CN108366706B

CN108366706B - Liquid filtering vacuum cleaner

Info

Publication number: CN108366706B
Application number: CN201680066338.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: L·D·约克; R·G·斯潘塞
Original assignee: Intelliclean Solutions LLC
Current assignee: Intelliclean Solutions LLC
Priority date: 2016-04-19
Filing date: 2016-04-19
Publication date: 2021-03-23
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-19
Also published as: CN108366706A; WO2017184126A1

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an upright liquid filtering vacuum cleaner comprises: a vacuum tip and a housing movably coupled to the vacuum tip. The vacuum cleaner also includes a liquid tank including walls defining an interior volume and a tank air intake passage located in the interior volume. The interior volume is configured to contain a liquid. The tank inlet passage is configured to direct debris received from the inlet air passage into the liquid tank such that liquid in the interior volume of the liquid tank filters the debris into the liquid, thereby exhausting clean air. The vacuum cleaner also includes a separator configured to generate an airflow. The vacuum cleaner is configured to seal the air intake passage when the vacuum cleaner is deactivated and is further configured to open the air intake passage when the vacuum cleaner is activated.

Description

Liquid filtering vacuum cleaner

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of vacuum cleaners, and more particularly to liquid filtration vacuum cleaners.

Background

There are various types of vacuum cleaners today. One type of vacuum cleaner is a cylinder cleaner. Cylinder vacuum cleaners generally have a relatively stationary cylinder connected to a movable wand by a flexible connecting hose. Another type of vacuum cleaner is an upright vacuum cleaner. Upright vacuum cleaners are typically integrated units having an inlet, a filter, a bag and/or a canister and a handle connected together vertically in a single portable unit. Upright cleaners can provide greater versatility and convenience than cylinder vacuum cleaners, as they are an integrated unit that can be moved and manoeuvred by a single handle.

Conventional vacuum cleaners typically utilize a mechanical filter to filter dirt and debris from the directed airflow before returning the filtered air to the ambient environment. Some vacuum cleaners use bags to collect dirt and debris, while others use a bin collection system. Vacuum cleaners that use bags, bins and/or other mechanical filters lose efficiency with each use because the dirt and dust captured by these components can clog the ports through which air flows. As a result, the mechanical filter must be replaced periodically and still carry microorganisms, bacteria and dust back into the surrounding environment when in use. Persons suffering from respiratory disorders such as asthma or allergy are particularly susceptible. Over time, purchasing mechanical filters and vacuum bags increases the use and operating costs of any vacuum cleaner. The vacuum bag creates microbes and bacteria as well as odors and loses efficiency. Accordingly, the conventional vacuum cleaner may have drawbacks.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one embodiment, an upright liquid filtering vacuum cleaner comprises: a vacuum tip and a housing movably coupled to the vacuum tip. The moveable coupling is configured to tilt the housing rearwardly relative to the vacuum cleaner head. The vacuum cleaner further comprises a liquid tank removably insertable into the housing. The liquid tank includes a wall defining an interior volume and a tank inlet passage located in the interior volume. The interior volume is configured to contain a liquid. The tank inlet passage is in fluid communication with an inlet passageway extending from the tank inlet passage to an opening in the vacuum cleaner head. The tank inlet passage is also configured to direct debris received from the inlet air passage into the liquid tank so that liquid in the liquid tank can filter the debris into the liquid, thereby exhausting clean air. The vacuum cleaner also includes a motor coupled to the housing and a separator coupled to the housing and the motor. The separator is in fluid communication with the interior volume of the liquid tank. The separator is configured to generate an air flow and is further configured to prevent liquid from being discharged from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the separator. The vacuum cleaner is configured to seal the air intake passage when the vacuum cleaner is deactivated so as to prevent liquid from leaking from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the air intake passage. The vacuum cleaner is further configured to open the air intake passage when the vacuum cleaner is activated so as to cause debris to be received from the air intake passage in the interior volume of the liquid tank. The vacuum cleaner is configured to operate as a wet vacuum cleaner, wherein the debris comprises liquid to be extracted. The vacuum cleaner is also configured to operate as a dry vacuum cleaner, wherein the debris comprises non-liquid matter.

In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner does not include a dry mechanical filter.

In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner includes a dry mechanical filter.

In some embodiments, the tank inlet passage is further configured to direct debris received from the inlet passage below the level of the liquid.

In some embodiments, the tank inlet passage is further configured to direct debris received from the inlet passage above a level of the liquid.

In another embodiment, an upright liquid filtration vacuum cleaner comprises: a vacuum tip and a housing movably coupled to the vacuum tip. The movable coupling is configured to tilt the housing rearwardly relative to the vacuum cleaner head. The vacuum cleaner further comprises a liquid tank removably insertable into the housing. The liquid tank includes a wall defining an interior volume and a tank inlet passage located in the interior volume. The interior volume is configured to contain a liquid. The tank inlet passage is in fluid communication with an inlet passageway extending from the tank inlet passage to an opening in the vacuum cleaner head. The tank inlet passage is also configured to direct debris received from the inlet passage below the level of the liquid. The vacuum cleaner further includes a sealing flap located at a position in the intake passage. The sealing flap has a first position configured to seal the air intake passage to prevent liquid from leaking from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the air intake passage. The sealing flap also has a second position configured to open a seal to the air intake passage to cause debris to be received from the air intake passage in the interior volume of the liquid tank such that liquid in the liquid tank can filter the debris into the liquid, thereby expelling clean air. The vacuum cleaner also includes a motor coupled to the housing and a separator coupled to the housing and the motor. The separator is in fluid communication with the interior volume of the liquid tank. The separator is configured to generate an air flow and is further configured to prevent liquid from being discharged from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the separator. The vacuum cleaner is configured to move the sealing flap from the first position to the second position when the vacuum cleaner is activated. The vacuum cleaner is further configured to move the sealing flap from the second position to the first position when the vacuum cleaner is deactivated. The vacuum cleaner is configured to operate as a wet vacuum cleaner, wherein the debris comprises liquid to be extracted, and is further configured to operate as a dry vacuum cleaner, wherein the debris comprises non-liquid matter.

In some embodiments, the walls of the water tank include antimicrobial particles. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial particles comprise micro-silver particles. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial particles comprise nanosilver particles.

In some embodiments, the liquid tank further comprises: a second tank inlet passage located in the interior volume. The second tank inlet passage is in fluid communication with a second inlet passageway that extends from the second tank inlet passage to an opening in the vacuum cleaner head. The second tank inlet passage is also configured to direct debris received from the second inlet passage below the level of the liquid. The vacuum cleaner further includes a second sealing barrier located at a position in the second air intake passage. The second sealing flap has a first position configured to seal the second intake passage to prevent liquid from leaking from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the second intake passage. The second sealing flap also has a second position configured to open a seal to the second intake passage such that debris is received from the second intake passage in the interior volume of the liquid tank. The vacuum cleaner is further configured to move the second sealing barrier from the first position to the second position when the vacuum cleaner is activated, and further configured to move the second sealing barrier from the second position to the first position when the vacuum cleaner is deactivated.

In some embodiments, both the intake passage and the second intake passage are located in the housing at a position rearward of the water tank.

In some embodiments, the intake passage and the second intake passage are located at positions opposite to each other in the housing.

In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner further comprises an automatic baffle pusher configured to move the sealing baffle from a first position configured to seal the first air intake passage so as to prevent liquid from leaking from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the air intake passage to a second position configured to open the seal to the air intake passage so as to cause debris to be received from the air intake passage in the interior volume of the liquid tank. In some embodiments, the automatic flapper pusher includes a solenoid. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner further comprises one or more movement blockers coupled to the sealing barrier and configured to block movement of the sealing barrier from the first position to the second position. The strength of the one or more movement inhibitors is configured to be overcome by automatic baffle propulsion, airflow, or both.

In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner further comprises one or more movement blockers coupled to the sealing barrier and configured to block movement of the sealing barrier from the first position to the second position. The strength of the one or more movement inhibitors is configured to be overcome by the airflow.

In some embodiments, the one or more movement inhibitors comprise one or more springs.

In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner head comprises a second motor coupled to the rotatable brush body.

In some embodiments, the moveable coupling is further configured to tilt the housing rearwardly relative to the vacuum head from a substantially upright position to a substantially horizontal position.

In another embodiment, the water filtration vacuum cleaner includes a micro (or nano) silver diffuser having antibacterial and antifungal properties. Water filtration vacuum cleaner devices draw air, force it into the water and mix it with microbial nanoparticles (e.g., micro-silver), returning clean, fresh water-washed, substantially purified air to the home environment.

In another embodiment, the water filtration vacuum cleaner comprises, among other things, an upright vacuum cleaner having a water tank and an air inlet duct for directing intake air from a vacuum cleaner inlet to a tank air intake passage in the water tank. The tank inlet passage extends below the water level so that incoming air is discharged from the tank inlet passage directly into the water.

In some embodiments, the water tank includes a reversible seal for sealing the air inlet conduit when the vacuum cleaner is not in operation to prevent water from leaking through the air inlet conduit. When the vacuum cleaner is in operation, the reversible seal is open and there is an airflow through the intake duct.

In some embodiments, micro-or nano-silver particles are molded into the inner wall of the water tank to contact the air in the water tank.

In another embodiment, the upright water filtration vacuum cleaner contains antimicrobial particles having antibacterial and antifungal properties. Water filtration vacuum cleaner devices draw air, force it into the water and mix it with, for example, micro-or nano-silver particles, returning clean, fresh air to the home environment.

In another embodiment, a water filtration vacuum cleaner is provided having micro-or nano-silver impregnation properties.

In another embodiment, a water filtration vacuum cleaner is provided wherein the exhausted air is free of bacteria.

In another embodiment, a water filtration vacuum cleaner is provided in which all dirt is drawn into the water and captured and mixed with micro-or nano-silver particles having antibacterial and antifungal properties.

In another embodiment, an upright vacuum cleaner is provided having a liquid-tight liquid filter included in the upright assembly.

Drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and features and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary vacuum cleaner;

figure 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of figure 1;

figure 3 is a rear elevational view of the vacuum cleaner of figure 1;

figure 4 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner of figure 1;

FIG. 5 is an additional front elevational view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a detailed side view of an exemplary tank air inlet of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary sealing baffle and movement inhibitor (resistor) within the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a front view of an exemplary sealing barrier and movement inhibitor of the vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the seal dam and travel stop of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view of an exemplary water tank separated from the housing of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a view of an exemplary motor of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the motor of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a detailed view of an exemplary separator of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of an exemplary power supply of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1; and

figure 15 is a side view of an exemplary vacuum cleaner that can operate as a wet vacuum cleaner.

Detailed Description

Examples of the disclosure may best be understood by referring to fig. 1-15 of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, an exemplary upright vacuum cleaner 10 having a housing 12 is shown. A tank or filtered liquid tank 14 is removably contained within the housing 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the water tank 14 is easily detachable from the housing 12 so that the liquid therein can be conveniently removed and replaced. The water tank 14 may have any shape and/or size. For example, the tank 14 may be 8-14 inches high and 6-8 inches wide, for example. In some examples, the water tank 14 may be a 1.5-2 quart water tank. A motor 20 (fig. 4) is located within (or otherwise supported by) the housing 12.

The tank 14 may contain a liquid (such as water) that contacts the airflow flowing into the vacuum cleaner 10 and removes debris. For example, the vacuum cleaner may direct incoming air and debris into contact with liquid, which is typically water that absorbs the debris. The air flowing through the tank 14 also circulates or agitates the liquid, which increases the absorption efficiency. In some examples, the use of liquid as a filter (as opposed to a dry mechanical filter) may have significant advantages in that the vacuum cleaner 10 uses readily available water, thereby eliminating the need for a replaceable filter. Additionally, the liquid within the tank 14 may provide a room humidifying effect, as some water may evaporate in the air discharged from the vacuum cleaner 10 during use.

Further shown is a vacuum cleaner handle 32 (which may telescope up and down) and a compartment 30 for storing accessories typically used with a vacuum cleaner, such as accessory brushes, suction nozzles, extensions, etc. The vacuum cleaner head 22 incorporates a brushing unit (not shown in figure 1) typically housed in a vacuum cleaner for brushing debris-free carpets, and may also include a rubber blade (for example, for cleaning hardwood floors). The suction and air flow motor 28 is supported in the vacuum cleaner head in a standard manner. The suction and airflow motor 28 may rotate the brush unit (making the vacuum cleaner head 22 a powered nozzle). Wheels 48 are located at the four corners of the vacuum cleaner head 22 to provide smooth rolling support for the vacuum cleaner 10. In other embodiments, other wheels and support devices may be used.

In operation, the switch 34 initiates the motor 20 of the vacuum cleaner 10, generating an airflow and suction (vacuum) sufficient to draw in air (indicated by arrows) with entrained debris. The debris may be any non-liquid substance, such as dust, dirt, particles, microorganisms and/or contaminants, or, as shown in fig. 15, a liquid substance, such as any liquid whether spilled or purposely spilled on the surface to be cleaned. Air with entrained debris can be drawn through the vacuum head 22 and inlet port 16 and into contact with the liquid filter tank 14. The motor 20 contained within the housing 12 operates the separator 24, rotates the separator 24 to accelerate to, for example, 16000rpm, and forces the debris to mix with the water in the water tank 14. By mixing the debris with the water, the debris is absorbed into the water and prevented from draining from the tank 14. Additionally, the separator 24 may draw and separate clean exhaust air from the heavier water and particulates. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid filter tank 14 may utilize one or more known liquid formulations having filtration properties but containing water.

Housing 12 may be movably coupled to vacuum tip 22. For example, the housing 12 may be tilted (or otherwise moved) relative to the vacuum tip 22. As shown in fig. 4, the housing 12 can be tilted rearwardly at an angle of inclination 21 from an upright position relative to the vacuum tip 22. The angle of inclination 21 may be any angle. As an example, the tilt angle 21 may tilt the housing 12 rearwardly from an upright position (e.g., 90 °) or a generally upright position (e.g., 90 ° +/-10 °) to a horizontal position (e.g., 0 °) or a generally upright position (e.g., 0 ° +10 °). As another example, the tilt angle 21 may be such that the housing 12 is tilted backward from 90 ° to 20 °, approximately 90 ° to approximately 20 °, 90 ° to 30 °, approximately 90 ° to approximately 30 °, 90 ° to 45 °, approximately 90 ° to approximately 45 °, or any other angle. The housing 12 may be tilted relative to the vacuum tip 22. Thus, even when the housing 12 is tilted, the vacuum cleaner head 22 can be maintained in the same upright position (as shown in FIG. 4).

Tilting of the housing 12 may be accomplished by pressing a button or lever located on the housing 12 or the vacuum head 22, or the housing 12 may be freely tilted with respect to the vacuum head 22. The button or lever may release the housing 12 to allow the housing 12 to tilt. When the housing 12 is tilted, all of the components of the housing 12, including the water tank 14, may be tilted at the same (or substantially the same) angle as the housing 12.

The tank 14 may be a liquid reservoir or sink made of plastic or other material and molded using known techniques. Although any suitable microbial agent may be used (as described below), in exemplary embodiments, liquid or dry micro-silver (or nano-silver) may be used as the antimicrobial component. Micro-silver or nano-silver can be added to the plastic mold during processing. Any number of micro-or nano-silver may be poured into the plastic mold. For example, the micro-silver (or any other antimicrobial particles) may comprise 1% to 6% of the plastic mold. In some examples, the micro-silver may comprise 5% of the plastic mold. In some examples, the micro-silver percentage may bring the tank 14 to about 100% efficiency to destroy contaminants (and/or other debris) in the tank 14. Fig. 6 shows antimicrobial particles 407 (such as micro silver particles, nano silver particles or any other antimicrobial particles) in the wall of the water tank 14 during operation of the vacuum cleaner 10. As shown in fig. 6, antimicrobial particles 407 are embedded in the inner wall of the tank, and the circulation of water (shown by arrows) including contaminants (and/or other debris) brings the contaminants (and/or other debris) into contact with the antimicrobial particles 407 to destroy them.

As with most vacuum cleaning devices, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 may have a hose 50 for cleaning with an accessory (not shown) in areas not accessible to the power tool 22. The hose 50 may be of any size, for example 5-14 feet. In some examples, the hose 50 may be 12 feet long. The hose 50 may be connected to, for example, an air inlet 400 (discussed below) for suction and airflow. There is further shown a power cord 52 which is wound around the pole piece in the usual manner for supplying power to the vacuum cleaner 10. The power cord 52 may have any size, for example 15-30 feet. In some examples, the power cord may be 25 feet long.

Figures 4 and 5 are side and front views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a water filtration vacuum cleaner 10. As shown in FIG. 4, water tank 14 is inserted into housing 12 between vacuum cleaner head 22 and motor 20. Handle 450 assists the user in inserting and removing water tank 14 from housing 12. When the water tank 14 is inserted into the housing 12, the latch 451 secures the water tank 14 therein.

The motor 20 is located in the housing 12 above the water tank 14, and a separator 24 is attached to the bottom of the motor 20. The separator 24 may be any device that, when in operation, may generate an airflow and may further prevent liquid in the tank 14 from draining out of the tank 14 through the separator 24. In some examples, the separator 24 may separate air from liquid. For example, the separator 24 may draw and separate clean exhaust air from the heavier water and particulates. This may allow the separator to prevent liquid in the tank 14 from draining out of the tank 14 through the separator 24. The separator 24 may also force dirt and debris to mix with the liquid in the tank 14.

When the tank 14 is properly positioned within the housing 12, the separator 24 protrudes through an opening 502 (FIG. 10) on the top of the tank 14. During operation of the vacuum cleaner 10, the separator 24 is rotated by the motor at a high speed, such as, but not limited to, about 16000rpm, to create an airflow through the vacuum cleaner 10. The motor 20 and separator 24 can generate an airflow velocity (or intake velocity) of 90-130 miles per hour in each intake 400 of the vacuum cleaner 10. In some examples, the motor 20 and the separator 24 may produce an airflow rate (or intake air speed) of 110mph (or about 110mph, such as 110mph +/-10 mph). Air (shown by arrows) is drawn from outside the housing 12 into the air intake 400 on either side of the housing 12, through the water tank 14, into the separator 24 and out the exhaust port 18. The exhaust port 18 may have any size and/or shape. Further, the discharge port 18 may be located at any location on the housing 12 to allow air to be discharged from the vacuum cleaner 10. For example, the discharge port 18 may be located on a front side of the housing 12, one or more sides of the housing 12, a rear side of the housing 12, or any combination of the foregoing. In some examples, the discharge port 18 may surround all or a portion of the housing 12.

The air inlet 400 forms an air flow path from the vacuum cleaner head 22 to an inlet port 401 on the water tank 14. The inlet port 401 forms an airflow path to the interior of the tank 14. Inlet 401 and air inlet 400 may together form an air inlet passage extending from water tank air inlet passage 402 to an opening in vacuum tip 22, such as the opening formed by inlet port 16 in vacuum tip 22.

The inlet port 401 is above the water level 403 within the tank 14 to prevent water from entering the inlet port 401 and the intake pipe 400 during operation. Air discharged from the air intake 400 passes through the inlet port 401 and into the tank intake passage 402, which directs the air into the water below the water level 403. The tank inlet passage 402 may extend any distance below the water level 403. For example, the tank inlet channel 402 may extend 0.1-8 inches below the water level 403. In some examples, the tank inlet passage 402 may extend at least 3 inches (or about 3 inches, such as 3 inches +/-0.5 inches) below the water level 403. This may increase the saturation of the air introduced into the water.

In the front view of fig. 5, the air inlets 400 are drawn in phantom to indicate that they are located behind the water tank 14. Similarly, the tank inlet passage 402 is shown as transparent to depict the inlet port 401. The vacuum cleaner 10 may include any number of air inlets 400 (as well as inlet ports 401 and a tank air intake passage 402). For example, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include one intake port 400 (and inlet port 401 and tank intake passage 402), two intake ports 400 (and inlet port 401 and tank intake passage 402) (as shown in fig. 5), three intake ports 400 (and inlet port 401 and tank intake passage 402), four intake ports 400 (and inlet port 401 and tank intake passage 402), or any other number of intake ports 400 (and inlet port 401 and tank intake passage 402). Additionally, the air inlet 400 and inlet port 401 may be located anywhere relative to the water tank 14. For example, the air intake 400 and the inlet port 401 may be located behind the water tank 14, on opposite sides of the water tank 14, on the same side of the water tank 14, in front of the water tank 14, in any other location relative to the water tank 14, or any combination of the foregoing.

The flow path of the air is described in further detail in fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of air traveling up the air intake 400, the inlet port 401, past the sealing baffle 404 (described below), and down through the tank intake passage 402 into the water below the water level 403 where debris can be immediately captured and absorbed by the water. Figure 6 shows a random airflow path swirling water. In operation, forcing the airflow containing debris below the surface of the water level 403 ensures that the debris will mix with and be captured or absorbed in the water before the airflow is discharged from the vacuum cleaner, thereby filtering the debris in the airflow.

The vacuum cleaner 10 may include antimicrobial particles for contacting and destroying contaminants (and/or other debris) to provide fresh, clean, safe exhaust air to the environment. These antimicrobial particles may be located in the fluid bath, in the air stream and/or embedded in the air stream path/component. As one example, the water tank 14 may include (or otherwise be formed with) an embedded antimicrobial agent.

The antimicrobial particles may be nanoparticles, such as nano-metal ions, oxides, and salts, placed in a fluid bath, air stream, and/or embedded in an air stream path/component. The antimicrobial particles may also be microparticles, such as micro metal ions, oxides and salts. The microparticles may be particles having a size of 0.1 to 100 μm, 0.3 to 300 μm, 0.7 to 700 μm, or any combination of the foregoing. In a particular example, the microparticles may have a size of 200 μm (or about 200 μm, such as 200 μm +/-100 μm).

When embedded in the water tank 14, micro-metallic particles (such as micro-silver particles) may not dissolve into the water. This may allow the antimicrobial properties of the water tank 14 to last longer. Additionally, this may further prevent antimicrobial particles from entering the environment (e.g., when dirty water is emptied from the vacuum cleaner 10), which may provide various environmental benefits.

When an exemplary antimicrobial agent (such as a micro-metal) encounters a contaminant, the micro-metal oxidizes and releases an instance of contact with the contaminant, destroying it. The antimicrobial material can further purify the airflow in the sump type cleaner and provide a cleaner, healthier and better smelling humidification of the exhaust than the dry mechanical filter.

As shown in fig. 6, antimicrobial particles 407 (such as, for example, micro-silver particles, nano-silver particles, any other micro-metallic particles, any other nano-metallic particles, any other antimicrobial particles, or any combination of the foregoing) are embedded in the walls defining the interior volume of the water tank 14. Additionally, the antimicrobial particles 407 may be embedded in any other location of the water tank 14. In an exemplary embodiment, contaminants (and/or other debris) in the water/air in contact with the antimicrobial particles 407 may be destroyed due to oxidation of the antimicrobial particles 407. The arrows show an arbitrary circulation path, and the air entering the tank 14 may need to re-enter the water once, including contact with the antimicrobial nanoparticles 407. The separator 24 creates an airflow for drawing air in through the air intake 400, into the water tank 14 through the inlet port 401, creating a mixing action of the water in the water tank 14, and drawing and separating clean exhaust air from the heavier water and particles.

In some examples, the exemplary embodiments may achieve more efficient operation than existing vacuum cleaner systems, in part because of the drainage of suction water below the water level 403 in the water tank 14. First, debris is immediately captured and absorbed by the water before it may appear in the headspace above the water level 403. This allows the separator 24 to draw out clean air from the water and expel it without a separate dry mechanical filter which could easily clog.

Additionally, in some instances, the efficiency of the liquid filter and the vacuum cleaner 10 may generally be improved. Since there is no clogging or malfunction of the dry filter, an ever increasing efficiency of the liquid filter can be achieved. Because there is no clogging or failure of the dry filter, the vacuum cleaner 10 can have a constant and consistent airflow at all locations throughout the vacuum from the initial intake to the exhaust. As a result, in some examples, the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner may be increased, thereby achieving a higher average air intake velocity and a greater amount of airflow through the unit. Also, in some examples, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include more than one air inlet 400, inlet port 401, and tank air intake passage 402 (such as two or more air inlets 400, inlet ports 401, and tank air intake passages 402), which may allow more air (as well as dirt and debris) to enter the vacuum cleaner 10 and further increase the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner 10.

Another benefit of the present exemplary embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 10 is that it may prevent spills and leaks. For example, the vacuum cleaner 10 may be capable of sealing the air inlet 400, the inlet port 401 and/or the tank air intake passage 402 when the vacuum cleaner is deactivated (such as when the separator 24 is not generating an air flow). This may prevent liquid in the tank 14 from leaking out of the tank 14 through the intake port 400, the inlet port 401, and/or the tank intake passage 402. Additionally, the vacuum cleaner 10 may also be capable of opening the air inlet 400, the inlet port 401, and/or the tank inlet passage 402 when the vacuum cleaner is activated (such as when the separator 24 is generating an air flow).

In one example, the vacuum cleaner 10 may be capable of sealing and unsealing the air intake 400, the inlet port 401 and/or the tank intake passage 402 using the sealing flap 404 shown in fig. 4-7. Referring now to fig. 4-7, the water tank 14 includes a sealing flap 404 for closing the inlet port 401 in the air intake passage to prevent leakage when the vacuum cleaner 10 is not in operation. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is in operation (or activated), air flowing from the air intake 400 to the tank air intake passage 402 (and/or the automatic baffle propulsor 500 discussed below) forces the sealing baffle 404 open, allowing air to pass through and down into the liquid in the tank 14 via the tank air intake passage 402. Fig. 7 shows the configuration of the sealing flap 404 in an open 404a and closed 404b (dashed lines). When the vacuum cleaner 10 is not in operation (or deactivated), e.g., no airflow is passing through the intake vent 400, the sealing flap 404 is urged into the closed configuration 404b by a flap movement inhibitor 405 (such as one or more springs) shown in fig. 8 and 9 (and/or the automatic flap pusher 500 shown in fig. 10). When the vacuum cleaner 10 is in operation and there is an airflow through the intake duct 400 and the inlet port 401, the force of the airflow (and/or the force of the flap movement inhibitor 500) may overcome the strength (or force) of the flap movement inhibitor 405 and urge the sealing flap 404 to the open position 404a, as shown in fig. 4 and 6.

When the vacuum cleaner 10 is not in operation, liquid leakage from the intake vent 400 is prevented by closing (and maintaining closed) the sealing flap 404, thereby preventing spillage and leakage of liquid. The closed sealing flap 404 prevents such leakage even when the vacuum cleaner 10 is tilted or tilted. For example, the closed sealing flap 404 prevents such leakage even when the housing 12 (and water tank 14) is tilted at an oblique angle 21 relative to the vacuum cleaner head 22. This may allow the housing 12 (and tank 14) to be tilted to, for example, a horizontal position, while still preventing spillage and leakage of liquid. In some examples, this capability may enable the liquid filter to be used with an upright vacuum cleaner.

The closed sealing flap 404 prevents leakage even when the vacuum cleaner 10 is moving. For example, the closed sealing flap 404 may prevent such leakage even when the vacuum cleaner 10 is moving in any direction, at any speed, and/or on any surface type, or even when the vacuum cleaner 10 is being lifted and carried around. Although such movement may cause the liquid in the tank 14 to slosh from side to side (and even slosh) within the tank 14, the closed sealing flap 404 may prevent liquid from leaking from the tank 14 through the air intake 400.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 7-9, sealing flap 404 is made of rubber and is generally U-shaped with two flap movement inhibitors 405 (such as springs) attached to the top of the "U". Flapper movement inhibitor 405 is also attached to the wall of tank 14 near inlet port 401.

The flapper movement inhibitor 405 may be any device and/or structure that may inhibit movement of the sealing flapper 404 from the closed position (404b) to the open position (404 a). By doing so, the flapper-movement inhibitor 405 may push the sealing flapper 404 toward the inlet port 401 (e.g., it may push the sealing flapper 405 to a closed position). Examples of the stop movement inhibitor 405 include a spring, an elastic material, a weight, a magnetic attachment, a mechanical device, any other device and/or structure that can inhibit movement (and/or can cause movement in the opposite direction), or a combination of the foregoing. As shown, the shutter movement inhibitor 405 comprises a spring.

In the absence of a counter force, the flapper-motion blocker 405 may cause the sealing flapper 404 to seal the inlet port 401 and/or the inlet duct 400, as shown in the closed configuration 404b of fig. 5. Thus, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is not in operation, the sealing flap 404 will prevent water from leaking from the tank 14 through the inlet port 401 and/or the air intake 400 even if the vacuum cleaner 10 is skewed or tilted.

The flapper movement inhibitor 405 may have any strength (or force) for inhibiting movement and/or for urging the sealing flapper 404 toward the inlet port 401. For example, the flapper movement inhibitor 405 may have a strength of 1-2 pounds of pressure. As an example thereof, the barrier travel stop 405 may be a 1-2 pound pressure spring. As another example, the barrier travel stops 405 may have a strength of 0.5 to 3 pounds of pressure. As an example, the stop plate movement inhibitor 405 may be a 0.5 to 3 pound pressure spring.

Although the sealing flap 404 has been shown in fig. 7 as sealing the inlet/outlet location of the inlet port 401, the sealing flap 404 may seal any other portion of the inlet port 401 or any other component of the vacuum cleaner 10 to prevent water from leaking from the air intake 400. For example, a sealing flap 404 may be located at the end of the tank inlet passage 402 (or any other location in the tank inlet passage 402) to seal the tank inlet passage 402. As another example, a sealing flap 404 may be located within the inlet port 401 to seal the inlet port 401. As yet another example, a sealing flap 404 may be located at the intersection between the inlet port 401 and the intake vent 400 (or any other location within the intake vent 400) in order to seal the intake vent 400.

Additionally, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include any number of sealing baffles 404 to prevent water leakage from the air intake 400. For example, two or more sealing baffles 404 may be disposed in series with one another along the tank inlet passage 402, the inlet port 401, and/or the inlet 400. In such an example, if liquid leaks past a first sealing flap 404 (such as, for example, the sealing flap 404 sealing the inlet port 401), the liquid may be prevented from leaking from the intake 400 by a second sealing flap 404 (such as, for example, the sealing flap 404 sealing the intake 400).

In addition, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include one or more sealing baffles 404 for each pass in liquid into the tank 14. For example, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include one or more sealing baffles 404 for a first passage in liquid entering the tank 14 (where the passage includes the air inlet 400, the inlet port 401, and the tank air intake passage 402 in fluid communication with one another), and may also include one or more sealing baffles 404 for each additional passage in liquid entering the tank 14 (where each additional passage also includes the air inlet 400, the inlet port 401, and the tank air intake passage 402 in fluid communication with one another).

In the exemplary embodiment, sealing baffle 404 includes a rubber gasket (not shown) that is configured to seal air inlet 400, inlet port 401, and/or tank air inlet passage 402. Although the sealing flap 404 has been described above as having a particular configuration, in other embodiments, the sealing flap 404 may have any configuration (such as any size and/or shape) and may be made of any known material suitable for use consistent with the present disclosure, such as, but not limited to, plastic, laminate, or foam.

Baffle travel stop 405 may be coupled to seal baffle 404 and other components by any suitable means, such as adhesives, welding, molding, etc. In some embodiments, to couple flapper movement inhibitor 405 to sealing flapper 404, flapper movement inhibitor 405 may be integrally formed onto sealing flapper 404, such as sealing flapper 404 made of a resilient or elastic material. In the same or other embodiments, the sealing flap 404 and/or the flap movement inhibitor 405 may be integrally formed, for example, to the tank 14, the inlet port 401, and/or the air intake 400, for example, as a hinged mechanism formed on one of the components.

Fig. 10 illustrates another example of a sealing flap 404 assembly. As shown in fig. 10, an automatic shutter pusher 500 is disposed in the housing 12 and is electrically connected to a receptacle 501 on the housing. When the water tank 14 is inserted into the housing 12, the socket 501 is connected, thereby providing a path for supplying power to the automatic flapper pusher 500. When switch 34 is closed (motor 20 is activated and separator 24 is caused to generate an airflow), power is supplied to automatic damper propeller 500. This will cause the automatic flapper pusher 500 to move the sealing flapper 404 from the closed position 404b to the open position 404 a. Additionally, when the switch 34 is open (or the vacuum cleaner 10 loses power, such as if a power plug is unplugged from an electrical outlet), the automatic baffle pusher 500 will move the sealing baffle 404 from the open position 404a to the closed position 404 b. The automatic flapper pusher 500 will hold the sealing flapper 404 in the closed position 404b until the switch 34 is closed again (or the motor 20 and separator 24 are otherwise activated). This prevents liquid from leaking from the air intake 400 even if the vacuum cleaner 10 is tilted or inclined.

The automated barrier pusher 500 may be any device and/or structure that can move the sealing barrier 404. For example, the automated blind pusher 500 may be a solenoid, a solenoid valve, a motorized rod, any other mechanical device for causing movement, any other electrical/mechanical device for causing movement, any other device and/or structure for causing automated movement, or any combination of the preceding. The vacuum cleaner 10 may include any number of automatic baffle pushers 500. For example, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include one automatic baffle pusher 500 for each sealing baffle 404. As another example, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include one automatic baffle pusher 500 for all sealing baffles 404, or one automatic baffle pusher for a group of sealing baffles 404.

In some examples, the automatic flapper pusher 500 may be the only component that opens and closes the sealing flapper 404. In such an example, the sealing flap 404 may not include a flap movement inhibitor 405 for inhibiting movement of the sealing flap 404 (and/or for urging the sealing flap 404 closed). Additionally, in such an example, the sealing flap 404 may not be opened by the airflow (or intake air velocity) generated by the motor 20 and the separator 24.

In other examples, seal dam 404 may be opened and closed by automatic dam pusher 500, but seal dam 404 may also be opened by airflow, and seal dam 404 may include dam movement inhibitor 405 for inhibiting movement of seal dam 404 (and/or for causing seal dam 404 to close). In such an example, the automatic flap pusher 500 may be the primary component for opening and closing the sealing flap 404, and the airflow and flap movement blocker 405 may be on standby. If the automatic baffle pusher 500 stops operating, the sealing baffle 404 can still be opened and closed using the airflow and baffle movement blocker 405. Further, even when the automatic shutter pusher 500 operates, the shutter movement inhibitor 405 can help close the sealing shutter 404. Alternatively, the automatic flap pusher 500 may serve as a backup mechanism for opening and closing the sealing flap 404, and the airflow and flap movement inhibitor 405 may be the primary mechanism. If the airflow fails to open seal flap 404 (and/or flap movement inhibitor 405 fails to close seal flap 404), then automatic flap pusher 500 may open and/or close seal flap 404.

In yet another example, the sealing flap 500 may be opened by the automatic flap pusher 500 but not closed by the automatic flap pusher 500 (or vice versa). In such an example, the sealing flap 404 may be closed by the flap-movement inhibitor 405 (or the sealing flap 404 may be opened by the airflow).

In yet another example, the vacuum cleaner 10 may not include an automatic baffle pusher 500 for opening and closing the sealing baffle 404. In such an example, the sealing flap 404 may be completely opened by the airflow and the sealing flap 404 may be completely closed by the flap movement inhibitor 405. In such an example, the flapper movement inhibitor 405 may be less than 1-2 pounds strong.

As previously mentioned, FIG. 10 also depicts an opening 502 in the top of the water tank 14. The opening 502 may be used to empty and fill the water tank 14, but is also configured to receive the separator 24 when the water tank 14 is inserted into the housing 12. As will be explained with reference to fig. 9-11, in one exemplary embodiment, the tank opening 502 includes a raised flange 503 for sealing the motor pad 25. In other embodiments, the opening 502 may be sealed in any other manner suitable for creating a water-tight seal, such as a frictional engagement, a groove, an O-ring, or the like. In general, the centrifugal force generated by the separator 24 during operation of the vacuum cleaner 10 is sufficient to deflect any water away from the motor 20 assembly seals.

Fig. 11-13 show additional details regarding the coupling between the motor 20 and the decoupler 24. As shown in fig. 11, the separator 24 extends away from the bottom of the motor 20. The divider 24 is shown in fig. 13. As the separator rotates, the ribs 242 and grooves 244 of the separator 24 (FIG. 13) create the airflow required by the vacuum cleaner 10 during operation. Fig. 12 shows the bottom of the motor 20 including the gear 600 and the pad 25. During operation, the separator 24 is connected to the gear 600 such that the motor 20 rotates the separator 24.

A flange 503 around an opening 502 (shown in fig. 10) at the top of the water tank 14 is configured to engage the motor pad 25 and seal the water tank 14 to the motor 20 when the water tank 14 is inserted into the housing 12.

Figure 14 illustrates an exemplary removable power connection for the vacuum cleaner 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear of the housing 12 includes a circular connector 1600 that mates with a circular female connector 611 on the retractable power cord organizer 610. At the opposite end is a wall plug 612 (such as a standard 120V wall plug) that can be pulled out or remain inserted when the user is finished using the vacuum cleaner 10. The retractable power cord organizer 610 may be detached from the housing 12 and reattached as described above. Any other power connection may be used with the vacuum cleaner 10.

Figure 15 shows a side view of a vacuum cleaner which can be operated as a wet vacuum cleaner. As shown, the vacuum cleaner 10 is an upright vacuum cleaner operable as a wet vacuum cleaner. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is in operation, the vacuum cleaner head 22 (or the hose of the vacuum cleaner 10) may be positioned over a liquid (such as water) or a combination of a liquid and dry debris or dirt. The airflow and suction created by the motor 20 and separator 24 may then be used to extract liquid (or liquid and dry debris or dirt) by drawing the liquid (or liquid and dry debris or dirt) into the air intake 400. As shown in fig. 15, the drawn liquid may travel up the intake 400, into the inlet port 401, past the sealing baffle 404 (as described above), and down through the tank intake passage 402 into the tank 14, such as into the water below the water level 403 in the tank 14. The separator 24 can draw and separate clean exhaust air from the drawn liquid and any dry debris or dirt. Although clean exhaust air may pass through the separator 24, the extracted liquid may remain in the tank 14. This may prevent the extracted liquid from causing damage to one or more components of the vacuum cleaner 10, thereby allowing the vacuum cleaner 10 to operate as a wet vacuum cleaner.

In contrast to the vacuum cleaner 10, a conventional upright vacuum cleaner may not be able to be used as a wet vacuum cleaner because the extracted liquid may be drawn into the motor of the conventional upright vacuum cleaner. This not only destroys the conventional upright vacuum cleaner, but also causes an electric shock to the user of the conventional upright vacuum cleaner.

In some examples, the liquid extraction performed by the vacuum cleaner 10 may enable the water tank 14 to be filled without removing the water tank 14 from the housing 12. For example, rather than removing the tank 14 from the housing 12, and filling the tank 14 with an opening 502 (FIG. 10), the vacuum cleaner 10 may be placed on water (or other liquid). As described above, the airflow and suction of the vacuum cleaner 10 will draw water and fill the water tank 14.

Although the vacuum cleaner 10 of fig. 15 is described above as operating as a wet vacuum cleaner, in some examples of the vacuum cleaner 10 of fig. 15 it may also operate as a dry vacuum cleaner, as discussed above with respect to fig. 1-14. In such an example, the vacuum cleaner 10 may direct non-liquid substances (such as air, which may include dirt or debris) into the water tank 14. Thus, the vacuum cleaner 10 of fig. 15 can be used as both a dry vacuum cleaner and a wet vacuum cleaner.

Modifications, additions, combinations or omissions may be made to the upright vacuum cleaner 10 (and/or any of the components of the upright vacuum cleaner 10) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, although it has been described above that the vacuum cleaner 10 directs incoming air directly into the sump filter, in some examples, the incoming air may be directed into the headspace above the liquid level, or a portion of the incoming air may be directed directly into the sump filter and a portion of the incoming air may be directed into the headspace above the liquid level. In such an example, the separator 24 may pull air in the headspace down into the liquid by suction due to circulation or agitation of the liquid. As another example, although the vacuum cleaner 10 described above does not include a dry mechanical filter, in some examples, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include one or more dry mechanical filters. These dry mechanical filters may further assist in filtering the air drawn through the vacuum cleaner 10.

This description has been written with reference to various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments or examples. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various substitutions, modifications, or combinations of any of the disclosed embodiments or examples (or portions thereof) can be made within the scope of the present description. Accordingly, it is contemplated and understood that this description supports additional embodiments or examples that are not explicitly set forth in this description. Such embodiments or examples may be obtained by, for example, combining, modifying or reorganizing any of the disclosed steps, components, elements, features, aspects, characteristics, limitations, etc. of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments or examples described herein. In this way, the applicant reserves the right to amend the claims during prosecution to add features described in various ways in this specification.

Claims

1. An upright liquid filtering vacuum cleaner comprising:

a vacuum cleaner head having a first motor coupled to a rotatable brush body;

a housing movably connected to the vacuum head, the movable connection configured to enable the housing to tilt rearwardly relative to the vacuum head from a substantially upright position to a substantially horizontal position;

a liquid tank detachably inserted into the housing, the liquid tank including:

a wall defining an interior volume configured to contain a liquid, the wall having micro-silver particles embedded therein;

a first tank inlet passage located in the interior volume, the first tank inlet passage being in fluid communication with a first inlet passageway extending from the first tank inlet passage to an opening in the vacuum cleaner head, the first tank inlet passage further being arranged to direct debris received from the first inlet passageway below a level of the liquid; and

a second tank inlet passage located in the interior volume, the second tank inlet passage being in fluid communication with a second inlet passageway extending from the second tank inlet passage to an opening in the vacuum cleaner head, the second tank inlet passage further being arranged to direct debris received from the second inlet passageway below the level of the liquid;

wherein liquid in the interior volume of the liquid tank filters the debris into the liquid, thereby expelling clean air;

a first sealing barrier located at a position in the first air intake passage, the first sealing barrier having a first position configured to seal the first air intake passage so as to prevent leakage of the liquid from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the first air intake passage, the first sealing barrier having a second position configured to open the seal to the first air intake passage so as to cause the debris to be received from the first air intake passage in the interior volume of the liquid tank;

a second sealing barrier located at a position in the second intake passage, the second sealing barrier having a first position configured to seal the second intake passage so as to prevent leakage of the liquid from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the second intake passage, the second sealing barrier having a second position configured to open the seal to the second intake passage so as to cause the debris to be received from the second intake passage in the interior volume of the liquid tank;

a second motor coupled to the housing;

a separator coupled to the housing and the motor, the separator in fluid communication with the interior volume of the liquid tank, the separator configured to generate an airflow and further configured to separate air from the liquid so as to prevent the liquid from being discharged from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the separator;

a solenoid configured to move both the first and second sealing flaps from a first position configured to seal the first and second intake passages so as to prevent leakage of the liquid from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the first and second intake passages to a second position configured to open the seal to the first and second intake passages so as to cause the debris to be received in the interior volume of the liquid tank from the first and second intake passages;

a first spring coupled to the first sealing barrier and a second spring coupled to the second sealing barrier, wherein each spring is configured to inhibit movement of the respective sealing barrier from the first position to the second position, wherein a strength of each spring is configured to be overcome by the solenoid, the gas flow, or both the solenoid and the gas flow;

wherein the vacuum cleaner is configured to operate as a wet vacuum cleaner, wherein the debris comprises liquid to be extracted; and is

Wherein the vacuum cleaner is further configured to operate as a dry vacuum cleaner, wherein the debris comprises non-liquid substances.

2. An upright liquid filtering vacuum cleaner comprising:

a vacuum suction head;

a housing movably coupled to the vacuum tip, the movable coupling configured to enable the housing to tilt backward relative to the vacuum tip;

a liquid tank detachably inserted into the housing, the liquid tank including:

a wall defining an interior volume configured to contain a liquid; and

a tank inlet passage located in the interior volume, the tank inlet passage being in fluid communication with an inlet passageway extending from the tank inlet passage to an opening in the vacuum cleaner head, the tank inlet passage further being arranged to direct debris received from the inlet passageway into the liquid tank;

a sealing flap located at a position in the air intake passage, the sealing flap having a first position configured to seal the air intake passage so as to prevent leakage of the liquid from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the air intake passage, the sealing flap having a second position configured to open the seal to the air intake passage so as to cause the debris to be received from the air intake passage in the interior volume of the liquid tank;

an automatic baffle pusher configured to move the sealing baffle from a first position configured to seal a first air intake passage so as to prevent leakage of the liquid from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the air intake passage to a second position configured to open the seal to the air intake passage so as to cause the debris to be received from the air intake passage in the interior volume of the liquid tank;

a motor coupled to the housing;

a separator coupled to the housing and the motor, the separator in fluid communication with the interior volume of the liquid tank, the separator configured to generate an air flow and further configured to prevent the liquid from being discharged from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the separator;

wherein the vacuum cleaner is configured to move the sealing barrier from the first position to the second position when the vacuum cleaner is activated, and the vacuum cleaner is further configured to move the sealing barrier from the second position to the first position when the vacuum cleaner is deactivated;

3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein the walls of the liquid tank include antimicrobial particles.

4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 3, wherein the antimicrobial particles comprise micro-silver particles.

5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 3, wherein the antimicrobial particles comprise nano-silver particles.

6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein:

the liquid tank further includes: a second tank inlet passage located in the interior volume, the second tank inlet passage being in fluid communication with a second inlet passageway extending from the second tank inlet passage to an opening in the vacuum cleaner head, the second tank inlet passage further being arranged to direct debris received from the second inlet passageway below the level of the liquid;

the vacuum cleaner further comprises: a second sealing barrier located at a position in the second intake passage, the second sealing barrier having a first position configured to seal the second intake passage so as to prevent leakage of the liquid from the interior volume of the liquid tank through the second intake passage, the second sealing barrier having a second position configured to open the seal to the second intake passage so as to cause the debris to be received from the second intake passage in the interior volume of the liquid tank; and is

The vacuum cleaner is further configured to move the second sealing barrier from the first position to the second position when the vacuum cleaner is activated, and the vacuum cleaner is further configured to move the second sealing barrier from the second position to the first position when the vacuum cleaner is deactivated.

7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 6, wherein the air intake passage and the second air intake passage are both located in the housing at a position rearward of the liquid tank.

8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 6, wherein the intake passage and the second intake passage are located opposite each other in the housing.

9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein the automatic barrier pusher comprises a solenoid.

10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, further comprising: one or more movement blockers coupled to the sealing barrier and configured to block movement of the sealing barrier from the first position to the second position, wherein a strength of the one or more movement blockers is configured to be overcome by the automatic barrier pusher, the airflow, or both the automatic barrier pusher and the airflow.

11. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, further comprising: one or more movement blockers coupled to the sealing barrier and configured to block movement of the sealing barrier from the first position to the second position, wherein a strength of the one or more movement blockers is configured to be overcome by the airflow.

12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein the one or more movement inhibitors comprise one or more springs.

13. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 2, wherein the vacuum cleaner head is a power nozzle with a second motor coupled to the rotatable brush body.

14. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein the movable coupling is further configured to enable the housing to be tilted rearwardly relative to the vacuum head from a substantially upright position to a substantially horizontal position without liquid spilling out of the liquid tank.

15. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 2, wherein the vacuum cleaner does not comprise a dry mechanical filter.

16. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, further comprising a dry mechanical filter.

17. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein the tank air intake passage is further configured to direct debris received from the air intake passage below a level of the liquid.

18. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein the tank air intake passage is further configured to direct debris received from the air intake passage above a level of the liquid.