FIELD
[0001] The specification relates to surface cleaning apparatus. In a preferred embodiment,
the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a portable surface cleaning apparatus, such
as a hand vacuum cleaner or a pod.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior
art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.
[0003] Various types of surface cleaning apparatus are known. Surface cleaning apparatus
include vacuum cleaners. Currently, a vacuum cleaner typically uses at least one cyclonic
cleaning stage. More recently, cyclonic hand vacuum cleaners have been developed.
See for example,
US 7,931 ,716 and
US 2010/0229328. Each of these discloses a hand vacuum cleaner which includes a cyclonic cleaning
stage.
US 7,931 ,716 discloses a cyclonic cleaning stage utilizing two cyclonic cleaning stages wherein
both cyclonic stages have cyclone axis that extends vertically.
US 2010/0229328 discloses a cyclonic hand vacuum cleaner wherein the cyclone axis extends horizontally
and is co-axial with the suction motor. In addition, hand carriable (e.g., pod style)
cyclonic vacuum cleaners are also known (see
US 8,146,201). The
United States Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0134460 A1 discloses a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the preamble of claim 1.
SUMMARY
[0004] In accordance with the present invention, it is provided a hand carriable surface
cleaning apparatus according to claim 1.
[0005] Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined by the appended dependent claims
2-15.
[0006] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a surface cleaning apparatus
may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features
may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination; the scope of protection
being only limited by the appended claims.
DRAWINGS
[0007] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles,
methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not
intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.
[0008] In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a hand held surface cleaning apparatus;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 attached
to a cleaning tool;
Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus
of Figure 1 ;
Figure 4 is another partially exploded perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus
of Figure 1 ;
Figure 5 is bottom perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1
with the bottom door in an open position;
Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 ,
taken along line 6-6 in Figure 1 ;
Figure 7 is the cross sectional view of Figure 6 with the surface cleaning apparatus
tilted forward;
Figure 8 is the cross sectional view of Figure 6 with the surface cleaning apparatus
tilted backward;
Figure 9 is a side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 ;
Figure 10 is a side view of another embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus with
the cyclone bin assembly and handle removed for emptying;
Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a schematic top plan representation of an example of a cyclone bin assembly;
Figure 13 is a schematic top plan representation of another example of a cyclone bin
assembly;
Figure 14 is a schematic top plan representation of another example of a cyclone bin
assembly;
Figure 15 is a schematic top plan representation of another example of a cyclone bin
assembly;
Figure 16 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus;
Figure 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus;
Figure 19 is a perspective view from the front of another embodiment of a surface
cleaning apparatus;
Figure 20 is another perspective view from the rear of the surface cleaning apparatus
of Figure 19;
Figure 21 is a partially exploded perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus
of Figure 19;
Figure 22 is a perspective view of a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus of
Figure 19;
Figure 23 is a cross sectional view of the Figure 22, taken along line 23-23 in Figure
22;
Figure 24 is the cross sectional view of Figure 23 with a bottom door in an open position;
Figure 25 is a bottom perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure
19;
Figure 26 is a cross sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 19,
taken along line 26-26 in Figure 19;
Figure 27 is a cross sectional view taken along line 27-27 in Figure 19;
Figure 28 is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 19 with
a cover open;
Figure 29 is the perspective view of Figure 28 with a filter cartridge removed;
Figure 30 is the perspective view of Figure 29 with a filter removed from the filter
cartridge;
Figure 31 is a cross sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a surface
cleaning apparatus;
Figure 32 is a cross sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a surface
cleaning apparatus;
Figure 33 is the perspective view of Figure 29 with a different embodiment of a filter
cartridge; and,
Figure 34 is a cross sectional view of the filter cartridge taken along line 34-34
in Figure 33 with the filter cartridge in the surface cleaning apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus 900 is shown.
In the embodiment illustrated, the surface cleaning apparatus 900 is a hand carriable
or hand-held vacuum cleaner. It will be appreciated that surface cleaning apparatus
900 could be carried by a hand of a user, a shoulder strap or the like and could be
in the form of a pod or other portable surface cleaning apparatus. Surface cleaning
apparatus 900 could be a vacuum cleaner, an extractor or the like. All such surface
cleaning apparatus are referred to herein as a hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus.
Optionally, surface cleaning apparatus 900 could be removably mounted on a base so
as to form, for example, an upright vacuum cleaner, a canister vacuum cleaner, a stick
vac, a wet-dry vacuum cleaner and the like. Power can be supplied to the surface cleaning
apparatus 900 by an electrical cord (not shown) that can be connected to a standard
wall electrical outlet. Alternatively, or in addition, the power source for the surface
cleaning apparatus can be an onboard energy storage device, including, for example,
one or more batteries.
[0010] The surface cleaning apparatus 900 comprises a main body 901 having a handle 902,
a dirty air inlet 903, a clean air outlet 904 (see for example Figure 6) and an air
flow path extending therebetween. In the embodiment shown, the dirty air inlet 903
is the inlet end 905 of connector 906. Optionally, the inlet end can be used to directly
clean a surface. Alternatively, the inlet end 905 can be connected to the downstream
end of any suitable hose, cleaning tool or accessory, including, for example a wand
907 that is pivotally connected to a surface cleaning head 908 (Figure 2), a nozzle
and a flexible suction hose. In the configuration illustrated in Figure 2, the surface
cleaning apparatus 900 can be used to clean a floor or other surface in a manner analogous
to conventional upright-style vacuum cleaners.
[0011] Referring again to Figure 1, the connector 906 may be any suitable connector that
is operable to connect to, and preferably detachably connect to, a hose, cleaning
tool or other accessory. Optionally, in addition to providing an air flow connection,
the connector 906 may also include an electrical connection. Providing an electrical
connection may allow cleaning tools and accessories that are coupled to the connector
to be powered by the surface cleaning apparatus 900. For example, the surface cleaning
unit 900 can be used to provide both power and suction to a surface cleaning head,
or other suitable tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 906 includes
an electrical coupling in the form of a female socket member 909, and a corresponding
male prong member may be provided on the hose, cleaning tool and/or accessory that
is connected to inlet end 905. Providing the female socket 909 on the electrified
side of the electrical coupling may help prevent a user from inadvertently contacting
the electrical contacts. In other embodiments, socket member 909 may include male
connectors. In such a case, it is preferred that the male connectors are deenergized
when exposed (i.e., they are not plugged into a female connector).
[0012] From the dirty air inlet 903, the air flow path extends through an air treatment
member. The air treatment member may be any suitable member that can treat the air
in a desired manner, including, for example, removing dirt particles and debris from
the air. In the illustrated example, the air treatment member includes a cyclone bin
assembly 910. Alternatively, the air treatment member can comprise a bag, a filter
or other air treating means. In the illustrated embodiment, the cyclone bin assembly
forms part of the main body 901 of the surface cleaning apparatus. A suction motor
911 (see Figure 6) is mounted within a motor housing 912 portion of the main body
901 and is in fluid communication with the cyclone bin assembly 910. In this configuration,
the suction motor 911 is downstream from the cyclone bin assembly 910 and the clean
air outlet 904 is downstream from the suction motor 911.
CYCLONE BIN ASSEMBLY
[0013] The following is a description of a cyclone and a cyclone bin assembly that may be
used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination
with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
[0014] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the cyclone bin assembly
910 includes a cyclone chamber 913 and a dirt collection chamber 914. The cyclone
chamber 913 and the dirt collection chamber 914 may be of any suitable configuration.
[0015] In the illustrated embodiment the dirt collection chamber 914 is positioned outside
or exterior to and substantially below the cyclone chamber 913. Preferably, a least
a portion, if not all, of the dirt collection chamber is below the cyclone chamber.
The dirt collection chamber 914 comprises a sidewall 915, a first end wall 916 and
an opposed second end wall 917. The dirt collection chamber 914 extends along a dirt
collection axis 918.
[0016] The dirt collection chamber 914 may be emptyable by any means known in the art and
is preferably openable concurrently with the cyclone chamber 913. Preferably, the
second dirt collection chamber end wall 917 is moveably (e.g., pivotally) connected
to e.g., the dirt collection chamber sidewall 915, for example using hinge 919. In
this configuration, the second dirt collection chamber end wall 917 functions as an
openable door to empty the dirt collection chamber 914 and can be opened as shown
in Figure 5 to empty dirt and debris from the interior of the dirt collection chamber
914. The second dirt collection chamber end wall 917 can be retained in the closed
position by any means known in the art, such as by a releasable latch 919a. In the
illustrated example, the hinge 919 is provided on a back edge of the end wall 917
and the latch 919a is provided at the front of the end wall 917 so that the door swings
backwardly when opened. Alternatively, the hinge and latch may be in different positions,
and the door may open in a different direction or manner. Optionally, instead of being
pivotal or openable, the end wall may be removable.
[0017] In the embodiment shown, the cyclone chamber 913 extends along a cyclone axis 920
and is bounded by a sidewall 921. The cyclone chamber 913 includes an air inlet 922
and an air outlet 923 and two dirt outlets 924a and 924b in communication with the
dirt collection chamber 914. The air inlet, air outlet and dirt outlets may be of
any design known in the art. Preferably, the air inlet 922 is generally tangentially
oriented relative to the sidewall 921, so that air entering the cyclone chamber 913
will tend to swirl and circulate within the cyclone chamber 913, thereby dis-entraining
dirt and debris from the air flow, before leaving the chamber via the air outlet 923.
The air inlet 922 extends along an inlet axis 925 that may be generally perpendicular
to the cyclone axis 920, and in the illustrated example is generally parallel to and
offset above a suction motor axis 926.
[0018] In the illustrated example, the cyclone air outlet 923 comprises a conduit member
or vortex finder 927. Optionally, a screen 928 can be positioned over the vortex finder
927 to help filter lint, fluff and other fine debris. Preferably, the screen 928 can
be removable. Optionally, the screen 928 can be tapered such that the distal, inner
or free end 930 of the screen 928 has a smaller diameter 931 than the diameter 932
at the base 933 of the screen 928 and/or the air inlet 922.
[0019] Optionally, the screen 928 can be configured so that the diameter 931 of the free
end 930 of the screen is between about 60% and about 100% of the diameter 932 of the
base 933 of the screen 928 and/or the air inlet 922, and may be between about 60%-90%,
about 70-80% and preferably is between about 63-67% of the base diameter 932 and/or
the air inlet 922.
[0020] The air inlet 922 has an inlet diameter 934, and a related inlet flow cross-sectional
area (measure in a plane 935 perpendicular to the inlet axis 925). Preferably, the
air outlet 923 is sized so that the diameter 936 of the air outlet 923, and therefore
the corresponding flow area of the air outlet, is the same as the diameter 934 of
the air inlet 922. Alternatively, the air outlet diameter 936 may be between about
50% and about 150%, and between about 85-115% of the air inlet diameter 934.
[0021] In the example illustrated the cyclone bin assembly 910 and the cyclone chamber 913
are arranged in a generally vertical, inverted cyclone configuration. In this configuration,
the air inlet 922 and the air outlet 923 are provided toward the upper end of the
cyclone chamber 913. Alternatively, the cyclone bin assembly 910 and cyclone chamber
913 can be provided in another orientation, including, for example, as a horizontal
cyclone or in other configurations, e.g., with the dirt collection chamber beside
the cyclone chamber and/or with the inlet and outlets at differing positions.
[0022] Optionally, some or all of the sidewall 921 can coincide with portions of the external
sidewalls of the cyclone bin assembly 910 and the dirt collection chamber sidewall
915 (see Figures 5 and 6). This may help reduce the overall size of the cyclone bin
assembly. Alternative, the sidewall 921 may be distinct from the sidewalls. In alternative
embodiments, the cyclone chamber 915 may include only a single dirt outlet 924, or
more than two dirt outlets.
[0023] Referring to Figure 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the cyclone chamber 913 includes
a first or upper end wall 937. The end wall 937 is connected to the upper end of the
sidewall 921 to enclose the upper end of the cyclone chamber 913. In the illustrated
example, a juncture 938 between the end wall 937 and the side wall 921 includes a
curved surface 939. The radius 940 of the curved surface 939 may be selected to be
similar to the radius (i.e. half of the diameter 934) of the air inlet 922, and optionally
may be selected so that the juncture surface 939 has the same radius as the air inlet.
[0024] Optionally, the juncture 941 between the end wall 937 and the vortex finder 927 may
also be curved, and preferably is sized to have a radius 942 that is similar to or
is the same as the radius 940 of the juncture between the end wall 937 and the sidewall
921. Providing curved surfaces at one or both of the junctures 938, 941 may help reduce
backpressure and may help improve cyclone efficiency. Optionally, the upper end wall
937 of the cyclone chamber 913 can be openable or removable to allow access to the
interior of the cyclone chamber 913 from above.
[0025] Referring also to Figure 5, a deflector or arrestor plate 943 may be positioned at
the lower end of the cyclone chamber 913, at the interface between the cyclone chamber
913 and the dirt collection chamber 917. The arrestor plate 943 is preferably sized
to cover substantially all of the lower end of the cyclone chamber 913, and to abut
the lower end of the cyclone sidewall 921 to form a lower end wall of the cyclone
chamber. When the arrestor plate 943 abuts the lower ends of the sidewall 921 it helps
define the gaps or slots that form the dirt outlets 924a, 924b. In this configuration,
the dirt outlet slots 924a, 924b are bound on three sides by the cyclone chamber sidewall
921 and on a fourth side by the arrestor plate 943. Alternatively, the dirt outlet
slots 924a, 924b may be entirely bounded by the sidewall 921 and may be spaced apart
from the arrestor plate 943. In the illustrated example the dirt outlets 924a, 924b
are vertically spaced apart from the air inlet 922 and air outlet 923 and are positioned
at the opposite, lower end of the cyclone chamber 913.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the arrestor plate 943 forms the bottom of the cyclone
chamber and may be of any suitable configuration. Optionally the arrestor plate 943
may be fixed in its position adjacent the sidewall 921, or may be moveable or openable.
Providing an openable arrestor plate 943 may help facilitate emptying of the cyclone
chamber 913. Optionally, the arrestor plate 943 may be openable concurrently with
another portion of the surface cleaning apparatus, including, for example, the dirt
collection chamber 917.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the arrestor plate 943 is mounted to and supported
spaced from the openable wall 917 by a support member 944. The support member 944
may be of any suitable configuration and may be formed from any suitable material
that is capable of supporting the arrestor plate 943 and resisting stresses exerted
on the arrestor plate 943 by the air flow in the cyclone chamber or dirt particles
exiting the cyclone chamber 913. In this configuration, the arrestor plate 943 is
openable concurrently with the end wall 917, so that opening the end wall 917 simultaneously
opens the dirt collection chamber 914 and the cyclone chamber 913. Alternatively,
the arrestor plate 943 may be mounted to the sidewall 921 (or other portion of the
surface cleaning apparatus) and need not open in unison with the end wall 917.
[0028] Referring to Figure 8, each dirt outlet 924a and 924b is a slot that includes an
upper edge 945 and a lower edge 946 spaced apart from each other by a slot height
947, measured axially. The slot height 947 may be any suitable distance, including
for example, between 1mm and 49mm or more, and preferably is between about 3mm and
about 25mm. Each slot 924a, 924b also includes two side edges 948 (Figure 5) spaced
apart by a slot width 949, measured along the perimeter of the cyclone chamber sidewall
921. Each slot width may be between about 5% and about 50% of the perimeter of the
cyclone chamber sidewall 921, and preferably may be between about 10% and about 35%
and may be about 25%. In the illustrated embodiment the cyclone chamber sidewall 921
is circular in axial cross-sectional shape, and the angle 950 Figure 5) subtended
by the dirt outlet 924b may between about 20° and about 180°, and may be between about
35° and 125°, and between about 45° and 90°. In the illustrated embodiment the angle
950 between the dirt outlets 924a and 924b, measured from the centre line of the slots
(Figure 5) is 180°. Optionally, the dirt outlets 924a, 924b may be generally identical.
Alternatively, the dirt outlets 924a and 924b may be of different configurations (i.e.
may have different heights and/or widths). Optionally, slot 924a, which is at the
same end as the cyclone air inlet, is smaller than the opposed dirt outlet 924b and
may be about half the size.
[0029] Referring to Figure 12, a cross-sectional schematic representation of an alternate
embodiment of a cyclone bin assembly 2910 is shown. The cyclone bin assembly 2910
is generally similar to cyclone bin assembly 910 and analogous features are indicated
using like reference characters indexed by 2000. This schematic illustrates a top
view of an example of a circular cyclone chamber 2913 positioned within a generally
square dirt collection chamber 2914. The cyclone chamber 2913 includes a tangential
air inlet 2922 and an air outlet 2923. Two dirt outlets 2924a and 2924b are provided
in the cyclone chamber sidewall 2921. The angle 2951 between the dirt outlets 2924a,
2924b is about 180°. In this embodiment, the angle 2952a between the air inlet 2922
(measured from the point of tangential intersection between the air inlet and the
cyclone chamber sidewall 2921) and the first dirt slot 2924a, in the direction of
air circulation (arrow 2953), is approximately 90°, and the angle 2952b between the
air inlet 2922 and the second dirt slot 2924b is about 270°. Alternatively, angles
2952a and 2952b may be different.
[0030] In the illustrated configuration, each slot subtends an angle 2950a, 2950b that is
about 45°, the leading edge (in the direction of air circulation) of dirt slot 2924a
is aligned with the leading edge of dirt slot 2924b, and the trailing edge (in the
direction of air circulation) of dirt slot 2924a is aligned with the trailing edge
of dirt slot 2924b.
[0031] Referring to Figure 13, a cross-sectional schematic representation of another alternate
embodiment of a cyclone bin assembly 3910 is shown. Cyclone bin assembly 3910 is generally
similar to cyclone bin assembly 910, and analogous features are identified using like
reference characters indexed by 3000. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment
of Figure 12, except that the position of the dirt outlets 3924a and 3924b has been
shifted by 90° relative to the air inlet 3922. In this configuration, the angle 3951
between the dirt outlets 3924a, 3924b remains 180°, but the angle between the dirt
outlet 3924a and the air inlet is 0° and the angle 3952b between the dirt outlet 3924b
and the air inlet is 180°.
[0032] Referring to Figure 14, a cross-sectional schematic representation of another alternate
embodiment of a cyclone bin assembly is shown. Cyclone bin assembly 4910 is generally
similar to cyclone bin assembly 910, and analogous features are identified using like
reference characters indexed by 4000. In this example, the individual dirt slots 4924a
and 4924b have the same configuration as the slots illustrated in Figures 12 and 13,
but are positioned differently. In this configuration, the first dirt slot 4924a is
positioned generally adjacent the air inlet 4922, and the angle 4952a between the
air inlet 4922 and the first dirt slot 4924a is about 30° downstream from the air
inlet, and the angle 4952b between the first dirt slot and the second dirt slot 4924b
is about 90°. In this configuration, both dirt slots 4924a and 4924b are positioned
on the same side of the cyclone chamber 4913 (i.e. within 180° of each other).
[0033] Referring to Figure 15, a cross-sectional schematic representation of another alternate
embodiment of a cyclone bin assembly is shown. Cyclone bin assembly 5910 is generally
similar to cyclone bin assembly 910, and analogous features are identified using like
reference characters indexed by 5000. In this example, the dirt slots 5924a and 5924b
are opposite each other (i.e. the angle 5951 is about 180°) but each dirt slot 5924a
and 5924b is much wider than the other illustrated examples, such that the angles
5950a and 5950b subtended by each dirt slot is about 150°. In this configuration,
the dirt slots 5924a and 5924b represent more than 50% of the total perimeter of the
cyclone chamber 5913. Also in this embodiment, portions of the cyclone chamber sidewall
5921 are coincident with the dirt collection chamber sidewalls 5916. Optionally, if
the cyclone chamber walls 5921 extend the entire height of the dirt collection chamber
5914, in this configuration the cyclone chamber 5913 may sub-divide the dirt collection
chamber 5914 into two different portions 5914a and 5914b, separated by the cyclone
chamber 5913. Each dirt collection region 5914a and 5914b is in communication with
a respective one of the dirt slots 5924a and 5924b. Also, in this illustrated embodiment,
the air inlet axis 5925 is not tangentially oriented (i.e. is not parallel to a tangential
plane 5954). Instead, the air inlet 5922 is arranged at an angle 5955, relative to
the tangential plane 5954. This may alter the characteristics of the air flow entering
the cyclone chamber.
[0034] Referring again to Figure 7, in the illustrated embodiment the dirt outlets 924a
and 924b are arranged generally opposite each other, are arranged at approximately
180° from each other (measured as a centre-to-centre angle 951 in Figure 5). In this
configuration, dirt outlet 924a is positioned at the front of the cyclone chamber
913 (e.g. in a portion of the sidewall that is located toward the connector and air
inlet) and the dirt outlet 924b is positioned at the back of the cyclone chamber 913.
When the surface cleaning apparatus 900 is in use, dirt and debris may accumulate
within the dirt collection chamber 914 and when the surface cleaning apparatus is
manipulated by a user, dirt within the dirt collection 914 chamber may tend to shift
and may collect toward the lowest portion of the dirt collection 914 chamber due to
gravity. For example, when the surface cleaning apparatus is tipper forward, so that
the connector is angled downward and the handle is lifted (Figure 7), dirt 956 may
tend to collect toward the front of the dirt collection chamber 914. If the level
of the dirt 956 is sufficiently high it may partially or completely block the front
dirt outlet 924a as illustrated. In this configuration the first dirt outlet 924a
may be blocked, but the rear dirt outlet 924b remains free. Similarly, if the surface
cleaning apparatus is tipped rearward, the dirt may tend to collect in a rear portion
of the dirt collection chamber (Figure 8) and may partially or completely block the
rear dirt outlet 924b. In this configuration the rear dirt outlet 924b is blocked,
but the front dirt outlet924a is free. Providing two dirt outlets 924a and 924b on
opposite sides of the cyclone chamber may help ensure that at least one outlet 924a
and 924b remains free and unblocked to allow dirt to exit the cyclone chamber 913even
if the surface cleaning apparatus 900 is tilted forward or backward. Alternatively,
instead of being provided toward the front and back of the cyclone chamber, the dirt
slots may be positioned in other locations. For example, the cyclone chamber may be
configured to have a rear dirt outlet and a side dirt outlet, or two side outlets
provided toward the left and right sides of the cyclone chamber.
PRE-MOTOR FILTER
[0035] Optionally, one or more pre-motor filters may be placed in the air flow path between
the cyclone bin assembly and the suction motor. Alternatively, or in addition, one
or more post-motor filters may be provided downstream from the suction motor. The
following is a description of a pre-motor filter housing construction that may be
used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination
with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
[0036] Referring to Figure 3, in the illustrated embodiment a pre-motor filter chamber or
housing 956 is provided as a portion of the body 901 of the surface cleaning apparatus
900, above the cyclone bin assembly 910. Referring also to Figure 8, the pre-motor
filter chamber 956 is bounded by a bottom wall 957, a sidewall 958 and an upper wall
958a. In the illustrated example the upper wall 958a is provided by an upper cover
959. Preferably, at least one of the bottom wall, sidewall and upper cover are openable
to allow access to the interior of the pre-motor filter chamber. In the illustrated
embodiment, the upper cover 959 is removable (Figure 3) to provide access to the interior
of the chamber 956. Alternatively, instead of being removable the upper cover may
be pivotally openable or otherwise moveably coupled to the main body.
[0037] One or more filters may be positioned within the pre-motor filter chamber 956 to
filter fine particles from the air stream exiting the air outlet, before it flows
into inlet of the suction motor. The filters may be of any suitable configuration
and formed from any suitable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, a foam filter
960 and a downstream felt filter 961 are positioned within the pre-motor filter chamber
956.
[0038] In the illustrated example, the bottom wall 957 includes a plurality of upstanding
support ribs 962 to support the filters 960, 961 positioned within the chamber 956.
The support ribs 962 may hold the filters 960, 961 above the surface 963 of the bottom
wall 957 to define a lower header or headspace 964, to allow for air to flow laterally
between the bottom surface 965 of filter 961 and the bottom wall 957. In the illustrated
embodiment, the lower or downstream headspace 964 is defined between the outer surface
965 of the felt 961 and the surface 963 of the bottom wall 957.
[0039] To help reduce the overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus, in the illustrated
embodiment the pre-motor filter chamber 956, and the filters therein 960, 961, is
positioned above the cyclone chamber 913 and covers the upper end of the cyclone chamber
913. In this configuration, a plane 966 containing the foam filter 960 is generally
parallel and spaced above a plane 967 containing the air outlet 923 of the cyclone
chamber 913, and both planes 966, 967 are generally perpendicular to the cyclone axis
920. Arranging the filters in this configuration results in the upstream side of the
pre-motor filter (in this example the upper side 968 of the foam filter 960) being
spaced further apart from the cyclone chamber 913 than the downstream side of the
pre-motor filter (in this example the lower surface 965 of the felt filter 961). Alternatively,
in other embodiments, the pre-motor filter chamber may cover only a portion of the
upper end of the cyclone chamber and/or may be laterally spaced apart from the cyclone
chamber and/or may be inclined with respect to plane 967.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the pre-motor filter chamber or downstream header
956 is configured so that the upstream side 968 of the foam filter 960 is provided
toward the top of the chamber, and air flows generally downwardly through the filters.
In this configuration, the upper cover 959 is shaped so that when it is closed (Figure
8) an upper or upstream headspace or header 970 is provided between the inner surface
of the upper cover 959 and the upstream side 968 of the foam filter 960. To provide
air flow communication between the cyclone air outlet 923 and the upstream headspace
970, it is preferred that the vortex finder 927 or an extension thereof extends through
the pre-motor filters and preferably extends into the interior of the pre-motor filter
chamber 956, through the filters 960, 961 therein, and has an outlet end 971 that
is located within the upstream head space 970 and above filters 960, 961. To accommodate
the extension of the vortex finder 927, each filter includes a correspondingly shaped
conduit aperture 972 (Figure 4). It will be appreciated that other flow paths may
be used to connect vortex finder 927 in air communication with upstream headspace
970.
[0041] When the surface cleaning apparatus is in use, air exiting the cyclone chamber 913
may flow into the upstream head space 956 via the vortex finder 927. Within the upstream
headspace the air can flow laterally across the upstream surface 968 of the foam filter
960, and down through the filters 960, 961 into the downstream head space 964.
[0042] In this configuration, the upper side 988 of the foam filter 960 is exposed to the
dirty air exiting the cyclone air outlet 923, and may become dirty or soiled during
use. Optionally, the upper cover 959 may include at least one transparent region overlying
the upper side 968 of the filter 960. For example, some or all of the upper cover
may be formed from a transparent material (such as plastic) or one or more windows
may be provided within the upper cover member. Providing a transparent region allows
a user to visually inspect the condition of the upstream side 698 of the filter 960
without having to open the upper cover 959. Alternatively, the upper cover 959 need
not include any type of transparent portion or inspection region, and a user may inspect
the upstream side 968 of the filter 960 when the upper cover 959 is opened or removed.
[0043] Alternatively, the pre-motor filter may be provided laterally from the vortex finder.
For example, referring to Figure 16, a cross sectional view of another embodiment
of a surface cleaning apparatus 6900 is shown. Apparatus 6900 is similar to apparatus
900, and analogous features are identified using like reference numerals indexed by
6000. In this embodiment, the pre-motor filter 6960 is spaced laterally from the vortex
finder 6927. An extension 6927a of the vortex finder extends above the top of filter
6960 to define a dirt collection area, which may be emptied when the lid is opened
and the surface cleaning apparatus is inverted.
DOWNFLOW CONDUIT
[0044] Optionally, the inlet of the suction motor is positioned along the length of one
side (preferably the rear side) of the cyclone bin assembly. The following is a description
of a flow path that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in
any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
[0045] The suction motor preferably has an axis that is generally perpendicular to the cyclone
axis and has an air inlet between the upper end and lower end of the cyclone bin assembly
and preferably, between the upper end and the lower end of the cyclone chamber. Accordingly,
from the downstream head space 964, the air may flow to the inlet 973 of the suction
motor 911 via an internal air conduit 974 formed within the body 901. Air may be drawn
through the suction motor 911 and then be exhausted from a motor outlet 975, and expelled
via the clear air outlet 904 (see also Figure 6).
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the internal air conduit 974 is formed within the
main body 901 and is external the cyclone chamber 913 and the dirt collection chamber
914 and is partially bounded by an exterior surface of the cyclone chamber sidewall
921 and an exterior surface of the dirt collection chamber sidewall 915. The air conduit
974 extends generally vertically between the pre-motor filter chamber 956 and the
suction motor 911, and is positioned laterally intermediate the suction motor 911
and the cyclone chamber 913. The suction motor 911 is positioned at an elevation where
its air inlet 973 is vertically between the upper and lower ends of the cyclone chamber
913, and the motor axis 926 passes through the cyclone chamber 913 (above the dirt
collection chamber - see Figure 6). In the illustrated embodiment the inlet axis 925
intersects the air conduit 974 and is positioned below and does not intersect the
pre-motor filter chamber 956.
[0047] The internal air conduit 974 may extend downwardly at an angle to the vertical. It
may or may not be bounded on one side by the sidewall of the cyclone chamber and/or
the dirt collection chamber.
BLEED VALVE
[0048] Optionally, a bleed valve 976 may be provided to supply bleed air to the suction
motor inlet 973 in case of a clog in the air flow path upstream from the suction motor
911. When the surface cleaning apparatus is in use, the air flow path may become clogged
or otherwise blocked in a number of different ways, including, for example if a cleaning
wand and/or suction hose becomes blocked with debris, if the cyclone chamber becomes
fouled with debris and/or if the pre-motor filters are soiled to an extent that it
significantly impedes airflow through the filters. Preferably the bleed valve 976
can be positioned and configured to supply bleed air into the airflow path at a location
that is upstream from the suction motor inlet 973 and downstream from the likely clog
or blockage locations.
[0049] The following is a description of the positioning and orientation of a bleed valve
that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination
or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
[0050] For example, the bleed valve 976 may be positioned to supply bleed air to the air
flow path 974 between the pre-motor filter chamber 956 and the suction motor inlet
973. The bleed valve 976 may be any suitable valve, including a pressure sensitive
valve that is opened automatically when there is a blockage in the air flow path upstream
from the suction motor 911.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the bleed valve 976 extends along a valve axis 977
that is generally parallel to the suction motor axis 926, and is generally orthogonal
to the cyclone axis 920. To provide outside air, a port 978 is provided in the main
body 901, in air flow communication with the inlet end of the bleed valve 976. The
outlet end of the bleed valve is in communication with the air conduit 974.
[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the bleed valve 976 is located at an elevation between
the pre-motor filter chamber 956 and the suction motor 911, partially laterally underlies
the pre-motor filter chamber 956 (and the filters 960, 961 therein) and partially
laterally overlies the suction motor 911 and its housing 912. Alternatively, the bleed
valve 976 may be located at a different elevation (for example below the suction motor
and/or in line with or above the pre-motor filter chamber) and need not laterally
overlap the suction motor, pre-motor filter chambers or the filters therein.
[0053] Alternatively, instead of extending laterally through the main body of the surface
cleaning apparatus, the bleed valve may be provided in a different location. Referring
to Figure 16, a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus
6900 is shown. Apparatus 6900 is similar to apparatus 900, and analogous features
are identified using like reference numerals indexed by 6000. In this embodiment,
the bleed valve 6976 is positioned within the pre-motor filter chamber 6956 and is
generally vertically oriented, along axis 6977. In the illustrated example, the bleed
valve 6976 is generally co-axial with the cyclone chamber. To supply outside air to
the bleed valve, a port 6978 is provided in the upper cover 6959 of the pre-motor
filter housing 6956 and is in air flow communication with the inlet end of the bleed
valve 6976. The outlet end of the bleed valve 6976 is in air flow communication with
the air conduit 6974 via a conduit 6979 or optionally via the downstream headspace
6964, to supply the outside air to the suction motor in the event that the pre-motor
filters are blocked. The conduit 6979 can be any suitable conduit and can be sized
to supply a desired quantity of air to the suction motor 6911.
[0054] As exemplified in Figure 16, the pre-motor filter or filters 6960 in the pre-motor
filter chamber 6956 may partially overlie the upper end wall of the cyclone chamber
6913 and each filter may include an axially extending aperture that may be spaced
from and aligned with, or may be generally laterally registered with the vortex finder
6927 and air outlet 6923 (i.e. in a direction generally orthogonal to the cyclone
axis 6920). In the illustrated configuration, the apertures have a larger diameter
than the bleed valve 6976. In this configuration, the bleed valve 6976 is recessed/nested
within the filter apertures and the inlet port on the bleed valve 6976 is may be generally
flush with/co-planar with the upstream side of the filter 6960. At least partially
axially nesting the bleed valve 6976 within the pre-motor filters may help reduce
the overall size of the housing required to accommodate the pre-motor filter of filters
and the bleed valve. It will be appreciated that the bleed valve may be nested within
a pre-motor filter regardless of the position or orientation of the pre-motor filter.
HANDLE
[0055] In accordance with the present invention, the surface cleaning apparatus is provided
with one or more handles to allow a user to grasp and manipulate the surface cleaning
apparatus. Each handle has one or more grip portions and is configured to allow the
user to grasp the handle in one or more configurations and/or orientations. Providing
a generally upright or pistol-grip style handle in accordance with the present invention
allows a user to grasp the surface cleaning apparatus while keeping his/her wrist
in a comfortable, ergonomic position.
[0056] The following is a description of the positioning and orientation of a handle in
accordance with the present invention that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning
apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features
disclosed herein.
[0057] Referring to Figure 9, in the illustrated embodiment, in accordance with the present
invention handle 902 is configured as a generally upright handle and includes a grip
portion 980 that is configured as a pistol-grip style handle. The handle 902 has a
first or bottom end 981 that is adjacent the suction motor housing 912 (e.g., the
upper surface thereof) and a second or upper end 982 that is spaced above from the
lower end 981. The upper end 982 of the handle is positioned adjacent the rear side
wall of the housing of the pre-motor filter chamber 956 or is attached to bridge portion
that extends rearwardly from the pre-motor filter housing.
[0058] The hand grip portion 980 may extend along a handle axis 983. In the illustrated
embodiment, the handle axis 983 is inclined slightly forwardly, and forms and angle
983a, relative to a vertical axis. The angle 983a can be any suitable angle, and preferably
is between about 0-45°, and may be between about 20-35°. The handle axis 983 intersects
the cyclone axis, the suction motor axis 926 and suction motor housing 912 and a bridge
portion 901a of the main body that is an extension of the pre-motor filter housing
956.
[0059] When grasping the hand grip portion 980, a user's fingers may pass through an opening
984 in front of the hand grip portion 980. In the illustrated embodiment, the perimeter
of the opening 984 is formed by an upper portion 912a (Figure 7) of the suction motor
housing 912, the front surface 980a of the hand grip portion 980, a rear portion of
the pre-motor filter chamber sidewall 958 and connecting portions of the main body.
Optionally, the air inlet port for the bleed valve 976 may be formed in one of the
surfaces forming the perimeter of the handle opening 984.
[0060] Preferably, the primary on/off power switch for the surface cleaning apparatus is
positioned proximate the handle 902, so that a user may turn the vacuum cleaner on
or off while holding it by the handle 902. Referring to Figures 4 and 7, in the illustrated
embodiment, the primary power switch 985 is provided on the upper end of the handle
902 and is configured so that it can be pressed by the thumb of a user while holding
the hand grip portion 980. The hand grip portion 980 can include an internal passage
for routing electrical wires or mechanical linkages to provide communication between
the primary power switch and the electrical circuit powering the suction motor 911.
Optionally, the primary power switch 985 can be positioned so that it is intersected
by the handle axis 9083. Alternatively, the primary power switch 985 may be provided
at another suitable location.
[0061] Optionally, the handle 902 can be positioned so that the hand weight of the surface
cleaning apparatus when held in a horizontally disposed position (e.g., axis 988 is
horizontal) is less than 2 lbs, preferably less than 1 lbs and more preferably about
0 lbs, thereby reducing the stress on a user's wrist. Accordingly, the user may experience
only a slight down force even though the motor is below the handle. The handle 902
may accordingly be positioned so that it is behind the centre of gravity of the surface
cleaning apparatus. Preferably, the handle may also be configured so that all or a
portion of it (e.g., the portion gripped by a user) is located at a higher elevation
than the centre of gravity.
[0062] Positioning the handle behind and optionally above the centre of gravity may result
in the surface cleaning apparatus tending to tip forwardly when being held horizontally
by a user. This may tend to rotate the front of the surface cleaning apparatus downwardly
when the surface cleaning apparatus is in use and may allow at least a portion of
the weight of the surface cleaning apparatus to be carried by a surface cleaning head
(or other tool) that rollingly contacts the floor.
[0063] For example, referring to Figure 9, in the embodiment illustrated, the centre of
gravity 986 is located in a vertical plane 987 that is forward of the handle and horizontal
plane 988 that lies below the lower end 981 of the handle 902. In the illustrated
embodiment the handle axis 983 does not intersect the centre of gravity of the surface
cleaning apparatus.
DETACHABLE MOTOR HOUSING
[0064] The following is a description of detachable motor housing may be used by itself
in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any
other feature or features disclosed herein.
[0065] Optionally, the suction motor and at least a portion of its surrounding motor housing
may be detachable from the main body of the surface cleaning apparatus. Referring
to Figures 10 and 11, an alternate embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus 7900
is shown. Apparatus 7900 is generally similar to apparatus 900 and analogous features
are identified using like reference characters indexed by 7000. In this embodiment
the suction motor housing 7912 can be detachably connected to the main body 7901,
so that the suction motor housing 7912, and the suction motor therein, can be separated
from the cyclone bin assembly 7910, handle 7902 and, preferably, pre-motor filter
housing 7956. The suction motor and related electrical components may form a significant
portion of the weight of the surface cleaning apparatus 7900. Separating the suction
motor housing 7912 from the main body 7901 may allow a user to manipulate the main
body 7901 and empty the dirt collection chamber 7914 and cyclone 7913 using the handle
7902 without having to carry around the extra weight of the suction motor.
[0066] The detachable suction motor housing module 7912 may removably coupled to the main
body 7901 using any suitable attachment mechanisms. In the illustrated embodiment
the attachment mechanism is a latch 7990 that can be triggered by a user. In this
embodiment, the suction motor module 7912 includes an air inlet port 7991 that is
configured to be coupled to a reciprocal air outlet port 7992 on the main body 7901.
The ports 7991, 7992 may be of any compatible configurations, and one or more seals
or gasket members may be provided at their interface to help provide an airtight connection.
[0067] If the primary on/off switch 7985 is provided on the main body portion (as described
above) in addition to the air flow connection, the suction motor module 7912 also
includes at least one control/ electrical connection that is configured to mate with
a corresponding control port on the main body 7901. In the illustrated example, the
on/off switch 7985 on the main body 7901 is an electrical switch, and the control
connection between the suction motor module 7912 and the main body includes mating
electrical connectors (e.g., male prongs 7993 and a female electrical socket 7994)
to supply electricity to the switch 7985. Alternatively, primary on/off switch 7985
may be a mechanical switch that is connected to the suction motor module via a mechanical
linkage. In such a configuration, the control connection can include a mechanical
linkage to translate movements of the on/off switch to open and close an electrical
circuit in the suction motor housing. Alternatively, control signals may be transmitted
wireless (e.g. via radio signal) or in any other suitable manner between the on/off
switch and the suction motor housing. In such configurations, the suction motor module
and the main body need not include a physical control connection.
[0068] Optionally, the surface cleaning apparatus 7900 can be configured so that most or
all of the electrical components are located within the suction motor housing 7912.
In such a configuration, when the motor housing 7912 is separated from the main body
7901, substantially all of the components remaining in the main body 7901 may be washed
without exposing the suction motor and other electrical components to water or other
cleaning materials. This may help prevent inadvertent damage to the electrical components
when washing the surface cleaning apparatus 7900.
OTHER SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS
[0069] Optionally, instead of a hand-held or carriable surface cleaning apparatus, the surface
cleaning apparatus may be an upright-style surface cleaning apparatus or a canister-style
cleaning apparatus that includes a cyclone bin assembly having some or all of the
features described herein. Referring to Figure 17, an alternate embodiment of a surface
cleaning apparatus 8900 is shown. Apparatus 8900 includes a dirty air inlet 8903,
a clean air outlet 8904 and a cyclone bin assembly 8910 mounted to a suction motor
housing 8912. A pre-motor filter chamber 8956 is defined between the cyclone bin assembly
8910 and the motor housing 8912. The cyclone bin assembly 8910, suction motor housing
8912 and pre-motor filter chamber 8956 may include some or all of the features described
herein, alone or in combination with each other.
[0070] Referring to Figure 18, an alternate embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus 9900
is shown. Apparatus 9900 includes a dirty air inlet 9903, a clean air outlet 9904
and a cyclone bin assembly 9910 mounted to a suction motor housing 9912. A pre-motor
filter chamber 9956 is defined between the cyclone bin assembly 9910 and the motor
housing 9912. The cyclone bin assembly 9910, suction motor housing 9912 and pre-motor
filter chamber 9956 may include some or all of the features described herein, alone
or in combination with each other.
ALTERNATE HAND CARRIABLE SHURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS
[0071] The following description exemplifies a number of the features disclosed herein in
an alternate construction for a hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus. Referring
to Figure 19, another embodiment of a hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus 10900
is shown. The surface cleaning apparatus 10900 is similar to surface cleaning apparatus
900, and like features are indicated using analogous reference numbers indexed by
10,000.
[0072] The surface cleaning apparatus 10900 includes a main body 10901 having a handle 10902,
a dirty air inlet 10903, a clean air outlet 10904 (see for example Figure 26) and
an air flow path extending therebetween. In the embodiment shown, the dirty air inlet
10903 is the inlet end of connector 10906. Optionally, the inlet end can be used to
directly clean a surface. Alternatively, the inlet end can be connected to the downstream
end of any suitable cleaning tool or accessory, including, for example a wand, a nozzle
and a flexible suction hose.
[0073] The connector 10906 may be any suitable connector that is operable to connect to,
and preferably detachably connect to, a cleaning tool or other accessory. Optionally,
in addition to provide an air flow connection, the connector may also include an electrical
connection 10909 (Figure 20). Providing an electrical connection 10909 may allow cleaning
tools and accessories that are coupled to the connector 10906 to be powered by the
surface cleaning apparatus 10900. For example, the surface cleaning unit 10900 can
be used to provide both power and suction to a surface cleaning head, or other suitable
tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 10906 includes an electrical coupling
in the form of a female socket member, and a corresponding male prong member may be
provided on the cleaning tools and/or accessories. Providing the female socket on
the electrified side of the electrical coupling may help prevent a user from inadvertently
contacting the electrical contacts.
[0074] Referring to Figure 21, a construction technique that may be used by itself or with
any other feature disclosed herein is exemplified. In this embodiment, the main body
portion 10901 of the surface cleaning apparatus includes a core cleaning unit 11000
and an outer shell 11001. In the illustrated example, the core cleaning unit 11000
is a generally, self-contained functional unit that includes the dirty air inlet 10903,
air treatment member 10910, pre-motor filter chamber 10956, suction motor 10911 and
clean air outlet 10904. The outer shell includes mating side panels 11002, the handle
portion 11003 of the surface cleaning apparatus (including the primary power switch
10985) and an openable pre-motor filter chamber cover 10959. When the outer shell
11001 is assembled around the core cleaning unit 11000 the exposed outer surfaces
of the surface cleaning apparatus 10900 are formed from a combination of portions
of the core cleaning unit 11000 and the outer shell 11001. For example, the external
suction motor housing 10912 and handle 10902 are provided by the outer shell 11001,
whereas the shell is shaped so that portions of the cyclone bin assembly 10910 sidewalls
remain visible in the assembled configuration. If these portions are at least partially
transparent, they can allow a user to see into the dirt collection chamber 10914 to
determine if the dirt collection chamber 10914 is getting full.
[0075] From the dirty air inlet 10903, the air flow path extends through the cyclone bin
assembly 10910 which forms part of the main body of the surface cleaning apparatus.
A suction motor 10911 (see Figure 26) is mounted within a motor housing frame 11004
(Figure 21) of the core cleaning unit 11000 and is in fluid communication with the
cyclone bin assembly 10910. In this configuration, the suction motor 10911 is downstream
from the cyclone bin assembly 10910 and the clean air outlet 10904 is downstream from
the suction motor 10911.
[0076] Referring to Figures 23 and 26, a uniflow cyclone and/or a cyclone with rounded junctures,
and/or a cyclone with an insert member any of which may be used by itself or with
any other feature disclosed herein is exemplified. In the illustrated embodiment,
the cyclone bin assembly 10901 includes a cyclone chamber 10913 and a dirt collection
chamber 10914. The dirt collection chamber 10914 comprises a sidewall 10915, a first
end wall 10916 and an opposing second end wall 10917. The dirt collection chamber
10914 may be emptyable by any means known in the art and is preferably openable concurrently
with the cyclone chamber 10913. Preferably, the second dirt collection chamber end
wall 10917 is pivotally connected to the dirt collection chamber sidewall by hinge
10919. The second dirt collection chamber end wall 10913 functions as an openable
door to empty the dirt collection chamber 10914 and can be opened (Figures 24 and
25) to empty dirt and debris from the interior of the dirt collection chamber 10914.
The second dirt collection chamber end wall 10917 can be retained in the closed position
by any means known in the art, such as by a releasable latch 10919a. In the illustrated
example, the hinge 10919 is provided on a back edge of the end wall 10917 and the
latch 10919a is provided at the front of the end wall 10917 so that the door swings
backwardly when opened. Alternatively, the hinge 10919 and latch 10919a may be in
different positions, and the door 10917 may open in a different direction or manner.
Optionally, instead of being openable, the end wall 10917 may be removable.
[0077] In the embodiment shown, the cyclone chamber 10913 extends along a cyclone axis 10920
and is bounded by a sidewall 10921. The cyclone chamber 10913 includes an air inlet
10922 and an air outlet 10923 that is in fluid connection downstream from the air
inlet 10922 and one dirt outlet 10924 in communication with the dirt collection chamber
10914. In this embodiment, the dirt collection chamber 10914 is positioned adjacent
the cyclone chamber 10913 and at least partially surrounds the cyclone chamber 10913
in a side-by-side configuration.
[0078] Preferably, the air inlet 10922 is generally tangentially oriented relative to the
sidewall 10921, so that air entering the cyclone chamber will tend to swirl and circulate
within the cyclone chamber 10913, thereby dis-entraining dirt and debris from the
air flow, before leaving the chamber via the air outlet 10923. The air inlet 10922
extends along an inlet axis 10925 that is generally perpendicular to the cyclone axis
10920, and in the illustrated example is generally parallel to and offset above the
suction motor axis 10926.
[0079] In the illustrated example, the cyclone air outlet 10923 includes a vortex finder
10927. Optionally, a screen 10928 can be positioned over the vortex finder 10927 to
help filter lint, fluff and other fine debris. Preferably, the screen 10928 can be
removable.
[0080] The air inlet 10922 has an inlet diameter 10934, and a related inlet flow cross-sectional
area (measure in a plane perpendicular to the inlet axis). Preferably, the air outlet
10923 is sized so that the diameter 10932 of the air outlet 10923, and therefore the
corresponding flow area of the air outlet 10923, is the same as the diameter of the
air inlet. Alternatively, the air outlet diameter 10932 may be between about 50% and
about 150%, and between about 85-115% of the air inlet diameter 10925.
[0081] In the example illustrated the cyclone bin assembly 10910, and the cyclone chamber
10913 are arranged in a generally vertical, uniflow cyclone configuration. In a uniflow
cyclone, the air inlet is located toward one end of the cyclone chamber and the air
outlet is provided toward the other end of the cyclone chamber. In this configuration,
air enters one end of the cyclone chamber and generally exits via the other end of
the cyclone chamber, as opposed to the cyclone chamber illustrated in the embodiment
of Figures 1 to 18, in which air enters and exits the cyclone chamber via the same
end. In the illustrated example, the air inlet 10922 is provided toward the lower
end of the cyclone chamber 10913 and the air outlet 10923 is provided toward the upper
end of the cyclone chamber 10913, such that air flows into the bottom of the cyclone
chamber 10913 and exits at the top of the cyclone chamber 10913. Alternatively, the
locations of the air inlet and outlet can be reversed.
[0082] Optionally, instead of a vertical configuration, the cyclone bin assembly 10910 and
cyclone chamber 10913 can be provided in another orientation, including, for example,
as a horizontal cyclone.
[0083] Optionally, some or all of the cyclone sidewall 10921 can coincide with portions
of the external sidewalls of the cyclone bin assembly 10910 and the dirt collection
chamber sidewall 10915. Referring to Figure 23, in the illustrated embodiment the
front portion of the cyclone chamber sidewall 10921 is coincident with the outer sidewall
of the cyclone bin assembly 10910, and the rear portion of the cyclone sidewall 10921
helps separate the cyclone chamber 10913 from the dirt collection chamber 10914. This
may help reduce the overall size of the cyclone bin assembly 10910. Alternative, the
sidewall 10921 may be distinct from the sidewalls 10915. In alternative embodiments,
the cyclone chamber 10913 may include only two dirt outlets 10924, or more than two
dirt outlets.
[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, the cyclone chamber 10913 includes a first or upper
end wall 10937 (Figure 23) and a second or lower end wall 10943. The upper end wall
10937 is connected to the upper end of the sidewall 10921. In the illustrated example,
a juncture 10938 between the end wall 10937 and the side wall 10921 is a relatively
sharp corner that does not include any type of angled or radiused surface. In contrast,
the lower end wall 10943 meets the lower end of the cyclone sidewall 10921 at a juncture
11005 that includes a curved juncture surface 11006 (see also Figure 27). The radius
11007 of the curved surface 11006 may be selected based on the radius of the air inlet
(e.g. half of the diameter 10934), and optionally may be the selected so that the
juncture surface 11006 has the same radius as the air inlet 10922.
[0085] The curved juncture surface can be provided as a portion of the sidewall or as a
portion of the endwall. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved juncture surface
11006 is provided as part of an insert member 11008 that is provided on the bottom
end wall and extends upward into the interior of the cyclone chamber 10913. The insert
member also includes an upwardly extending projection member 11009 that extends into
the interior of the cyclone chamber and engages the distal end 10930 of the screen
(Figure 23). Together, the vortex finder 10927, screen 10928 and projection member
11009 form a generally continuous internal column member that extends between the
first and second end walls 10937 and 10943 of the cyclone chamber 10910. Providing
the projection member 11009 may help direct air flow within the cyclone chamber, and
may help support and/or stabilize the distal end 10930 of the screen 10928.
[0086] Optionally, the juncture 11010 between the end wall 10943 and the projection member
11009 may include a curved surface 11011 (see Figures 23 and 26), and preferably is
sized so that the surface 11011 has a radius 11012 that is the same as radius 11007.
Providing curved surfaces 11006 and 11011 at the junctures between the end wall 10943
and the sidewall 10921, may help reduce backpressure and may help improve cyclone
efficiency. Preferably, the two curved juncture surfaces 11006 and 11011 are separated
by a generally flat, planar transition surface 11013, having a width 11014. Providing
a flat transition surface 11013 may help improve air flow, and/or reduce back pressure
to help improve cyclone efficiency.
[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the second end wall 10943 of the cyclone chamber 10913,
and the insert member 11008 provided thereon, is integral with the openable bottom
door 10917 that provides the bottom wall of the dirt collection chamber 10914. In
this configuration, opening the door simultaneously opens the cyclone chamber 10913
and the dirt collection chamber 10914 (see for example Figures 24 and 25) for emptying.
[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the dirt outlet 10924 is in the form of a slot having
bottom and side edges provided by the cyclone chamber sidewall 10921, and a top edge
provided by the upper end wall 10937. Alternatively, all four edges of the slot 10924
may be provided by the cyclone chamber sidewall 10921. The dirt slot 10924 is positioned
at the back of the cyclone chamber 10921 and is generally opposite the air inlet 10922.
In the illustrated embodiment, the upper wall 10937 of the cyclone chamber is integral
with the upper wall 10916 (Figures 23 and 26) of the dirt collection chamber 10914.
[0089] Optionally, one or more pre-motor filters may be placed in the air flow path between
the cyclone bin assembly 10910 and the suction motor 10911. Alternatively, or in addition,
one or more post-motor filters may be provided downstream from the suction motor.
[0090] Referring to Figures 27, a filter housing construction that may be used by itself
or with any other feature disclosed herein is exemplified. In the illustrated embodiment
a pre-motor filter chamber or housing 10956 is provided between the upper walls 10937,
10916 of the cyclone 10913 and dirt collection chambers 10914 and the openable cover
10959. In this configuration, the bottom wall 10957 of the pre-motor filter chamber
10956 is integral with the upper walls 10937, 10916 of the cyclone 10913 and dirt
collection chambers 10914, and the upper wall 10958a and sidewall 10958 of the pre-motor
filter chamber 10956 are provided via a filter cartridge housing 11015 (see also Figure
28). The filter cartridge housing 11015 is separate from the openable cover 10959.
One or more filters may be positioned within the pre-motor filter chamber to filter
fine particles from the air stream exiting the air outlet, before it flows into inlet
of the suction motor. The filters may be of any suitable configuration and formed
from any suitable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, a foam filter 10960 and
a felt filter 10961 (Figure 30) are positioned within the pre-motor filter chamber
10956.
[0091] Referring to Figures 27-30, the filter cartridge is a generally dome shaped member
that includes a upper wall 10958a and a sidewall 10958 extending downwardly from the
upper wall to surround the pre-motor filters 10960, 10961. The pre-motor filters 10960,
10961 are shaped to fit within the cartridge member 11015, and when inserted within
the cartridge member (Figure 29) the downstream side 10965 of the felt filter 10961
forms the bottom surface of the filter cartridge 11015. When the filter cartridge
11015 is inserted in its use position (Figure 28) the downstream side 10965 of the
pre- motor filter rests on the support ribs 10962 (see Figure 29) on the bottom wall
10957, and the downstream headspace 10964 (Figure 27) is defined between the downstream
side 10965 of the filter 10961 and the bottom wall10957.
[0092] In this embodiment, the upstream headspace 10970 (Figure 27) is provided between
the upstream side 10968 of the pre-motor filter 10960 and the upper wall 10958a of
the cartridge housing 11015 (instead of being formed by the cover 10959). To provide
air into the upstream headspace 10970, the vortex finder 10927 projects upwardly from
the bottom wall 10957 and the filters 10960 and 10961 are provided with a corresponding
aperture 10972 to receive the vortex finder 10927. Preferably, a plurality of spacing
ribs 11016 (Figure 30) are provided on the inner surface of the upper wall 10958a
to keep the upstream surface 10968 of the filter 10960 spaced apart from the inner
surface of the upper wall 10958a to maintain the upstream headspace 10970.
[0093] The lower rim 11017 of the filter cartridge 11015 housing is configured to seal against
the bottom wall 10957 (for example via snap fit or by using any type of suitable gasket
or sealing member) to provide a generally air tight pre-motor filter chamber 10956.
The sealed chamber 10956 is then covered by openable chamber cover 10959. As the filter
cartridge housing 11015 provides a sufficiently air tight connection to the bottom
wall, the chamber cover 10959 need not be air tight. Preferably, at least a portion
of both the chamber cover 10959 and the filter cartridge 11015 housing is transparent
so that a user can inspect the upstream side 10968 of the pre-motor filter 10960 without
having to remove it from the chamber 10956. Optionally, both the chamber cover 10959
and filter cartridge housing 11015 may be formed from transparent plastic.
[0094] When a user wishes to remove, clean, change or otherwise access the pre-motor filter
10960, 10961 he/she may open the chamber cover 10959 (Figure 30) to expose the filter
cartridge housing 11015. The user may then detach the filter cartridge housing 11015
and separate it from the bottom wall 10957. Preferably, the pre-motor filters 10960,
10961 are snugly received within the filter cartridge housing 11015 (or otherwise
retained therein) so that the filters 10960, 10961 are removed with the filter cartridge
housing 11015 and remain inside the filter cartridge housing 11015 until removed by
a user. In this embodiment, the dirty, upstream side 10968 of the filter 10960 remains
enclosed by the filter cartridge housing 11015 when separated from the core cleaning
unit 11000, and only the relatively clearer downstream side 10965 of the filter 10961
is exposed. This may help prevent dirt on the upstream side 10968 of the filter 10960
from spilling or from otherwise contacting the user. When at a desired location, for
example at a trash receptacle or a sink, a user can grasp the clean, downstream side
10965 of the filter and remove it from the filter cartridge housing 11015. The upstream
side 10968 of the filter can then be cleaned and inspected as desired.
[0095] To assist a user, the upper side 1958a of the filter cartridge housing 11015 may
be provided with a grip member, for example the flange 11018 in the illustrated embodiment
(Figure 28), which may allow a user to firmly grasp and manipulate the filter cartridge
housing 11015. The grip member 11018 may be of any suitable configuration and optionally
may be provided on other portions of the filter cartridge housing (for example as
a ridge or groove in the sidewall). Alternatively, the filter cartridge housing 11015
need not include a separate grip member.
[0096] To help reduce the overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus, in the illustrated
embodiment the pre-motor filter chamber 10956, and the filters therein, is positioned
above the cyclone chamber 10913 and covers the upper end of the cyclone chamber 10913.
In this configuration, a plane 10966 (Figure 26) containing the foam filter 10960
is generally parallel and spaced above a plane 10977 containing the air outlet 10923
of the cyclone chamber 10913, and both planes 10966, 10967 are generally perpendicular
to the cyclone axis 10920. Arranging the filters 10960, 10961 in this configuration
results in the upstream side of the pre-motor filter (in this example the upper side
10968 of the foam filter 10960) being spaced further apart from the cyclone chamber
10913 than the downstream side of the pre-motor filter (in this example the lower
surface 10965 of the felt filter 10961). Alternatively, in other embodiments, the
pre-motor filter chamber 10956 may cover only a portion of the upper end of the cyclone
chamber and/or may be laterally spaced apart from the cyclone chamber.
[0097] When the surface cleaning apparatus is in use, air exiting the cyclone chamber 10913
can flow into the upstream head space 10970 via the vortex finder 10927. Within the
upstream headspace 10970 the air can flow laterally across the upstream surface 10968
of the foam filter 10960, and down through the filters into the downstream head space
10964. From the downstream head space 10964, the air can flow to the inlet 10973 of
the suction motor via an internal air conduit 10974 (Figure 26) formed within the
body 10901. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal air conduit 10974 is formed
within the main body 10901 and is external the cyclone chamber 10913 and the dirt
collection chamber 10914 and is partially bounded by an exterior surface exterior
surface of the dirt collection chamber sidewall 10915. The air conduit 10974 extends
generally vertically between the pre-motor filter chamber 10956 and the suction motor
10911, and is positioned laterally intermediate the suction motor 10911 and the cyclone
chamber 10913. The suction motor 10911 is positioned at an elevation where its air
inlet 10973 is vertically between the upper and lower ends of the cyclone chamber
10913, and the motor axis passes 10926 through the cyclone chamber 10913 and the dirt
collection chamber 10914.
[0098] Optionally, the cartridge member 11015 can be provided with a bottom cover 11030
to encase the filters 10960 and 10961 and to provide a self-contained pre-motor filter
chamber 10956. Referring to Figures 33 and 34, in such a configuration, the bottom
cover 11030 may provide the bottom wall 10957 of the pre-motor filter chamber 10956,
and may be provided with internal ribs 10962 to support the filters 10960, 10961 and
to provide the downstream headspace 10964. An outlet port 11031 provided in the bottom
cover 11030 allows air to exit the cartridge enclosure 11015 and flow into conduit
10974. Providing a sealed cartridge may help further contain dirt within the cartridge
prior to emptying, and may help keep the filters 10960 and 10961 in position.
[0099] Referring to Figure 20, in the illustrated embodiment, handle 10902 has a first or
bottom end 10981 that is adjacent the suction motor housing 10912, a second or upper
end 10982 that is spaced above from the lower end 10981 and a grip portion 10980 extending
therebetween. When grasping the hand grip portion 10980, a user's fingers may pass
through an opening 10984.
[0100] Referring to Figure 31, a sectional view of an alternate embodiment cyclone bin assembly
portion 12910 of a core cleaning unit 13000 that may be used by itself or with any
other feature disclosed herein is exemplified. The cyclone bin assembly 12910 is similar
to bin assembly 10910, and like features are identified using like reference numerals
indexed by 2000. The cyclone bin assembly 12910 is illustrated in isolation with the
outer shell, filter cartridge member and the suction motor removed. In this embodiment
the cyclone chamber 12913 is flared such that the cross-sectional area taken in a
plane 13020 that passes through the air inlet 12922 (toward the bottom of the cyclone
chamber 12913) is smaller than the cross-sectional area taken in a plane 13021 that
passes through the dirt outlet 12924, and is smaller than the cross-section area of
the upper end wall 12937 of the cyclone chamber 12913 (which includes the air outlet
12923). In this configuration, the cyclone chamber sidewall 12921 includes a vertical
portion 13022 and a generally frusto-conical portion 13023 positioned above the vertical
portion 13022. In this embodiment the volume of the cyclone chamber 12913 increases
toward the top to the cyclone chamber, which may help improve cyclone efficiency and/or
may help dis-entrained dirt exit via the dirt outlet.
[0101] Referring to Figure 32, a sectional view of an alternate embodiment cyclone bin assembly
14910 portion of the core cleaning unit 15000 that may be used by itself or with any
other feature disclosed herein is exemplified. The cyclone bin assembly 14910 is similar
to cyclone bin assembly 10910, and like elements are represented using analogous reference
numbers indexed by 4000. The cyclone bin assembly 14910 is illustrated in isolation
with the outer shell, filter cartridge member and the suction motor removed. In this
embodiment the cyclone chamber 14913 is tapered such that the cross-sectional area
taken in a plane 15020 that passes through the air inlet 14922 (toward the bottom
of the cyclone chamber 14913) is larger than the cross-sectional area taken in a plane
15021 that passes through the dirt outlet 14924, and is larger than the cross-section
area of the upper end wall 14937 of the cyclone chamber 14913 (which includes the
air outlet 14923). In this configuration, the cyclone chamber sidewall 14921 includes
a vertical portion 15022 and a generally inwardly-tapering frusto-conical portion
15023 positioned above the vertical portion. In this embodiment the volume of the
cyclone chamber 14913 decreases toward the top to the cyclone chamber, which may help
improve cyclone efficiency and/or may help dis-entrained dirt exit via the dirt outlet.
[0102] What has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention
and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other
variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention
as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited
by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation
consistent with the description as a whole.
1. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) mit einer Oberseite und
mit einer Unterseite und die umfasst:
(a) einen Einlass (903) für verschmutztes Fluid;
(b) ein Luftbehandlungselement auslassseitig des Einlasses (903) für verschmutztes
Fluid und das ein unteres Ende, ein oberes Ende, einen Lufteinlass (922) und einen
Luftauslass (923) an dem oberen Ende umfasst;
(c) einen dem Motor vorgeschalteten Filter, der in einem Gehäuse (956) des dem Motor
vorgeschalteten Filters positioniert ist und eine zu öffnende obere Abdeckung (959)
aufweist, wobei der dem Motor vorgeschaltete Filter über dem oberen Ende und auslassseitig
des Luftbehandlungselements positioniert ist und wobei der dem Motor vorgeschaltete
Filter wenigstens über einem Abschnitt des oberen Endes des Luftbehandlungselements
liegt, wenn die Unterseite auf einer horizontalen Oberfläche aufliegt;
(d) einen Saugmotor, der innerhalb eines Motorgehäuses (912), auslassseitig des dem
Motor vorgeschalteten Filters und hinter dem Luftbehandlungselement positioniert ist;
(e) einen Luftströmungsweg, der von dem Gehäuse (956) des dem Motor vorgeschalteten
Filters zu dem Saugmotor verläuft; und
(f) einen Auslass (904) für saubere Luft auslassseitig des Saugmotors;
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Reinigungsvorrichtung ferner umfasst:
(g) einen Handgriff (902) im Pistolengriffstil mit einem oberen Ende (982), das benachbart
zu der Rückseitenwand des Gehäuses (956) des dem Motor vorgeschalteten Filters positioniert
ist oder das an einem Brückenabschnitt befestigt ist, der von dem Gehäuse (956) des
dem Motor vorgeschalteten Filters nach hinten verläuft; einem unteren Unterseitenende
(981), das hinter dem oberen Ende (982) und benachbart zu dem Motorgehäuse (912) positioniert
ist; und einem Griffabschnitt (980), der zwischen dem oberen Ende (982) und dem unteren
Ende (981) verläuft, und wobei zwischen dem Griffabschnitt (980) und dem Gehäuse (956)
des dem Motor vorgeschalteten Filters ein Fingerzwischenraum zum Aufnehmen der Finger
eines Nutzers vorgesehen ist.
2. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei
die Abdeckung (959) geöffnet werden kann, ohne den dem Motor vorgeschalteten Filter
zu bewegen.
3. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß Anspruch 1 oder
Anspruch 2, wobei die Einlassseite weiter als die Auslassseite von dem Luftbehandlungselement
beanstandet ist.
4. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 3, wobei die zu öffnende Abdeckung (959) eine Außenoberfläche, die eine Außenoberfläche
der Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) bildet, und einen vorderen Abschnitt, der
nach vorn geneigt ist, aufweist, wobei ein vorderes Ende der Außenoberfläche tiefer
als ein hinteres Ende der Außenoberfläche ist, wenn die Unterseite der Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung
(900) auf einer horizontalen Oberfläche aufliegt.
5. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß Anspruch 4, wobei
das Gehäuse (956) des dem Motor vorgeschalteten Filters einen oberen Rand aufweist,
der durch die zu öffnende Abdeckung (959) abgedichtet ist, und wobei der obere Rand
in einer Ebene liegt, die nach vorn geneigt ist, so dass ein vorderes Ende des oberen
Rands tiefer als ein hinteres Ende des oberen Rands ist, wenn die Unterseite der Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung
(900) auf einer horizontalen Oberfläche aufliegt.
6. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß einem der Ansprüche
1-5,
wobei das obere Ende des Handgriffs (902) zu der Oberseite der Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung
(900) benachbart ist und zu einem hinteren Ende des Gehäuses (956) des dem Motor vorgeschalteten
Filters benachbart ist.
7. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß einem der Ansprüche
1-6, wobei die Abdeckung (959) geöffnet werden kann, wenn das Luftbehandlungselement
an der an der Hand tragbaren Oberflächenvorrichtung (900) angebracht ist, und ohne
den Handgriff (902) zu bewegen.
8. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 7, wobei das Gehäuse (956) des dem Motor vorgeschalteten Filters über dem Luftbehandlungselement
positioniert ist und wobei der Handgriff (902) zwischen dem Saugmotorgehäuse (912)
und dem Gehäuse (956) des dem Motor vorgeschalteten Filters verläuft.
9. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 7, wobei der Handgriff (902) ein Ende des Saugmotorgehäuses (912) aufweist,
das hinter dem Luftbehandlungselement und unter dem Gehäuse (956) des dem Motor vorgeschalteten
Filters beabstandet ist.
10. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 9, wobei der Saugmotor einen Saugmotoreinlass aufweist, der zwischen dem unteren
und dem oberen Ende des Luftbehandlungselements positioniert ist.
11. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 10, wobei das Luftbehandlungselement eine Zyklonkammer (913) umfasst und wobei
an dem unteren Ende des Zyklons ein Schmutzauslass (924a, 924b) der Zyklonkammer (913)
vorgesehen ist und wobei unter der Zyklonkammer (913) eine Schmutzsammelkammer (914)
positioniert ist.
12. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 11, wobei der Luftströmungsweg einen Abschnitt aufweist, der außerhalb einer
Außenwand des Luftbehandlungselements ist und teilweise ihr entlang zu einem Saugmotoreinlass
verläuft.
13. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 12, wobei das Luftbehandlungselement einen Zyklon umfasst.
14. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß Anspruch 13, die
ferner umfasst, dass die Schmutzsammelkammer (214) außerhalb der Zyklonkammer (913)
positioniert ist, wobei der Luftströmungsweg einen Abschnitt aufweist, der teilweise
entlang einer Außenwand der Schmutzsammelkammer (214) zu einem Saugmotoreinlass verläuft.
15. Mit der Hand tragbare Oberflächenreinigungsvorrichtung (900) gemäß einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 14, wobei der dem Motor vorgeschaltete Filter einen Schaumfilter (10960) umfasst.