SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS ADAPTED FOR USE WITH LINER
A surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a member having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus, and includes a suction motor. At least a first air cleaning unit comprising a cyclonic cleaning stage is positioned in the fluid flow path. A material collection chamber is in flow communication with the at least one cyclone and is adapted to receive a liner bag. A vacuum line extends between the fluid flow path and an interior of the material collection chamber and is connectable in flow communication with the fluid flow path. A valve is associated with the vacuum line and moveable between a first position in which the vacuum line is open and a second position wherein the line is closed.
1 . A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
(a) a member having a dirty fluid inlet;
(b) a fluid flow path extending from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and including a suction motor;
(c) at least a first air cleaning unit comprising a cyclonic cleaning stage positioned in the fluid flow path;
(d) a material collection chamber in flow communication with the at least one cyclone and adapted to receive a liner bag;
(e) a vacuum line extending between the fluid flow path and an interior of the material collection chamber and connectable in flow communication with the fluid flow path; and,
(f) a valve associated with the vacuum line and moveable between a first position in which the vacuum line is open and a second position wherein the line is closed.
2 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the valve is manually operable by a user.
3 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the valve automatically closes the line when fluid enters the line.
4 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the valve automatically closes the line when liquid enters the line.
5 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the valve comprises a float valve.
6 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein one end of the vacuum line joins the fluid flow path downstream of the at least one cyclone and upstream of the suction motor.
7 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 6 wherein the one end of the vacuum line joins the fluid flow path downstream of all air cleaning units and upstream of the suction motor.
8 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a second air cleaning stage, the second air cleaning stage comprising a filter.
9 . A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
(a) a member having a dirty fluid inlet;
(b) a fluid flow path extending from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and including a suction motor;
(c) at least a first air cleaning unit comprising a cyclonic cleaning stage positioned in the fluid flow path;
(d) a material collection chamber having an interior in flow communication with the at least one cyclone and adapted to receive a liner bag; and,
(e) a vacuum line having one end joining the fluid flow path downstream of the at least one cyclone and a second end connected to the interior of the material collection chamber.
10 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein the one end of the vacuum line joins the fluid flow path downstream of all air cleaning units and upstream of the suction motor.
11 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a second air cleaning stage, the second air cleaning stage comprising a filter.
12 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein the vacuum line is selectively connectable in flow communication with the fluid flow path.
13 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a valve associated with the vacuum line and moveable between a first position in which the vacuum line is open and a second position wherein the line is closed.
14 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein the valve is manually operable by a user.
15 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein the valve automatically closes the line when fluid enters the line.
16 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein the valve automatically closes the line when liquid enters the line.
17 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 16 wherein the valve comprises a float valve.
18 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a liner bag removably positionable in the material collection chamber.
19 . A method for cleaning a surface using a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
(a) operating the surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
i. passing a member having a dirty fluid inlet over a surface;
ii. conveying a fluid from the dirty fluid inlet to a cyclone separator having a material outlet and conveying material from the cyclone separator past a divider plate to the liner positioned in the material collection chamber;
iii. collecting material inside the liner positioned in the material collection chamber; and,
(b) closing a vacuum line connected to the material collection chamber when a liner is not positioned in the material collection chamber.
20 . The method of claim 19 further comprising manually closing the vacuum line.
21 . The method of claim 19 further comprising automatically closing the vacuum line in response to fluid flow therethrough.