extraction cleaner also includes a suction conversion valve, which includes: a base inlet port, which is fluidly connected to the base suction inlet; a cleaning tool inlet port, which is fluidly connected to the cleaning tool suction inlet; and an outlet port, which is fluidly connected to the recovery tank. The suction conversion valve has a base suction state and a cleaning tool suction state. In the base suction state, the outlet port is fluidly connected to the base inlet port for receiving recovered fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the base suction inlet and entering the recovery tank. In the cleaning tool suction state, the outlet port is fluidly connected to the cleaning tool suction inlet for receiving recovered fluid from the target surface through the cleaning tool inlet port and entering the recovery tank.

[0243] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the suction conversion valve includes: a housing defining a base inlet port, a cleaning tool inlet port, an outlet port, and a rotor cavity; and a rotor rotatably arranged in the rotor cavity and including a plug, the rotor rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation, in which the suction conversion valve is in a base suction state and the plug blocks fluid communication between the outlet port and the cleaning tool inlet port, and in which the suction conversion valve is in a cleaning tool suction state and the plug blocks fluid communication between the outlet port and the base inlet port.

[0244] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a rotor includes a handle extending outwardly from the rotor and configured to be manipulated by a user to move the rotor between a first orientation and a second orientation.

[0245] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the upright portion is in the upright position, the suction switching valve is in the cleaning tool suction state, and when the upright portion is tilted from the upright position, the suction switching valve automatically switches to the base suction state.

[0246] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid switching valve is coupled to the suction switching valve, whereby when the suction switching valve is placed in the base suction state, the fluid switching valve is placed in the base supply state, and when the section switching valve is placed in the cleaning tool suction state, the fluid switching valve is placed in the cleaning tool supply state.

[0247] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the suction switch valve is coupled to the fluid switch valve by a connecting rod having at least one valve engagement surface for contacting at least one valve member to move the fluid switch valve to the base supply state or the cleaning tool supply state.

[0248] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a suction switching valve includes a cam configured to cause linear movement of a cam follower, and wherein a connecting rod is coupled to the cam follower.

[0249] 14. The cleaning tool of claim 13, wherein the cleaning tool is configured to move the cleaning fluid from one cleaning tool portion to another, the cleaning fluid being drawn from the cleaning tool portion to the cleaning tool portion ... Inlet port, the base inlet port is fluidly connected to the base suction inlet, the cleaning tool inlet port and the outlet port, the cleaning tool inlet port is fluidly connected to the cleaning tool suction inlet, the outlet port is fluidly connected to the recovery tank, the suction conversion valve has a base suction state and a cleaning tool suction state, in the base suction state, the outlet port is fluidly connected to the base inlet port, for receiving the recovered fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the base suction inlet and entering the recovery tank, in the cleaning tool suction state, the outlet port is fluidly connected to the cleaning tool suction inlet, for receiving the recovered fluid from the target surface through the cleaning tool inlet port and entering the recovery tank; a supply tank for storing a first cleaning fluid; an additional tank for storing a second cleaning fluid; and at least one fluid conversion valve, at least one fluid conversion valve has a base supply state and a cleaning tool supply state, in the base supply state, the first cleaning fluid is fluidly connected to at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle, and in the cleaning tool supply state, the second cleaning fluid is fluidly connected to at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle.

[0250] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating an extractor cleaner is provided, which includes a base portion pivotally connected to an upright body and a cleaning tool connected to a flexible hose, the method including: fluidly connecting a first cleaning fluid stored in a supply tank to at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle for dispensing the first cleaning fluid directly or indirectly onto a surface to be cleaned, the base fluid dispensing nozzle being connected to the base; and fluidly connecting a second cleaning fluid stored in an additional tank to at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle for dispensing the second cleaning fluid directly or indirectly onto a target surface, the cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle being connected to the cleaning tool, wherein when the first cleaning fluid is supplied to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle, the second cleaning fluid is not supplied to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle.

[0251] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for cleaning carpet or fabric, comprising the steps of: providing an aqueous cleaning solution and an aqueous oxidizing solution, wherein the aqueous cleaning solution has a pH greater than 7.0 and comprises water, a metal chelating agent, and carbonate anions (CO3 2- ) source, and the aqueous oxidizing solution has a pH of less than 7.0 and comprises water and a peroxy compound. The free radical scavenger is present in the aqueous cleaning solution and / or the aqueous oxidizing solution. The aqueous cleaning solution and the aqueous oxidizing solution are then mixed and dispensed onto the carpet or fabric. The mixed composition has a pH of 9.0 to 10.0 and comprises water, a molar concentration of 5.0 x 10 -2 to 2.1x10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70x10 -3 to 5.2x10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x10 -2 to 5.0x10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ) and a molar concentration of 2.0x10 -3 to 1.1x10 -1 free radical scavengers.

[0252] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit for cleaning carpets or fabrics, comprising water, a metal chelating agent, and a water-soluble carbonate anion (CO3 2- ) source and a second aqueous oxidizing solution comprising water and a peroxy compound having a pH of less than 7.0. The free radical scavenger is present in the aqueous cleaning solution and / or the aqueous oxidizing solution. The first and second aqueous solutions are configured to combine and provide an aqueous carpet or fabric cleaning composition comprising water, a molar concentration of 5.0 x 10 -2 Up to 2.1x10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70x10 -3 to 5.2x10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x10 -2 to 5.0x10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ), the molar concentration is 2.0x10 -3 to 1.1x10 -1 The free radical scavenger of the present invention, wherein the pH of the aqueous carpet or fabric cleaning composition is 9.0 to 10.0.

[0253] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an extraction cleaner is provided, which includes: a cleaner body, which includes a pump and a suction motor; a flexible hose, which includes a fluid delivery path fluidly connected to the pump and a recovery path fluidly connected to the suction motor; a supply tank, which is configured to be removably connected to the cleaner body and is configured to be fluidly connected to the fluid delivery path, the supply tank including a relatively alkaline first water-based cleaning solution; an additional tank, which is configured to be fluidly connected to the fluid delivery path, the additional tank including a relatively acidic second water-based oxidizing solution; a recovery tank, which is configured to be removably connected to the cleaner body and is configured to be fluidly connected to the recovery path; and a cleaning tool, which is configured to be fluidly connected to the supply tank, the additional tank and the recovery tank.

[0254] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an extraction cleaner is provided, comprising: a cleaner body including a pump and a suction motor; a supply line fluidly connected to the pump; and an air flow path fluidly connected to the suction motor; a supply tank configured to be removably connected to the cleaner body and configured to be fluidly connected to the supply line, the supply tank comprising a relatively alkaline first water-based cleaning solution; an additional tank configured to be fluidly connected to the supply line, the additional tank comprising a relatively acidic second water-based oxidizing solution; and a recovery tank configured to be removably connected to the cleaner body and configured to be fluidly connected to the air flow path.

[0255] In some cases, the first aqueous cleaning solution and the second aqueous oxidizing solution can be mixed to form an aqueous cleaning composition before being applied to the surface to be cleaned. In some cases, the aqueous cleaning composition can include water, a molar concentration of 5.0 x 10 -2 Up to 2.1x10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70x10 -3 to 5.2x10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x10 -2 to 5.0x10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ), the molar concentration is 2.0x10 -3 to 1.1x10 -1The invention provides a free radical scavenger, wherein the pH of the composition is 9.0 to 10.0. In some cases, the peroxide compound may include hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, the peroxide compound may include sodium peroxide or urea hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, the peroxide compound may include alkyl hydroperoxides or aryl hydroperoxides. In some cases, the free radical scavenger may be selected from the group consisting of glycine, sarcosine, lysine, serine, glutamic acid and their mixtures. In some cases, the free radical scavenger may be selected from the group consisting of 2-methoxyethylamine, glucosamine, morpholine, piperidine, ethylamine and 3-amino-1-propanol and their mixtures. In some cases, the metal chelator may have a relatively higher binding affinity for transition metals than for calcium and magnesium divalent ions. In some cases, the metal chelator may include ethylenediamine-N, N'-disuccinic acid.

[0256] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a water-based carpet or fabric cleaning composition comprising water, a molar concentration of 5.0×10 -2 Up to 2.1x10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70x10 -3 to 5.2x10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x10 -2 to 5.0x10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ), the molar concentration is 2.0x10 -3 to 1.1x10 -1 The invention further comprises a free radical scavenger, wherein the pH of the composition is from 9.0 to 10.0.

[0257] In some cases, the peroxide compound may include hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, the peroxide compound may include sodium peroxide or urea hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, the peroxide compound may include alkyl hydroperoxide or aryl hydroperoxide. In some cases, the free radical scavenger may be selected from the group consisting of glycine, sarcosine, lysine, serine, glutamic acid and their mixtures. In some cases, the free radical scavenger may be selected from the group consisting of 2-methoxyethylamine, glucosamine, morpholine, piperidine, ethylamine and 3-amino-1-propanol and their mixtures. In some cases, the metal chelator may have a relatively higher binding affinity for transition metals than for calcium and magnesium divalent ions. In some cases, the metal chelator may include ethylenediamine-N, N'-disuccinic acid.

[0258] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for cleaning carpet or fabric, the method comprising the steps of: providing an aqueous cleaning solution and an aqueous oxidizing solution, wherein the aqueous cleaning solution has a pH greater than 7.0 and comprises water, a metal chelating agent, and water-soluble carbonate anions (CO3 2-) source, and the aqueous oxidizing solution has a pH of less than 7.0 and comprises water and a peroxygen compound; the free radical scavenger is present in the aqueous cleaning solution and / or the aqueous oxidizing solution, the aqueous cleaning solution and the aqueous oxidizing solution are mixed and dispensed onto the carpet or fabric, wherein the combined composition has a pH of 9.0 to 10.0 and comprises water, a molar concentration of 5.0×10 -2 Up to 2.1x10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70x10 -3 to 5.2x10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x10 -2 to 5.0x10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ) and a molar concentration of 2.0x10 -3 to 1.1x10 -1 free radical scavengers.

[0259] In some cases, the peroxide compound may include hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, the peroxide compound may include sodium peroxide, urea hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof. In some cases, the peroxide compound may include alkyl hydroperoxides or aryl hydroperoxides. In some cases, the free radical scavenger may be selected from the group consisting of glycine, sarcosine, lysine, serine, glutamic acid and a mixture thereof. In some cases, the free radical scavenger may be selected from the group consisting of 2-methoxyethylamine, glucosamine, morpholine, piperidine, ethylamine and 3-amino-1-propanol and a mixture thereof. In some cases, the metal chelator may have a relatively higher binding affinity for transition metals than for calcium and magnesium divalent ions. In some cases, the metal chelator may include ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid. In some cases, the water-soluble carbonate anion source may include alkali metal carbonate or alkali metal bicarbonate. In some cases, the carbonate anion source may be selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate.

[0260] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a kit for cleaning carpets or fabrics is provided, the kit comprising: a first aqueous cleaning solution having a pH greater than 7.0, the first aqueous cleaning solution comprising water, a metal chelating agent, and water-soluble carbonate anions (CO3 2- ) source; a second aqueous oxidizing solution having a pH of less than 7.0, comprising water and a peroxy compound; a free radical scavenger present in the aqueous cleaning solution and / or the aqueous oxidizing solution, wherein the first aqueous solution and the second aqueous solution are configured to combine and provide an aqueous carpet or fabric cleaning composition comprising water, a molar concentration of 5.0x10 -2 Up to 2.1x10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70x10 -3 to 5.2x10-3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x10 -2 to 5.0x10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ), the molar concentration is 2.0x10 -3 to 1.1x10 -1 The invention further comprises a free radical scavenger, and wherein the pH of the aqueous carpet or fabric cleaning composition is from 9.0 to 10.0.

[0261] In some cases, peroxy compound can comprise hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, free radical scavenger can be selected from the group consisting of glycine, sarcosine, lysine, serine, glutamic acid and their mixture. In some cases, free radical scavenger can be selected from the group consisting of 2-methoxyethylamine, glucosamine, morpholine, piperidine, ethylamine and 3-amino-1-propanol and their mixture. In some cases, metal chelator can have a binding affinity relatively higher than that to calcium and magnesium divalent ions to transition metals. In some cases, metal chelator can comprise ethylenediamine-N, N'-disuccinic acid. In some cases, water-soluble carbonate anion source can comprise alkali metal carbonate or alkali metal bicarbonate.

[0262] The foregoing description of example embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the present disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the appended claims. Future applications claiming priority to the present application may claim the disclosed subject matter in various ways and may generally include any combination of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise illustrated herein.

[0263] Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only, and that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced in a manner other than as specifically described and claimed. The present invention is directed to each individual feature, aspect, embodiment, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, aspects, embodiments, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the scope of the present invention if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

[0264] The functions of the various elements shown in the figures, including any functional blocks marked as controllers or processors, can be provided by using dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software and associated with appropriate software. These functions can be provided by a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or multiple separate processors, some of which can be shared. In addition, the explicit use of the term controller or processor should not be interpreted as referring specifically to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, but is not limited to, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile memory for storing software. Other hardware, conventional and / or customized, may also be included.

[0265] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are present in conjunction in some cases and separately in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified, unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

[0266] As used herein, the term "coupled" refers to any connection, coupling, link, etc., through which signals carried by one system component are transferred to the "coupled" component. Such "coupled" devices or signals and devices are not necessarily directly connected to each other and may be separated by intermediate components or devices that can manipulate or modify such signals. Likewise, the terms "connected" or "coupled" as used herein with respect to mechanical or physical connections or couplings are relative terms and do not require a direct physical connection.

[0267] Unless otherwise specified herein, elements, components, modules and parts thereof described and / or shown in the drawings that communicate, relate and / or are based on other things should be understood as being able to do so directly and / or indirectly.

[0268] Unless otherwise stated, the use of the word "substantially" may be interpreted as including the precise relationships, conditions, arrangements, orientations, and / or other characteristics, as well as deviations therefrom as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, as long as such deviations do not materially affect the disclosed methods and systems. Throughout this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of the articles "a" and / or "an" and / or "the" to modify nouns may be understood as used for convenience and include one or more than one of the modified nouns. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0269] As used herein, use of the term "nominal" or "nominally" when referring to an amount means a specified or theoretical amount that can vary from the actual amount.

[0270] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "above," "down," "above," "left," "right," etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features will be oriented as "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0271] Although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms because they are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the scope and teachings of the present invention.

[0272] Although the methods and systems have been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, they are not limited thereto. Obviously, many modifications and variations can become apparent in light of the above teachings. Those skilled in the art can make many additional changes to the details, materials, and arrangements of the components described and illustrated herein.

Claims

1. An extraction cleaner comprising: Base, including: frame, a door non-removably coupled to the frame, the door comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the door defining at least a portion of an agitator cavity, at least one fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the door and exposed at a bottom surface of the door, the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle being configured to dispense a cleaning fluid directly or indirectly onto a surface to be cleaned, and a suction nozzle removably coupled to the base and having a front wall, a rear wall, and a suction nozzle path defined therebetween, the rear wall being positioned in opposing, facing relation to the top surface of the door, the suction nozzle path having a suction inlet and a suction outlet, the suction inlet being configured for placement adjacent the surface to be cleaned, the suction outlet being configured for removable coupling to an internal suction conduit of the base to at least partially define a base airflow path extending from the suction inlet and through the base; an upright body pivotally coupled to the base; an agitator disposed in the agitator cavity and configured to agitate the surface to be cleaned; a supply tank for storing the cleaning fluid; and A recovery tank is configured to receive recovery fluid drawn from the surface to be cleaned by suction established at the suction inlet.

2. The extractor cleaner of claim 1 , wherein the door is pivotally coupled to the frame to pivot between a closed position in which the agitator is inaccessible from the top of the base and an open position in which the agitator is accessible from the top of the base.

3. The extractor cleaner of claim 2, wherein the door is pivotally coupled to the frame by first and second pivot pins extending outwardly from opposing side surfaces of the door and into associated sides of the frame.

4. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the door defines a front wall and at least a portion of a top wall of the agitator cavity.

5. The extractor cleaner of claim 1 , the base further comprising at least one inlet port extending through an associated opening in the door, the inlet port fluidly coupled to a base supply line below the bottom surface of the door and to a supply fitting above a top surface of the door, the supply fitting fluidly coupled to the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle.

6. The extractor cleaner of claim 5 , wherein the door is pivotally coupled to the frame to pivot between a closed position in which the agitator is inaccessible from the top of the base and an open position in which the agitator is accessible from the top of the base, and wherein The inlet port is removably fluidly coupled to the base supply line, whereby when the door is moved to the closed position, the inlet port is fluidly coupled to the base supply line, and when the door is moved to the open position, the inlet port is decoupled from the base supply line.

7. The extractor cleaner of claim 5, the base further comprising at least one cover disposed on the top surface of the door and over at least a portion of the fluid dispensing nozzle, the supply tube, and the inlet port.

8. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein the door includes an opening therein, and the base airflow path extends from the suction inlet and through the opening.

9. The extractor cleaner of claim 1 , wherein the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle comprises a first fluid dispensing nozzle and a second fluid dispensing nozzle, and wherein the base further comprises a first inlet port and a second inlet port, the first inlet port and the second inlet port are each fluidically connected to the base supply line below the bottom surface of the door, the first inlet port is fluidically connected to a first supply pipe above the top surface of the door, and the second inlet port is fluidically connected to a second supply pipe above the top surface of the door, the first supply pipe and the second supply pipe are fluidically connected to the first fluid dispensing nozzle and the second fluid dispensing nozzle, respectively.

10. The extractor cleaner of claim 9, wherein the base further comprises: a first cover disposed on the top surface of the door and over at least a portion of the first fluid dispensing nozzle, the first supply tube, and the first inlet port; and a second cover disposed on the top surface of the door and over at least a portion of the second fluid dispensing nozzle, the second supply tube, and the second inlet port. 11 . The extraction cleaner of claim 10 , wherein at least a portion of the suction nozzle is received in a cavity defined by a top surface of the door, a side surface of the first cover, and a side surface of the second cover.

12. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle is configured to dispense the cleaning fluid in a spray pattern toward the front of the agitator and onto the surface to be cleaned.

13. The extractor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle is positioned such that cleaning fluid dispensed from the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle impacts a surface to be cleaned at a position within 1.5 cm of a rear wall of the suction nozzle.

14. The extractor cleaner of claim 1 , wherein the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle comprises a first fluid dispensing nozzle and a second fluid dispensing nozzle, wherein the first fluid dispensing nozzle is configured to dispense the cleaning fluid in a first spray pattern toward the front of the agitator and onto the surface to be cleaned, and the second fluid dispensing nozzle is configured to dispense the cleaning fluid in a second spray pattern toward the front of the agitator and onto the surface to be cleaned, wherein the first spray pattern and the second spray pattern overlap or are separated by 5 mm or less at a position between the first fluid dispensing nozzle and the second fluid dispensing nozzle.

15. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein the suction outlet is oriented downwardly relative to a top surface of the suction nozzle for removable coupling to the internal suction duct.

16. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein a connector end of the suction nozzle disposed adjacent the upright portion is configured for removable coupling to the base.

17. The extractor cleaner of claim 16, wherein the connector end comprises a spring-applied connector for removably coupling to the base.

18. The extraction cleaner of claim 16, wherein the suction nozzle is configured to be removably coupled to the base adjacent a front end of the suction nozzle.

19. The extraction cleaner of claim 16, wherein the suction nozzle includes first and second toe-in features adjacent a front end of the suction nozzle and configured for removably coupling to first and second catches defined by the frame.

20. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein a rear wall of the suction nozzle does not form any part of the agitator cavity.

21. The extractor cleaner of claim 1, the base further comprising an automatic spray detector responsive to movement of the base and configured to cause dispensing of the cleaning fluid from the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle when the base moves in a forward direction.

22. The extractor cleaner of claim 21, wherein the cleaning fluid is dispensed at a first flow rate when the base moves in a forward direction, and the cleaning fluid is dispensed at a second, non-zero flow rate when the base moves in a rearward direction.

23. The extractor cleaner of claim 21 , wherein the automatic spray detector comprises: a detector body pivotally coupled to the frame; a floor contacting member extending downwardly from a bottom of the detector body for contacting the surface to be cleaned; and a hammer configured to contact a switch arm of a switch to change a state of the switch when the detector body is rotated, and wherein the cleaning fluid is dispensed from the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle in response to the state of the switch.

24. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein the supply tank comprises a container, and the extractor further comprises an additional tank for storing a second cleaning fluid, at least a portion of the additional tank being removably received in the container.

25. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein the upright portion defines a support, and wherein a bottom portion of the recovery bin is removably supported on the support, wherein an outer perimeter of the recovery bin depends from the support.

26. The extraction cleaner of claim 25, wherein The support member defines a retaining wall at a front portion thereof, and wherein the bottom portion of the recovery box has a protrusion extending therefrom for engaging the retaining wall.

27. An extractor cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the recovery tank includes a tank body and a cover, the tank body includes a recovery conduit and is configured to hold the recovery fluid; the cover has an outlet fluidically connected to a suction motor, the suction motor generates a suction airflow through the recovery tank, the cover also includes a float, the float has a buoyancy member configured to float on the recovery fluid and a valve member configured to stop the suction airflow when the recovery fluid reaches a full liquid level, the buoyancy member having a flat side surface arranged on only one side of the recovery conduit.

28. The extractor cleaner of claim 27, wherein the float further comprises an arm, and wherein the buoyancy member is disposed at the first end of the arm and the valve member is disposed at the second end of the arm, wherein the arm has lugs extending outwardly from opposite sides thereof, the lugs being configured to be received within corresponding slots in the airflow management body of the cover.

29. An extractor cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the recovery tank includes a tank body and a cover, the cover having an outlet fluidically connected to a suction motor, the suction motor generating a suction airflow through the recovery tank, and wherein the recovery tank also includes a foam filter arranged in the shield and defining an inlet, and wherein the suction airflow passes through the inlet.

30. The extraction cleaner of claim 29, wherein a bottom portion of the shroud is angled inwardly toward the inlet.

31. An extractor cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the recovery box includes a box body and a cover, the box body includes a recovery duct and is configured to hold the recovered fluid, the cover has an outlet fluidically connected to a suction motor, the suction motor generates a suction airflow through the recovery box, the cover includes an airflow management body, the airflow management body includes a flange extending outward from it and toward the side wall of the box body, the flange being configured to guide the suction airflow from the top of the recovery duct downward toward the bottom of the box body.

32. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, further comprising: Flexible hose; a cleaning tool coupled to the flexible hose and having a suction inlet, wherein a cleaning tool airflow path extends from the suction inlet and through the flexible hose; and At least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle is coupled to the cleaning tool.

33. The extractor cleaner of claim 32, further comprising a suction switching valve, the suction switching valve comprising: a base inlet port fluidly coupled to the base airflow path; a cleaning tool inlet port fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool airflow path; and an outlet port fluidly coupled to the recovery tank, The suction conversion valve has a base suction state and a cleaning tool suction state. In the base suction state, the outlet port is fluidly connected to the base inlet port for receiving the recovered fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the base airflow path and entering the recovery tank. In the cleaning tool suction state, the outlet port is fluidly connected to the cleaning tool inlet port for receiving the recovered fluid from the target surface through the cleaning tool inlet port and entering the recovery tank.

34. The extraction cleaner of claim 33, wherein the suction switching valve comprises: a housing defining the base inlet port, the cleaning tool inlet port, the outlet port, and a rotor cavity; as well as a rotor rotatably disposed in the rotor cavity and including a plug, the rotor being rotatable between a first orientation in which the suction switching valve is in the base suction state and the plug blocks fluid communication between the outlet port and the cleaning tool inlet port, and a second orientation in which the suction switching valve is in the cleaning tool suction state and the plug blocks fluid communication between the outlet port and the base inlet port.

35. The extraction cleaner of claim 34, wherein the rotor includes a handle extending outwardly from the rotor and configured to be manipulated by a user to move the rotor between the first orientation and the second orientation.

36. The extractor cleaner of claim 33, wherein the suction switching valve is in the cleaning tool suction state when the upright portion is in an upright position, and the suction switching valve automatically transitions to the base suction state when the upright portion is tilted from the upright position.

37. The extractor cleaner according to claim 33 further comprises a fluid conversion valve, wherein the fluid conversion valve has a base supply state and a cleaning tool supply state, wherein in the base supply state, the cleaning fluid is fluidly connected to the base supply line, and in the cleaning tool supply state, a second cleaning fluid is fluidly connected to the cleaning tool supply line, and wherein the fluid conversion valve is connected to the suction conversion valve, whereby when the suction conversion valve is placed in the base suction state, the fluid conversion valve is placed in the base supply state, and when the suction conversion valve is placed in the cleaning tool suction state, the fluid conversion valve is placed in the cleaning tool supply state.

38. The extractor cleaner of claim 37, wherein the suction switch valve is coupled to the fluid switch valve by a connecting rod having at least one valve engagement surface for contacting at least one valve member to move the fluid switch valve to the base supply state or the cleaning tool supply state.

39. The extraction cleaner of claim 38, wherein the suction switch valve includes a cam configured to cause linear movement of a cam follower, and wherein the connecting rod is coupled to the cam follower.

40. The extractor cleaner according to claim 32 further comprises a fluid conversion valve, the fluid conversion valve having a base supply state and a cleaning tool supply state, wherein in the base supply state, the cleaning fluid is fluidly connected to the base supply line, and the base supply line is connected to the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle of the base, and in the cleaning tool supply state, the second cleaning fluid is fluidly connected to the cleaning tool supply line, and the cleaning tool supply line is fluidly connected to the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle.

41. The extraction cleaner of claim 40, wherein the cleaning fluid is different from the second cleaning fluid.

42. The extractor cleaner of claim 40 , wherein the fluid switching valve comprises a first fluid input port, a second fluid input port, a pump output port, a pump input port, a base output port, and a cleaning tool output port, the first fluid input port being fluidly coupled to receive the cleaning fluid, and the second fluid input port being fluidly coupled to receive the second cleaning fluid, the pump output port being fluidly coupled to an inlet port of a pump, the pump input port being fluidly coupled to an outlet of the pump, the base output port being fluidly coupled to the base supply line, and the cleaning tool output port being fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool supply line.

43. The extractor cleaner of claim 42, wherein the fluid switching valve includes at least one valve member, wherein when the fluid switching valve is in the base supply state, the at least one valve member fluidly couples the first fluid input port to the pump output port and fluidly couples the pump input port to the base output port, and prevents fluid communication from the second fluid input port to the pump output port and from the pump input port to the cleaning tool output port, and When the fluid switching valve is in the cleaning tool supply state, the at least one valve member fluidly couples the second fluid input port to the pump output port and fluidly couples the pump input port to the cleaning tool output port, and blocks fluid communication from the first fluid input port to the pump output port and from the pump input port to the base output port.

44. The extractor cleaner of claim 43, wherein the at least one valve member comprises a first valve member arranged in a first chamber and a second valve member arranged in a second chamber, wherein when the first valve member is in a first position in the first chamber and the second valve member is in a first position in the second chamber, the fluid conversion valve is in the base supply state, and when the first valve member is in a second position in the first chamber and the second valve member is in a second position in the second chamber, the fluid conversion valve is in the cleaning tool supply state.

45. The extractor cleaner of claim 42 , further comprising a mixing valve having a first mixing valve inlet, a second mixing valve inlet, a first mixing valve outlet, and a second mixing valve outlet, wherein the first mixing valve inlet, the second mixing valve inlet, and the first mixing valve outlet are fluidly connected to a mixing chamber, whereby the first fluid received at the first mixing valve inlet and the second fluid received at the second input port are mixed in the mixing chamber, and a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid is provided at the first mixing valve outlet, the first mixing valve inlet is fluidly connected to the second mixing valve outlet for providing the first fluid received at the first mixing valve inlet at the second mixing valve outlet, wherein the second mixing valve outlet is fluidly connected to the first fluid input port of the fluid conversion valve, and the first mixing valve outlet is fluidly connected to the second fluid input port of the fluid conversion valve.

46. ​​The extraction cleaner of claim 1 , further comprising: Flexible hose; a cleaning tool coupled to the flexible hose and having a suction inlet, wherein a cleaning tool airflow path extends from the suction inlet and through the flexible hose; at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the cleaning tool; an additional tank for storing a second cleaning fluid; and At least one valve is fluidly coupled to the additional tank for controlling the supply of the second cleaning fluid to the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle or the cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle.

47. The extraction cleaner of claim 46, further comprising a controller configured to control the valve to stop supplying the second cleaning fluid to the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle or the cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle after a predetermined amount of time.

48. The extractor cleaner according to claim 46 further comprises a flow sensor and a controller, the flow sensor being fluidically connected to an output portion of the supply tank, the controller being configured to control the valve in response to an output of the flow sensor to stop supplying the second cleaning fluid to the at least one fluid dispensing nozzle or the cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle.

49. The extractor cleaner of claim 46, further comprising a flow sensor and a controller, the flow sensor being fluidly coupled to an output of the supplementary tank, the controller being configured to illuminate a light in response to an output of the flow sensor to indicate that the second cleaning fluid is being delivered from the supplementary tank.

50. An extraction cleaner comprising: base; an upright body pivotally coupled to the base; at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the base, the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle configured to dispense a first fluid directly or indirectly onto a surface to be cleaned; Flexible hose; a cleaning tool coupled to the flexible hose; at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the cleaning tool, the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle configured to dispense a second fluid directly or indirectly onto a target surface; a supply tank for storing a first cleaning fluid; an additional tank for storing a second cleaning fluid; and at least one fluid switching valve fluidly coupled to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle and the at least one cleaning fluid dispensing nozzle, the at least one fluid switching valve having a base supply state and a cleaning tool supply state, wherein in the base supply state, the first cleaning fluid is fluidly coupled to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle, and in the cleaning tool supply state, the second cleaning fluid is fluidly coupled to the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle.

51. The extractor cleaner of claim 50, wherein the second cleaning fluid is not supplied to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle when the at least one fluid switching valve is in the base supply state.

52. The extractor cleaner of claim 50, wherein when the at least one fluid switching valve is in the cleaning tool supply state, a mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid is supplied to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle.

53. The extraction cleaner of claim 50, wherein the second cleaning fluid comprises a boost fluid having a first pH mixed with a base cleaning fluid having a second pH, wherein the second pH is greater than the first pH.

54. The extraction cleaner of claim 53, wherein the first pH is less than or equal to about 4.5 and the second pH is greater than or equal to about 9.

55. The extraction cleaner of claim 53, wherein the enhancement fluid comprises hydrogen peroxide.

56. The extractor cleaner of claim 50, wherein the fluid switching valve comprises a first fluid input port, a second fluid input port, a pump output port, a pump input port, a base output port, and a cleaning tool output port, the first fluid input port being fluidically coupled to receive the first cleaning fluid, and the second fluid input port being fluidically coupled to receive the second cleaning fluid, the pump output port being fluidically coupled to an inlet port of a pump, the pump input port being fluidically coupled to an outlet of the pump, the base output port being fluidically coupled to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle, and the cleaning tool output port being fluidically coupled to the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle.

57. The extractor cleaner of claim 56 , wherein the fluid switching valve includes at least one valve member, wherein when the fluid switching valve is in the base supply state, the at least one valve member fluidly couples the first fluid input port to the pump output port and fluidly couples the pump input port to the base output port, and prevents fluid communication from the second fluid input port to the pump output port and from the pump input port to the cleaning tool output port, and When the fluid switching valve is in the cleaning tool supply state, the at least one valve member fluidly couples the second fluid input port to the pump output port and fluidly couples the pump input port to the cleaning tool output port, and blocks fluid communication from the first fluid input port to the pump output port and from the pump input port to the base output port.

58. An extractor cleaner according to claim 57, wherein the at least one valve member includes a first valve member arranged in a first chamber and a second valve member arranged in a second chamber, wherein when the first valve member is in a first position in the first chamber and the second valve member is in a first position in the second chamber, the fluid conversion valve is in the base supply state, and when the first valve member is in a second position in the first chamber and the second valve member is in a second position in the second chamber, the fluid conversion valve is in the cleaning tool supply state.

59. The extractor cleaner according to claim 56, further comprising a mixing valve, the mixing valve having a first mixing valve inlet, a second mixing valve inlet, a first mixing valve outlet, and a second mixing valve outlet, the first mixing valve inlet, the second mixing valve inlet, and the first mixing valve outlet fluidly connected to a mixing chamber, whereby a first fluid received at the first mixing valve inlet and a second fluid received at the second input port are mixed in the mixing chamber, and a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid is provided at the first mixing valve outlet, the first mixing valve inlet fluidly connected to the second mixing valve outlet for providing the first fluid received at the first mixing valve inlet at the second mixing valve outlet, wherein the second mixing valve outlet fluidly connected to the first fluid input port of the fluid conversion valve, and the first mixing valve outlet fluidly connected to the second fluid input port of the fluid conversion valve.

60. The extraction cleaner of claim 50, wherein the base includes a base suction inlet configured to be positioned adjacent the surface to be cleaned, and wherein the cleaning tool includes a cleaning tool suction inlet configured to be positioned adjacent the target surface, the extraction cleaner further comprising a recovery tank configured to receive recovered fluid extracted from the surface to be cleaned by suction established at the base suction inlet or extracted from the target surface by suction established at the cleaning tool suction inlet.

61. The extractor cleaner of claim 60, further comprising a suction switching valve, the suction switching valve comprising: a base inlet port fluidly coupled to the base suction inlet; a cleaning tool inlet port fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet; and an outlet port fluidly coupled to the recovery tank, The suction conversion valve has a base suction state and a cleaning tool suction state. In the base suction state, the outlet port is fluidly connected to the base inlet port for receiving the recovered fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the base suction inlet and entering the recovery tank. In the cleaning tool suction state, the outlet port is fluidly connected to the cleaning tool suction inlet for receiving the recovered fluid from the target surface through the cleaning tool inlet port and entering the recovery tank.

62. The extraction cleaner of claim 61 , wherein the suction switching valve comprises: a housing defining the base inlet port, the cleaning tool inlet port, the outlet port, and a rotor cavity; as well as a rotor rotatably disposed in the rotor cavity and including a plug, the rotor being rotatable between a first orientation in which the suction switching valve is in the base suction state and the plug blocks fluid communication between the outlet port and the cleaning tool inlet port, and a second orientation in which the suction switching valve is in the cleaning tool suction state and the plug blocks fluid communication between the outlet port and the base inlet port.

63. The extraction cleaner of claim 62, wherein the rotor includes a handle extending outwardly from the rotor and configured to be manipulated by a user to move the rotor between the first orientation and the second orientation.

64. An extraction cleaner according to claim 61, wherein when the upright part is in an upright position, the suction conversion valve is in the cleaning tool suction state, and when the upright part is tilted from the upright position, the suction conversion valve automatically transitions to the base suction state.

65. An extraction cleaner according to claim 61, wherein the fluid conversion valve is connected to the suction conversion valve, whereby when the suction conversion valve is placed in the base suction state, the fluid conversion valve is placed in the base supply state, and when the suction conversion valve is placed in the cleaning tool suction state, the fluid conversion valve is placed in the cleaning tool supply state.

66. An extraction cleaner according to claim 65, wherein the suction switching valve is connected to the fluid switching valve by a connecting rod, and the connecting rod has at least one valve engaging surface for contacting at least one valve member to move the fluid switching valve to the base supply state or the cleaning tool supply state.

67. The extraction cleaner of claim 66, wherein the suction switch valve includes a cam configured to cause linear movement of a cam follower, and wherein the connecting rod is coupled to the cam follower.

68. An extraction cleaner comprising: base; an upright body pivotally coupled to the base; at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the base, the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle configured to dispense a first fluid directly or indirectly onto a surface to be cleaned; a base suction inlet disposed at a bottom portion of the base and configured for positioning adjacent the surface to be cleaned; Flexible hose; a cleaning tool coupled to the flexible hose; at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the cleaning tool, the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle configured to dispense a second fluid directly or indirectly onto a target surface; a cleaning tool suction inlet disposed at a bottom portion of the cleaning tool and configured for positioning adjacent the target surface; a recovery tank configured to receive recovery fluid extracted from the surface to be cleaned by suction established at the base suction inlet or extracted from the target surface by suction established at the cleaning tool suction inlet; A suction switching valve, the suction switching valve comprising: a base inlet port fluidly coupled to the base suction inlet, a cleaning tool inlet port fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet, and an outlet port fluidly coupled to the recovery tank, The suction switching valve has a base suction state and a cleaning tool suction state, wherein in the base suction state, the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the base inlet port for receiving the recovered fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the base suction inlet and into the recovery tank, and in the cleaning tool suction state, the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool suction inlet for receiving the recovered fluid from the target surface through the cleaning tool inlet port and into the recovery tank; a supply tank for storing a first cleaning fluid; an additional tank for storing a second cleaning fluid; and At least one fluid switching valve has a base supply state and a cleaning tool supply state, in which the first cleaning fluid is fluidly coupled to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle and in which the second cleaning fluid is fluidly coupled to the at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle.

69. A method of operating an extraction cleaner comprising a base portion pivotally coupled to an upright body and a cleaning tool coupled to a flexible hose, the method comprising: fluidly coupling a first cleaning fluid stored in a supply tank to at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the base for dispensing the first cleaning fluid directly or indirectly onto a surface to be cleaned; as well as fluidly coupling a second cleaning fluid stored in an additional tank to at least one cleaning tool fluid dispensing nozzle coupled to the cleaning tool for dispensing the second cleaning fluid directly or indirectly onto a target surface, Wherein when the first cleaning fluid is supplied to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle, the second cleaning fluid is not supplied to the at least one base fluid dispensing nozzle.

70. An extraction cleaner comprising: a cleaner body including a pump and a suction motor; a supply line fluidly coupled to the pump and an air flow path fluidly coupled to the suction motor; a supply tank configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body and configured to be fluidly coupled to the supply line, the supply tank including a relatively alkaline first aqueous-based cleaning solution; an additional tank configured to be fluidly coupled to the supply line, the additional tank comprising a second relatively acidic, aqueous-based oxidizing solution; and A recovery tank is configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body and is configured to be fluidly coupled to the airflow path.

71. The extraction cleaner of claim 70, wherein the first aqueous cleaning solution and the second aqueous oxidizing solution are mixed prior to application to a surface to form an aqueous cleaning composition for cleaning the surface.

72. The extractor cleaner of claim 71, wherein the aqueous cleaning composition comprises water, a molar concentration of 5.0 x 10 -2 to 2.1x10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70x10 -3 to 5.2x10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x10 -2 to 5.0x10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ), the molar concentration is 2.0x10 -3 to 1.1x10 -1 The invention further comprises a free radical scavenger, wherein the pH of the composition is from 9.0 to 10.

0.

73. The extraction cleaner of claim 72, wherein the peroxygen compound comprises hydrogen peroxide.

74. The extraction cleaner of claim 72, wherein the peroxygen compound comprises sodium peroxide or urea hydrogen peroxide.

75. The extraction cleaner of claim 72, wherein the peroxygen compound comprises an alkyl hydroperoxide or an aryl hydroperoxide.

76. The extractor cleaner of claim 72, wherein the free radical scavenger is selected from the group consisting of glycine, sarcosine, lysine, serine, glutamic acid, and mixtures thereof.

77. The extractor cleaner of claim 72, wherein the free radical scavenger is selected from the group consisting of 2-methoxyethylamine, glucosamine, morpholine, piperidine, ethylamine, and 3-amino-1-propanol, and mixtures thereof.

78. The extractor cleaner of claim 72, wherein the metal chelator has a higher binding affinity for transition metals than for calcium and magnesium divalent ions.

79. The extractor cleaner of claim 72, wherein the metal chelator comprises ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid.

80. A water-based carpet or fabric cleaning composition comprising water, a molar concentration of 5.0 x 10 -2 to 2.1x10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70x10 -3 to 5.2x10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x10 -2 to 5.0x10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ), the molar concentration is 2.0x10 -3 to 1.1x10 -1 The invention further comprises a free radical scavenger, wherein the pH of the composition is from 9.0 to 10.

0.

81. An aqueous carpet or fabric cleaning composition according to claim 80, wherein the peroxygen compound comprises hydrogen peroxide.

82. The water-based carpet or fabric cleaning composition of claim 80, wherein the peroxygen compound comprises sodium peroxide or urea hydrogen peroxide.

83. The water-based carpet or fabric cleaning composition of claim 80, wherein the peroxygen compound comprises an alkyl hydroperoxide or an aryl hydroperoxide.

84. The water-based carpet or fabric cleaning composition of claim 80, wherein the free radical scavenger is selected from the group consisting of glycine, sarcosine, lysine, serine, glutamic acid, and mixtures thereof.

85. The water-based carpet or fabric cleaning composition of claim 80, wherein the free radical scavenger is selected from the group consisting of 2-methoxyethylamine, glucosamine, morpholine, piperidine, ethylamine and 3-amino-1-propanol and mixtures thereof.

86. An aqueous carpet or fabric cleaning composition according to claim 80, wherein the metal chelator has a higher binding affinity for transition metals than for calcium and magnesium divalent ions.

87. The water-based carpet or cleaning composition of claim 80, wherein the metal chelator comprises ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid.

88. A method for cleaning carpet or fabric comprising the steps of: An aqueous cleaning solution and an aqueous oxidizing solution are provided, wherein the aqueous cleaning solution has a pH greater than 7.0 and comprises water, a metal chelating agent, and water-soluble carbonate anions (CO3 2- ) source, the aqueous oxidizing solution having a pH of less than 7.0 and comprising water and a peroxygen compound; a free radical scavenger present in the aqueous cleaning solution and / or the aqueous oxidizing solution; mixing the aqueous cleaning solution with the aqueous oxidizing solution and dispensing the solution onto the carpet or fabric; The mixed composition has a pH of 9.0 to 10.0 and contains water, a molar concentration of 5.0x10 -2 Up to 2.1x10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70x10 -3 to 5.2x10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x10 -2 to 5.0x10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ) and a molar concentration of 2.0x10 -3 to 1.1x10 -1 free radical scavengers.

89. The method for cleaning carpet or fabric of claim 88, wherein the peroxygen compound comprises hydrogen peroxide.

90. The method for cleaning carpet or fabric of claim 88, wherein the peroxygen compound comprises sodium peroxide, urea hydrogen peroxide, or a mixture thereof.

91. The method for cleaning carpet or fabric of claim 88, wherein the peroxygen compound comprises an alkyl hydroperoxide or an aryl hydroperoxide.

92. The method for cleaning carpet or fabric according to claim 88, wherein the free radical scavenger is selected from the group consisting of glycine, sarcosine, lysine, serine, glutamic acid, and mixtures thereof.

93. The method for cleaning carpet or fabric according to claim 88, wherein the free radical scavenger is selected from the group consisting of 2-methoxyethylamine, glucosamine, morpholine, piperidine, ethylamine and 3-amino-1-propanol and mixtures thereof.

94. The method for cleaning carpet or fabric of claim 88, wherein the metal chelator has a higher binding affinity for transition metals than for calcium and magnesium divalent ions.

95. The method for cleaning carpet or fabric of claim 88, wherein the metal chelator comprises ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid.

96. The method for cleaning carpet or fabric of claim 88, wherein the water-soluble source of carbonate anions comprises an alkali metal carbonate or an alkali metal bicarbonate.

97. The method for cleaning carpet or fabric according to claim 88, wherein the source of carbonate anions is selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, and sodium carbonate.

98. A kit for cleaning carpet or fabric, comprising: A first aqueous cleaning solution having a pH greater than 7.0, comprising water, a metal chelating agent, and water-soluble carbonate anions (CO3 2- )source; a second aqueous oxidizing solution having a pH less than 7.0, comprising water and a peroxygen compound; a free radical scavenger present in the aqueous cleaning solution and / or the aqueous oxidizing solution; The first water-based solution and the second water-based solution are configured to combine and provide a water-based carpet or fabric cleaning composition, wherein the water-based carpet or fabric cleaning composition comprises water, a molar concentration of 5.0x10 -2 to 2.1x10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70x10 -3 to 5.2x10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x10 -2 to 5.0x10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ), the molar concentration is 2.0x10 -3 to 1.1x10 -1 A free radical scavenger, and wherein the pH of the aqueous carpet or fabric cleaning composition is from 9.0 to 10.

0.

99. The kit for cleaning carpet or fabric according to claim 98, wherein the peroxygen compound comprises hydrogen peroxide.

100. The kit for cleaning carpet or fabric according to claim 98, wherein the free radical scavenger is selected from the group consisting of glycine, sarcosine, lysine, serine, glutamic acid, and mixtures thereof.

101. The kit for cleaning carpet or fabric according to claim 98, wherein the free radical scavenger is selected from the group consisting of 2-methoxyethylamine, glucosamine, morpholine, piperidine, ethylamine and 3-amino-1-propanol and mixtures thereof.

102. The kit for cleaning carpet or fabric according to claim 98, wherein the metal chelator has a higher binding affinity for transition metals than for calcium and magnesium divalent ions.

103. The kit for cleaning carpet or fabric of claim 98, wherein the metal chelator comprises ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid.

104. The kit for cleaning carpet or fabric according to claim 98, wherein the water-soluble source of carbonate anions comprises an alkali metal carbonate or an alkali metal bicarbonate.

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