Extraction cleaner and cleaning tool for extraction cleaner
By designing a extraction cleaner system including pumps, suction motors, flexible hoses, supply tanks, additive tanks and recycling tanks, the problem of low management and recycling efficiency in the prior art is solved, and efficient application and recycling of cleaning fluids is achieved, and resource waste and environmental pollution are reduced.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202420158944.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-01-20
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-01-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing extraction cleaners are difficult to effectively manage and recycle cleaning fluids during cleaning, resulting in waste of resources and environmental pollution.
A extraction cleaner system including a pump, a suction motor, a flexible hose, a supply tank, an additive tank and a recycling tank is designed, and the cleaning fluid is applied to the surface to be cleaned by a fluid pump, and the applied cleaning fluid is recovered by a suction motor, and the recovered cleaning fluid is finally collected in the recycling tank.
It realizes efficient application and recycling of cleaning fluids, reduces resource waste and environmental pollution, and improves the efficiency and environmental performance of the cleaning process.
Smart Images

Figure CN222656945U_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 440,254, filed on January 20, 2023, entitled “Extraction Cleaner,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to extraction cleaners, and more particularly, to portable extraction cleaners configured to be moved around an environment by an operator. Background Art
[0004] The surface cleaning apparatus is configured to clean one or more surfaces (e.g., a floor) within an environment. An exemplary surface cleaning apparatus includes an extraction cleaner. The extraction cleaner is configured to apply at least one liquid (e.g., water) to the surface to be cleaned and to extract the applied liquid from the surface to be cleaned. At least a portion of any debris (e.g., liquid debris or solid debris) on the surface to be cleaned is entrained in the applied liquid, so that the debris-laden liquid (or dirty liquid) can be collected in the extraction cleaner for later disposal. Utility Model Content
[0005] The present disclosure provides an extraction cleaner, comprising: a cleaner body, the cleaner body comprising a pump and a suction motor; a flexible hose, the flexible hose comprising a fluid delivery path fluidly coupled to the pump and a recovery path fluidly coupled to the suction motor; a supply tank, the supply tank being configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body and configured to receive a first cleaning fluid, the supply tank being configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery path; an additive tank, the additive tank being configured to receive a second cleaning fluid and being fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery path; a recovery tank, the recovery tank being configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body and configured to be fluidly connected to the recovery path; and a cleaning tool, the cleaning tool comprising: a tool body, the tool body having a fluid applicator, a suction inlet and a body agitator, the fluid applicator configured to selectively fluidly connect to the fluid delivery path to deliver one of the first cleaning fluid or a mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned; and a cleaning component, the cleaning component removably connected to the tool body and fluidly connected to the suction inlet, and configured to extract at least a portion of the delivered first cleaning fluid or at least a portion of the delivered mixture from the surface to be cleaned.
[0006] The present disclosure also provides a cleaning tool for an extraction cleaner, the cleaning tool comprising: a tool body, the tool body comprising a fluid applicator, a body agitator and a suction inlet, at least a portion of the suction inlet being arranged between the fluid applicator and the body agitator; and a cleaning component, the cleaning component being removably connected to the tool body, the cleaning component having a component body, a nozzle cover removably connected to the component body, and a component agitator removably connected to the component body, the component body comprising a tool body cavity, the tool body cavity being configured to receive the suction inlet, the fluid applicator and at least a portion of the body agitator.
[0007] The present disclosure also provides an extraction cleaner, comprising: a cleaner body, the cleaner body comprising a pump and a suction motor; a flexible hose, the flexible hose comprising a fluid delivery path fluidly connected to the pump and a recovery path fluidly connected to the suction motor; a supply tank, the supply tank being configured to be removably connected to the cleaner body and configured to be fluidly connected to the fluid delivery path, the supply tank comprising a relatively alkaline first water-based cleaning solution; an additive tank, the additive tank being configured to be fluidly connected to the fluid delivery path, the additive tank comprising a relatively acidic second water-based oxidizing solution; a recovery tank, the recovery tank being configured to be removably connected to the cleaner body and configured to be fluidly connected to the recovery path; and a cleaning tool, the cleaning tool being configured to be fluidly connected to the supply tank, the additive tank and the recovery tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other features and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] Figure 1 A schematic example of a handheld extraction cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0010] Figure 2 A schematic example of an upright extraction cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0011] Figure 3 A perspective view of an example of a handheld extraction cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0012] Figure 4 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 An exploded view of a handheld extraction cleaner of FIG. 1 showing the supply tank and additive tank removed therefrom.
[0013] Figure 5 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 4 A perspective view of the supply tank.
[0014] Fig. 6A The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 4 Perspective view of an additive tank.
[0015] Figure 6B According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Fig. 6A The line VI-VI intercepts Figure 4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of an additive tank.
[0016] Figure 7 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 An exploded view of a handheld extraction cleaner of FIG. 1 showing the recovery tank removed therefrom.
[0017] Figure 8 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 7 The recycling tank Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of , wherein the handle is in a raised position.
[0018] Fig. 9A The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 7 The recycling tank Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of , wherein the handle is in the storage position.
[0019] Fig. 9B The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 7 The recycling tank Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of , wherein the handle is in the cover removal position.
[0020] Fig. 10A According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 7 An exploded view of a recovery tank with the recovery tank cover removed from the recovery tank.
[0021] Fig. 10B According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 Handheld Extraction Cleaner Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line XX.
[0022] Fig.11A According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 7 The recycling tank Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI.
[0023] Fig. 11B A cross-sectional view of an exemplary recovery tank including a guide plate with a shelf according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0024] Fig. 11C A schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a guide plate having one or more ribs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0025] Fig. 12A According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 7 The recycling tank Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII.
[0026] Fig. 12B A perspective view of a recovery tank with a standpipe within a collection chamber is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] Fig.13 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 Handheld Extraction Cleaner Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII.
[0028] Fig.14 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 A bottom view of a handheld extraction cleaner of FIG. 1 with some parts removed therefrom for clarity.
[0029] Fig.15 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 Another bottom view of a handheld extraction cleaner of FIG. 1 with some parts removed therefrom for clarity.
[0030] Fig.16A According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 A cross-sectional perspective view of a mixing valve of a handheld extractor cleaner.
[0031] Fig. 16B According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.16A Exploded perspective view of a mixing valve.
[0032] Fig.17A According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 A cross-sectional perspective view of a control valve of a hand-held extraction cleaner.
[0033] Fig. 17B is a cross-sectional view of another example of a control valve in an open configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] Fig. 17C is in a closed configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Fig. 17B Cross-sectional view of a control valve.
[0035] Fig.18 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 Handheld Extraction Cleaner Figure 3A cross-sectional perspective view taken along line XVIII-XVIII.
[0036] Fig.19 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 A perspective view of a cleaning tool of a handheld extractor cleaner.
[0037] Fig. 20A According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.19 Exploded view of the cleaning tool.
[0038] Fig. 20B According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.19 A perspective view of the components of the cleaning tool, an agitator.
[0039] Fig. 20C is a perspective view of a cleaning tool with a rotatable spray pattern adjuster according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] Fig.21A According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.19 Cleaning tools along Fig.19 A cross-sectional perspective view taken along line XXI-XXI of FIG.
[0041] Fig. 21B A flexible hose is connected to a Fig.19 A cross-sectional view of a connecting piece of a cleaning tool.
[0042] Fig. 21C A perspective view of an example of a cleaning tool having a fluid applicator and a cleaning fluid actuator on opposite sides of the cleaning tool is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0043] Fig. 22 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.19 The cleaning tools correspond to Fig.21A A magnified cross-sectional view of region XXII-XXII.
[0044] Fig.23 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.19 An exploded view of a cleaning tool of claim 1, showing a first cleaning assembly and a second cleaning assembly configured to be removably coupled to a tool body of the cleaning tool.
[0045] Fig.24A The embodiment of the present disclosure is shown coupled to Fig.19 A perspective view of a self-cleaning tool with a tool body of a cleaning tool.
[0046] Fig. 24B The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.24A A perspective cross-sectional view of a self-cleaning tool.
[0047] Fig.24C A method for removably receiving a Fig.24A A perspective view of a portion of a self-cleaning storage receptacle of a self-cleaning tool.
[0048] Fig.25 A perspective view of a cleaning tool having a fluid flow visual indicator is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0049] Fig.26 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.25 A perspective view of an example of a fluid flow visual indicator.
[0050] Fig. 27 A perspective view of a cleaning tool with a cleaning assembly in an expanded configuration is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0051] Fig.28 A cleaning assembly having a retracted configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig. 27 Perspective view of cleaning tools.
[0052] Fig.29 A cross-sectional exploded view of a cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0053] Fig.30 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.29 An assembled cross-sectional view of a cleaning tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] The present disclosure generally relates to an extraction cleaner. The extraction cleaner includes a body, a supply tank removably connected to the body, an additive tank removably connected to the body, a recovery tank removably connected to the body, a fluid pump fluidly connected to the supply tank and the additive tank, a suction motor fluidly connected to the recovery tank, and a cleaning tool, wherein the cleaning tool has a fluid applicator fluidly connected to the pump and a suction inlet fluidly connected to the recovery tank. The supply tank is configured to store a first fluid, and the additive 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 push one or more of the first fluid and / or the second fluid through the fluid applicator of the cleaning tool so that the first fluid and / or the second fluid is applied to the surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor). The suction motor is configured to suck at least a portion of the applied first fluid and / or second fluid into the suction inlet of the cleaning tool to be deposited in the recovery tank.
[0055] The extraction cleaner may also include a flexible hose configured to fluidically couple the cleaning tool to the recovery tank. The flexible hose may include a first end coupled (e.g., removably or non-removably coupled) to the body and a second end coupled (e.g., removably or non-removably coupled) to the cleaning tool so that the cleaning tool can be moved independently of the body of the extraction cleaner. For example, the extraction cleaner may include a handle coupled to the body so that the body can be lifted by one hand of a user and the cleaning tool can be lifted by another hand of the user.
[0056] Figure 1 A schematic example of a handheld extraction cleaner 100 is shown. As shown, the handheld extraction cleaner 100 includes a cleaner body 102, a handle 104 for lifting the cleaner body 102, a supply tank 106 configured to receive a first cleaning fluid, an additive tank 108 configured to receive a second cleaning fluid, a recovery tank 110, and a cleaning tool 112. The cleaning tool 112 is configured to distribute the first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned 114, and extract at least a portion of the distributed first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid. The extracted first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid can be transported to the recovery tank 110 for collection and later disposal.
[0057] In some embodiments, the second cleaning fluid may include an enhancement fluid mixed with the basic cleaning fluid. The enhancement fluid may include, for example, an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. The basic cleaning fluid may include, for example, water, detergent, soap, fragrance and / or other cleaning fluids. The pH (acidity and alkalinity) of the enhancement fluid may be less than the pH of the basic cleaning fluid to prevent the enhancement fluid from decomposing in the second cleaning fluid. In some embodiments, for example, the pH of the enhancement fluid may be less than or equal to approximately 4.5, and the pH of the basic cleaning fluid may be greater than or equal to approximately 9. When using cleaning tool 112 to clean (for example, to clean a severely soiled target area), using the enhancement fluid in the second cleaning fluid may be particularly useful.
[0058] As shown, a flexible hose 116 couples the cleaning tool 112 to the cleaner body 102 of the handheld extraction cleaner 100 . The flexible hose 116 may include a fluid delivery path 118 (eg, one or more delivery tubes) extending within a recovery path 120 defined within the flexible hose 116 .
[0059] The fluid delivery path 118 fluidly couples the cleaning tool 112 (e.g., the fluid applicator 122 of the cleaning tool 112) to the supply tank 106 and the additive tank 108. The cleaning tool 112 may be configured to selectively fluidly couple the fluid applicator 122 of the cleaning tool 112 to the fluid delivery path 118 (e.g., so that a user can control the delivery of the first cleaning fluid, the second cleaning fluid, and / or a mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned 114). In some cases, the additive tank 108 may selectively fluidly couple to the cleaning tool 112 (e.g., so that the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid may be selectively applied as a mixture). The handheld extraction cleaner 100 may include a pump 124 (e.g., the cleaner body 102 includes the pump 124), which is fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery path 118 at a location downstream of at least one of the supply tank 106 and / or the additive tank 108 and upstream of the fluid applicator 122 of the cleaning tool 112. Thus, the pump 124 can be generally described as being configured to push the first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid through the fluid applicator 122 to be distributed on the surface to be cleaned 114. In some cases, the handheld extraction cleaner 100 may be configured to deliver only the first cleaning fluid, only the second cleaning fluid, and / or a combination of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid. For example, the user of the handheld extraction cleaner 100 may be able to select between delivering only the first cleaning fluid, only the second cleaning fluid, or a combination of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned 114. As another example, the handheld extraction cleaner 100 may be configured to deliver only the combination of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned 114. In this example, the handheld extraction cleaner 100 may 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 may continue to be delivered to the surface to be cleaned 114 until it is exhausted.
[0060] At least a portion of any debris on the surface to be cleaned 114 is entrained in the first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid to be distributed. When the debris is entrained in the first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid, the resulting mixture can be generally referred to as a dirty cleaning fluid. The recovery path 120 defined in the flexible hose 116 fluidly couples the cleaning tool 112 (e.g., the suction inlet 126 of the cleaning tool 112) to the recovery tank 110. For example, the handheld extraction cleaner 100 may include a suction motor 128 (e.g., the cleaner body 102 includes the suction motor 128), which is fluidly coupled to the recovery path 120 and the recovery tank 110 so that the suction motor 128 generates an airflow, and the airflow (e.g., using the suction inlet 126) extracts at least a portion of the first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid to be distributed from the surface to be cleaned 114. At least a portion of the extracted cleaning fluid is deposited in the recovery tank 110.
[0061] The cleaning tool 112 can be an interchangeable cleaning tool. For example, the cleaning tool 112 can be removably coupled to the attachment end 130 of the flexible hose 116. In this example, the cleaning tool 112 can be replaced with a different tool and / or used with another extraction cleaner, such as an upright extraction cleaner with an above-the-floor cleaning feature. In other words, the cleaning tool 112 can be configured to be used in a cleaning system that includes the handheld extraction cleaner 100 and an upright extraction cleaner.
[0062] The supply tank 106 and / or the additive tank 108 may be configured to provide a fabric / cleaning composition together and / or separately for removing stains and dirt from substrates such as carpets and fabrics (surface to be cleaned 114). The fabric / cleaning composition is preferably formed via a combination of an aqueous cleaning solution (e.g., a first cleaning fluid to be received in the supply tank 106) and an aqueous oxidizing solution (e.g., a second cleaning fluid to be received in the additive tank 108) prior to application to the substrate. It is contemplated that two separate solutions are used and mixed as needed to maintain storage stability and optimize cleaning effectiveness while allowing one to achieve a determined and effective level of active components on a selected surface at a desired pH.
[0063] 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, as indicated, is a relatively alkaline solution (pH>7.0). More preferably, the first aqueous cleaning solution has a pH in the range of 8.5 to 10.0 (including all values and increments therein). Accordingly, 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, as indicated, is a relatively acidic solution (pH<7.0). 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. Accordingly, 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.
[0064] The second aqueous oxidizing solution contains a peroxide compound, i.e., a peroxide anion O2 2- or OO single bond compounds such as H2O2. When the first and second aqueous solutions are combined, and in the particularly preferred case of H2O2, the peroxygen then provided and activated by the carbonate component to then engage with a given substrate for cleaning falls within 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 weight percentages of H2O2 compounds relied upon for treating substrates to remove stains and soils is the range of 0.30 wt% to 0.40 wt%.
[0065] It is therefore contemplated that peroxygen compounds herein include water-soluble peroxygen agents including hydrogen peroxide and inorganic alkali metal peroxides in acidic solutions at pH <7.0. Thus, such peroxygen compounds 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 methyl hydroperoxide (CH3OOH), tert-butyl hydroperoxide ((CH3)3C—O—OH), or aryl peroxides where R is an aryl group, such as benzoyl peroxide (C3H8N6O2).14 H 10 O4). The peroxygen compounds herein may also be used preferably with or without peroxidases (enzymes catalyzing the decomposition of peroxides).
[0066] The first aqueous cleaning solution preferably contains the following ingredients: (1) one or more nonionic surfactants, preferably alcohol ethoxylates, which refer to nonionic surfactants containing a hydrophobic alkyl chain connected to a hydrophilic ethylene oxide chain via an ether bond, which are available under the trade name Ecosurf TM EH-9 is available from Dow (which is ethoxylated propoxylated 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, CAS 64366-70-7) and is available from Ecosurf TM EH-6 is also available from Dow (CAS 64366-70-7), and alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), which refer to the reaction products of fatty alcohols and sugars and are characterized by a sugar unit and one or more hydrophobic alkyl chains, such as decyl glucoside available from Brenntag (CAS 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 178949-82-1; (4) an organic alkyl alcohol, preferably ethanol; (5) a dispersant polymer, a preferred example of which is Acusol 505N, which is an acrylic polymer, CAS 60472-42-6; (6) a metal hydroxide, such as sodium hydroxide, to provide a desired pH>7; (7) a free radical scavenger (8) a fragrance and / or odor control or other aesthetic agent; and (9) water.
[0067] With regard to the free radical scavenger, preferably, it is selected from aliphatic amino acids, preferably glycine (C2H5NO2), CAS 56-40-6. Other free radical scavengers are expected to include sarcosine (N-methylglycine), lysine, serine, glutamic acid and mixtures thereof. It is also expected that the free radical scavenger herein is 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 capture free radicals such as hydroxyl radicals (HO·) to reduce or eliminate the damage that such free radicals may cause to a given substrate fabric.
[0068] The second aqueous oxidizing solution preferably contains the following ingredients: (1) a peroxygen compound, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); (2) one or more nonionic surfactants, preferably alcohol ethoxylates, which refer to nonionic surfactants containing a hydrophobic alkyl chain connected to a hydrophilic ethylene oxide chain via an ether bond, which are available under the trade name Ecosurf TM EH-9 is available from Dow (which is ethoxylated propoxylated 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, CAS 64366-70-7) and is available from Ecosurf TM EH-6 is also available from Dow (CAS 64366-70-7); (3) anionic surfactant, a preferred example of which is sodium octyl sulfonate, CAS 13419-61-9; (4) dispersant polymer, a preferred example of which is Acusol 460N, which is a carboxylated polyelectrolyte copolymer based on maleic anhydride / olefin copolymer; (5) multifunctional aliphatic organic acid to provide the desired pH <7.0, preferably citric acid, CAS 77-92-9; (6) defoamer, preferably XFO-64, which is a silicone polymer; and (6) water.
[0069] In the above, it should be noted that carbonate anion (CO3 2 ) source and metal chelating agent are limited to the first aqueous cleaning solution. In addition, the source of 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 cleaning solution and / or the second aqueous oxidizing solution.
[0070] Reference is now made to Table 1, which identifies the preferred formulations for the two-part fabric and cleaning compositions herein, all in weight percent. Table 1 also serves as a basis for describing the preferred method of preparing the two-part solutions for placement into the two tanks of the cleaning equipment and the resulting molar concentration levels of the ingredients after mixing of the two solutions applied to a given substrate.
[0071] Table 1 Preferred formula
[0072]
[0073]
[0074] The preferred charging and mixing of the aqueous cleaning solution and the aqueous oxidizing solution is performed as follows. The preferred formulation of the aqueous cleaning solution (column I) is poured into the first tank on the cleaning equipment, and then preferably 1 part of the cleaning solution is diluted with 20 parts of water. The preferred formulation of the aqueous oxidizing solution (column II) is poured into the second tank on the cleaning equipment. 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 20:1 is then combined with the aqueous oxidizing solution at a ratio of 10 parts of diluted aqueous cleaning solution (column IV) to 1 part of aqueous oxidizing solution.
[0075] Column V shows the weight percentages of the components that are then present in a preferred mixed solution and applied to a given surface for cleaning. In Column V, the five (5) components used for cleaning include water, a peroxygen compound, a metal chelator, a free radical scavenger (preferably shown as glycine), and a carbonate anion. In addition, it should be noted that the pH of the combined and mixed aqueous cleaning solution and aqueous oxidizing solution is preferably > 9.0, more preferably > A pH range of 9.0 to 10.0 includes 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.
[0076] In addition, as can be seen from Table 1, carbonate anions (CO3 2- ) 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 %. In addition, while it is preferred that sodium bicarbonate in the aqueous cleaning solution provides a source of carbonate anions, it is contemplated herein that sources of carbonate anions include other alkali metal carbonates such as sodium carbonate (NaCO ) and other sodium bicarbonates such as potassium bicarbonate.
[0077] It should be noted that the metal chelating agent that may be present in the aqueous cleaning solution and then present in the mixed solution applied to a given substrate is understood herein to be any compound that binds to metal ions, especially transition metal ions such as iron and copper. In addition, the metal chelating agent is preferably a divalent metal ion of water hardness, such as magnesium (Mg 2+ ) and calcium (Ca2+ ) has a relatively low binding affinity to transition metal ions such as iron and copper and has a relatively high binding affinity. This is preferably provided by EDDS. The metal chelation affinity mentioned refers to the stability constant (also called formation constant or binding constant) that reflects the interaction strength between the agents that come together to form a complex.
[0078] Therefore, the preferred property of the metal chelator herein is to bind to Cu in the preferred pH range of 9–10. 2+ Has a relatively high binding constant and is closely related to the water hardness ion Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ It has a relatively low binding constant. It is also expected that the metal chelator is easily biodegradable to prevent accumulation in the environment. The following Table 2 is the calculated logK (K is the binding constant) value of the preferred metal chelator EDDS at pH 7.0:
[0079] Table 2 Binding constant of EDDS
[0080] Metal ions <![CDATA[LogK EDDS 4- ]]> <![CDATA[Cu 2+ ]]> 18.45 <![CDATA[Ca 2+ ]]> 4.72 <![CDATA[Mg 2+ ]]> 6.09
[0081] Although the metal chelator EDDS is preferably shown in Table 1 as being present in the mixed solution at a level of 0.09 wt %, it is contemplated herein that the level of the metal chelator may fall within 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 contemplated that the preferred metal chelators herein, as alluded to above, will more actively bind to the metal ions of copper and iron present in tap water and are therefore relatively more effective in neutralizing such 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.
[0082] As also shown in Table 1, preferred levels of free radical scavengers in the mixed solution for engagement with a substrate for cleaning herein are from 0.02 wt. % to 0.80 wt. %, including all individual values and increments therein.
[0083] Table 3 below presents the molar concentration ranges of the identified components (peroxygen compound, metal chelator, carbonate anion, and free radical scavenger) in the 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 > 9.0 to 10.0. Molarity refers to the number of moles of a component per liter of solution.
[0084] Table 3 Molar concentration of key components applied to substrate for cleaning
[0085] Components Molar concentration Peroxides <![CDATA[5.0x 10 -2 Up to 2.1x 10 -1 ]]> Metal Chelators <![CDATA[1.70x 10 -3 Up to 5.2x 10 -3 ]]> <![CDATA[Carbonate anion (CO3 2- )]]> <![CDATA[1x 10 -2 Up to 5.0x 10 -2 ]]> Free Radical Scavengers <![CDATA[2.0x 10 -3 Up to 1.1x 10 -1 ]]>
[0086] The molar concentrations of the four key components after mixing as shown in Table 2 can be easily calculated 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 weight percentage concentration to molar concentration is: Molar concentration = ((weight percentage) * 10) / (molecular weight of 100% active material).
[0087] Thus, it can now be appreciated that the present disclosure provides compositions, methods and kits for cleaning carpet or fabric that preferably utilize two separate solutions and mix as needed to provide effective levels of the identified components on a selected surface at a desired pH to optimize cleaning performance.
[0088] Figure 2 An illustrative example of an upright extraction cleaner 200 is shown. The upright extraction cleaner 200 includes a surface cleaning head 202, at least one wheel 203 rotatably coupled to the surface cleaning head 202, and an upright body 204 including a handle 206. The upright body 204 is pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head 202 so that the upright body 204 transitions between an in-use position and a storage position in response to pivotal movement of the upright body 204. A user can interact with the handle 206 to manipulate the surface cleaning head 202 along a surface to be cleaned 208. The upright extraction cleaner 200 includes at least one supply tank 210 and a recovery tank 212. At least one of the supply tank 210 and the recovery tank 212 is removably coupled to the upright body 204. At least one of the upright body 204 and / or the surface cleaning head 202 includes a flexible hose connector 214 configured to be removably coupled to a flexible hose 216. The flexible hose 216 includes a cleaner end 218 configured to be removably coupled to the flexible hose connector 214 and a cleaner end 218 configured to be removably coupled to, for example, a Figure 1 The accessory end 220 of the cleaning tool 112.
[0089] Figure 3 A perspective view of a handheld extraction cleaner 300 is shown. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the handheld extraction cleaner 300 includes a cleaner body 302, a handle 304 for lifting the cleaner body 302, a supply tank 306 configured to receive a first cleaning fluid, an additive tank 308 configured to receive a second cleaning fluid, a recovery tank 310, and a cleaning tool 312 (which is Figure 1112). The cleaner body 302 includes a base 314 and an upright portion 316 extending from the base 314. As shown, at least a portion of the supply tank 306 and the additive tank 308 are on a first side 318 of the upright portion 316, and at least a portion of the recovery tank 310 is on a second side 320 of the upright portion 316, the first side 318 being opposite to the second side 320. The handle 304 may be configured to extend between the recovery tank 310 and the supply tank 306 and the additive tank 308. The handle 304 may be coupled to the cleaner body 302 (e.g., the base 314 of the cleaner body 302).
[0090] The cleaning tool 312 is fluidly coupled to each of the supply tank 306, the additive tank 308, and the recovery tank 310 via a flexible hose 322. In some cases, the cleaning tool 312 may be selectively fluidly coupled to at least one of the supply tank 306 and / or the additive tank 308. For example, an additive actuator 324 may be coupled to (e.g., slidably coupled to) the handle 304, wherein actuation of the additive actuator 324 is configured to selectively fluidly couple the additive tank 308 to the cleaning tool 312. Additionally or alternatively, there may be a sensor (e.g., a turbidity sensor) configured to automatically cause the additive tank 308 to be selectively fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool 312. In these cases, the additive actuator 324 may allow a user to selectively select between an automatic mode and a manual mode to selectively fluidly couple the cleaning tool 312 to the additive tank 308. Additionally or alternatively, the additive actuator 324 may be configured so that when actuated, the second cleaning fluid is delivered from the additive tank 308 within a predetermined time and / or in a predetermined amount. Although the additive actuator 324 is shown as being arranged on the handle 304, other configurations are possible. For example, the additive actuator 324 may be arranged on the cleaner body 302 or the cleaning tool 312. In some cases, the cleaning tool 312 may include one or more cleaning condition sensors 327 (e.g., turbidity sensors, debris sensors, surface type sensors and / or any other sensors). The handheld extraction cleaner 300 may be configured to at least partially based on the output from one or more cleaning condition sensors 327 between the cleaning behaviors and / or (e.g., via a user interface) to propose cleaning suggestions to the user. For example, the handheld extraction cleaner 300 may be configured to at least partially control which of the first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid is delivered based on the output of the turbidity sensor, the debris sensor and / or the surface type sensor (and / or the ratio of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid delivered). As shown, the flexible hose 322 may be stored within a hose wrap 326 defined within the base 314 of the cleaner body 302 .
[0091] In some cases, the handheld extraction cleaner 300 may include one or more fluid sensors 328 configured to sense the presence of one or more of the first cleaning fluid in the supply tank 306 and / or the second cleaning fluid in the additive tank 308. For example, the first fluid sensor 328 may be configured to detect the presence of the first cleaning fluid in the supply tank 306 by detecting whether the first cleaning fluid is passing through one or more supply tubes. In response to detecting that the supply tank 306 is empty, the handheld extraction cleaner 300 may be configured to stop applying the second cleaning fluid. This configuration prevents the second cleaning fluid from being applied to the surface to be cleaned alone. In some cases, there may be no fluid sensor 328 associated with the additive tank 308.
[0092] In some cases, the second cleaning fluid within additive tank 308 may be sensitive to sunlight. Thus, additive tank 308 may be constructed of a transparent material configured to at least partially filter out wavelengths of light that may degrade the second cleaning fluid.
[0093] Figure 4 A partially exploded view of handheld extraction cleaner 300 is shown. As shown, supply tank 306 and additive tank 308 are configured to be removably coupled to cleaner body 302. For example, one or more of supply tank 306 and / or additive tank 308 may be removed by a user to replenish the cleaning fluid stored in supply tank 306 and / or additive tank 308.
[0094] As shown, the cleaner body 302 defines a supply tank mounting area 400 and an additive tank mounting area 402. The supply tank mounting area 400 includes a supply tank platform 404 configured to support a bottom end 406 of the supply tank 306, and an upright portion 408 of a side wall 410 of the supply tank 306 configured to support the bottom end 406 of the supply tank 306. The supply tank platform 404 may include a supply fluid receiving portion 412 configured to receive a supply tank fluid outlet 414 of the supply tank 306. For example, and as shown, the supply tank fluid outlet 414 may be defined within a removable supply tank refill top 416. In this example, the supply fluid receiving portion 412 is configured to receive at least a portion of the supply tank refill top 416 and form a fluid connection with the supply tank fluid outlet 414.
[0095] The supply tank mounting area 400 may also include a supply tank alignment protrusion 418. The supply tank alignment protrusion 418 may extend from the supply tank platform 404 and be received in a corresponding receptacle 501 defined by the supply tank 306 (see Figure 5 The supply tank alignment protrusion 418 can be configured to promote vertical stability of the supply tank 306 when the supply tank 306 is received within the supply tank mounting area 400.
[0096] As shown, the supply tank alignment protrusion 418 and the supply fluid receptacle 412 are on opposite platform end regions 420 and 422 of the supply tank platform 404. As also shown, a middle region 424 extends between the opposite platform end regions 420 and 422. The middle region 424 has a middle region width 426 that is less than at least one corresponding end region width 428 and / or 430.
[0097] The supply tank mounting area 400 may also include one or more supply tank alignment rails 432 extending along the upright portion 408 of the supply tank mounting area 400. The one or more supply tank alignment rails 432 may be configured to guide the insertion of the supply tank 306 into the supply tank mounting area 400. For example, there may be a plurality of supply tank alignment rails 432, with the intermediate region 424 extending between at least two of the plurality of supply tank alignment rails 432.
[0098] The additive tank mounting area 402 includes an additive tank platform 434 configured to support a bottom end 436 of the additive tank 308. The additive tank platform 434 includes an additive fluid receiving portion 438 configured to receive an additive tank fluid outlet 440 of the additive tank 308. For example, and as shown, the additive tank fluid outlet 440 may be defined within a removable additive tank refill top 442. In this example, the additive fluid receiving portion 438 is configured to receive at least a portion of the additive tank refill top 442 and form a fluid connection with the additive tank fluid outlet 440.
[0099] The additive tank mounting area 402 may also include one or more additive tank alignment rails 444 extending from the additive tank platform 434. The additive tank 308 includes one or more alignment grooves 446 configured to slidably receive the additive tank alignment rails 444. As shown, one or more platform sidewalls 448 may extend from the additive tank platform 434 and define an additive tank cavity 450 for receiving at least a portion of the additive tank 308.
[0100] The supply tank 306 may define an additive tank receptacle 452 for receiving at least a portion of the additive tank 308. When the supply tank 306 and the additive tank 308 are coupled to the cleaner body 302, the additive tank 308 is at least partially received in the additive tank receptacle 452. This configuration can be generally described as a nested configuration. When the supply tank 306 is coupled to the cleaner body 302, the additive tank receptacle 452 may extend around at least a portion of the additive tank platform 434. The additive tank receptacle 452 may extend between the supply tank refill top 416 and the top surface 454 of the supply tank 306, the top surface 454 being opposite to the supply tank refill top 416. Additionally or alternatively, the additive tank receptacle 452 may extend between the opposite supply tank end regions 456 and 458 of the supply tank 306, which may correspond to the opposite platform end regions 420 and 422 of the supply tank platform 404. The supply tank 306 may help support the additive tank 308 in an upright position when the additive tank is coupled to the cleaner body 302 .
[0101] Figure 5 306. As shown, the supply tank 306 includes a supply tank pressure equalization valve 500. The supply tank pressure equalization valve 500 is configured so that when the cleaning fluid leaves the supply tank 306, ambient air can enter the supply tank 306. The supply tank pressure equalization valve 500 is configured as a one-way valve so that the cleaning fluid in the supply tank 306 is substantially prevented from passing through the supply tank pressure equalization valve 500. For example, the supply tank pressure equalization valve 500 can be an umbrella valve. As also shown, the supply tank 306 includes a supply tank buckle 502, which is configured to removably couple the supply tank 306 to the cleaner body 302 of the handheld extraction cleaner 300.
[0102] The supply tank refill top 416 may include a supply tank threaded portion 504 and a supply tank insert portion 506. The supply tank threaded portion 504 is configured to threadably couple the supply tank refill top 416 to the supply tank 306. The supply tank fluid outlet 414 is defined within the supply tank insert portion 506. As shown, a supply tank gasket 508 extends around the outer perimeter of the supply tank insert portion 506.
[0103] Fig. 6A is a perspective rear view of the additive tank 308. As shown, the additive tank 308 includes an additive tank pressure equalization valve 600. The additive tank pressure equalization valve 600 is configured such that when the cleaning fluid leaves the additive tank 308, ambient air can enter the additive tank 308. The additive tank pressure equalization valve 600 is configured as a one-way valve such that the cleaning fluid within the additive tank 308 is substantially prevented from passing through the additive tank pressure equalization valve 600. For example, the additive tank pressure equalization valve 600 can be an umbrella valve.
[0104] The additive tank 308 may define a hand grip area 602 in an upper portion 604 (e.g., the upper 75%, upper 50%, or upper 25% of the additive tank 308) that is opposite the removable additive tank refill top 442. As shown, an additive tank pressure equalization valve 600 may be disposed within the hand grip area 602. The additive tank 308 may also include an additive tank receptacle 606 that is configured to removably couple the additive tank 308 to the cleaner body 302 of the handheld extraction cleaner 300.
[0105] The additive tank refill top 442 may include an additive tank threaded portion 608 and an additive tank insert portion 610. The additive tank threaded portion 608 is configured to threadably couple the additive tank refill top 442 to the additive tank 308. The additive tank fluid outlet 440 is defined within the additive tank insert portion 610. As shown, the additive tank gasket 612 extends around the outer perimeter of the additive tank insert portion 610.
[0106] Figure 6B is along Fig. 6A 6. An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the additive tank 308 taken along line VI-VI of FIG. As shown, the additive tank refill top 442 may include a cage 650 extending from the additive tank refill top 442. When the additive tank refill top 442 is coupled to the additive tank 308, the cage 650 extends into an additive chamber 652 of the additive tank 308, the additive chamber 652 being configured to receive a second cleaning fluid. The cage 650 defines a cage cavity 654 having one or more cage openings 656. An additive float 658 is movably disposed within the cage cavity 654 and is configured to float within the second cleaning fluid. The additive float 658 is configured to move between a flow position and a stop position within the cage cavity 654. When the additive float 658 floats on the second cleaning fluid, the additive float 658 is in a flow position. When in the stopped position, the additive float 658 engages an additive passage 660 that is fluidly coupled to the additive tank fluid outlet 440 (the additive passage 660 may be configured to selectively fluidly couple to the additive tank fluid outlet 440 using, for example, a one-way valve). This configuration may prevent or reduce air from being drawn into the additive passage 660 and through the additive tank fluid outlet 440 when the supply of the second cleaning fluid has been exhausted, which may reduce and / or prevent foaming in the first cleaning fluid.
[0107] Figure 7A partially exploded view of handheld extraction cleaner 300 is shown. As shown, recovery tank 310 is configured to be removably coupled to cleaner body 302 of handheld extraction cleaner 300. For example, recovery tank 310 may be removably coupled to cleaner body 302 such that a user may remove recovery tank 310 from cleaner body 302 to empty the contents collected within recovery tank 310.
[0108] As shown, the cleaner body 302 defines a recovery tank mounting area 700. The recovery tank mounting area 700 includes a recovery tank platform 702 configured to support a bottom end 704 of the recovery tank 310 and an upright portion 706 configured to support at least one side wall 708 of the recovery tank 310. The recovery platform side wall 710 may extend around at least a portion of the recovery tank platform 702, thereby defining a recovery tank cavity 712 for receiving at least a portion of the recovery tank 310.
[0109] The upright portion 706 may include an inlet stepped area 714 and an outlet stepped area 716. The inlet stepped area 714 and the outlet stepped area 716 are on opposite sides of a middle area 718 of the upright portion 706. The inlet stepped area 714 and the outlet stepped area 716 are vertically spaced apart from the recovery tank platform 702.
[0110] The inlet stepped region 714 includes a recovery port 720, and the outlet stepped region 716 includes an exhaust port 722. The recovery port 720 and the exhaust port 722 are configured to be fluidically coupled to the recovery tank 310. The recovery port 720 and the exhaust port 722 may each include a corresponding gasket 724 and 726, which is configured to engage (e.g., contact) the recovery tank 310. The inlet stepped region 714 and the outlet stepped region 716 may each include a fluid channel extending therein, which is fluidically coupled to the recovery port 720 and the exhaust port 722. This configuration may allow the recovery tank 310 to omit a riser extending in the collection chamber of the recovery tank 310 for separating air from the recovered liquid. In some cases, the exhaust port 722 may include a filter 728 (e.g., a mesh screen or a foam filter).
[0111] In operation, recovered liquid passes through recovery port 720 and into recovery tank 310. Once in recovery tank 310, the recovered liquid is at least partially separated from the airflow that draws the recovered liquid into recovery tank 310, exits recovery tank 310, and passes through exhaust port 722.
[0112] Figure 8 , 9A and 9B shows the Figure 7802. The sectional view of the recovery tank 310 intercepted by the line VIII-VIII of 802. As shown in the figure, the recovery tank 310 comprises a recovery tank body 800, a recovery tank cover 802 that is removably connected to the recovery tank body 800, and a recovery tank handle 804 that is pivotally connected to the recovery tank body 800 (or in some cases, the recovery tank cover 802). The recovery tank 310 comprises a collection chamber 806 (for example, the recovery tank body 800 comprises the collection chamber 806) for collecting the liquid recovered therein. The liquid recovered can have the debris entrained therein. Thus, the recovery tank 310 can be described as being configured to collect dirty liquids.
[0113] The collection chamber 806 has a closed end 808 and an open end 810 opposite the closed end 808. The recovery tank cover 802 is configured to be received within the open end 810 of the collection chamber 806. In some cases, the recovery tank cover 802 can include a cover gasket 812 configured to engage (e.g., contact) a surface of the collection chamber 806.
[0114] The recovery tank handle 804 is configured to be in the raised position ( Figure 8 ), storage location( Fig. 9A ) and cover removal position ( Fig. 9B ) between the recovery tank handle 804. When the recovery tank handle 804 is in the lifting position and the storage position, the recovery tank cover 802 is prevented from being removed from the recovery tank body 800. When the recovery tank handle 804 is pivoted to the cover removal position, the recovery tank cover 802 can be removed from the recovery tank body 800. In some cases, when the recovery tank handle 804 is pivoted to the cover removal position (or in some cases, beyond the cover removal position to the removal auxiliary position), the recovery tank cover 802 is pushed in the direction away from the recovery tank body 800 (for example, the recovery tank handle 804 is configured to push the recovery tank cover 802 in the direction away from the recovery tank body 800). In these cases, the recovery tank cover 802 is at least partially removed from the open end 810, which can reduce the friction interference between the cover gasket 812 and the recovery tank body 800 (for example, and make the removal of the recovery tank cover 802 easier).
[0115] The recovery tank handle 804 may include a hook 814 configured to pivot with the recovery tank handle 804 about a pivot axis 816 of the recovery tank handle 804. When the recovery tank handle 804 is pivoted from the storage position to the raised position, the hook 814 pivots about an trunnion 818 of the recovery tank body 800. The hook 814 includes an open portion 815 that faces in a direction (e.g., closed end 808) of the collection chamber 806 when the recovery tank handle 804 is in the storage position, and faces in a direction (e.g., closed end 808) away from the collection chamber 806 when the recovery tank handle 804 is in the cover removal position.
[0116] The recovery tank cover 802 includes a locking protrusion 817 about which the hook 814 pivots. When the recovery tank handle 804 is in the storage position and the open portion 815 faces the direction of the collection chamber 806, the engagement between the locking protrusion 817 and the hook 814 is configured to prevent the recovery tank cover 802 from being removed from the recovery tank body 800. When the recovery tank handle 804 is in the cover removal position and the open portion 815 faces away from the collection chamber 806, the locking protrusion 817 can pass through the open portion 815, thereby enabling the recovery tank cover 802 to be removed from the recovery tank body 800. In some cases, and as Fig. 9B As shown in , the hook distal end 819 of the hook 814 is configured to engage with the claw 821 of the locking protrusion 817. The engagement between the hook distal end 819 and the claw 821 pushes the recovery tank cover 802 in a direction away from the closed end 808 of the collection chamber 806 (e.g., the cover separation distance 823). This configuration can make the removal of the recovery tank cover 802 easier. When the recovery tank handle 804 is in the raised position, the hook 814 and / or the recovery tank handle 804 is configured to prevent the recovery tank cover 802 from being removed. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 8 , the engagement between the locking tab 817 and the hook 814 and / or the recovery tank handle 804 prevents removal of the recovery tank cover 802 .
[0117] although Figure 8 , 9A 9B shows a recovery tank handle 804 for removably coupling the recovery tank cover 802 to the recovery tank body 800, but other configurations are possible. For example, the recovery tank cover 802 is pivotally coupled to the recovery tank body 800, and a latch can keep the recovery tank cover 802 in a closed position. As another example, the recovery tank cover 802 and / or the recovery tank body 800 can include a projection latch, which is used to removably couple the recovery tank cover 802 to the recovery tank body 800. As yet another example, the recovery tank cover 802 can form a friction fit with the recovery tank body 800 to removably couple the recovery tank cover 802 to the recovery tank body 800.
[0118] Fig. 10A A perspective view of the recovery tank 310 is shown with the recovery tank cover 802 removed from the recovery tank body 800. The recovery tank body 800 includes a plurality of struts 1000, each strut 1000 having a corresponding trunnion 818 extending therefrom. As shown, the trunnions 818 may extend from the struts 1000 in opposite directions. As also shown, the recovery tank cover 802 defines a hand grip receptacle 1001 extending between opposite sides of the recovery tank handle 804 and between the pivot axis 816 of the recovery tank handle 804 and the recovery tank body 800.
[0119] The recovery tank cover 802 includes a recovery down pipe 1002 and an exhaust down pipe 1004. When the recovery tank cover 802 is coupled to the recovery tank body 800, the recovery down pipe 1002 and the exhaust down pipe 1004 are outside the collection chamber 806. When the recovery tank 310 is coupled to the cleaner body 302 ( Figure 3 ) and the recovery tank cover 802 is coupled to the recovery tank body 800, the recovery downtube 1002 is configured to be fluidly coupled to the recovery port 720 (see Fig. 10B , which shows a recovery down tube 1002 fluidly coupled to a recovery fluid passage 1050 via a recovery port 720, the recovery fluid passage 1050 extending within the inlet stepped region 714), and an exhaust down tube 1004 configured to be fluidly coupled to an exhaust port 722 (see Fig. 10B , which shows an exhaust down pipe 1004 fluidly coupled to an exhaust fluid passage 1052 via an exhaust port 722, the exhaust fluid passage 1052 extending within the outlet stepped region 716). As shown, the recovery tank body 800 includes a plurality of down pipe penetrations 1006 and 1008, each of which corresponds to a respective one of the recovery down pipe 1002 and the exhaust down pipe 1004. The down pipe penetrations 1006 and 1008 are configured to receive a respective one of the recovery down pipe 1002 and the exhaust down pipe 1004, and extend around a respective one of the recovery down pipe and the exhaust down pipe. For example, and as shown, the down pipe penetrations 1006 and 1008 may each define a cavity having an opposite open end, the size of the open end being set to receive the respective down pipes 1002 and 1004.
[0120] As also shown, the recovery tank cover 802 includes a recovery float 1010 and a plurality of floating rails 1012 extending from the recovery tank cover 802. The recovery float 1010 is slidably coupled to the plurality of floating rails 1012. For example, the floating rails 1012 may include slots 1014 configured to slidably receive corresponding floating protrusions 1016 extending from the recovery float 1010. In some cases, each slot 1014 may receive a plurality of floating protrusions 1016. This configuration may facilitate linear movement of the recovery float 1010 along the floating rails 1012. Additionally or alternatively, the shape of the floating rails 1012 may generally correspond to the shape of the recovery float 1010. For example, when the recovery float 1010 has a cylindrical shape, the floating rails 1012 may include an arcuate surface facing the recovery float 1010.
[0121] When the recovery tank cover 802 is connected to the recovery tank body 800, the recovery float 1010 and the floating track 1012 are configured to extend in the collection chamber 806. When the clean fluid extracted is collected in the collection chamber 806, the recovery float 1010 slides along the floating track 1012. After the clean fluid extracted by a predetermined amount is collected in the collection chamber 806, the recovery float 1010 blocks the cover exhaust outlet 1018. When the cover exhaust outlet 1018 is blocked, additional fluid is basically prevented from entering the collection chamber 806, thereby preventing the clean fluid from overflowing and / or extracting from entering the suction motor. As shown in the figure, the floating track 1012 extends from the opposite side of the cover exhaust outlet 1018, and the recovery float 1010 is arranged between the floating tracks 1012. In some cases, the recovery float 1010 can extend around the floating track 1012. In these cases, the floating track 1012 can define a closed tube.
[0122] Float length 1020 may be greater than track length 1022. Thus, a portion of recovery float 1010 may extend below floating track 1012. In some cases, float length 1020 may cause recovery float 1010 to block cover exhaust outlet 1018 before the level of the collected extracted cleaning fluid reaches floating track 1012. This configuration may prevent and / or reduce the amount of floating solid debris (e.g., fiber debris) in contact with floating track 1012. Although recovery float 1010 is described herein as being slidably coupled to floating track 1012, other configurations are also possible. For example, recovery float 1010 may be pivotally coupled to recovery tank cover 802 so that when recovery float 1010 floats on the recovered liquid, recovery float 1010 pivots to accommodate the rising extracted liquid level.
[0123] As shown, the recovery tank body 800 may include a recovery tank buckle 1024 configured to removably couple the recovery tank to the cleaner body 302 ( Figure 3 ). For example, the recovery tank latch 1024 can be configured to engage a corresponding receptacle of the cleaner body 302.
[0124] Fig.11A Shown along Figure 7 1-1 is a cross-sectional view of the recovery tank 310 taken along line XI-XI of FIG. As shown, the recovery tank cover 802 includes (eg, defines) a recovery path 1100 and an exhaust path 1102. The recovery path 1100 and the exhaust path 1102 may have substantially constant cross-sectional areas.
[0125] The recovery path 1100 fluidically couples the recovery downtube 1002 to the collection chamber 806 via the recovery tank inlet 1104. The exhaust path 1102 fluidically couples the exhaust downtube 1004 to the collection chamber 806 via the cover exhaust outlet 1018. At least a portion of the extracted clean fluid passing through the recovery tank inlet 1104 may be incident on the guide plate 1106. The guide plate 1106 may be configured to push the extracted clean fluid and / or air toward the bottom of the collection chamber 806. This configuration may, for example, promote at least a portion of any extracted clean fluid entrained in the air flowing through the collection chamber 806 to break away from the entrainment and be deposited in the collection chamber 806. In some cases, the guide plate 1106 may include one or more ribs and / or racks, the one or more ribs being configured to guide the fluid incident thereon toward the bottom portion of the collection chamber 806, the rack extending between the recovery tank inlet 1104 and the bottom portion of the collection chamber 806. When a shelf is included, the shelf can be shaped to promote fluid incident thereon to flow toward the bottom portion of the collection chamber 806. An example of a shelf 1150 can be seen at Fig. 11B , and a schematic example of rib 1152 can be seen at Fig. 11C .like Fig. 11B As shown in , the shelf 1150 may have a shape that promotes the fluid incident thereon to flow out of the shelf 1150. For example, the shelf 1150 may have a convex shape, wherein the fluid is incident on the convex surface of the shelf 1150. In some cases, the shelf 1150 may extend from a guide plate 1151, and the guide plate 1151 may be shaped so as to guide the fluid toward the shelf 1150. For example, the guide plate 1151 may have a concave shape, wherein the fluid is incident on the concave surface of the guide plate 1151. In some cases, and as shown in the figure, there may be a tank support 1153 positioned between the recovery tank inlet 1104 and the cover exhaust outlet 1018. The tank support 1153 can improve the structural integrity of the recovery tank body 800.
[0126] In operation, air may flow through the recovery tank 310 along the airflow path 1108 (see also Fig. 12A , the figure shows the recovery tank 310 along Figure 7 1002, and the recovery tank inlet 1104. At least a portion of the liquid entrained in the air flowing along the airflow path 1108 and / or sucked together with the air is deposited in the collection chamber 806 for later disposal. The airflow path 1108 leaves the collection chamber 806 via the cover exhaust outlet 1018 and passes through the exhaust path 1102 and the exhaust down tube 1004. When the recovery float 1010 blocks the cover exhaust outlet 1018, the airflow path 1108 is substantially prevented from extending through the collection chamber 806.
[0127] By allowing the extracted cleaning fluid to enter the collection chamber 806 via the recovery tank inlet 1104 defined in the recovery tank cover 802, the recovery tank body 800 may not include (e.g., define) a momentum separator (e.g., a standpipe) extending within the collection chamber 806. This configuration may facilitate easier cleaning of the collection chamber 806 when the recovery tank cover 802 is removed from the recovery tank body 800. Fig. 12B An example of a recovery tank 1250 is shown having a standpipe 1252 extending within a collection chamber 1254 of the recovery tank 1250 and an exhaust path 1256 extending within the collection chamber 1254. As shown, the standpipe 1252 and the exhaust path 1256 extend from a bottom 1258 of the collection chamber 1254, and a recovery float 1260 extends around the exhaust path 1256.
[0128] Fig.13 is along Figure 3 2 is a cross-sectional view of the handheld extraction cleaner 300 taken along line XIII-XIII.
[0129] As shown, the supply tank 306 includes a supply tank cap 1300 coupled to a supply tank body 1302 of the supply tank 306. The supply tank cap 1300 and the removable supply tank refill top 416 ( Figure 4 ) is coupled to an opposite end of the supply tank body 1302. The supply tank cover 1300 defines a cover cavity 1304 that is configured to receive at least a portion of the supply tank buckle 502. The supply tank buckle 502 can be biased (e.g., using a spring 1306) to engage with a corresponding supply tank buckle receptacle 1308 of the cleaner body 302 of the handheld extraction cleaner 300. In operation, when a user removes the supply tank 306 from the cleaner body 302 or couples the supply tank 306 to the cleaner body, the supply tank buckle 502 moves within the cover cavity 1304 to enable the supply tank buckle 502 to be removed from or received in the supply tank buckle receptacle 1308.
[0130] As also shown, the recovery tank body 800 defines a snap cavity 1310 for receiving at least a portion of the recovery tank snap 1024. A snap plate 1312 through which a portion of the recovery tank snap 1024 extends can be coupled to the recovery tank body 800 and extends over at least a portion of the open end of the snap cavity 1310. The snap plate 1312 is configured to retain the recovery tank snap 1024 within the snap cavity 1310 when the recovery tank 310 is separated from the cleaner body 302 of the handheld extraction cleaner 300. The recovery tank snap 1024 can be biased (e.g., using a spring 1314) to engage with a corresponding recovery tank snap receptacle 1316 of the cleaner body 302 of the handheld extraction cleaner 300. In operation, when a user removes the recovery tank 310 from the cleaner body 302 or couples the recovery tank 310 to the cleaner body, the recovery tank buckle 1024 moves within the buckle cavity 1310 so that the recovery tank buckle 1024 can be removed from or received in the recovery tank buckle receiving portion 1316.
[0131] As also shown, the additive tank receptacle 606 of the additive tank 308 is configured to receive a body snap 1026. The body snap 1026 extends from a body snap cavity 1028 defined in the cleaner body 302 of the handheld extraction cleaner 300. When the additive tank 308 is coupled to the cleaner body 302, the body snap 1026 may be biased (e.g., using a spring 1030) to engage the additive tank receptacle 606. In operation, when a user removes the additive tank 308 from the cleaner body 302 or couples the additive tank 308 to the cleaner body, the body snap 1026 moves to enable the body snap 1026 to be removed from or received within the additive tank receptacle 606.
[0132] Fig.14 300 is shown with the bottom portion of the base 314 removed from the handheld extraction cleaner. As shown, the base 314 includes a fluidly coupled supply tank 306 and additive tank 308 ( Figure 3 ), a pump 1400 fluidly coupled to the pump 1400 and a mixing valve 1402 fluidly coupled to each of the supply tank 306 and the additive tank 308, a suction motor 1406 fluidly coupled to the recovery tank 310 ( Figure 3 ) and a suction motor exhaust duct 1408 that connects the exhaust fluid of the suction motor to the surrounding environment.
[0133] The mixing valve 1402 includes a first mixing valve inlet 1410 fluidly coupled to the supply tank 306, a second mixing valve inlet 1412 fluidly coupled to the additive tank 308, and a mixing valve outlet 1414 fluidly coupled to the pump 1400. When cleaning fluid is supplied from both the supply tank 306 and the additive tank 308, the supplied cleaning fluids are mixed within the mixing valve 1402 before passing through the pump 1400.
[0134] As shown, the pump 1400 includes a pump inlet 1416 fluidly coupled to the mixing valve outlet 1414 and a pump outlet 1418 fluidly coupled to a hose coupler 1420, which is configured to be coupled to the end of the flexible hose 322. The cleaning fluid (e.g., the first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid) passing through the pump outlet 1418 and entering the hose coupler 1420 is delivered to the cleaning tool 312 so that the cleaning tool 312 can (e.g., selectively) apply the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned (e.g., the floor).
[0135] Fig.15 Another bottom view of the handheld extraction cleaner 300 is shown with additional parts removed from the handheld extraction cleaner. As shown, the control valve 1500 is fluidly coupled to the additive tank 308 ( Figure 3 ) and a second mixing valve inlet 1412 of the mixing valve 1402. The control valve 1500 is configured to selectively fluidly couple the additive tank 308 to the mixing valve 1402. Thus, the control valve 1500 can generally be described as being configured to control whether the second cleaning fluid stored in the additive tank 308 can be delivered to the surface to be cleaned. In other words, the control valve 1500 can generally be described as being configured to selectively fluidly couple the additive tank 308 to the fluid delivery path. The additive actuator 324 can be configured to actuate the control valve 1500. In addition to or as an alternative to the control valve 1500, a separate pump (e.g., a manual or electric pump) and / or by pressurizing the additive tank 308 can be used to control the flow of fluid from the additive tank 308.
[0136] As also shown, the flexible tube 1502 is configured to be connected to the flexible hose 322 ( Figure 3 ) to deliver cleaning fluid to the cleaning tool 312 ( Figure 3). Flexible tube 1502 is configured to be fluidly coupled to pump 1400 via hose coupler 1420 (e.g., via one or more additional flexible tubes 1503 fluidly coupled to hose coupler 1420, wherein flexible tubes 1502 and 1503 may together define at least a portion of a fluid delivery path). If additive actuator 324 is included in cleaning tool 312, multiple flexible tubes 1502 may lead to cleaning tool 312 to allow a user to select, for example, between a first cleaning fluid or a mixture of the first cleaning fluid and a second cleaning fluid.
[0137] Fig.16A 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a mixing valve 1402. As shown, the mixing valve 1402 includes a first mixing valve inlet 1410 ( Fig.14 ) of the first chamber 1600, corresponding to the second mixing valve inlet 1412 ( Fig.14 ), and a mixing chamber 1604 fluidly coupled to the first chamber 1600 and the second chamber 1602 and fluidly coupled to the mixing valve outlet 1414. As shown, the first chamber 1600 includes one or more first chamber ports 1606 that fluidly couple the first chamber 1600 to the mixing chamber 1604, and the second chamber 1602 includes one or more second chamber ports 1608 that fluidly couple the second chamber 1602 to the mixing chamber 1604. As shown, the mixing valve 1402 includes a plurality of umbrella valves 1610, each umbrella valve 1610 corresponding to a respective one of the first chamber 1600 or the second chamber 1602. The umbrella valves 1610 are configured to function as one-way valves that substantially prevent the cleaning fluid within the mixing chamber 1604 from flowing back into the first chamber 1600 and / or the second chamber 1602. In addition to or as an alternative to the umbrella valve 1610, one or more check valves may be fluidly coupled to the first mixing valve inlet 1410 and / or the second mixing valve inlet 1412. In addition to or as an alternative to the mixing valve 1402, a venturi coupling or valve, a T-shaped coupling or valve, and / or a Y-shaped coupling or valve may be used to mix the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid. In these cases, one or more check valves may be fluidly coupled between the valve or coupling and a corresponding one of the supply tank 306 and / or the additive tank 308.
[0138] Fig. 16B 1402 is shown in a perspective exploded view. As shown, the mixing valve 1402 includes a top cover 1650, a bottom cover 1652, and an intermediate plate 1654. The top cover 1650 defines a first chamber 1600 and a second chamber 1602 ( Fig.16A), and the bottom cover defines at least a portion of the mixing chamber 1604. The middle plate 1654 includes a first chamber port 1606 and a second chamber port 1608 and a valve mounting opening 1656 for coupling to the umbrella valve 1610. As shown, the middle plate 1654 includes four first chamber ports 1606 and one second chamber port 1608. The diameter of the first chamber port 1606 may be, for example, between two and four times larger than the diameter of the second chamber port 1608. As another example, the diameter of the first chamber port 1606 may be 3.125 times larger than the diameter of the second chamber port 1608. As yet another example, the diameter of the first chamber port 1606 may be approximately 2.5 millimeters (mm) (e.g., within 1%, 5%, or 10%), and the diameter of the second chamber port may be approximately 0.8 mm.
[0139] The number and / or size of the first cavity ports 1606 and the second cavity ports 1608 may be based at least in part on a mixing ratio of the first cleaning fluid (from the supply tank 306) to the second cleaning fluid (from the additive tank 308). For example, the mixing ratio of the first cleaning fluid to the second cleaning fluid may be in the range of 5:1 to 15:1. As another example, the mixing ratio of the first cleaning fluid to the second cleaning fluid may 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 may be 10:1.
[0140] Fig.17A 1500. As shown, the control valve 1500 includes a control valve body 1700 having a fluid connection to the additive tank 308 ( Figure 3 ) of the control valve inlet 1702 and fluidly coupled to the mixing valve 1402 ( Fig.14 ) of the control valve outlet 1704. The control valve 1500 also includes a plunger 1706 slidably received in the control valve body 1700. The plunger 1706 is configured to selectively fluidly couple the control valve inlet 1702 with the control valve outlet 1704 by transitioning between a coupled state and a decoupled state. For example, the plunger 1706 may be responsive to the handle 304 ( Figure 3 ) on the additive actuator 324 ( Figure 3 ) is actuated to move between the connected state and the disconnected state. In this example, the handheld extraction cleaner 300 ( Figure 3) may be able to selectively apply cleaning fluid stored in additive tank 308 to a surface to be cleaned. This configuration may allow a user to conserve cleaning fluid stored in additive tank 308 for a specific cleaning application (e.g., spot cleaning). Plunger 1706 may be biased toward the disengaged state (e.g., by spring 1708). Plunger actuation axis 1710 of plunger 1706 may extend transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to inlet axis 1712 of control valve inlet 1702 and / or outlet axis 1714 of control valve outlet 1704.
[0141] In some cases, control valve 1500 may be configured to automatically transition between a coupled state and a decoupled state. Fig. 17B and 17C As shown in , the control valve 1750 includes a control valve body 1752 having a supply tank inlet 1754, a first outlet 1756, an additive tank inlet 1758, and a second outlet 1760, the first outlet 1756 and the second outlet 1760 being fluidly separated within the control valve body 1752. The supply tank inlet 1754 and the first outlet 1756 are disposed on a first side of a diaphragm 1762 extending within the control valve body 1752, and the additive tank inlet 1758 and the second outlet 1760 are disposed on a second side of the diaphragm 1762, the first side being opposite to the second side. The diaphragm 1762 is configured to selectively sealably engage with the second outlet 1760. As shown in the figure, the diaphragm 1762 is configured to sealably engage with the second outlet 1760 in an open position ( Fig. 17B ) and closed position ( Fig. 17C ) between.
[0142] The valve float 1764 is coupled to the diaphragm 1762 so that the diaphragm 1762 moves with the valve float 1764. Thus, when the supply tank 306 ( Figure 3 ) passes through the control valve body 1752, the valve float 1764 moves the diaphragm 1762 out of engagement with the second outlet 1760, thereby allowing the additive tank 308 ( Figure 3 ) passes through the control valve body 1752. When the first cleaning fluid is no longer present in the control valve body 1752 (e.g., when the supply tank 306 is empty), the diaphragm 1762 moves to engage with the second outlet 1760. For example, the valve float 1764 can be biased (e.g., using a spring 1766) so that the diaphragm 1762 is urged into engagement with the second outlet 1760.
[0143] Fig.18 Shown along Figure 31-1 is a cross-sectional view of the handheld extraction cleaner 300 taken along line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. As shown, the additive actuator 324 cooperates with the linkage 1800, which transforms the plunger 1706 of the control valve 1500 from the disconnected state to the coupled state, and the spring 1708 transforms the plunger 1706 from the coupled state to the disconnected state.
[0144] The additive actuator 324 can be slidably coupled to the handle 304 and configured to move between an additive on state and an additive off state, wherein the additive on state corresponds to a coupled state of the plunger 1706 and the additive off state corresponds to a decoupled state of the plunger 1706. The additive actuator 324 can include a user interface portion 1802 with which a user interacts and a switch portion 1804 that engages the linkage 1800. As shown, the user interface portion 1802 is external to the handle 304 and the switch portion 1804 is internal to the handle 304 (e.g., disposed within a handle cavity 1806). As also shown, the linkage 1800 extends within the handle cavity 1806 and extends within a post cavity 1808, which extends within a post 1810 to which the handle 304 is coupled. The switch portion 1804 may include a switch ramp region 1812 and the linkage 1800 may include a corresponding linkage ramp region 1814 , wherein the ramp regions 1812 and 1814 cooperate to facilitate movement of the linkage 1800 .
[0145] When the additive actuator 324 moves from the additive closed state to the additive open state, the switching portion 1804 pushes the linkage 1800 to move, thereby causing the plunger 1706 to transition from the separated state to the coupled state. When the additive actuator 324 moves from the additive open state to the additive closed state, the switching portion 1804 moves, causing the spring 1708 to move the plunger 1706 from the coupled state to the separated state. When the spring 1708 moves the plunger 1706 to the separated state, the linkage 1800 moves with the plunger 1706. For example, the force generated by the spring 1708 and / or the force generated by the second spring 1816 disposed in the handle cavity 1806 may move the linkage 1800 when the plunger 1706 transitions to the separated state.
[0146] The linkage 1800 includes an actuating leg 1818 extending within the pillar cavity 1808 and an actuated leg 1820 extending within the handle cavity 1806. The actuating leg 1818 is configured to push the plunger 1706 from the decoupled state to the coupled state. The actuated leg 1820 includes a linkage ramp region 1814 and extends transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to the actuating leg 1818. In some cases, the linkage 1800 can be generally described as L-shaped. The actuated leg 1820 can also include a guide protrusion 1822 configured to be received within a guide socket 1824 extending within the handle cavity 1806, wherein the second spring 1816 extends around (or within) the guide socket 1824. When the additive actuator 324 moves between the additive on state and the additive off state, the guide protrusion 1822 moves within the guide socket 1824.
[0147] Fig.19 312 is a perspective view of the cleaning tool 312 separated from the flexible hose 322. As shown, the cleaning tool 312 includes a tool body 1900 and a cleaning assembly 1902 removably coupled to the tool body 1900.
[0148] Tool body 1900 includes gripping area 1904, cleaning fluid actuator 1906, and cleaning assembly release 1908. Gripping area 1904 is configured to be gripped by a user during use of cleaning tool 312. Cleaning fluid actuator 1906 is configured to allow a user to selectively deliver cleaning fluid (e.g., from supply tank 306 and / or additive tank 308) to cleaning assembly 1902. For example, cleaning fluid actuator 1906 can be a button that is configured to be pressed by a user when cleaning fluid is desired. As can be appreciated, a user may be able to grip handle 304 ( Figure 3 )'s hand-controlled additive actuator 324 ( Figure 3 ), and the hand grasping the gripping area 1904 controls the cleaning fluid actuator 1906. This configuration allows the user to more easily control whether the cleaning fluid is supplied from the supply tank 306 ( Figure 3 ) and additive tank 308 ( Figure 3 ) or only from the supply tank 306. This can allow the user to quickly address specific cleaning needs (e.g., for stain cleaning). Cleaning assembly release 1908 can be configured to removably couple cleaning assembly 1902 to tool body 1900. This configuration can allow the user to more easily clean cleaning assembly 1902 and / or interchange cleaning assembly 1902 with auxiliary cleaning assembly. In some cases, there may be multiple cleaning fluid actuators 1906, each of which corresponds to a specific cleaning fluid and / or a mixture of cleaning fluids.
[0149] The tool body 1900 may also include a tool mount 1903 configured to attach the cleaning tool 312 to the cleaner body 302 ( Figure 3 ) are installed together. For example, and as shown in the figure, the tool mounting member 1903 can be a slot (or protrusion) defined in the tool body 1900 (for example, a corresponding protrusion or slot defined in the cleaner body 302), and the slot (or protrusion) is configured to be slidably engaged with the cleaner body 302. As shown in the figure, the tool mounting member 1903 and the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 are positioned on the common side of the tool body 1900. Thus, when the cleaning tool 312 is installed to the cleaner body 302, the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 faces the cleaner body 302. In some cases, when the cleaning tool 312 is installed to the cleaner body 302, the cleaner body 302 can at least partially shield the cleaning fluid actuator 1906, to alleviate the risk of the user accidentally actuating the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 when removing the cleaning tool 312 from the cleaner body 302.
[0150] The cleaning assembly 1902 includes an assembly body 1910, a nozzle cover 1912 removably coupled to the assembly body 1910, and an assembly agitator 1914 removably coupled to the assembly body 1910. The nozzle cover 1912 includes a nozzle removal tab 1916 for removably coupling the nozzle cover 1912 to the assembly body 1910. Removing the nozzle cover 1912 from the assembly body 1910 can allow a user to more easily clean the cleaning assembly 1902. The assembly agitator 1914 includes an agitator removal tab 1918 configured to removably couple the assembly agitator 1914 to the assembly body 1910.
[0151] Fig. 20A 10 shows an exploded view of the cleaning tool 312. As shown, the tool body 1900 includes a coupling end 2000 and a cleaning end 2002 opposite the coupling end 2000, the coupling end being configured to be coupled (eg, removably coupled) to the flexible hose 322 ( Figure 3 The tool body 1900 includes a suction inlet 2004, a fluid applicator 2006, and a body agitator 2008 (e.g., at the cleaning end 2002), wherein at least a portion of the suction inlet 2004 is disposed between the fluid applicator 2006 and the body agitator 2008. The suction inlet 2004, the fluid applicator 2006, and the body agitator 2008 are configured such that the tool body 1900 can be used independently of the cleaning assembly 1902.
[0152] The fluid applicator 2006 is configured to selectively fluidly couple to the supply tank 306 ( Figure 3 ) and / or additive tank 308 ( Figure 3) so that a cleaning fluid can be applied to the surface to be cleaned. In some cases, the fluid applicator 2006 may include a nozzle configured to shape and direct the cleaning fluid emitted therefrom. For example, the fluid applicator 2006 may include a nozzle configured to generate a fan-shaped spray pattern.
[0153] In some cases, the nozzle cover 1912 may also include a cover 2009 that is configured to interact with the cleaning fluid passing through the fluid applicator 2006. For example, the cover 2009 may be configured to shape the cleaning fluid incident thereon (e.g., the cover 2009 may include or define a nozzle). Alternatively, the cleaning fluid may not be incident on the cover 2009. In these cases, the cover 2009 may be configured to protect the fluid applicator 2006 from damage. In some cases, the cover 2009 may be pivotally coupled to the nozzle cover 1912. In some cases, the spray pattern of the fluid applicator 2006 may be adjustable. For example, and as Fig. 20C As shown in , a rotatable spray pattern adjuster 2056 can be disposed within the spray path of the fluid applicator 2006, wherein the rotatable spray pattern adjuster 2056 includes a plurality of shaped orifices 2058 for shaping the cleaning fluid passing therethrough. Rotation of the rotatable spray pattern adjuster 2056 positions the corresponding shaped orifices 2058 within the spray path of the fluid applicator 2006.
[0154] As also shown, the fluid applicator 2006 is configured to direct the fluid in front of the assembly agitator 1914 (and / or the suction inlet 2004) and is positioned above the assembly agitator 1914 (and / or the suction inlet 2004). For example, the fluid applicator 2006 may be configured to emit fluid in a downward direction and position the assembly agitator 1914 (and / or the suction inlet 2004) between the emitted fluid and the coupling end 2000 of the cleaning tool 312. In this example, the fluid applicator 2006 and the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 may be disposed on a common side of the central longitudinal plane 2001 of the tool body 1900, and the assembly agitator 1914 (and / or the suction inlet 2004) may be positioned on opposite sides of the central longitudinal plane 2001 of the cleaning tool 312. This configuration may allow for better visibility, thereby enabling a user to more accurately direct fluid to a specific location (e.g., reducing the risk of overspray).
[0155] The assembly body 1910 includes a tool body cavity 2010 configured to receive at least a portion of the tool body 1900. The tool body cavity 2010 can be configured to receive the cleaning end 2002 of the tool body 1900 such that the suction inlet 2004, the fluid applicator 2006, and the body agitator 2008 are at least partially received within the tool body cavity 2010. The tool body cavity 2010 is configured such that the suction inlet 2004 is fluidly coupled to the cleaning assembly 1902 (e.g., fluidly coupled to the nozzle cover 1912), and such that the fluid applicator 2006 can direct fluid toward a surface to be cleaned (e.g., at least a portion of the fluid applicator 2006 extends from the tool body cavity 2010).
[0156] The assembly body 1910 further defines an agitator cavity 2012 for selectively receiving the assembly agitator 1914. As shown, the assembly agitator 1914 includes a first cleaning tool 2014 (e.g., a bristle tuft) on a first side 2016 and a second cleaning tool 2018 (e.g., an elastomeric protrusion, such as a silicone protrusion) on a second side 2020, the first side 2016 being opposite to the second side 2020. The assembly agitator 1914 can be received in the agitator cavity 2012 in a first orientation or a second orientation, in which the first cleaning tool 2014 is exposed and in which the second cleaning tool 2018 is exposed. The first cleaning tool 2014 and the second cleaning tool 2018 can be different. Thus, changing the orientation of the assembly agitator 1914 can change the cleaning characteristics of the cleaning tool 312.
[0157] The nozzle cover 1912 defines a nozzle cavity 2022. The nozzle cavity 2022 is configured to define at least a portion of a fluid flow passage extending between the nozzle cover 1912 and the assembly body 1910 and fluidly coupled to the suction inlet 2004.
[0158] Fig. 20B 1914. As shown, the component agitator 1914 includes one or more toe-in projections 2050 configured to at least partially couple and / or align the component agitator 1914 to the agitator cavity 2012 ( Fig. 20A ). The agitator removal tab 1918 and the one or more toe-in projections 2050 are opposite sides of the assembly agitator 1914. The agitator removal tab 1918 includes a coupling socket 2052 that is configured to releasably engage a corresponding tab 2054 extending from the assembly body 1910 ( Fig. 20A ).
[0159] Fig.21A is along Fig.191-1 . A cross-sectional view of the cleaning tool 312 taken along line XXI-XXI of FIG. As shown, the cleaning tool 312 includes a recovery channel 2100 and a cleaning fluid delivery channel 2102 separated from the recovery channel 2100. As shown, the recovery channel 2100 is at least partially defined by the tool body 1900, the assembly body 1910, and the nozzle cover 1912. In operation, air and extracted fluid flow along a cleaning tool air path 2104, which extends from the nozzle inlet 2106 through a fluid flow channel 2107, which extends between the nozzle cover 1912 and the assembly body 1910 and enters the suction inlet 2004 of the tool body 1900. The cleaning fluid delivery channel 2102 may be configured to receive one or more delivery tubes (e.g., flexible tube 1502) configured to deliver the cleaning fluid to the fluid applicator 2006. For example, the cleaning fluid delivery channel 2102 may include one or more penetration connectors 2108 through which the flexible tube may extend. The one or more penetration connectors 2108 can be configured to form a friction fit with the outer surface of the flexible tube 1502 extending therethrough. The flexible tube 1502 can be configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid applicator 2006 via an outlet channel 2110 having a channel inlet 2112. The flexible tube 1502 is also fluidly coupled to the supply tank 306 ( Figure 3 ) and additive tank 308 ( Figure 3 ).
[0160] In some cases, flexible tube 1502 extends within a coupling configured to be removably received within coupling end 2000. For example, and as Fig. 21B , the coupling 2150 is removably received within the coupling end 2000 and coupled to the flexible hose 322. The coupling 2150 includes a barb 2152 configured to releasably engage with a tool body opening 2154 defined in the tool body 1900 and an O-ring 2151 configured to sealingly engage with the inner surface of the tool body 1900. The flexible tube 1502 extends within the coupling 2150 and is fluidly coupled to one end of a penetration connector 2108 defined by the tool body 1900. The other end of the penetration connector 2108 is fluidly coupled to the fluid applicator 2006 (e.g., via an auxiliary tube 2156). Fig. 20A ).
[0161] Also like Fig.21A, the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 and the fluid applicator 2006 are disposed on a common side of the tool body 1900. For example, the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 and the fluid applicator 2006 may be disposed on a first side of the tool body 1900, and the assembly agitator 1914 may be disposed on a second side of the tool body 1900, wherein the first side is opposite to the second side. In some cases, the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 and the fluid applicator 2006 are disposed on opposite sides of the tool body 1900. For example, the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 and the assembly agitator 1914 may be disposed on a first side of the tool body 1900, and the fluid applicator 2006 may be disposed on a second side of the tool body 1900, wherein the first side is opposite to the second side. The first side and the second side may generally be described as being on opposite sides of a central longitudinal plane 2001 of the tool body 1900. Fig. 21C An example is shown in which the cleaning fluid actuator 2160 is disposed on a first side of the tool body 2162 and the fluid applicator 2164 is disposed on a second side of the tool body 2162, the first side being opposite the second side.
[0162] Fig. 22 Shows the corresponding Fig.21A FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area XXII-XXII of tool body 1900 to better illustrate cleaning fluid actuator 1906 , with cleaning assembly 1902 removed from tool body 1900 for clarity.
[0163] The cleaning fluid actuator 1906 can generally be described as being configured to selectively fluidically couple the fluid applicator 2006 to the fluid delivery path. For example, and as shown, the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 is configured to actuate the cleaning tool valve assembly 2200 (e.g., to transition the cleaning tool valve assembly 2200 between an open position and a closed position). The cleaning tool valve assembly 2200 includes a tool valve body 2202, a shuttle 2204 slidably received within the tool valve body 2202, and an outlet channel 2206 that fluidly couples the tool valve body 2202 to the fluid applicator 2006. The shuttle 2204 is configured to slide within the tool valve body 2202 when the cleaning tool valve assembly 2200 transitions between an open position and a closed position (e.g., so that the shuttle 2204 selectively seals and engages the outlet channel 2206). When the cleaning tool valve assembly 2200 is in the closed position, the shuttle 2204 seals and engages the outlet channel 2206 to prevent the cleaning fluid from passing through the outlet channel. When the cleaning tool valve assembly 2200 is in the open position, the shuttle 2204 seals and disengages the outlet channel 2206 to allow the cleaning fluid to pass through the outlet channel. The shuttle 2204 can be biased (e.g., using a spring 2208) to seal and engage with the outlet channel 2206. In some cases, the shuttle 2204 may include a shuttle flange 2205, which is configured so that when there is a cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid applies a predetermined force on the shuttle flange 2205. The applied force can at least partially offset the biasing force (e.g., the spring force of the spring 2208) applied to the shuttle 2204. This configuration can reduce the amount of force that the user needs to apply to the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 in order to actuate the cleaning fluid actuator 1906.
[0164] As shown, the shuttle 2204 defines a shuttle passage 2210 that fluidly couples the tool valve body 2202 to the fluid delivery path. For example, the shuttle passage 2210 can be fluidly coupled to the flexible tube 1502 so that the cleaning fluid passes through the shuttle passage 2210 and enters the tool valve body 2202. When the shuttle 2204 is transformed to the open position, the fluid within the tool valve body 2202 is allowed to pass through the outlet passage 2206.
[0165] The cleaning fluid actuator 1906 is pivotally coupled to the tool body 1900 to transition between a resting state and a pressed state in response to a user input. When the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 transitions from the resting state to the pressed state, the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 moves the shuttle 2204 linearly so that the shuttle 2204 sealably disengages the outlet channel 2206. When the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 transitions from the pressed state to the resting state, the spring 2208 pushes the shuttle 2204 into sealing engagement with the outlet channel 2206. For example, and as shown, when transitioning to the pressed state, the cleaning fluid actuator 1906 may be configured to engage one or more ramp surfaces 2212 of the shuttle 2204, thereby pushing the shuttle 2204 to move linearly.
[0166] Fig.23 An example of a tool body 1900 configured to be coupled to a cleaning assembly 1902 or an alternative cleaning assembly 2300 is shown. Alternative cleaning assembly 2300 may have a different size (e.g., smaller or larger) than cleaning assembly 1902, for example, to enable a user to clean in a different space. Additionally or alternatively, alternative cleaning assembly 2300 may have a different cleaning configuration (e.g., a different cleaning element, such as a rotary agitator, UV lighting, and / or any other cleaning element) than cleaning assembly 1902.
[0167] As can be appreciated, when an upright extraction cleaner (e.g. Figure 2 An upright extraction cleaner 200) and a handheld extraction cleaner (e.g., Figure 1 When both an upright extraction cleaner and a handheld extraction cleaner 100 include a tool body 1900 (e.g., for above-floor cleaning), a user can use cleaning assemblies 1902 and 2300 interchangeably between the upright extraction cleaner and the handheld extraction cleaner. Additionally or alternatively, tool body 1900 can be configured to be removably coupled to an upright extraction cleaner (e.g., Figure 2 An upright extraction cleaner 200) and a handheld extraction cleaner (e.g., Figure 1 A flexible hose (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flexible hoses 116 and 216 of the embodiment of the present invention are provided so that the cleaning tool 312 can be used interchangeably between an upright extraction cleaner and a handheld extraction cleaner.
[0168] Fig.24A and 24BAn example of a self-cleaning tool 2400 removably coupled to a tool body 1900 is shown. The self-cleaning tool 2400 defines a self-cleaning tool cavity 2402 that is configured to be removably coupled to the tool body 1900 and to receive at least a portion of the tool body 1900. For example, the self-cleaning tool cavity 2402 can be configured to receive at least a suction inlet 2004 and a fluid applicator 2006. When the self-cleaning tool 2400 is coupled to the tool body 1900, a cleaning fluid can pass through the fluid applicator 2006 while the suction motor 1406 ( Fig.14 ) The applied cleaning fluid is drawn through the suction inlet 2004. In some cases, the self-cleaning tool 2400 may be configured to automatically pass the cleaning fluid through the fluid applicator 2006 (eg, by actuating the cleaning fluid actuator 1906).
[0169] Fig.24C An example of a self-cleaning tool storage receptacle 2404 is shown, which is defined within the cleaner body 302 and is configured to removably receive the self-cleaning tool 2400. For example, and as shown, the self-cleaning tool storage receptacle 2404 can be defined in the supply tank platform 404. Thus, when the supply tank 306 ( Figure 3 ) is connected to the cleaner body 302, the self-cleaning tool storage container 2404 is blocked and cannot be seen.
[0170] Fig.25 An example of a cleaning tool 2500 is shown, which is Figure 1 1. As shown, cleaning tool 2500 includes a cleaning assembly 2502 removably coupled to a tool body 2504. Tool body 2504 includes a fluid flow visual indicator 2506. Fluid flow visual indicator 2506 is configured to provide a visual indication of fluid flow using one or more moving elements. The moving element is configured to move in response to a cleaning fluid being applied to a surface to be cleaned.
[0171] Fig.26The example of the fluid flow visual indicator 2506 removed from the tool body 2504 is shown.As shown, the fluid flow visual indicator 2506 comprises an indicator fluid inlet 2600, an indicator fluid outlet 2602 and a rotating wheel 2604, and the rotating wheel is configured to rotate in the wheel cavity 2606 when the cleaning fluid is incident on the rotating wheel 2604. In operation, when the cleaning fluid is transferred to the indicator fluid outlet 2602 from the indicator fluid inlet 2600, the cleaning fluid is incident on the rotating wheel 2604, thereby rotating the rotating wheel 2604. The rotation of the rotating wheel 2604 is perceptible for the user of the cleaning tool 2500. Although the rotating wheel 2604 is illustrated as the example of the mobile element, other configurations are possible.For example, floating beads and / or the rotating cylinder with one or more spiral patterns printed thereon can be used as the mobile element.
[0172] Fig. 27 and 28 An example of a cleaning tool 2700 is shown, which is Figure 1 112. As shown, cleaning tool 2700 includes a cleaning assembly 2702 removably coupled to a tool body 2704. Cleaning assembly 2702 includes a nozzle assembly 2706 having a pivot arm 2708 and an assembly suction inlet 2710. Pivot arm 2708 defines a suction channel 2712 having a channel outlet 2714 configured to selectively fluidly couple to assembly suction inlet 2710. Fig. 27 As shown in FIG. 2 , the pivot arm 2708 is in an extended position, wherein the suction channel 2712 is fluidly coupled to the assembly suction inlet 2710 when in the extended position. Fig.28 , pivot arm 2708 is in a retracted position, wherein when in the retracted position, suction channel 2712 is fluidly separated from assembly suction inlet 2710. This configuration can allow a user (e.g., in response to actuation of actuator 2716) to selectively change the cleaning width of cleaning assembly 2702 to accommodate various cleaning environments. In some cases, cleaning assembly 2702 can be further configured to adjust (e.g., widen) the spray pattern of the cleaning fluid emitted from cleaning tool 2700 based at least in part on whether pivot arm 2708 is in an extended or retracted position.
[0173] Fig.29 A cross-sectional exploded view of a cleaning tool 2900 is shown. Figure 1 An example of a cleaning tool 112 . Fig.30 A cross-sectional assembled view of cleaning tool 2900 is shown.
[0174] As shown, the cleaning tool 2900 includes a tool body 2902 and a cleaning assembly 2904 removably coupled to the tool body 2902. The tool body 2902 includes a fluid applicator 2906, a body agitator 2908, and a suction inlet 2910. The body agitator 2908 is disposed between the suction inlet 2910 and the fluid applicator 2906. The cleaning assembly 2904 includes an assembly body 2912, a nozzle cover 2914 removably coupled to the assembly body 2912 and defining at least a portion of a suction passage 2916 extending between the nozzle cover 2914 and the assembly body 2912, and a removable assembly agitator 2918. The assembly body 2912 defines a tool body cavity 2920 for receiving at least a portion of the tool body 2902 (e.g., the body agitator 2908 and the suction inlet 2910), such that the suction inlet 2910 is fluidly coupled to the suction passage 2916.
[0175] When the cleaning assembly 2904 is coupled to the tool body 2902, the assembly agitator 2918 is disposed between the nozzle cover 2914 and the fluid applicator 2906. In some cases, the fluid applicator 2906 may be oriented so that the cleaning fluid is emitted in the direction of the nozzle cover 2914 and the assembly agitator 2918. For example, the fluid applicator 2906 may be oriented to emit fluid in a forward direction at an emission angle θ in a range of, for example, 5° to 25°. As another example, the emission angle θ may be about 15 (e.g., within 1%, 5%, or 10%)°.
[0176] The tool body 2902 may also include a cleaning fluid actuator 2922 configured to actuate a cleaning tool valve assembly 2924. As shown, the cleaning fluid actuator 2922 may include a pivoting slide switch configured to actuate the cleaning tool valve assembly 2924 in response to pivoting movement of the switch. A pivoting slide switch (e.g., when compared to a button) may reduce the risk of a user accidentally actuating the cleaning fluid actuator 2922. In some cases, an auxiliary safety switch may be included, wherein the auxiliary safety switch needs to be actuated in order to activate the cleaning fluid actuator 2922. This configuration may reduce the risk of a user accidentally actuating the cleaning fluid actuator 2922.
[0177] An example of an extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure may include: a cleaner body, the cleaner body including a pump and a suction motor; a flexible hose, the flexible hose including a fluid delivery path fluidly coupled to the pump and a recovery path fluidly coupled to the suction motor; a supply tank, the supply tank being configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body and configured to receive a first cleaning fluid, the supply tank being configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery path; an additive tank, the additive tank being configured to receive a second cleaning fluid, the additive tank being configured to be at least partially received in an additive tank receptacle defined within the supply tank, and the additive tank a cleaning tool comprising a fluid applicator and a cleaning assembly, wherein the fluid applicator is configured to selectively fluidly couple to the fluid delivery path to selectively deliver one of the first cleaning fluid or a mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and the cleaning assembly is configured to extract at least a portion of the delivered first cleaning fluid or at least a portion of the delivered mixture from the surface to be cleaned.
[0178] In some cases, the extraction cleaner may also include a control valve configured to selectively fluidically couple the additive tank to the fluid delivery path. In some cases, the extraction cleaner may also include a handle coupled to the cleaner body and an additive actuator coupled to the handle, the additive actuator configured to actuate the control valve. In some cases, the cleaning tool may include a cleaning fluid actuator configured to selectively fluidically couple the fluid applicator to the fluid delivery path. In some cases, the cleaning fluid actuator may be configured to actuate a cleaning tool valve assembly. In some cases, the cleaning tool valve assembly may include a tool valve body, a shuttle slidably received in the tool valve body, and an outlet channel that fluidly couples the tool valve body to the fluid applicator. In some cases, the shuttle may define a shuttle channel that fluidly couples the tool valve body to the fluid delivery path. In some cases, the shuttle may be configured to selectively sealably engage the outlet channel. In some cases, the control valve may include: a control valve body having a control valve inlet and a control valve outlet fluidly coupled to the additive tank; and a plunger slidably received in the control valve body, the plunger configured to selectively fluidly couple the control valve inlet to the control valve outlet, the actuation axis of the plunger extending transversely to the inlet axis of the control valve inlet and the outlet axis of the control valve outlet. In some cases, the plunger may move in response to movement of the additive actuator. In some cases, the cleaning tool may include a tool body, and the cleaning assembly may be removably coupled to the tool body. In some cases, the tool body may include a fluid applicator, a suction inlet, and a body agitator. In some cases, at least a portion of the suction inlet may be disposed between the fluid applicator and the body agitator. In some cases, the cleaning assembly may include: an assembly body having a tool body cavity, the tool body cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the tool body; a nozzle cover removably coupled to the assembly body; and an assembly agitator removably coupled to the assembly body. In some cases, the body agitator may be configured to be received within the tool body cavity. In some cases, the assembly agitator may include a first cleaning implement on a first side and a second cleaning implement on a second side, the first side being opposite the second side, and the first cleaning implement being different from the second cleaning implement. In some cases, the recovery tank may include a recovery tank body, a recovery tank cover removably coupled to the recovery tank body, and a recovery tank handle pivotally coupled to the recovery tank body.In some cases, the recovery tank handle may be configured to pivot between a lifting position, a storage position, and a cover removal position, and when the recovery tank handle is in the lifting position, the recovery tank cover is prevented from being removed from the recovery tank body, and when the recovery tank handle is in the cover removal position, the recovery tank cover can be removed from the recovery tank body. In some cases, the recovery tank body may include a pillar having a trunnion extending from the pillar, and the recovery tank handle includes a hook configured to pivot around the trunnion when the recovery tank handle pivots between the storage position and the cover removal position. In some cases, when the recovery tank handle is in the storage position, the recovery tank cover is prevented from being removed from the recovery tank body. In some cases, the recovery tank body may include a collection chamber, and the recovery tank cover may include a recovery down pipe and an exhaust down pipe, the recovery down pipe and the exhaust down pipe being outside the collection chamber. In some cases, the recovery tank cover may include a recovery path that fluidly couples the recovery down pipe to the collection chamber and an exhaust path that fluidly couples the exhaust down pipe to the collection chamber. In some cases, the recovery tank cover may include a plurality of floating rails extending from opposite sides of the cover exhaust outlet of the exhaust path and a float disposed between the floating rails and slidably coupled to the floating rails. In some cases, the recovery tank body may include a recovery tank snap for removably coupling the recovery tank to the cleaner body, and the recovery tank body defines a snap cavity for receiving at least a portion of the recovery tank snap, and a snap plate extends over at least a portion of an open end of the snap cavity to retain the recovery tank snap in the snap cavity. In some cases, the supply tank may include a supply tank body, a supply tank refill top removably coupled to the supply tank body, and a supply tank cover coupled to the supply tank body, the supply tank cover defining a cover cavity for receiving at least a portion of the supply tank snap, the supply tank snap being configured to removably couple the supply tank to the cleaner body.
[0179] An example of a cleaning tool for an extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure may include: a tool body, the tool body including a fluid applicator, a body agitator and a suction inlet, at least a portion of the suction inlet being disposed between the fluid applicator and the body agitator; and a cleaning assembly, the cleaning assembly being removably connected to the tool body, the cleaning assembly having a component body, a nozzle cover removably connected to the component body, and a component agitator removably connected to the component body, the component body including a tool body cavity, the tool body cavity being configured to receive the suction inlet, the fluid applicator and at least a portion of the body agitator.
[0180] In some cases, the cleaning tool may also include a cleaning fluid actuator configured to actuate a cleaning tool valve assembly. In some cases, the cleaning tool valve assembly may include a tool valve body, a shuttle slidably received within the tool valve body, and an outlet channel fluidly coupling the tool valve body to the fluid applicator. In some cases, the shuttle may define a shuttle channel configured to fluidly couple the tool valve body to a fluid delivery path. In some cases, the shuttle may be configured to selectively sealably engage the outlet channel.
[0181] Another example of an extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure may include: a cleaner body, the cleaner body including a pump and a suction motor; a flexible hose, the flexible hose including a fluid delivery path fluidly coupled to the pump and a recovery path fluidly coupled to the suction motor; a supply tank, the supply tank being configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body and configured to receive a first cleaning fluid, the supply tank being configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery path; an additive tank, the additive tank being configured to receive a second cleaning fluid and being fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery path; a recovery tank, the recovery tank being configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body and being fluidly coupled to the a retrieval path; a handle coupled to the cleaner body; an additive actuator coupled to the handle, the additive actuator configured to selectively fluidically couple the additive tank to the fluid delivery path; and a cleaning tool comprising a fluid applicator and a cleaning assembly, the fluid applicator configured to selectively fluidically couple to the fluid delivery path to selectively deliver one of the first cleaning fluid or a mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and the cleaning assembly configured to extract at least a portion of the delivered first cleaning fluid or at least a portion of the delivered mixture from the surface to be cleaned.
[0182] In some cases, the additive tank may be configured to be at least partially received within an additive tank receptacle defined within the supply tank. In some cases, the extraction cleaner may also include a control valve configured to selectively fluidically couple the additive tank to the fluid delivery path, and the additive actuator configured to actuate the control valve. In some cases, the cleaning tool may include a cleaning fluid actuator configured to selectively fluidically couple the fluid applicator to the fluid delivery path. In some cases, the cleaning fluid actuator may be configured to actuate a cleaning tool valve assembly. In some cases, the cleaning tool valve assembly may include a tool valve body, a shuttle slidably received within the tool valve body, and an outlet channel that fluidly couples the tool valve body to the fluid applicator. In some cases, the shuttle may define a shuttle channel that fluidly couples the tool valve body to the fluid delivery path. In some cases, the shuttle may be configured to selectively sealably engage the outlet channel. In some cases, the control valve may include: a control valve body having a control valve inlet and a control valve outlet fluidly coupled to the additive tank; and a plunger slidably received in the control valve body, the plunger configured to selectively fluidly couple the control valve inlet to the control valve outlet, the actuation axis of the plunger extending transversely to the inlet axis of the control valve inlet and the outlet axis of the control valve outlet. In some cases, the plunger may move in response to movement of the additive actuator. In some cases, the cleaning tool may include a tool body, and the cleaning assembly may be removably coupled to the tool body. In some cases, the tool body may include a fluid applicator, a suction inlet, and a body agitator. In some cases, at least a portion of the suction inlet may be disposed between the fluid applicator and the body agitator. In some cases, the cleaning assembly may include: an assembly body having a tool body cavity, the tool body cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the tool body; a nozzle cover removably coupled to the assembly body; and an assembly agitator removably coupled to the assembly body. In some cases, the body agitator may be configured to be received in the tool body cavity. In some cases, the assembly agitator may include a first cleaning implement on a first side and a second cleaning implement on a second side, the first side being opposite to the second side, and the first cleaning implement being different from the second cleaning implement. In some cases, the recovery tank may include a recovery tank body, a recovery tank cover removably coupled to the recovery tank body, and a recovery tank handle pivotally coupled to the recovery tank body. In some cases, the recovery tank handle may be configured to pivot between a lifting position, a storage position, and a cover removal position, and when the recovery tank handle is in the lifting position, the recovery tank cover is prevented from being removed from the recovery tank body, and when the recovery tank handle is in the cover removal position, the recovery tank cover can be removed from the recovery tank body.In some cases, the recovery tank body may include a support having a trunnion extending from the support, and the recovery tank handle includes a hook configured to pivot around the trunnion when the recovery tank handle pivots between the storage position and the cover removal position. In some cases, when the recovery tank handle is in the storage position, the recovery tank cover is prevented from being removed from the recovery tank body. In some cases, the recovery tank body may include a collection chamber, and the recovery tank cover may include a recovery down pipe and an exhaust down pipe, the recovery down pipe and the exhaust down pipe being outside the collection chamber. In some cases, the recovery tank cover may include a recovery path that fluidly couples the recovery down pipe to the collection chamber and an exhaust path that fluidly couples the exhaust down pipe to the collection chamber. In some cases, the recovery tank cover may include a plurality of floating tracks extending from opposite sides of the cover exhaust outlet of the exhaust path and a float disposed between the floating tracks and slidably coupled to the floating tracks. In some cases, the recovery tank body may include a recovery tank clip for removably coupling the recovery tank to the cleaner body, and the recovery tank body defines a clip cavity for receiving at least a portion of the recovery tank clip, and a clip plate extends over at least a portion of an open end of the clip cavity to retain the recovery tank clip within the clip cavity. In some cases, the supply tank may include a supply tank body, a supply tank refill top removably coupled to the supply tank body, and a supply tank cap coupled to the supply tank body, the supply tank cap defining a cap cavity for receiving at least a portion of the supply tank clip, the supply tank clip being configured to removably couple the supply tank to the cleaner body.
[0183] Another example of an extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure may include: a cleaner body, the cleaner body including a pump and a suction motor; a flexible hose, the flexible hose including a fluid delivery path fluidly coupled to the pump and a recovery path fluidly coupled to the suction motor; a supply tank, the supply tank being configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body and configured to receive a first cleaning fluid, the supply tank being configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery path; an additive tank, the additive tank being configured to receive a second cleaning fluid and being fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery path; a recovery tank, the recovery tank being configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body a cleaning tool comprising a tool body having a fluid applicator, a suction inlet, and a body agitator, the fluid applicator being configured to selectively fluidly couple to the fluid delivery path to deliver one of the first cleaning fluid or a mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned; and a cleaning assembly removably coupled to the tool body and fluidly coupled to the suction inlet and configured to extract at least a portion of the delivered first cleaning fluid or at least a portion of the delivered mixture from the surface to be cleaned.
[0184] In some cases, the extraction cleaner may further include a handle coupled to the cleaner body and an additive actuator coupled to the handle, the additive actuator configured to selectively fluidically couple the additive tank to the fluid delivery path. In some cases, the extraction cleaner may further include a control valve configured to selectively fluidically couple the additive tank to the fluid delivery path, the additive actuator configured to actuate the control valve. In some cases, the cleaning tool may include a cleaning fluid actuator configured to selectively fluidically couple the fluid applicator to the fluid delivery path. In some cases, the cleaning fluid actuator may be configured to actuate a cleaning tool valve assembly. In some cases, the cleaning tool valve assembly may include a tool valve body, a shuttle slidably received in the tool valve body, and an outlet channel that fluidly couples the tool valve body to the fluid applicator. In some cases, the shuttle may define a shuttle channel that fluidly couples the tool valve body to the fluid delivery path. In some cases, the shuttle may be configured to selectively sealably engage the outlet passage. In some cases, the control valve includes: a control valve body having a control valve inlet fluidly coupled to the additive tank and a control valve outlet; and a plunger slidably received in the control valve body, the plunger configured to selectively fluidly couple the control valve inlet to the control valve outlet, the actuation axis of the plunger extending transversely to the inlet axis of the control valve inlet and the outlet axis of the control valve outlet. In some cases, the plunger may move in response to movement of the additive actuator. In some cases, at least a portion of the suction inlet may be disposed between the fluid applicator and the body agitator. In some cases, the cleaning assembly may include: an assembly body having a tool body cavity, the tool body cavity being configured to receive at least a portion of the tool body; a nozzle cover removably coupled to the assembly body; and an assembly agitator removably coupled to the assembly body. In some cases, the body agitator may be configured to be received in the tool body cavity. In some cases, the assembly agitator may include a first cleaning implement on a first side and a second cleaning implement on a second side, the first side being opposite to the second side, and the first cleaning implement being different from the second cleaning implement. In some cases, the recovery tank may include a recovery tank body, a recovery tank cover removably coupled to the recovery tank body, and a recovery tank handle pivotally coupled to the recovery tank body. In some cases, the recovery tank handle may be configured to pivot between a lifting position, a storage position, and a cover removal position, and when the recovery tank handle is in the lifting position, the recovery tank cover is prevented from being removed from the recovery tank body, and when the recovery tank handle is in the cover removal position, the recovery tank cover can be removed from the recovery tank body.In some cases, the recovery tank body may include a support having an ear axis extending from the support, and the recovery tank handle includes a hook configured to pivot around the ear axis when the recovery tank handle pivots between the storage position and the cover removal position. In some cases, when the recovery tank handle is in the storage position, the recovery tank cover can be prevented from being removed from the recovery tank body. In some cases, the recovery tank body may include a collection chamber, and the recovery tank cover may include a recovery down pipe and an exhaust down pipe, the recovery down pipe and the exhaust down pipe being outside the collection chamber. In some cases, the recovery tank cover may include a recovery path that fluidly couples the recovery down pipe to the collection chamber and an exhaust path that fluidly couples the exhaust down pipe to the collection chamber. In some cases, the recovery tank cover may include a plurality of floating rails extending from opposite sides of the cover exhaust outlet of the exhaust path and a recovery float disposed between the floating rails and slidably coupled to the floating rails. In some cases, the recovery tank body may include a recovery tank snap for removably coupling the recovery tank to the cleaner body, and the recovery tank body defines a snap cavity for receiving at least a portion of the recovery tank snap, and a snap plate extends over at least a portion of an open end of the snap cavity to retain the recovery tank snap in the snap cavity. In some cases, the supply tank may include a supply tank body, a supply tank refill top removably coupled to the supply tank body, and a supply tank cover coupled to the supply tank body, the supply tank cover defining a cover cavity for receiving at least a portion of the supply tank snap, the supply tank snap being configured to removably couple the supply tank to the cleaner body. In some cases, the additive tank may be configured to be at least partially received in an additive tank receptacle defined within the supply tank. In some cases, the additive tank may include a removable additive tank refill top, the removable additive tank refill top comprising a cage, the cage defining a cage cavity having one or more cage openings and an additive float movably disposed within the cage cavity. In some cases, when pivoted to the cover removal position, the recovery tank handle may be configured to push the recovery tank cover in a direction away from the recovery tank body such that the recovery tank cover is at least partially removed from the open end of the recovery tank body.
[0185] An example of a cleaning system according to the present disclosure may include a handheld extraction cleaner, an upright extraction cleaner, and an interchangeable cleaning tool configured to be used interchangeably with the handheld extraction cleaner and the upright extraction cleaner.
[0186] An example of a method for cleaning carpet or fabric according to the present disclosure may include the following steps: providing an aqueous cleaning solution and an aqueous oxidizing solution, wherein the aqueous cleaning solution is at a pH of >7.0 and comprises water, a metal chelating agent, and carbonate anions (CO32- ) source, the aqueous oxidizing solution being at a pH of <7.0 and comprising water and a peroxygen compound. A free radical scavenger is present in the aqueous cleaning solution and / or the aqueous oxidizing solution. The aqueous cleaning solution is then mixed with the aqueous oxidizing solution and dispensed onto the carpet or fabric. The mixed composition is at a pH of 9.0 to 10.0 and comprises water, a molar concentration of 5.0 x 10 -2 Up to 2.1x 10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70 x 10 -3 Up to 5.2x 10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x 10 -2 Up to 5.0x 10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ) and a molar concentration of 2.0x10 -3 Up to 1.1x 10 -1 free radical scavenger.
[0187] An example of a kit for cleaning carpets or fabrics according to the present disclosure may include a solution containing 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 at a pH of <7.0. A 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 2.1x 10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70 x 10 -3 Up to 5.2x 10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x 10 -2 Up to 5.0x 10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ), the molar concentration is 2.0x 10 -3 Up to 1.1x 10 -1 The free radical scavenger of claim 1, wherein the aqueous carpet or fabric cleaning composition has a pH of 9.0 to 10.0.
[0188] Another example of an extraction cleaner according to the present disclosure may include: a cleaner body, the cleaner body including a pump and a suction motor; a flexible hose, the flexible hose including a fluid delivery path fluidly connected to the pump and a recovery path fluidly connected to the suction motor; a supply tank, the supply tank being configured to be removably connected to the cleaner body and being configured to be fluidly connected to the fluid delivery path, the supply tank including a relatively alkaline first water-based cleaning solution; an additive tank, the additive tank being configured to be fluidly connected to the fluid delivery path, the additive tank including a relatively acidic second water-based oxidizing solution; a recovery tank, the recovery tank being configured to be removably connected to the cleaner body and being configured to be fluidly connected to the recovery path; and a cleaning tool, the cleaning tool being configured to be fluidly connected to the supply tank, the additive tank and the recovery tank.
[0189] 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 2.1x 10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70 x 10 -3 Up to 5.2x 10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x 10 -2 Up to 5.0x 10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ), the molar concentration is 2.0x 10 -3 Up to 1.1x 10 -1 The invention relates to a free radical scavenger, wherein the composition has a pH of 9.0 to 10.0. In some cases, the peroxy compound may include hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, the peroxy compound may include sodium peroxide or urea hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, the peroxy compound may include alkyl hydroperoxide or aryl hydroperoxide. In some cases, the free radical scavenger may be selected from glycine, sarcosine, lysine, serine, glutamic acid and mixtures thereof. In some cases, the free radical scavenger may be selected from 2-methoxyethylamine, glucosamine, morpholine, piperidine, ethylamine and 3-amino-1-propanol and mixtures thereof. In some cases, the metal chelator may have a binding affinity to transition metals that is relatively higher than divalent calcium ions and divalent magnesium ions. In some cases, the metal chelator may include ethylenediamine-N, N'-disuccinic acid.
[0190] An example of an aqueous carpet or fabric cleaning composition according to the present disclosure may include water, a molar concentration of 5.0 x 10 -2 Up to 2.1x10 -1The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70 x 10 -3 Up to 5.2x 10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x 10 -2 Up to 5.0x 10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ), the molar concentration is 2.0x 10 -3 Up to 1.1x 10 -1 A free radical scavenger, and wherein the composition has a pH of 9.0 to 10.0.
[0191] In some cases, the peroxy compound may include hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, the peroxy compound may include sodium peroxide or urea hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, the peroxy compound may include alkyl hydroperoxide or aryl hydroperoxide. In some cases, the free radical scavenger may be selected from glycine, sarcosine, lysine, serine, glutamic acid and mixtures thereof. In some cases, the free radical scavenger may be selected from 2-methoxyethylamine, glucosamine, morpholine, piperidine, ethylamine and 3-amino-1-propanol and mixtures thereof. In some cases, the metal chelator may have a binding affinity to transition metals that is relatively higher than divalent calcium ions and divalent magnesium ions. In some cases, the metal chelator may include ethylenediamine-N, N'-disuccinic acid.
[0192] Another example of a method for cleaning carpet or fabric according to the present disclosure may include the following steps: providing an aqueous cleaning solution and an aqueous oxidizing solution, wherein the aqueous cleaning solution is at a pH of >7.0 and comprises water, a metal chelating agent, and a water-soluble carbonate anion (CO3 2- ) source, the aqueous oxidizing solution is at a pH of <7.0 and comprises water and a peroxygen compound, a free radical scavenger is present in the aqueous cleaning solution and / or the aqueous oxidizing solution, the aqueous cleaning solution is mixed with the aqueous oxidizing solution and dispensed on the carpet or fabric, wherein the mixed composition is at a pH of 9.0 to 10.0 and comprises water, a molar concentration of 5.0 x 10 -2 Up to 2.1x 10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70 x 10 -3 Up to 5.2x 10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x 10 -2 Up to 5.0x 10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ) and a molar concentration of 2.0 x 10 -3 Up to 1.1x 10 -1 free radical scavenger.
[0193] In some cases, the peroxy compound may include hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, the peroxy compound may include sodium peroxide, urea hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof. In some cases, the peroxy compound may include alkyl hydroperoxides or aryl hydroperoxides. In some cases, the free radical scavenger may be selected from glycine, sarcosine, lysine, serine, glutamic acid and mixtures thereof. In some cases, the free radical scavenger may be selected from 2-methoxyethylamine, glucosamine, morpholine, piperidine, ethylamine and 3-amino-1-propanol and mixtures thereof. In some cases, the metal chelator may have a binding affinity to transition metals that is relatively higher than that to divalent calcium ions and divalent magnesium 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 carbonate or alkali bicarbonate. In some cases, the carbonate anion source may be selected from sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate.
[0194] Another example of a kit for cleaning carpets or fabrics according to the present disclosure may include a solution containing water, a metal chelating agent, and a water-soluble carbonate anion (CO3 2- ) source; a second aqueous oxidizing solution comprising water and a peroxygen compound at a pH of <7.0, wherein a free radical scavenger is present in the aqueous cleaning solution and / or the aqueous oxidizing solution, wherein 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 2.1x 10 -1 The molar concentration of peroxide is 1.70 x 10 -3 Up to 5.2x 10 -3 The metal chelator has a molar concentration of 1x 10 -2 Up to 5.0x 10 -2 The carbonate anion (CO3 2- ), the molar concentration is 2.0x 10 -3 Up to 1.1x 10 -1 A free radical scavenger, and wherein the aqueous carpet or fabric cleaning composition has a pH of 9.0 to 10.0.
[0195] In some cases, peroxy compounds can include hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, free radical scavengers can be selected from glycine, sarcosine, lysine, serine, glutamic acid and mixtures thereof. In some cases, free radical scavengers can be selected from 2-methoxyethylamine, glucosamine, morpholine, piperidine, ethylamine and 3-amino-1-propanol and mixtures thereof. In some cases, metal chelators can have a binding affinity to transition metals that is relatively higher than divalent calcium ions and divalent magnesium ions. In some cases, metal chelators can include ethylenediamine-N, N'-disuccinic acid. In some cases, water-soluble carbonate anion sources can include alkali carbonate or alkali bicarbonate.
[0196] Although the principles of the present invention have been described herein, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is intended only as an example and not as a limitation on the scope of the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention. Modifications and substitutions made by those of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the following claims.
Claims
1. An extraction cleaner, characterized in that: The extraction cleaner comprises: a cleaner body, the cleaner body comprising a pump and a suction motor; a flexible hose comprising a fluid delivery path fluidly coupled to the pump and a recovery path fluidly coupled to the suction motor; a supply tank configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body and configured to receive a first cleaning fluid, the supply tank configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery path; an additive tank configured to receive a second cleaning fluid and configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery path; a recovery tank configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body and configured to be fluidly coupled to the recovery path; and A cleaning tool, comprising: a tool body having a fluid applicator, a suction inlet, and a body agitator, the fluid applicator being configured to selectively fluidly couple to the fluid delivery path to deliver one of the first cleaning fluid or a mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned; and A cleaning assembly is removably coupled to the tool body and fluidly coupled to the suction inlet and is configured to extract at least a portion of the delivered first cleaning fluid or at least a portion of the delivered mixture from the surface to be cleaned.
2. The extraction cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that The extraction cleaner also includes: a handle coupled to the cleaner body; and An additive actuator is coupled to the handle, the additive actuator configured to selectively fluidly couple the additive tank to the fluid delivery path.
3. The extraction cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that The extraction cleaner also includes a control valve configured to selectively fluidly couple the additive tank to the fluid delivery path, and the additive actuator is configured to actuate the control valve.
4. The extraction cleaner according to claim 3, characterized in that The cleaning tool includes a cleaning fluid actuator configured to selectively fluidly couple the fluid applicator to the fluid delivery path.
5. The extraction cleaner according to claim 4, characterized in that The cleaning fluid actuator is configured to actuate a cleaning tool valve assembly.
6. The extraction cleaner according to claim 5, characterized in that The cleaning tool valve assembly includes a tool valve body, a shuttle slidably received within the tool valve body, and an outlet passage fluidly coupling the tool valve body to the fluid applicator.
7. The extraction cleaner according to claim 6, characterized in that The shuttle defines a shuttle channel that fluidly couples the tool valve body to the fluid delivery path.
8. The extraction cleaner according to claim 7, characterized in that The shuttle is configured to selectively sealingly engage the outlet passage.
9. The extraction cleaner according to claim 3, characterized in that The control valve comprises: a control valve body having a control valve inlet fluidly coupled to the additive tank and a control valve outlet; and A plunger is slidably received within the control valve body, the plunger being configured to selectively fluidly couple the control valve inlet to the control valve outlet, the plunger having an actuation axis extending transversely to an inlet axis of the control valve inlet and an outlet axis of the control valve outlet.
10. The extraction cleaner according to claim 9, characterized in that The plunger moves in response to movement of the additive actuator.
11. The extraction cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that At least a portion of the suction inlet is disposed between the fluid applicator and the body agitator.
12. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein: The cleaning component comprises: an assembly body having a tool body cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the tool body; a nozzle cover removably coupled to the assembly body; and An assembly agitator is removably coupled to the assembly body.
13. The extraction cleaner of claim 12, wherein: The assembly agitator is configured to be received within the tool body cavity.
14. The extraction cleaner of claim 12, wherein: The assembly agitator includes a first cleaning implement on a first side and a second cleaning implement on a second side, the first side being opposite the second side, and the first cleaning implement being different from the second cleaning implement.
15. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein: The recovery tank includes a recovery tank body, a recovery tank cover removably coupled to the recovery tank body, and a recovery tank handle pivotally coupled to the recovery tank body.
16. The extraction cleaner of claim 15, wherein: The recovery tank handle is configured to pivot between a lifting position, a storage position, and a cover removal position, and when the recovery tank handle is in the lifting position, the recovery tank cover is prevented from being removed from the recovery tank body, and when the recovery tank handle is in the cover removal position, the recovery tank cover can be removed from the recovery tank body.
17. The extraction cleaner of claim 16, wherein: The recovery tank body includes a post having a trunnion extending therefrom, and the recovery tank handle includes a hook configured to pivot about the trunnion when the recovery tank handle pivots between the storage position and the lid removal position.
18. The extraction cleaner of claim 16, wherein: When pivoted to the cover removal position, the recovery tank handle is configured to push the recovery tank cover in a direction away from the recovery tank body such that the recovery tank cover is at least partially removed from the open end of the recovery tank body.
19. The extraction cleaner of claim 15, wherein: The recovery tank body includes a collection chamber, and the recovery tank cover includes a recovery down pipe and an exhaust down pipe, and the recovery down pipe and the exhaust down pipe are outside the collection chamber.
20. The extraction cleaner of claim 19, wherein: The recovery tank cover includes a recovery path fluidly coupling the recovery down tube to the collection chamber and an exhaust path fluidly coupling the exhaust down tube to the collection chamber.
21. The extraction cleaner of claim 20, wherein: The recovery tank cover includes a plurality of floating rails extending from opposite sides of the cover exhaust outlet of the exhaust path and a recovery float disposed between the floating rails and slidably coupled to the floating rails.
22. The extraction cleaner of claim 15, wherein: The recovery tank body includes a recovery tank buckle for removably connecting the recovery tank to the cleaner body, and the recovery tank body defines a buckle cavity for receiving at least a portion of the recovery tank buckle, and a buckle plate extends over at least a portion of an open end of the buckle cavity to retain the recovery tank buckle in the buckle cavity.
23. The extraction cleaner of claim 21, wherein: The supply tank includes a supply tank body, a supply tank refill top removably connected to the supply tank body, and a supply tank cover connected to the supply tank body, the supply tank cover defining a cover cavity for receiving at least a portion of a supply tank clip, the supply tank clip being configured to removably connect the supply tank to the cleaner body.
24. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein: The additive tank is configured to be at least partially received within an additive tank receptacle defined within the supply tank.
25. The extraction cleaner of claim 1, wherein: The additive tank includes a removable additive tank refill top including a cage defining a cage cavity having one or more cage openings and an additive float movably disposed within the cage cavity.
26. A cleaning tool for an extraction cleaner, characterized in that: The cleaning tool comprises: a tool body including a fluid applicator, a body agitator, and a suction inlet, at least a portion of the suction inlet being disposed between the fluid applicator and the body agitator; and A cleaning assembly is removably coupled to the tool body, the cleaning assembly having a component body, a nozzle cover removably coupled to the component body, and a component agitator removably coupled to the component body, the component body including a tool body cavity, the tool body cavity being configured to receive the suction inlet, the fluid applicator, and at least a portion of the body agitator.
27. The cleaning tool according to claim 26, characterized in that The cleaning tool also includes a cleaning fluid actuator configured to actuate the cleaning tool valve assembly.
28. The cleaning tool according to claim 27, characterized in that The cleaning tool valve assembly includes a tool valve body, a shuttle slidably received within the tool valve body, and an outlet passage fluidly coupling the tool valve body to the fluid applicator.
29. The cleaning tool according to claim 28, characterized in that The shuttle defines a shuttle channel configured to fluidly couple the tool valve body to a fluid delivery path.
30. The cleaning tool according to claim 29, characterized in that The shuttle is configured to selectively sealingly engage the outlet passage.
31. An extraction cleaner, characterized in that: The extraction cleaner comprises: a cleaner body, the cleaner body comprising a pump and a suction motor; a flexible hose comprising a fluid delivery path fluidly coupled to the pump and a recovery 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 fluid delivery path, the supply tank including a relatively alkaline first aqueous-based cleaning solution; an additive tank configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery path, the additive tank including a relatively acidic second water-based oxidizing solution; a recovery tank configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body and configured to be fluidly coupled to the recovery path; and A cleaning tool is configured to be fluidly coupled to the supply tank, the additive tank, and the recovery tank.