Wet / dry vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system has a portable power module 10 with an airflow generator 12, a battery 14, and control circuitry 16. The system can be used with a wet dust management system and a wet vacuum nozzle, or with a dry dust management system and a dry vacuum nozzle 26. The shared power module allows for power savings while other components remain optimized for their specific functions.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wet / dry vacuum cleaner. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, cleaning hard floors involves first vacuuming the floor and then mopping the floor, with vacuuming removing coarse dust particles while mopping removes some dirt and fine dust particles.

[0003] Today, there are many devices on the market that claim to vacuum and mop in one go, and these are called "wet vacuum cleaners." Most of these devices have a vacuum nozzle to suck up coarse dust particles with an airflow, and a (wet) cloth or brush to remove dirt. These wet cloths or brushes can be pre-moistened or can be moistened by the consumer. In some cases, they can be moistened (not only with liquid but also with steam) by the device itself.

[0004] Next, the wet vacuum cleaner must be able to collect the wet dust from the floor into a dust bin. This is accomplished using airflow generated by a motor and fan unit. The wet dust and other moisture must be separated from the airflow passing through the fan. The wet dust and other moisture enter the dust bin while the remaining airflow passes through the fan and any downstream filtration unit before being expelled from the appliance.

[0005] Separating moisture and wet dust from an initial airflow is a different task than separating dust from a dry airflow. Moisture and wet dust are usually separated by labyrinth filters, where the dust and moisture are struck against a wall and then drip into a dust container. Wet dust can also be separated by the cyclone effect.

[0006] Dry dust is usually separated by cyclone effect and / or by physical filtration. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Wet vacuum cleaners are generally not optimal for dry vacuum cleaning functions, and users still require a dedicated dry vacuum cleaner because there are too many compromises in the design of the appliance that prevent it from being used for dry vacuum cleaning.

[0008] Thus, wet and dry vacuum cleaners are usually optimized for their specific applications. The labyrinth in a wet vacuum cleaner creates too much resistance to have enough airflow to pick up high levels of dry dust. The cyclone design that is best for wet dust is also different from the cyclone design that is best for dry dust. In dry vacuum cleaners, moisture damages the filter and causes mold to grow after long-term use.

[0009] Another problem is that when the device is used for both wet and dry cleaning, a solidified layer "grows" inside the device. The wet walls of the device become covered with a thin layer of dry dust, which then forms a very hard coating that is difficult to remove. This layer grows during use and eventually destroys the device.

[0010] Battery-powered cordless vacuum cleaners are becoming increasingly popular. These cleaners present additional design challenges, such as the need to be lightweight. This presents a challenge when attempting to create a vacuum cleaner system that can perform both wet and dry vacuum cleaning tasks.

[0011] To avoid the cost of separate equipment, there is a need for a system that can perform both wet and dry vacuum cleaning tasks without compromising the system's ability to perform each task. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0013] According to an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system comprising: a portable power module having an airflow generator, a battery, and control circuitry; a first dust management system for processing the wet vacuumed stream and separating and collecting vacuumed liquid, the first dust management system being attached to the portable power module that provides suction to the first dust management system; a first wet vacuum nozzle for attachment to the first dust control system; a second dust management system for processing the dry vacuumed flow and collecting vacuumed dust, the second dust management system being attached to the portable power module to provide suction to the second dust management system; a second dry vacuum nozzle for attachment to the second dust control system; It has.

[0014] The term "stick vacuum cleaner" refers to a vacuum cleaner in which, in use, the attached vacuum nozzle (i.e., the first or second vacuum nozzle) forms the only contact with the surface to be vacuumed. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner is not self-supporting, i.e., the weight of the handle end of the vacuum cleaner is supported by the user. The vacuum cleaner is not only intended for floors, but can also use other accessories that connect directly to the same location as the vacuum nozzle (rather than to a separate hose). In this case, the vacuum cleaner may be intended for use with its weight fully supported by the user, for example, to vacuum ceilings, above baseboards, the interior of a vehicle, etc. Thus, stick vacuum cleaners typically weigh less than 5 kg, e.g., less than 4 kg (when empty).

[0015] The system of the present invention allows the main expensive components of the vacuum cleaner to be shared between the two cleaning modes (wet and dry), especially the battery (power source) and the suction fan (airflow generator). It is known that different appliances can utilize shared battery packs. The present invention allows further components to be shared. In the case of both wet and dry floor cleaning appliances, the main components are not only the airflow generator and power source as mentioned above, but also the user interface and main electronics (including battery management). These components are also the strongest contributors to cost.

[0016] The present invention combines these components into a portable power module for use in both wet and dry modes, thus significantly reducing costs. However, all components downstream of the portable power module are designed for each purpose. This optimizes performance in each mode while preventing the system from becoming overweight due to the large number of components not required for each specific mode. In this way, weight can be reduced to allow a stick-type configuration in both wet and dry modes (with the portable power module elevated off the floor, while only the nozzle (or dirty air inlet) touches the floor).

[0017] The primary filtering and collection of wet or dry dust occurs upstream of the portable power module, which primarily functions as a suction source. However, downstream of the motor there may be an additional filter for fine dust collection, such as a filter foam, pleated filter, or HEPA-grade filter. This downstream filter filters, for example, carbon dust from the brush motor.

[0018] The wet vacuum nozzle is designed to wet the floor and suck up wet dirt. There can be several types of dry vacuum nozzles, such as hard floor nozzles for hard floor coverings including stone and wood, and soft floor nozzles for soft floor coverings such as carpet, among others.

[0019] The dry nozzle can alternatively be a hybrid nozzle that can switch between soft and hard floors, or can function on both floor types without switching. A soft floor dry nozzle can include an agitator or brush to strike the carpet pile to remove dust from the interior and make it airborne so that it can be captured by the vacuum flow. The brush or agitator can be mechanically driven by the air flow or driven by an electric motor, in which case the portable power module provides power to the nozzle.

[0020] The first dust management system preferably includes a clean water reservoir and a waste water reservoir.

[0021] The clean water is used to wet the floor and optionally also to wet the brushes of the wet vacuum nozzle. Dirty water can be collected directly in the separator of the first dust management system (in which case the separator functions as a wastewater reservoir) or the dirty water can be sent to a separate wastewater reservoir.

[0022] The first dust management system may have a gravity feed system to supply water to the first vacuum nozzle, and there may be a foot operated pump that the user can choose to add more water to.

[0023] Alternatively, the first dust management system may include a pump for supplying water to the first vacuum nozzle, the pump using power from the portable power module, so that water can be forced onto the surface to be vacuum cleaned.

[0024] The first dust management system has a pump and a water heater for supplying steam to the first vacuum nozzle, the pump and the heater using power from the portable power module. Thus, the wet vacuum cleaning function can include using steam for steam cleaning.

[0025] The first and / or second vacuum nozzles may be powered using power from a portable power module, which may be used to power rotating parts such as brushes or for heating or pumping, as previously described.

[0026] The airflow generator may, for example, include a motor and a fan driven by the motor, such as a bypass motor. This type of motor can tolerate moisture in the airflow because the airflow is not used to cool the motor and is isolated from the motor components. Instead, a separate airflow path is used to draw ambient air into the motor for cooling purposes. A separate, small fan can be used to drive this cooling airflow.

[0027] The portable power supply module may include an input unit or an identification unit for identifying the attached dust management system, and the control circuit is for controlling the airflow generator depending on the identified attached dust management system.

[0028] In this way, the portable power module can recognize the dust management system or the user can make a mode selection related to the type of dust management system being used so that the portable power module can provide the appropriate suction flow.

[0029] The portable power supply module may include an input unit or identification unit for identifying the attached vacuum nozzle, and the control circuit is for controlling the airflow generator depending on the identified attached vacuum nozzle.

[0030] In this way, the portable power module can recognize the nozzle or allow the user to make a mode selection related to the type of nozzle being used so that the portable power module can provide the appropriate aspiration flow. The control circuitry can include one or more microcontrollers and various other electrical components.

[0031] The vacuum cleaner system preferably further comprises a handle, and the portable power module and / or dust management system may be mounted at different positions between the handle and the first or second vacuum nozzle.

[0032] In this way, weight distribution can be altered according to the desired configuration (ie, how close the heavy components are to the handle).

[0033] For example, in one configuration, the first dust management system can be mounted adjacent to the first vacuum nozzle. In this way, the greater weight of the first wet dust management system (compared to the second dry dust management system) is kept closer to the ground, which facilitates use of the device for wet vacuum cleaning and mopping of floors.

[0034] In another configuration, the second dust management system and portable power module may be mounted adjacent to the handle, with a shaft between the second dust management system and the second vacuum nozzle.

[0035] In this way, the weight of the second dust management system is kept close to the handle, which makes the device easier to use when lifted off the ground and swung.

[0036] The portable power module may, for example, include a user interface that allows a user to select between wet mode and dry mode. In this manner, the user interface is also shared between modes, allowing the user to select between wet mode and dry mode.

[0037] The control circuitry may be adapted to automatically control the user interface, e.g., depending on an attached dust management system and / or vacuum nozzle, the user interface comprising, e.g., a display for displaying information related to the selected wet or dry mode.

[0038] The present invention, together with the various embodiments described above, has been described in relation to a first wet vacuum nozzle suitable for attachment to a first dust management system. It should be noted that such attachment between the first dust management system and the first wet vacuum nozzle can be performed by the user while operating the vacuum cleaner, or alternatively, such attachment between the two can be performed in advance by the manufacturer themselves, thus providing the first dust management system and the first wet vacuum nozzle as a single component suitable for attachment to a portable power module. The same reasoning applies to the second dust management system and the second dry vacuum nozzle.

[0039] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0040] For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a first example of a wet / dry vacuum cleaning system in a first configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a similar apparatus to FIG. 1, but with a different dry dust management system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a similar apparatus to FIG. 1, but with yet another different dry dust management system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a similar apparatus to FIG. 1, but with yet another different dry dust management system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a configuration that is particularly important for the wet vacuum mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows another configuration that is of particular importance for the wet vacuum mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a different handle configuration. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 shows another design of a wet dust management system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0043] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the figures are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0044] The present invention provides a cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system with a portable power module containing an airflow generator, a battery, and control circuitry. The system can be used with either a wet dust management system and a wet vacuum nozzle, or the system can be used with a dry dust management system and a dry vacuum nozzle. The shared power module allows for power savings while other parts remain optimized for their specific functions.

[0045] A first example of a system in a first configuration is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows a dry vacuum cleaner constructed from a subset of the components of a wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system.

[0046] The illustrated configuration includes a portable power module 10 that includes an airflow generator 12 , a battery 14 , and control circuitry 16 .

[0047] The airflow generator 12 may, for example, include a motor and a fan driven by the motor. The motor may, for example, be a bypass motor. This type of motor can tolerate moisture in the airflow because the drawn airflow is not used to cool the motor and is isolated from the motor components. Instead, ambient air is drawn into the motor for cooling purposes.

[0048] 1 uses a dry dust management system 20 to process the dry vacuum suction flow and collect the vacuumed dust. The dry dust management system is attached to a portable power module 10. An airflow generator 12 provides suction power for the dry dust management system 20. A dry vacuum nozzle 26 is attached to the dry dust management system.

[0049] The dry dust management system 20 in this example comprises a single cyclone having a dust collection volume 22. An outlet filter 24 is provided between the cyclone outlet flow and the airflow generator 12. The cyclone chamber extends along an axis perpendicular to the direction of the inlet flow. The inlet flow is fed radially inward into the base of the cyclone chamber, and the flow is discharged through a vortex finder at the top of the cyclone chamber. The dust collection volume 22 is disposed laterally from the cyclone chamber towards the nozzle (i.e., downward if the vacuum cleaner is upright), and thus towards the side of the cyclone chamber.

[0050] The portable power module 10 is separable from the dry dust management system 20. In particular, there is an air passage from the outlet of the dry dust management system 20 to the portable power module 10, so that the air flow generator of the portable power module draws air through the dry dust management system 20.

[0051] Portable power module 10 may include an exhaust filter, not shown.

[0052] The dry vacuum nozzle 26 comprises a head 26a and a shaft 26b, both of which are preferably separable from the dry dust management system 20. In particular, different head types can be attached to the shaft 26b. For example, there can be a head type for hard floors and a head type for soft floors.

[0053] Additionally, the head (or other additional heads) can be attached directly to the dry dust management system 20 for vacuum cleaning in more compact locations, such as inside a vehicle or on a shelf. Examples of other accessories for replacing head 26a include a narrow high suction nozzle, a rotating stair brush nozzle, a brush, etc.

[0054] The dry vacuum nozzle may for example comprise a rotating brush driven by an air flow, or there may even be a motorized rotating brush.

[0055] At the opposite end of the vacuum cleaner from the head 26a is a handle 30.

[0056] 1, the dry dust management system 20 and the portable power module are positioned adjacent to a handle 30. The handle may be part of the portable power module, or the handle may alternatively be removably attached to the portable power module.

[0057] The vacuum cleaner is a stick vacuum cleaner, so that in use, the head 26a forms the only contact with the surface to be vacuumed. The vacuum cleaner is sufficiently lightweight so that a user can suspend or oscillate the head 26a in the air to vacuum surfaces or objects that are not at ground level. The vacuum cleaner may, for example, weigh less than 5 kg, such as less than 4 kg (when empty).

[0058] Figure 2 shows a similar configuration to Figure 1, but with a different dry dust management system 20. The system is also a single cyclone configuration, but the cyclone chamber extends along an axis parallel to the direction of the inlet flow. A dust collection volume 22 is located transverse to the side of the cyclone chamber. The inlet flow is fed axially into the base of the cyclone chamber, and the flow is discharged from the top of the cyclone chamber.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a similar configuration to Figure 1, but with another different dry dust management system 20. The system is also a single cyclone configuration, with the cyclone extending along an axis parallel to the direction of the inlet flow. The inlet flow is fed axially along a path parallel to the axis of the cyclone chamber, then radially inward into the base of the cyclone chamber. The flow is discharged at the top of the cyclone chamber (note that the "top" faces downward) via a vortex finder. A dust collection volume 22 is located below the cyclone chamber (when the vacuum cleaner is upright).

[0060] Figure 4 shows a similar arrangement to Figure 1, but with a different dry dust management system 20. The system is a multi-cyclone arrangement across the top of the dust collection volume 22.

[0061] 1-4 are depicted as a dry vacuum cleaner configuration. However, the cyclone can be specifically designed for wet or dry use. Thus, the same configuration can be applied to wet vacuum cleaners. In such cases, the cyclone forms a wet dust management system for treating the wet vacuumed flow and separating and collecting the vacuumed liquid. In this case, the cyclone is usually combined with a labyrinth filter system to enable water collection. Thus, the dust collection volume 22 is in this case for collecting the separated water and wet dust, and thus functions as a wastewater reservoir. Alternatively, dirty water can be sent to a separate wastewater reservoir.

[0062] The user may need to provide water to the surface to be vacuumed separately from the vacuum cleaner, however the wet dust management system may alternatively include a purified water reservoir for providing water to the wet vacuum nozzle.

[0063] In the case of wet vacuum cleaners, different nozzles are also used, for example, wet vacuum nozzles that have a rotating brush that is fed with water from a clean water reservoir and therefore also have an inlet for receiving water from the clean water reservoir, and are specially designed to suck up wet dust and optionally also wet the floor.

[0064] The system of the present invention is a combination of a common part (the portable power module) and separate parts (the wet dust management system and wet nozzle, and the dry dust management system and dry nozzle), however, the separate parts can also be sold separately, for example, so that a user can start with a dry system and later upgrade to a wet / dry system.

[0065] The entire system allows the main expensive parts of the vacuum cleaner, namely the portable power module's battery 14 and suction fan 12, to be shared between the two cleaning modes (wet and dry). All parts downstream of the portable power module 10 are designed for their respective purposes. This optimizes performance in each mode while avoiding excessive weight in the system by not requiring as many parts for each specific mode. In this way, weight can be reduced, allowing a stick-style configuration for both wet and dry modes.

[0066] FIG. 5 shows a configuration of particular interest for the wet vacuum cleaning mode.

[0067] A wet dust management system 40 is mounted near the bottom of the vacuum cleaner, and a wet vacuum nozzle 46 connects to the wet dust management system 40. A low center of gravity makes the vacuum cleaner easier for a user to maneuver, as more of the load is borne by the floor (through the vacuum nozzle) and less by the user.

[0068] FIG. 5 shows the same type of cyclone as FIG. 3, without the additional labyrinth filter system.

[0069] FIG. 5 also shows a clean water reservoir 42 for supplying water to the wet vacuum nozzle 46 .

[0070] The wet dust management system 40 may have a gravity feed system to supply water to the wet vacuum nozzle 46. There may be a foot operated pump that the user can choose to add more water to. Alternatively, the wet dust management system may include a pump 44 to supply water to the first vacuum nozzle, which uses power from the portable power module. Thus, water may be force-fed onto the surface to be vacuumed.

[0071] The wet dust management system may also include a water heater 45 , in which case the pump may be for supplying steam to the wet vacuum nozzle 46 .

[0072] Any electric drive units in the wet dust management system 40 use power from the battery 14 in the portable power module 10. Thus, there is an electrical connection made by coupling the portable power module 10 to the wet dust management system 40.

[0073] The vacuum nozzles (wet and / or dry) can also be powered using power from the portable power module, with electrical connections still being made by coupling each nozzle to a respective dust management system.

[0074] Figure 6 shows another configuration that can be used for either wet or dry configuration, which may be of particular interest for the wet vacuum cleaning mode (during which no swinging of the vacuum cleaner through the air is required) due to the weight being closer to the floor.

[0075] 5, a wet dust management system 40 is mounted near the bottom of the vacuum cleaner, and a wet vacuum nozzle 46 connects to the wet dust management system 40. Furthermore, a portable power module 10 is positioned adjacent to the wet dust management system 40 and remote from the handle 50. Thus, the handle 50, unlike the handle 30 shown in FIGS. 1-5, has a grip 52 and an extension 54. The handle is thus detachable from the portable power module 10 so that the handle can be closer to the portable power module 10 (e.g., FIG. 3) or remote from the module (FIG. 6). The handle 52 can be the same handle 30, and only the extension 54 is needed to switch handle modes.

[0076] The portable power module and / or dust management system can thus be mounted in different positions between the handle and the first or second vacuum nozzle.

[0077] The handle 30 may be an integral part of the portable power module, with the remote handle 50 attached as an additional item, as shown in Figure 7. The portable power module may connect to the dust control system in different ways for different modes, as shown schematically in Figure 7.

[0078] 8 shows another design of a wet dust management system known as a "tube-in-cup" filter. Water accumulates on the inside surface of the cup and collects under gravity in the collection volume 22.

[0079] The above examples illustrate that many different cyclone designs or other filter configurations can be used.

[0080] Different dust control systems typically require different levels of suction, so the control circuitry of portable power module 10 preferably recognizes the type of dust control system to which it is connected so that appropriate control can be implemented.

[0081] One approach is for the portable power module to simply have an input interface that allows the user to identify the attached dust management system. The user can select wet mode or dry mode. Thus, the user interface is also shared between modes. The portable power module may include a display for displaying information related to the selected wet mode or dry mode. In this case, the airflow generator is controlled depending on the identified attached dust management system.

[0082] As another example, an identification unit is provided to automatically identify the attached dust management system. This could be a mechanical switch that is closed when the two are mated, with different switches being closed for the compatible wet dust management system and the compatible dry dust management system. Alternatively, a more electronic solution could be employed, where the portable power module communicates electronically with the attached dust management system. This configuration could utilize RFID tags or some other electronic identification system.

[0083] The same applies to the vacuum nozzle. In the case of an identification unit for identifying the installed vacuum nozzle, there may be an electrical connection between the portable power module and the vacuum nozzle via the dust management system. In this case, an electrical signal is received by the portable power module, which signal indicates the type of vacuum nozzle installed.

[0084] From the above description, it will be appreciated that the system comprises a portable power module that can be interchangeably fitted with wet and dry dust management systems and associated vacuum nozzles (and typically connecting tubing to the nozzles), and in both modes a stick-type system is implemented (rather than an upright or canister configuration).

[0085] The portable power module's control circuitry preferably performs all of the basic control functions, such as recognizing attached components and controlling airflow to appropriate levels. Airflow and / or fan output typically differ between different modes. The control circuitry also controls the user interface to provide output information on a display or other output device.

[0086] Such wet dust management systems typically use cyclone separators as shown, but may additionally or alternatively use labyrinth filter designs for moisture separation. Other approaches, such as moisture capture filters, are also possible.

[0087] Since the portable power module is intended for use in a potentially wet environment, it will be designed with appropriate ingress protection (IPX) to prevent contamination from external water, for example while the device is placed on a wet floor.

[0088] There may be additional filters in the overall vacuum cleaner system in addition to those shown. Filters in the portable power module or wet dust management system are typically resistant to moisture content, whereas filters in dry dust management systems do not require such resistance.

[0089] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0090] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0091] It should be noted that when the term "adapted" is used in the claims or detailed description, it is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured."

[0092] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. 1. A cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system, comprising: a portable power module having an airflow generator, a battery, and control circuitry; a first dust management system for processing the wet vacuumed stream and separating and collecting vacuumed liquid, the first dust management system being attached to the portable power module that provides suction to the first dust management system; a wet first vacuum nozzle for attachment to the first dust management system; a second dust management system for processing the dry vacuumed flow and collecting vacuumed dust, the second dust management system being attached to the portable power module and providing suction to the second dust management system; a second dry vacuum nozzle attached to the second dust control system; wherein the control circuit controls the airflow generator depending on which of the first and second dust management systems is attached to the portable power module, and the first and second vacuum nozzles are electrically powered using power from the portable power module.

2. 10. The cordless wet / dry stick vacuum system of claim 1, wherein the first dust management system includes a purified water reservoir.

3. 3. The cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system of claim 2, wherein the first dust management system further comprises a waste water reservoir.

4. 4. The cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system of claim 3, wherein said first dust management system includes a gravity feed system for supplying water to said first vacuum nozzle.

5. 4. The cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system of claim 3, wherein the first dust management system includes a pump for supplying water to the first vacuum nozzle, the pump using power from the portable power module.

6. 4. The cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system of claim 3, wherein the first dust management system includes a pump and a water heater for supplying steam to the first vacuum nozzle, the pump and the water heater using power from the portable power module.

7. 7. A cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the airflow generator comprises a motor and a fan driven by the motor, the motor being a bypass motor.

8. The portable power supply module includes: an input unit for receiving identification information of the attached dust control system and / or the attached vacuum nozzle; or an identification unit for identifying the attached dust control system and / or the attached vacuum nozzle; and the control circuit controls the airflow generator depending on the identified attached dust management system and / or vacuum nozzle; 8. A cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. 9. A cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a handle including a grip, said handle being detachable from said portable power module.

10. 10. The cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system of claim 9, wherein said first dust management system is mounted adjacent said first vacuum nozzle.

11. 11. The cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the second dust management system and the portable power module are mounted adjacent the handle with a shaft between the second dust management system and the second vacuum nozzle.

12. 12. A cordless wet / dry stick vacuum cleaner system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the portable power supply module has a display for displaying information relating to the selected wet or dry mode.

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