ACCESSORY FOR USE WITH VACUUM CLEANERS

Abstract

An accessory for use with a vacuum cleaner, the accessory being adaptable to releasably connect to the vacuum cleaner, the accessory comprising: a vacuum intake head having a chamber arranged such that when the accessory is connected to the vacuum cleaner, the chamber is in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner and adaptable to receive air and liquid from and around the surface to be cleaned; and filtration means adaptable to separate the liquid from the air such that substantially no liquid returns to the vacuum cleaner the accessory further comprising spraying means for spraying a work fluid onto a surface to be cleaned wherein the vacuum intake head comprises at least one rotatable brush for agitating the surface to be cleaned, wherein the spraying means is adaptable to spray work fluid onto and around the at least one rotatable brush the accessory having a control means.

Claims

1.-17. (canceled)

18. An accessory for use with a vacuum cleaner, the accessory being adaptable to releasably connect to the vacuum cleaner, comprising: a vacuum intake head having a chamber arranged such that when the accessory is connected to the vacuum cleaner, the chamber is in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner and adaptable to receive air and liquid from and around the surface to be cleaned; filtration means adaptable to separate the liquid from the air such that substantially no liquid returns to the vacuum cleaner; spraying means for spraying a work fluid onto a surface to be cleaned; and control means; wherein the vacuum intake head comprises at least one rotatable brush for agitating the surface to be cleaned; wherein the spraying means is adaptable to spray work fluid onto and around the at least one rotatable brush.

19. The accessory as claimed in claim 18, wherein the control means is operably coupled to the spraying means and the rotatable brush to perform a brush cleaning operation whereby the control means engages the spraying means to spray liquid on the brush and the control means engages the rotatable brush to rotate the brush.

20. The accessory as claimed in claim 18, wherein the spraying means is adaptable to spray work fluid onto and around the surface to be cleaned and spray work fluid onto and around the at least one rotatable brush.

21. The accessory as claimed in claim 18, wherein the spraying means is adaptable to switch between spraying work fluid onto and around the surface to be cleaned and spraying work fluid onto and around the at least one rotatable brush so that a user can switch between a surface/floor cleaning operation and a brush cleaning operation.

22. The accessory as claimed in claim 18, wherein the control means is operable to enable a user to switch the spraying means between spraying work fluid onto and around the surface to be cleaned and spraying work fluid onto and around the at least one rotatable brush.

23. The accessory as claimed in claim 18, wherein the spraying means comprises a work fluid storage means; a pumping means; and at least one work fluid conduit in fluid communication with the work fluid storage means, the pumping means being adaptable to pump work fluid from the work fluid storage means and through the at least one work fluid conduit, the control means being operably coupled to the pumping means.

24. The accessory as claimed in claim 18, wherein the accessory further comprising a motor adaptable to rotate the rotatable brush, the control means being operably coupled to the motor.

25. The accessory as claimed in claim 24, wherein the motor adaptable to rotate the rotatable brush is locatable within the vacuum intake head.

26. The accessory as claimed in claim 18, wherein the accessory further comprising a power source for powering the accessory, the control means being operably coupled to the power source.

27. The accessory as claimed in claim 26, wherein the power source being for powering a pumping means of the spraying means and/or a motor for rotating at least one rotatable brush.

28. The accessory as claimed in claim 26, wherein the power source being a battery and most preferably a rechargeable battery.

29. The accessory as claimed in claim 18, wherein the accessory is for use with a central vacuum cleaner or a portable vacuum cleaner, and is adaptable to be releasably connected to the central vacuum cleaner or the portable vacuum cleaner during the brush cleaning operation.

30. The accessory as claimed in claim 18, wherein the control means comprising electronic control means.

31. A control means for an accessory as claimed in claim 18, wherein the control means comprises at least one control program for cleaning the at least one rotatable brush of the accessory.

32. The control means as claimed in claim 31, wherein the control program comprises means for initiating the spraying means of the accessory for spraying water onto the at least one rotatable brush for a predetermined period of time, the control program also having means for initiating the rotation of the rotatable brush for a predetermined period of time for effecting cleaning of the rotatable brush.

33. The control means as claimed in claim 31, wherein the control program comprises means for delivery of power to the spraying means of the accessory for spraying water onto the at least one rotatable brush for a predetermined period of time, the control program also having means for delivery of power to the rotatable brush for a predetermined period of time for effecting cleaning of the rotatable brush.

34. The control means as claimed in claim 32, wherein the control program comprises means for delivery of power to the pumping means of the spraying means of the accessory for spraying water onto the at least one rotatable brush for a predetermined period of time, the control program also having means for delivery of power to the motor of the rotatable brush for a predetermined period of time for effecting cleaning of the rotatable brush.

Description

[0240] In the drawings:

[0241] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vacuum cleaner system according to the present invention;

[0242] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an accessory for a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention;

[0243] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross section of an accessory for a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention;

[0244] FIG. 4 is another schematic cross section of the accessory in FIG. 3 showing a different view;

[0245] FIG. 5 is a detailed schematic cross section of the passive filtration device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0246] FIG. 6 is another detailed schematic cross section of the passive filtration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0247] FIG. 7 is a perspective sectional view of the passive filtration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0248] FIG. 8 is a detailed schematic cross section of the passive filtration device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0249] FIG. 9 is a detailed sectional view of a vacuum intake head according to the present invention;

[0250] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the vacuum intake head in FIG. 9;

[0251] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the handle for the accessory of the cleaning device according to the present invention;

[0252] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the handle for the accessory of the cleaning device according to the present invention;

[0253] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the work fluid storage device according to the present invention;

[0254] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the waste fluid storage device according to the present invention;

[0255] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a cut-off valve device in an open position according to one arrangement of the present invention;

[0256] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a cut-off valve device in a closed position according to one arrangement of the present invention;

[0257] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a cut-off valve device in an open position according to another arrangement of the present invention;

[0258] FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a cut-off valve device in a closed position according to another arrangement of the present invention;

[0259] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of cut-off valve device in an open position according to another arrangement of the present invention;

[0260] FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a cut-off valve device in a closed position according to another arrangement of the present invention;

[0261] FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a spraying device according to the present invention; and

[0262] FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a control system for the accessory.

[0263] The present invention relates to accessories for vacuum cleaners such as portable or central vacuum cleaners. The below discussion will focus on the exemplary embodiment of the accessory being for a central vacuum cleaner. However, as can be appreciated, the accessory described below can be equally used in portable vacuum cleaner systems.

[0264] In FIG. 1, there is shown a central vacuum cleaner indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The central vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a central vacuum source or a portable vacuum cleaner 10 and a number of inlet ports 12 connected to the central vacuum source by a network of pipes 11, reference numeral 12 representing a hose of a portable vacuum cleaner when this embodiment is intended. It will be appreciated that a central vacuum cleaner 1 differs from a portable vacuum cleaner in that the central vacuum source 10 is installed into a building at a permanent or semi-permanent location (in residential settings this will often be the garage or utility room). The inlet ports 12 are strategically located throughout the building such that in different rooms or areas, a user can connect an accessory 13 to an inlet port 12 to perform a vacuum cleaning. It will be appreciated that the central vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention is ideally suited for both residential and commercial settings.

[0265] FIG. 2 provides a general view of an accessory 20 for a central vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present invention. The accessory 20 comprises a vacuum intake head 21 positionable at or about a surface to be cleaned, an elongate body 22, shown as an elongate shaft 22, extending from the vacuum intake head 21, a handle 23 connectable to the elongate body 22 and an outlet 24. The outlet 24 is adaptable to be releasably connected to an inlet port 12 of the central vacuum cleaner 1.

[0266] The vacuum intake head 21 (FIGS. 2, 3, 9 and 10) has a chamber 21a (FIGS. 4, 9 and 10) arranged such that when the accessory 20 is connected to the central vacuum cleaner 1, the chamber 21a is in fluid communication with the central vacuum cleaner 1 and adaptable to receive air and liquid from and around the surface to be cleaned. A filtration device 40 (FIGS. 3-8) is provided for separating the liquid from the air such that substantially no liquid returns to the central vacuum cleaner 1. Advantageously, the accessory 20 can be used to perform both a dry vacuum cleaning and a wet vacuum cleaning operation. In particular, the accessory 20 can operate in a traditional manner to suck dirt, dust and other contaminants from the surface to be cleaned. In addition, the accessory 20 can suck up liquid on the surface to be cleaned, such as soiled liquid which is contaminated with dirt, dust and other contaminants and separate the liquid from the air flow such that the liquid does not return to the central vacuum cleaner 1 where it could damage central vacuum cleaner 1. The filtration device 40 is part of the releasably connectable accessory 20, rather than part of the central vacuum cleaner 1 itself. This means that the accessory 20 of the present invention is useable with central vacuum cleaners 1 for wet cleaning operations even if the central vacuum cleaners 1 do not have liquid filtration devices. As a result, the present invention does not require modification to the central vacuum cleaner 1 in order to provide the wet cleaning operation as the wet cleaning and filtering operations are performed by the accessory 20, with the central vacuum cleaner 1 just performing the conventional role of providing a vacuum source.

[0267] The filtration device 40 is disposed within the accessory 20 and in the fluid path between the chamber 21a of the vacuum intake head 21 and the central vacuum cleaner 1.

[0268] In some arrangements, the filtration device 40 is an active filtration device 40 such as a centrifugal fan. In most arrangements, however, the filtration device 40 is a passive filtration device 40. Passive filtration devices 40 do not require any power source (other than the vacuum provided by the central vacuum cleaner) to separate the liquid from the air stream, and thus can be incorporated into the accessory 20 without substantially increasing the weight or power consumption of the accessory 20.

[0269] The accessory 20 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 has a passive filtration device 40 according to a first embodiment of the present invention as discussed in greater detail below in relation to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. The passive filtration device 40 comprises a waste fluid storage device indicated generally by the reference numeral 41 and having at least one inlet 425 (FIG. 14) in fluid communication with the chamber 21a of the vacuum intake head 21. The fluid communication is provided by one or more inlet conduits 42a, 42b connecting the chamber 21a to the at least one inlet 425 of the waste fluid storage device 41. The waste fluid storage device 41 further has at least one outlet 41a, 41b (FIG. 6). The at least one outlet 41a, 41b can be restricted in size to limit the amount of liquid that escapes from the at least one outlet 41a, 41b, while still allowing air to escape to the central vacuum cleaner. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the at least one outlet 41a, 41b is a slit/slot. The at least one outlet 41a, 41b is in fluid communication with at least one filter 43a, 43b. At least one outlet conduit 44a, 44b extends from behind the at least one filter 43a, 43b and is adaptable to connect to the central vacuum cleaner 1 via the outlet 24 of the accessory 20. The at least one filter 43a, 43b is adaptable to trap fluid that has escaped from the at least one outlet 41a, 41b of the waste fluid storage device 41 and prevent it entering the at least one outlet conduit 44a, 44b. The trapped fluid can return to the waste fluid storage device 41 under gravity.

[0270] FIG. 5 provides further detail of the passive filtration device 40 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 5, two filters 43a, 43b are provided in fluid communication with the outlets 420 of the waste fluid storage device 41. One of the outlets 41b of the waste fluid storage device 41 can be seen in fluid communication with one of the filters 43b, while the other outlet 41a in fluid communication with the other filter 43a is behind the filter 43a and thus not visible in FIG. 5. Outlet 41a of the waste fluid storage device 41 can instead be found in FIG. 6. The two filters 43a, 43b extend substantially along the width of the elongate body 22 such that the only route for the air stream from the chamber 21a of the intake vacuum head 21 to the central vacuum cleaner 1 is through the two filters 43a, 43b. The outlets 41a, 41b of the waste fluid storage device 41 are restricted in size to limit the amount of fluid that escapes from the waste fluid storage device 41, and in particular are arranged as small slits or slots. This arrangement helps the outlets 41a, 41b of the waste fluid storage device 41 restrict the water flow from leaving the waste fluid storage device 41, while still allowing air to escape. The filters 43a, 43b are able to trap any liquid that does manage to exit the waste fluid storage device 41 and prevent it from reaching the central vacuum cleaner 1. It can be appreciated, that more or less filters 43a 43b, inlets 425, and outlets 41a, 41b can be provided.

[0271] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the filters 43a, 43b are positioned in a filter enclosure in the accessory 20 having filter shaped slots 22a, 22b. The filters 43a, 43b are removable from the filter enclosure so that they can be cleaned/replaced. In addition, the filter enclosure can also comprise a drain or weep hole (not shown) in fluid communication with the waste fluid storage device 41 so that liquid in the enclosure (i.e. liquid that was trapped by the filters 43a, 43b) can return to the waste fluid storage device 41

[0272] In another arrangement not expressly shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the passive filtration device 40 comprises a plurality of filters 43a, 43b arranged in series between the outlet 41a, 41b of the waste fluid storage device 41 and the outlet conduits 44a, 44b. The plurality of filters 43a, 43b can have different grades of permeability such that filters 43a, 43b closer to the outlet 41a, 41b of the waste fluid storage device 41 are more permeable than filters 43a, 43b closer to the outlet conduits 44a, 44b. In an exemplary arrangement, the permeability of the plurality of filters 43a, 43b decreases consecutively from the outlet of the waste fluid storage device 41 to the outlet conduits 44a, 44b.

[0273] FIG. 8 provides further detail of a passive filtration device 40 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The passive filtration device 40 comprises a waste fluid storage device 41 having an inlet 425 (FIG. 14) in fluid communication with the chamber 21a of the vacuum intake head 21. The fluid communication is provided by one or more inlet conduits 42a, 42b connecting the chamber 21a to the waste fluid storage device 41. The waste fluid storage device 41 further comprises an outlet 420 (FIG. 14). An outlet conduit 45 is connected to the outlet 420 of the waste fluid storage device 41, and is further releasably connected to the central vacuum cleaner 1 via the outlet 24 of the accessory 20. The outlet conduit 45 has at least one twist or turn 46a, 46b in it such that fluid travelling in the outlet conduit 45 loses kinetic energy due to collisions with the walls of the outlet conduit 45 and returns to the waste fluid storage device 41 under the force of gravity. In the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 8, the outlet conduit 45 bifurcates into two outlet conduit sections 45a, 45b each having a twisted section 46a, 46b. The two outlet conduit sections 45a, 45b re-join upstream of the twisted sections 46a, 46b to form a single outlet conduit 45. In other expected arrangements not shown in the figures, the waste fluid storage device 41 could comprise a plurality of outlets, with a corresponding number of outlet conduits 45 extending therefrom. Each of the outlet conduits 45 could have at least one twist or turn in it such that fluid travelling in the outlet conduit 45 loses kinetic energy due to collisions with the walls of the outlet conduit 45 and returns to the waste fluid storage device 41.

[0274] While during normal use the filtration devices 40 outlined above will prevent liquid from entering the central vacuum cleaner 1, there is a risk that if/when the elongate body 22 (FIG. 2) of the accessory 20 is dropped or laid on the floor by a user, an excess of liquid may flow out of the at least one outlet 41a, 41b of the waste fluid storage device 41, overloading the filtration device 40. To this end, the accessory 20 can further comprise a cut-off valve indicated generally by the reference numeral 51 in FIGS. 15 to 20 to cut-off the fluid communication between the waste fluid storage device 41 and the central vacuum cleaner 1 when this situation arises. The cut-off valve 51 is disposed within the elongate body 22 of the accessory 20 and located within the fluid path 50 between the waste fluid storage device 41 and the central vacuum cleaner 1. The filtration device 40 can also be housed in the elongate body 22 of the accessory 20. Fluid communication can be cut-off when the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22 is substantially aligned with the horizontal so that the cut-off valve 51 can cut-off the fluid communication when the elongate body 22 is dropped or placed on the ground. Any waste fluid that leaks out of the waste fluid storage device 41 in this situation will not return to the central vacuum cleaner 1 as it will be blocked by the cut-off valve 51. In some arrangements, the cut-off valve 51 will cut-off fluid communication in response to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22 being over 45° away from the vertical, or more likely over 60° away from the vertical. The cut-off valve 51 will allow fluid communication when the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22 is less than 45° away from the vertical, or more likely less than 60° away from the vertical.

[0275] FIGS. 15 to 16 detail one arrangement of the cut-off valve 51. In this arrangement, the cut-off valve 51 comprises a flap 52 disposed within the fluid path 50 between the waste fluid storage device 41 and the central vacuum cleaner 1. The flap 52 has an open position shown in FIG. 15 which allows fluid communication between the waste fluid storage device 41 and the central vacuum cleaner 1. The flap 52 transitions to a closed position shown in FIG. 16 which cuts off fluid communication between the waste fluid storage device 41 and the central vacuum cleaner 1. Understandably, the flap 52 is moveable between the open and closed positions. When the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22 is generally aligned with the vertical, then the flap 52 will lie downwardly under the force of gravity in the open position such that fluid communication is possible. When the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22 is angled away from the vertical, the flap 52 will remain in its downwardly extending position due to the force of gravity. Once a sufficient angle away from the vertical has been reached by the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22, then the fluid communication will be blocked, and therefore the flap 52 is in its closed position. The angle required to transition the flap 52 from the open position to the closed position can be selected based on the length of the flap 52. It is generally expected that the flap 52 will be sized to transition to the closed position in response to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22 being more than 45° , or more likely more than 60° away from the vertical. Of course, other angles can be selected.

[0276] FIGS. 17 to 18 detail another preferred arrangement of the cut-off valve device 51. In this arrangement, the cut-off valve device 51 comprises a retaining arrangement 54 disposed within the elongate body 22 and a ball 56 adaptable to be releasably held in the retaining arrangement 54. The ball 56 is sized to have a diameter greater to or substantially equal to the width of at least part of the fluid path 50 between waste fluid storage device 41 and the central vacuum cleaner 1 upstream of the retaining arrangement 54. In this way, when the ball 56 is released from the retaining arrangement 54 it can block the fluid path 50. The retaining arrangement 54 comprises a cage 54 for retaining the ball 56 and a ramp 58 extending into the fluid path 50 between the waste fluid storage device 41 and the central vacuum cleaner 1. The ramp 58 is shaped to prevent the ball 56 from leaving the cage 54 until the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22 moves beyond a threshold angle away from the vertical. The ramp 58 is further shaped to guide the ball 56 back to the cage 54 when the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22 returns to an angle less than the threshold angle away from the vertical. The ramp 58 comprises one or more perforations to allow fluid flow through the ramp 58, and thus does not overly affect the fluid communication with the central vacuum cleaner 1.

[0277] In this arrangement, the fluid path 50 can comprise a tapered section 59 proximal to an outlet 24 of the accessory 20. The ball 56 is sized to have a diameter greater to or substantially equal to the minimum width of the tapered section 59 such that the ball 56 can block the fluid path 50 when released from the retaining arrangement 54.The threshold angle with which the ball 56 is released from the retaining arrangement 54 to block the fluid path 50 can be selected based on a number of factors, such as the size and shape of the ramp 58 and the cage 54. In most expected arrangements, the retaining arrangement 54 will retain the ball 56 when the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22 is less than 45° , or more likely less than 60° away from the vertical. Further, the retaining arrangement 54 will release the ball into the fluid path 50 in response to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22 being more than 45°, or more likely more than 60° away from the vertical. When the ball 56 is released, it will block the fluid path 50 at a position where the width of the fluid path 50 is substantially equal to or narrower than the width of the ball 56.

[0278] FIGS. 19 to 20 detail another arrangement for a cut-off valve 51 which can be used separately or in addition to the cut-off valves 51 presented above. In this arrangement, the cut-off valve 51 is adaptable to cut-off fluid communication between the waste fluid storage device 41 and the central vacuum cleaner 1 in response to liquid escaping from the filtration device 40. Generally, liquid will only escape from the filtration device 40 if there is an excess of liquid present therein, such as when the waste fluid storage device 41 is leaking. The cut-off valve 51 of this arrangement comprises a sensor 66 for detecting liquid escaping from the filtration device 40. A flap 62 is provided in the fluid path 50, and is moveable between an open position as shown in FIG. 19 and a closed position as shown in FIG. 20. As in the previous arrangements, the closed position cuts off fluid communication between the filtration device 40 and the central vacuum cleaner 1. The flap 62 is driven by a drive arrangement 64 which moves the flap 62 to the closed position when the sensor 66 detects liquid escaping from the filtration device 40. In most expected arrangements, the sensor 66 will be located upstream of the flap 62.

[0279] The waste fluid storage device 41 comprises a waste fluid storage container 48 as shown in FIG. 14. The waste fluid storage container 48 comprises at least one outlet 420 and at least one inlet 425, most likely two inlets 425. The at least one inlet 425 is in fluid communication with the chamber 21a of the vacuum intake head 21 and the outlet 420 is in fluid communication with the outlet 41a, 41b of the waste fluid storage device 41. The outlet 420 is located on an upper portion of the waste fluid storage container 48 so that during normal use, the outlet 420 will remain above the water line in the waste fluid storage container 48. In most arrangements, the outlet 420 will be located on the top surface of the waste fluid storage container 48 as shown in FIG. 14. The waste fluid storage container 48 is releasably attachable to the accessory 20 so that is can be removed from the accessory 20 to be emptied and cleaned, if necessary. The waste fluid storage container 48 can further comprise a carrying handle 430. Alternatively, the waste fluid storage container 48 is integrally formed with the accessory 20/elongate body 22. The elongate body 22 and waste fluid storage container 48 can be manufactured as a one piece/homogeneous unit. In addition, the waste fluid storage container 48 can have a drainage device (not shown) to allow the waste fluid storage container 48 to be emptied, such as into a sink or toilet. The waste fluid storage container 48 can also comprise a push button (not shown) on an outside surface thereof which can be actuated by a user. Actuation of the push button opens the drainage device to allow the waste fluid storage container 48 to be emptied.

[0280] In some arrangements, the waste fluid storage container 48 can further comprise a device for closing the outlet 420 of the waste fluid storage container 48 in response to the volume of liquid in the waste fluid storage container 48 exceeding a threshold value. This arrangement therefore seals off the outlet if the waste fluid storage container 48 is overfilled, preventing liquid from escaping from the outlet 420. This situation could arise if a user neglects to empty the waste fluid storage container 48 between cleaning operations. The device for closing is not shown in the figures, but in one arrangement can comprise a ballcock valve adaptable to rise with the liquid level in the waste fluid storage container 48 and block the outlet 420 of the waste fluid storage container 48 once the volume of liquid in the waste fluid storage container 48 exceeds the threshold value. Alternatively, the device for closing can comprise a cage attached to an inside surface of the waste fluid storage container 48 and enclosing the outlet 420. A ball disposed within the cage is adaptable to rise with the liquid level and block the outlet 420 once the volume of liquid in the waste fluid storage container 48 excess a threshold value. Of course other arrangements for closing the outlet 420 are envisioned.

[0281] The accessory 20 can further comprise a spraying device indicated generally by the reference numeral 30 (FIGS. 3, 8, 13 and 21) for spraying a work fluid onto the surface to be cleaned. The spraying device 30 is adapted to spray work fluid directly onto the surface to be cleaned. Here a “work fluid” means a fluid that is sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned for cleaning the surface and will typically comprise water and potentially a cleaning agent. It will be appreciated that the specific “work fluid” to be used can be selected as appropriate based on the surface to be cleaned and the type of cleaning required. The spraying device 30 comprises a work fluid storage device 31 and a pumping device 70 (FIG. 21). The pumping device 70 but can be located in the pumping device compartment 45 (FIG. 5). At least one work fluid conduit 72 (FIG. 21) is provided in fluid communication with the work fluid storage device 31. The pumping device 70 is adaptable to pump work fluid from the work fluid storage device 31 and through the at least one work fluid conduit 72. The work fluid conduit 72 terminates in at least one nozzle 74 (FIG. 21). In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, three nozzles 74 are provided. The work fluid conduit 72 is not shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, but it can be appreciated that the work fluid conduit 72 connects the three nozzles 74 to the work fluid storage device 31. The nozzle 74 can concentrate the work fluid into a stream to be sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned. The stream will have a pressure in the range of 25 to 40 PSI, although other pressure ranges are envisioned.

[0282] The pumping device 70 can be one of a diaphragm pump, peristaltic pump or vane pump, or any other known device for pumping fluid. Most preferably, however, the pumping device 70 is a compressor, which enables the spraying device 30 to spray boiling or nearly boiling water onto the surface to be cleaned. Boiling water is generally preferred as a work fluid due to its enhanced cleaning properties as compared to cold or tepid water. The arrangement of the accessory 20 adaptable to receive and retain boiling water is discussed in greater detail below.

[0283] The pumping device 70 can be adaptable to intermittently spray work fluid onto the surface to be cleaned. To this end, the work fluid storage device 31 comprises a control device (not shown) operable to selectively activate the pumping device 70. In one such arrangement, the control device is a manually operated switch positioned on an external surface of the accessory 20. The switch is operable to trigger the pumping device 70 to spray work fluid onto the surface to be cleaned. In this way, the user can control when work fluid is sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned. In a further such arrangement, the switch is positioned proximal to the handle 23 of the accessory such that it can be easily reached by the user when cleaning. The switch would in this instance generally be a trigger switch.

[0284] In another arrangement, the control device is a controller disposed within the accessory 22. The controller is programmable to selectively activate the pumping device 70 to spray work fluid, and selectively activate can involve periodically activating the pumping device 70 to spray work fluid. In one exemplary embodiment, the controller has a first operating mode for periodically activating the pumping device 70 to spray work fluid at a first frequency, and at least one other operating mode for periodically activating the pumping device 70 to spray work fluid at a second frequency different to the first frequency. The operating mode can be chosen, e.g. by a user, based on the surface to be cleaned. For example, the controller may have a “high frequency”, “medium frequency” and “low frequency” operating modes which will activate the pumping device 70 at different frequencies. The “high frequency” mode would activate the pumping device 70 at a relatively fast rate making it suitable for cleaning excessively soiled areas but would drain the work fluid storage device 31 of work fluid relatively quickly. The “medium frequency” and “low frequency” operating modes would operate at correspondingly slower rates making them suitable for less soiled areas and drain the work fluid storage device 31 more slowly. A user would be able to select operating mode through use of a control panel 245 (FIGS. 11 and 12) located on an external surface of the handle 23.

[0285] FIG. 13 provides further detail of the work fluid storage device 31. The work fluid storage device 31 comprises an inlet 315, an outlet 325 and a valve provided in the outlet 325 and biased to close the outlet 325. The valve being adaptable to open the outlet when the work fluid storage device is positioned within the accessory 20. In particular, when in use, the work fluid conduit 74 aligns with the outlet 325 of the work fluid storage device 31. When in alignment, the valve is adaptable to open the outlet 325 of the work fluid storage device 31, and therefore work fluid can escape from the outlet 325 and through the work fluid conduit 74. Furthermore, the valve is adaptable to close the outlet 325 when the work fluid conduit 74 is out of alignment with the work fluid storage device 31 and therefore prevent work fluid escaping from the outlet 325.

[0286] The inlet 315 can be an accessible inlet 315 for receiving work fluid. In this arrangement, the user is able to fill the work fluid storage device 31 using the accessible inlet 315, such as by using a water jug of kettle. Therefore, it is not necessary for the work fluid storage device 31 to be separated from the accessory 20 to perform the work fluid filling operation. An example of the accessible inlet 315 is shown in FIG. 21, and is located on the outer side surface of the accessory 20. It is generally desirable that the inlet 315 has a device for restricting access to the inlet 315, such as a pivotally moveable flap or lid.

[0287] The work fluid storage device 31 comprises a work fluid storage container 33 (FIG. 13) for receiving and storing the work fluid. In one arrangement, the work fluid storage device 31 is adaptable to be releasably attachable to the accessory 20 so that it can be removed from the accessory 20 to be refilled with work fluid and/or cleaned. In this arrangement, the work fluid storage device 31 comprises a carrying handle 32 (FIG. 13) connected to the work fluid storage container 33. In other arrangements, however, the work fluid storage device 31 is not removable from the accessory 20 and is instead formed from the same material or integrally formed with the accessory 20. This arrangement can simplify the construction of the assembly 20 as fewer separable components are required.

[0288] In addition, the fixedly attached work fluid storage device 31 can be optimally designed to receive and retain boiling water. In particular, the arrangement where the work fluid storage device 31 is fixedly attached to the accessory 20 and the pumping device 70 is a compressor has been found to be ideally suited for the use of boiling water as the work fluid. One of this reasons for this is that the fixedly attachable work fluid storage device 31 can be optimally designed to receive and retain boiling water, and resist the water pressure within the work fluid storage device 31 caused by a compressor. In this arrangement, the work fluid storage device 31 can further comprise insulation to reduce the spread of heat from the work fluid storage device 31, and therefore maintain the work fluid at its original temperature for longer. The work fluid storage device 31 can further comprise a heating element (not shown) for heating the work fluid. The heating element can heat or help maintain the temperature of the work fluid in the work fluid storage device 31. The heating element can be a resistive heating element, such as a metal heating elements, ceramic heating elements and positive thermal coefficient (PTC) ceramic heating element. It is more likely, however, that the heating element is a thermoelectric heating element.

[0289] The capacity of the waste fluid storage device 41 is larger than the capacity of the work fluid storage device 31. This means that the waste fluid storage device 41 can receive all of the liquid sprayed out from the work fluid storage device 31 without overfilling.

[0290] The vacuum intake head 21 has a chamber 21a (FIGS. 4, 9 and 10) arranged such that when the accessory 20 is connected to the central vacuum cleaner 1 (e.g. by connecting outlet 24 to an inlet port 12), the chamber 21a is in fluid communication with the central vacuum cleaner 1 and adaptable to receive air and fluid from and around the surface to be cleaned, such as the floor or ground which the vacuum intake head 21 is positioned over. In other words, the chamber 21a receives the vacuum pressure from the central vacuum cleaner 1 and an air stream is established between the chamber 21a and the central vacuum cleaner 1 such that matter including dust, dirt and other particles and liquid are sucked up from the surface to be cleaned. The fluid sucked up can be contaminated work fluid where the contaminants are typically dust, dirt and other particles.

[0291] FIGS. 9 and 10 provide further detail of the vacuum intake head 21. In particular, the vacuum intake head 21 comprises a hollow housing 215 having an air intake slot 270 in fluid communication with the chamber 21a and a liquid outlet slot 275 in fluid communication with the spraying device 30. In embodiments where the spraying device 30 is not provided in the accessory 20, it can be appreciated that the liquid outlet slot 275 need not be provided. The spraying device 30 is adaptable to spray work fluid onto the surface to be cleaned through the liquid outlet slot 275. In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the air intake slot 270 and the liquid outlet slot 275 are disposed in the floor of the housing 215. The air intake slot 270 is positioned towards the leading edge/portion of the housing 215 and the liquid outlet slot 275 being positioned behind the air intake slot 270. In a typical cleaning operation, a user will sweep the vacuum intake head 21 forwards over the surface to be cleaned. The air intake slot 270 is positioned towards the leading edge/portion of the housing 215 and so will come into contact with the surface to be cleaned before the work fluid sprayed out of the work fluid storage device 31. The suction through the air intake slot 270 will act to suck up the loose dust, dirt and debris, but contaminants which are more rigidly adhered to the surface to be cleaned may remain despite the presence of the suction path. Beneficially, the work fluid which is sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned will help to loosen these contaminants. A user can then sweep the vacuum intake head 21 backwards over the surface to be cleaned to suck up the wetted contaminants. Optionally, and as discussed in one or more arrangements later on, the vacuum intake head 21 will have one or more rotatable brushes 225 for agitating the wetted surface to be cleaned to help loosen the contaminants from the surface.

[0292] In some arrangements not expressly shown in the figures, the vacuum intake 21 head comprises two air intake slots 270. In such an arrangement, a first of the air intake slots 270 is positioned towards the leading edge/portion of the housing 215 and a second of the air intake slots 270 being positioned towards the rear end portion of the housing 215. The liquid outlet slot 275 is disposed between the air intake slots 270. In this arrangement, the second air intake slot 270 will suck up the contaminants loosened by the work fluid during the forward sweeping operation. Of course, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements of air intake slots 270 and liquid intake slots 275 are encompassed by this application. For example, there may be more than two air intake slots 270 and more than one liquid outlet slot 275.

[0293] The housing 215 further comprises an openable cover 215a for enabling an operator to access the components inside the vacuum intake head 21, such as for maintenance. An internal member 220 is positioned within the housing 215 and separates the air intake slot 270 from the liquid outlet slot 275. The internal member 220 is a bifurcated member 220 comprising a first wall section 221 and a second wall section 222, with the chamber 21a being defined above the upper surface of the first wall section 221 and the upper surface of the second wall section 222. The first wall section 221 is a generally planar wall extending from a lower front end portion of the vacuum intake head 21 to an upper rear end portion of the vacuum intake head 21. The first wall section 221 tapers from the lower front end portion of the vacuum intake head 21 to the upper rear end portion of the vacuum intake head 21. The first wall section 221 is generally arcuate. The second wall section 22 generally extends from the upper rear end portion of the vacuum intake head 21 to the lower rear end portion of the vacuum intake head 21.

[0294] At least one nozzle 74, e.g. three nozzles 74, of the spraying device 30 are provided in the housing 215 in fluid communication with the liquid outlet slot 275. The vacuum intake head 21 further comprises at least one rotatable brush 225 that is adaptable to rotate to agitate the surface to be cleaned, such as the surface to be cleaned where the work fluid has already been applied by the at least one nozzle 74. The agitation helps to contaminate the work fluid with any dust and dirt particles from the surface to be cleaned which can then be removed from the surface to be cleaned by the suction force generated by the central vacuum cleaner 1. In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, one rotatable brush 225 is provided. It will be appreciated that more than one rotatable brush 225, for example two or three rotatable brushes 225, can be provided as desired.

[0295] As shown in FIG. 9, the at least one rotatable brush 225 is disposed over the liquid outlet slot 275 such that a portion of the at least one rotatable brush 225 is able to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned through the liquid outlet slot 275. In other arrangements, the housing 215 comprises two or more liquid outlet slots 275, and the at least one nozzle 74 of the spraying device 31 is adaptable to spray work fluid through one of the liquid outlet slots 275 and the at least one rotatable brush 225 being disposed over another of the liquid outlet slots 275.

[0296] The at least one nozzle 74 is adaptable to spray work fluid onto and around the at least one rotatable brush 225. This can be, for example, to perform a bush cleaning operation. Alternatively, the at least one nozzle 74 can spray work fluid onto the surface to be cleaned via the at least one rotatable brush 225. In some arrangements, the at least one nozzle 74 is capable of spraying work fluid onto and around the surface to be cleaned and onto and around the at least one rotatable brush 225. The at least one nozzle 74 can spray work fluid simultaneously onto the surface to be cleaned and the at least one rotatable brush. Typically, the at least one nozzle 74 is adaptable to switch between spraying work fluid onto and around the surface to be cleaned and spraying work fluid onto and around the at least one rotatable brush 225. In this way, a user can switch between a surface/floor cleaning operation and a brush cleaning operation. This switching operation can be performed by a user operating a switch or button on the control panel 245 (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0297] The at least one rotatable brush 225 can be rotatably connected to the housing. Further, the at least one rotatable brush 225 can be detachable from the housing so that it can be removed from the housing and replaced. The rotatable brush 225 is powered by a motor (not shown), but will generally be located in the vacuum intake head 21. The vacuum intake head 21 can further comprise at least one non-rotatable brush. The at least one rotatable brush 225 and the at least one non-rotatable brush being one of a nylon, polypropylene, horse hair, micro fibre, Tampico or Palmyra brush. The specific brush material can be chosen as appropriate by one skilled in the art based on the desired application of the accessory 20. The at least one non-rotatable brush can be disposed over a liquid outlet slot 275 in a similar manner to the at least one rotatable brush 225. Further, the at least one non-rotatable brush can be detachable from the housing, such as for cleaning, and can be sprayed with work fluid by the at least one nozzle 74. In addition, the vacuum intake head 21 can comprise at least one member 240.

[0298] The elongate body 22 of the accessory 20 is releasably connected to the vacuum intake head 21. Therefore, the vacuum intake head 21 can be detached from the elongate body 22 such as for replacement or cleaning. In some arrangements, differently sized vacuum intake heads 21 will be provided for cleaning different areas. A large vacuum intake head 21 will be suitable for cleaning large open areas, while a smaller vacuum intake head 21 will be suitable for cleaning cracks, crevices, remote places or other places that are inaccessible with the larger vacuum intake head. A user can simply detach the current vacuum intake head 21 and attach the desired replacement vacuum intake head 21 when performing a cleaning operation. Furthermore, some of the vacuum intake heads 21 may be better adapted for cleaning certain surfaces, such as carpet, while others may be adapted for cleaning wooden or tiled flooring. A user can interchange the vacuum intake head 21 when carrying out the cleaning operation, without having to completely swap out the accessory 20.

[0299] Additionally or alternatively, the accessory 20 is moveably connected to the elongate body 22. In one such arrangement, the vacuum intake head 21 is moveably connected to the elongate body 22 such that the leading edge/portion of the vacuum intake head 21 lifts upwards from the surface to be cleaned during a forward sweeping movement. As the vacuum intake head 21 lifts up, a vertical clearance between the surface to be cleaned and the leading edge/portion of the vacuum intake head 21 is provided. This means that larger objects such as stones and crumbs are not pushed forwards by the leading edge/portion of the vacuum intake head 21, but rather the vacuum intake head 21 moves over the objects and can suck them up via the air intake slot 270. In this arrangement, the vacuum intake head 21 can also be moveably connected to the elongate body 22 such that the leading edge/portion of the vacuum intake head 21 lowers onto the surface to be cleaned during a backwards sweeping movement. The moveable connection can comprise a pivotal connection so that the vacuum intake head 21 can pivot up/down relative to the elongate body 22. Alternatively or additionally, the connection can comprise a rotational connection so that the vacuum intake head 21 can rotate around the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22. In such arrangements, the vacuum intake head 21 can rotate up to 180° or even up to 360° around the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22.

[0300] The elongate body 22 is generally an elongate shaft 22, and the fluid storage device 31 and waste fluid storage device 41 can be arranged within the elongate body 22 such that they are substantially in-line with one another and positioned along the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 22. This arrangement can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 where the work fluid storage device 31 is positioned vertically above the waste fluid storage device 41 within the elongate body 22. This arrangement enables the elongate body 22 to have a compact and streamlined appearance.

[0301] FIGS. 11 and 12 provide further detail of the handle 23 of the accessory 20. The handle 23 has an internal conduit 235 connectable to the elongate body 22 at one end and an inlet port 12 of the central vacuum cleaner 1 at the other. The handle 23 further comprises a hand gripping potion 240 to enable a user to hold and manipulate the accessory 20. A control panel 245 is provided on the handle 23 in operative proximity to the hand gripping portion 240 such that the user can conveniently control the accessory 20. A battery 250 is releasably connected to the handle 23. The battery 250 is for powering the control panel 245 of the handle 23 and the motor and pumping devices 70 of the accessory 20. In most expected arrangements, the battery 250 will be a rechargeable battery that can be removed from the handle 23 so that it can be charged. The accessory 20 can also be adaptable to be mounted on a corresponding shaped docking station (not shown) for charging the battery 250. The docking station can be mounted on a wall, for example.

[0302] According to some implementations of the present invention, the accessory 20 is provided without the spraying device 30. In this arrangement, the filtration device 40 enables the accessory 20 to be used to vacuum up damp surfaces, such as a floor surface where a liquid has been spilled, without damaging the central vacuum cleaner 1. Referring to FIG. 22 of the drawings, there is shown a control system indicated generally by the reference numeral 501 for an accessory 13 for use with a vacuum cleaner 10. The accessory 20 is adaptable to releasably connect to the vacuum cleaner, the accessory 20 having a vacuum intake head 21 (FIGS. 2, 3, 9 and 10) having a chamber 21a (FIGS. 4, 9 and 10) arranged such that when the accessory 20 is connected to the vacuum cleaner 10, the chamber 21a (FIGS. 4, 9 and 10) is in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner 10 and adaptable to receive air and liquid from and around the surface to be cleaned. The accessory 20 has a filtration device 40 (FIGS. 3-8) adaptable to separate the liquid from the air such that substantially no liquid returns to the vacuum cleaner 10. The accessory 20 further has a spraying device 30 (FIGS. 3, 8, 13 and 21) for spraying a work fluid onto a surface to be cleaned wherein the vacuum intake head 21 at least one rotatable brush 225 for agitating the surface to be cleaned. The spraying device 30 is adaptable to spray work fluid onto and around the rotatable brush 225 and the accessory 20 has a control system 501.

[0303] The features of the accessory 30 are now described and illustrated schematically in operable engagement with the control system 501 for understanding the operation of the control system 501. The control system 501 comprises a controller 502 which is operably coupled to the spraying device 530 and to rotatable brush 225 to perform a brush cleaning operation whereby the controller 502 engages the spraying device 530 to spray liquid on the brush 225 and the controller 502 simultaneously or sequentially engages the rotatable brush 225 to rotate the brush. The spraying device 530 is adaptable to spray work fluid onto and around the surface to be cleaned and spray work fluid onto and around the rotatable brush 225. The spraying device 530 is controllable via the controller 502 to switch between spraying work fluid onto and around the surface to be cleaned and spraying work fluid onto and around the rotatable brush 225 so that a user can switch between a surface/floor cleaning operation and a brush cleaning operation. The controller 502 has a switch arrangement 503 to enable a user to switch the spraying device between spraying work fluid onto and around the surface to be cleaned and spraying work fluid onto and around the rotatable brush 225. The controller 502 is operably coupled to the user interface 245 for operation by the user.

[0304] The spraying device 530 comprises a work fluid storage member 504; a pump 505; and at least one work fluid conduit 506 in fluid communication with the work fluid storage member 504. The pump 505 being adaptable to pump work fluid from the work fluid storage member 504 and through the work fluid conduit 505, the controller 502 being operably coupled to the pump 505. The control system 501 further comprising a motor 511 adaptable to rotate the rotatable brush 225, the controller 502 being operably coupled to the motor 511.

[0305] The control system 501 for the accessory further comprising a power source 512 for powering the accessory 30. The controller 502 is capable of delivery power from the power source 512 onto components of the accessory 30 as further described below. The controller 502 being operably coupled to the power source 512. The power source 512 is capable of powering the pump 505 of the spraying device 530 and the motor 511 for rotating the rotatable brush 225 under the control of the controller 502. The power source 512 being a battery 512 and most preferably a rechargeable battery 512. The accessory 30 is for use with a central vacuum cleaner 10 or a portable vacuum cleaner 10, and is adaptable to be releasably connected to the central vacuum cleaner or the portable vacuum cleaner during the brush cleaning operation.

[0306] The controller 502 is an electronic controller. The controller 502 for the accessory 30 has at least one control program 515 for cleaning the rotatable brush 225 of the accessory.

[0307] The control program 515 comprises a software control module for initiating the spraying device 530 of the accessory 30 for spraying water onto the rotatable brush 225 for a predetermined period of time. The control program 515 also having a software control module for initiating the rotation of the rotatable brush 225 for a predetermined period of time for effecting cleaning of the rotatable brush 225. The control program 515 comprises a software control module for delivery of power to the spraying device 530 of the accessory 30 for spraying water onto the rotatable brush 225 for a predetermined period of time. The control program 515 also having a software control module for delivery of power to the rotatable brush 225 for a predetermined period of time for effecting cleaning of the rotatable brush 225. The control program 215 has a software control module for delivery of power to the pump 505 of the spraying device 530 of the accessory 30 for spraying water onto the rotatable brush 225 for a predetermined period of time. The control program 515 also having a software control module for delivery of power to the motor 511 of the rotatable brush 225 for a predetermined period of time for effecting cleaning of the rotatable brush. The electronic controller has memory 516 for storing the control program 515. Alternatively, the electronic controller has an application specific integrated circuit for providing the control program.

[0308] In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

[0309] The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0310] In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.