CN106413497B

CN106413497B - Surface cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN106413497B
Application number: CN201580028525.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·B·索恩; W·E·康拉德
Original assignee: GBD Corp
Current assignee: GBD Corp
Priority date: 2014-05-29
Filing date: 2015-05-27
Publication date: 2019-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-27
Also published as: WO2015179977A1; GB2541145B; GB2541145A; DE112015002525T5; AU2015268068B2; CN106413497A; GB2587726B; CA2948397C; CA2948397A1; GB202018719D0; AU2015268068A1; GB2587726A

Abstract

The invention discloses a kind of surface cleaning apparatus, the surface cleaning apparatus has mounted to the top of surface cleaning head, the portable surface cleaning unit for being installed to the top, the liftoff cleaning that can be removably received in top adapter tube and the adapter tube lock with locked, at the latched position, the adapter tube is fixed to the top, in the unlocked position, the adapter tube can be removed from the top.When the adapter tube is connected to the cleaning head in a driving manner, the top can consolidate the adapter tube.The surface cleaning head can be electrically connected to the cleaning unit by electrified flexibility airflow duct.

Description

Surface cleaning apparatus

The cross reference of related application

The patent application is according to 35 the 119th article of United States Code No., it is desirable that is filed in the entitled of on May 29th, 2014 The co-pending United States Patent application 14/290,844 of " SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS " (" surface cleaning apparatus "), It is filed in the common of entitled " SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS " (" surface cleaning apparatus ") on May 29th, 2014 Pending U.S. Patent Application 14/290,817, and it is filed in entitled " the SURFACE CLEANING on May 29th, 2014 The priority of the co-pending United States Patent application 14/290,859 of APPARATUS " (" surface cleaning apparatus "), these patent Shens Each please itself is as the co-pending United States Patent application 13/781,441 for being filed on 2 28th, 2013 and is filed in The part continuation application of the co-pending United States Patent application 13/541,745 on July 4th, 2012 is according to United States Code No. 35 120th article requires equity, and co-pending United States Patent application 13/541,745 is be filed on March 9th, 2010 co-pending The divisional application of U.S. Patent application 12/720,570, and the patent application 12/720,570 in itself according to United States Code No. 35 119th article, it is desirable that it is that Canadian patent application 2,658,402 that on March 13rd, 2009 submits, on July 28th, 2009 submit plus Entitled " the SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS " that patent application 2,674,056 and 2009 year September of putting on airs is submitted on the 8th The priority of the Canadian patent application 2,678,220 of (" surface cleaning apparatus "), each of these patent applications full text It is herein incorporated by reference.

Technical field

This specification is related to a kind of surface cleaning apparatus, which can be connects with upper section, liftoff cleaning The upright vacuum cleaner of pipe and portable clean unit such as capsule or hand-held vacuum cleaner, wherein the upper section can live It is for example pivotally mounted to surface cleaning head dynamicly, the liftoff cleaning adapter tube is removably mountable to the upper section, described Portable clean unit is removably mountable to the upper section.Liftoff cleaning adapter tube and portable clean unit are in itself respectively can It removes, or can be removed together with liftoff cleaning adapter tube and the other of portable clean unit.

Introduction

It is a part of the prior art or the technology of this field that following the description, which is not offered as any content discussed below, A part of the common knowledge of personnel.

Various types of surface cleaning apparatus are known.In general, upright vacuum cleaner includes top or upper section, it is somebody's turn to do Top or upper section include the air-treatment component for being installed to surface cleaning head in a driving manner, such as one or more cyclone dust removals Device and/or filter.Ascending air conduit is generally arranged between the surface cleaning head and top.In some such vacuum cleanings In device, spine, shell or trunk extend between surface cleaning head and top to support air-treatment component.Suction motor can be set It sets in top or in surface cleaning head.

Surface cleaning apparatus with the portable clean module being removably attached on upright vacuum cleaner is It is known.See, for example, US 5,309,600, US 4,635,315 and US 2011/0314629.2011/0314629 disclosure of US A kind of upright vacuum cleaner with surface cleaning head and is pivotally mounted to upright on the surface cleaning head Section.Hand-held vacuum cleaner or capsule are removably mounted on top, and are connected into via flexible hose and surface cleaning Head airflow connection.The a part of of top can be bent, to allow the surface cleaning head to extend in underneath pieces of furniture.The bendable portion Quartile is outside air flow path.In use, hand-held vacuum cleaner is locked on top.User can the hand-held vacuum of manual unlocking Dust catcher, to be removed with for use as hand-held vacuum cleaner, and/or for emptying cyclone dust collectors storehouse component. In addition, settable liftoff cleaning adapter tube, and cleaning adapter tube can disassemble together with capsule.

Summary of the invention

The content of present invention is intended to be described below more specific embodiments to reader, it is not intended that limit or limit it is any by Claims protection or so far not yet claimed summary of the invention.One or more summary of the invention can be by wrapping The shape of any combination or sub-portfolio of element or process steps disclosed in this paper any part containing its claims and drawing Formula and exist.

In a first aspect, providing a kind of upright vacuum cleaner comprising surface cleaning head and movably install To the upper section of the surface cleaning head, wherein each of liftoff cleaning adapter tube and portable clean unit are removable.From Ground cleaning adapter tube, which can be, to be receivable in top.Portable clean unit is removably mountable to top and liftoff cleaning connects Pipe.Optionally, adapter tube release actuator, and optionally, the adapter tube locking mechanism including locking component can move together with adapter tube It removes.In one embodiment, top preferably includes pipe or hood with an open mouth, substantially by pipe with an open mouth or machine Cover composition, or be made of the pipe or hood, wherein liftoff cleaning adapter tube may be received in upper opening.The advantage of the design It is, provides the upper mounting rack for portable clean unit by using adapter tube, so that thereon or in which mountable adapter tube Top can have lower vertical range, so that simplifying user is inserted into the process of adapter tube.For example, for allowing user couple Can be lower at quasi- and installation adapter tube target, movement needed for observing for it brings more preferably advantage, and user is allowed to pacify It fills in operating process and is taken in more comfortable operating at elevations.

In second aspect, a kind of upright vacuum cleaner is provided comprising top, liftoff cleaning take over, are portable Surface cleaning cells and electrified flexible airflow duct, wherein the top is movably installed to storage position and floor-cleaning Surface cleaning head between position, liftoff cleaning adapter tube can be removably received in top, portable surface cleaning unit It is removably mounted on top, and optionally also can mount to adapter tube, electrified flexible air conductance pipe is formed from liftoff cleaning At least part of the air flow path of portable surface cleaning unit is taken over, and when adapter tube is accepted in top, Surface cleaning head is electrically connected to surface cleaning cells on an internal position.The advantage of the design is that adapter tube can incite somebody to action Surface cleaning head is electrically connected to the power supply that is set in portable surface cleaning unit, and (such as to be set to portable surface cleaning single Battery or AC power cord in member).

In the third aspect, a kind of surface cleaning apparatus is provided, wherein liftoff cleaning adapter tube can discharge actuator with adapter tube It is removed together from top, and optionally, the adapter tube locking structure including locking component can remove together with adapter tube.Adapter tube can be with It is removably mounting in top.One of the design the advantage is that thereon or in which the mountable top for having adapter tube There can be lower vertical range, but take over release actuator and can be positioned at for example, about waist height, not so as to operator Need to bend over to activate adapter tube release actuator.

In fourth aspect, a kind of upright vacuum cleaner is provided, wherein portable surface cleaning unit such as capsule Or hand-held vacuum cleaner can selectively be disassembled from top.The dust catcher is provided with installation component and lower installation structure Part, and one or both of installation component and lower installation component can be configured to inhibit surface cleaning cells that cross occurs on this It rotates to movement and forward.Lower installation component may be disposed on upper section, and upper installation component may be disposed on adapter tube.Therefore, Under floor cleaning mode, surface cleaning apparatus can be used as upright vacuum cleaner, and wherein portable surface cleaning unit is pacified Loaded on top, and in shank for when driving, being preferred for guiding surface cleaning head, portable clean unit to be stably installed In place.For example, top is settable, there are two the alar parts being laterally extended.Surface cleaning cells can have arm, and the upper-arm circumference is around top And there is the groove for receiving alar part.Alar part can have enough height to prevent surface cleaning cells from transverse shifting occurs It rotates forward.This is able to maintain portable unit in situ when being under latching mode.Second group of upper arm can Being set to for example can be removed on adapter tube, to help when surface cleaning cells unlock or prevent surface cleaning cells from revolving forward Turn.

At the 5th aspect, a kind of surface cleaning apparatus with top is provided, wherein liftoff cleaning adapter tube can be removable Except ground is received in top, and top and adapter tube are configured to allow to take in a driving manner when adapter tube is installed in top It is connected to surface cleaning head.Portable surface cleaning unit is removably mounted on the outer surface on such as top.

For example, top can surround the ascending air delivery pipe from surface cleaning head, and can be it is non-circular, such as Egg type, and the arrival end taken over can have matched shape.Therefore, when adapter tube is inserted into top, the adapter tube is movable State is steadily installed.For example, top provides cross-brace for adapter tube when adapter tube is inserted into top.This is used in adapter tube Applied mechanical stress is supported when guiding surface cleaning head.In addition, keyway can also be arranged in upper case, so as to It helps to be directed at adapter tube in insertion process.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that surface cleaning apparatus can embody any one in feature contained by this paper A or multiple features, and these features that can be used by any specific combination or sub-portfolio.

In particular, can be used alone in a first aspect, or in second aspect, the third aspect, fourth aspect and the 5th aspect One of or more persons.

One of the second aspect that can be used alone or first aspect, the third aspect, fourth aspect and the 5th aspect are more Person.

One of the third aspect that can be used alone or first aspect, second aspect, fourth aspect and the 5th aspect are more Person.

One of the fourth aspect that can be used alone or first aspect, second aspect, the third aspect and the 5th aspect are more Person.

Can be used alone one of the 5th aspect or first aspect, second aspect, the third aspect and fourth aspect or more Person.

It is used to show the various examples of the article of this specification teaching content, method and apparatus with the attached drawing for including together herein Son, it is not intended that limit the range of institute's teaching content in any way.

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 is the front perspective view that surface cleaning apparatus is in storage position；

Fig. 2 is the rear perspective view of Fig. 1 surface cleaning apparatus in storage position；

Fig. 3 is the front perspective view of Fig. 1 surface cleaning apparatus in floor cleaning position；

Fig. 3 a is the side front view of Fig. 1 surface cleaning apparatus in storage position；

Fig. 4 is the partial sectional view of the line 4-4 interception in Fig. 1；

Fig. 5 is the rear perspective view in Fig. 1 surface cleaning apparatus of partial disassembly's configuration；

Fig. 6 is the front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Fig. 1, wherein capsule be removed, but still with the surface cleaning Head airflow connection；

Fig. 7 is the front perspective view in Fig. 1 surface cleaning apparatus of liftoff cleaning configuration；

Fig. 8 is rear perspective view separate with top, for liftoff clean liftoff cleaning adapter tube, wherein rising for clarity See and removes remainder；

Fig. 9 is the top of Fig. 8 and the plan view from above of surface cleaning head；

Figure 10 is the plan view from above of the surface cleaning apparatus of Fig. 1, wherein liftoff cleaning adapter tube is removed from top；

Figure 11 is the liftoff rear perspective view removed from top with cleaning nipple part；

Figure 12 is the rear perspective view of portable surface cleaning unit；

Figure 13 is the face upwarding view of the surface cleaning cells of Figure 12；

Figure 14 is the anterior elevational view on the top of the surface cleaning head of Fig. 8；

Figure 15 is the cross-sectional view of the line 15-15 interception in Fig. 8；

Figure 16 is the cross-sectional view of the line 16-16 interception in Fig. 4；

Figure 17 is the rear front view of the surface cleaning cells of Figure 12；

Figure 18 a to Figure 18 d is the rear perspective view of the surface cleaning cells of Figure 12, and wherein rear wall is removed, and locks machine Structure is at different location；

Figure 19 be the adapter tube of Figure 11 part after sectional perspective view；

Figure 20 a to Figure 20 d is the part rear perspective view of the adapter tube of Fig. 8, and wherein outer wall is removed.

Figure 21 is that the front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Fig. 1, wherein surface cleaning cells and hose are removed；

Figure 22 is the partial perspective sectional view of the line 4-4 interception in Fig. 1；

Figure 23 to Figure 25 is mounted to the front perspective view of the surface cleaning cells on top.

Specific embodiment

Various devices or process is described below, so that the embodiment of claimed every kind of invention is provided Example.Embodiments described just below is not intended to limit any claimed invention, and any by claims The invention of protection can all cover process or the device different from those described below process or device.These are protected by claims The invention of shield is not limited to those of whole features with any device described below or process device or process, is also not necessarily limited to The common trait of described below multiple or whole devices.It is possible that device described below or process are not any by right The embodiment of the invention of claim protection.By the device described below of this document protection or in the process, disclosed any invention can not To be the theme of another protection instrument (for example, connecting patent application), and applicant, inventor or owner of a patent are not Intend to abandon, deny any the invention disclosure within this document or contributed to the public.

The general description of upright vacuum cleaner

Referring to figures 1-3, the first embodiment of surface cleaning apparatus 100 is shown in figure.In the shown embodiment, surface Cleaning device 100 is upright vacuum cleaner.In alternative embodiment, surface cleaning apparatus can be another suitable type Vertical type surface cleaning apparatus, such as stick type vacuum cleaner, wet Wet/dry vacuum or carpet extractor.

In the example shown, surface cleaning apparatus 100 include top or support construction 104, in a manner of movable and It is drivingly connected to surface cleaning head 108.Surface cleaning cells 112 are mounted on top 104.Surface cleaning apparatus 100 Also there is at least one dirty air entrance 116, at least one clean air outlet 120, and the air-flow extended between Path or channel.In the example shown, air flow path include at least one flexible air conductance pipe component (such as hose 124 or its His flexible conduit).Alternatively, air flow path can be formed by rigid member.

Preferably, as in Fig. 4 for example, portable surface cleaning unit 112 both include can be in motor housing 132 Suction motor 128, and including that can be in the air-treatment component of 136 form of cyclone dust collectors storehouse component.Air-treatment component can To be any suitable air-treatment component, including for example one or more cyclone dust collectors, filter and sack, and preferably The upstream of suction motor is arranged in ground, at least one air-treatment component.Therefore, surface cleaning cells 112 can be hand-held true Vacuum cleaner or capsule etc..Cyclone dust collectors storehouse component 136 includes cyclone dust collectors room 144 and dust collection chamber 148.

In an illustrated embodiment, surface cleaning head 108 includes dirty air entrance 116, the dirty air entrance in slit or The form (Fig. 4) of opening 152, is formed on the surface of substantially faced downwards of surface cleaning head 108.Air flow path is from dirty sky Gas entrance 116 extends through surface cleaning head 108, and passes through the ascending air conduit 156 (Fig. 2) in top 104 and reach table Face cleaning unit 112.

Shank 160 is arranged in can be from the adapter tube that top 104 removes, to allow user to manipulate surface cleaning apparatus 100.Referring to fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 3 a, top extends along top axis 164, and is movably installed to surface cleaning head 108 On.In the example shown, top 104 is pivotally mounted to surface cleaning head via pivot fitting 168.Pivot fitting 168 can To be any suitable pivot fitting.In this embodiment, top 104 can be relative to surface cleaning head 108, in storage position (Fig. 1) and use activity between position or floor cleaning position (Fig. 3).When in floor cleaning position, top 104 can be relative to Surface to be cleaned inclination, and the angle 172 being parallel between the plane 176 on the surface and top axis 164 can be between about 20 ° To between about 85 °.When in storage position (Fig. 3 a), top 104 can be tilted relative to the surface to be cleaned, and be parallel to the table Angle 172 between the plane 176 and top axis 164 in face can be between about 85 ° to about 135 °.

It should be appreciated that discussed above is exemplary references, and upright vacuum cleaner can be used with any design Surface cleaning head and top, and these components can be movably connected with together by any mode as known in the art.

In one aspect, upright vacuum cleaner 100 can be operated by a variety of different function configurations or operation mode.It can lead to Permission surface cleaning cells 112 and liftoff cleaning adapter tube are crossed respectively since top 104 disassembles, and are realized in different operation modes The multifunctionality of lower operation.

In the example shown, surface cleaning cells 112 are mounted on to the weight that top 104 is increased on top 104, and It can influence the navigability and ease for use of surface cleaning apparatus 100.As shown in Figure 1-Figure 3, surface cleaning cells 112 are being attached with In the case where, vacuum cleaner 100 can be operated as conventional upright formula vacuum cleaner.

When disassembling surface cleaning cells 112 from support construction 104, to be produced by surface cleaning cells 112 Raw pull of vacuum can keep airflow connection with surface cleaning head 108, between surface cleaning head 108 and cleaning unit 112 Air-flow interconnecting piece is preferably at least partly formed by flexible conduit (such as can be the flexible hose 124 of electrified hose).It is excellent Selection of land, hose 124 can extend, and can more preferably extend flexiblely or with resiliencely.The use of flexible conduit allows User dismantles surface cleaning cells 112, while need not reconfigure or reconnect any portion of of airflow duct 184 In the case of, keep the flowing between portable surface cleaning unit 112 and surface cleaning head 108 to connect (Fig. 6).

In the example shown, the air flow path between surface cleaning head 108 and cleaning unit 112 further includes that liftoff cleaning connects Pipe 180.Adapter tube 180 can be located in the upstream of hose 124 and the downstream of surface cleaning head 108.Preferably, adapter tube 180 can It is connected to top 104 by driving method, so that adapter tube 180 can be used for guiding surface cleaning head 108 (such as forwardly and rearwardly). Therefore, adapter tube 180 includes the rigid airflow duct with any suitable shape.For example, adapter tube 180 can be straight as shown in the figure , or can be bending or curved.In some embodiments, adapter tube 180 can be restructural.For example, adapter tube 180 can With upper section and lower section, the upper section and lower section can be moveably mounted (such as being pivotably connected) relative to each other, so that adapter tube 180 can be transformed to curved configuration from straight configuration.In addition, adapter tube 180 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, it is all as shown Circular cross sectional shape, or another cross sectional shape is such as rectangular, rectangle or other rules or irregular shapes, such as " egg Shape ".

Adapter tube 180 can be telescopic adapter tube in order to extend.

In order to enable user is able to use adapter tube 180 manipulates surface cleaning head 108 at a distance, adapter tube 180 is settable Pelmatozoa component.Preferably, handle assembly or shank 160 are oriented to hold 188 close to upper (i.e. the downstream) of adapter tube 180.For example, Shank 160 can be connected to one or both of adapter tube 180 and hose 124.Optionally, shank 160 can form adapter tube 180 and soft Fraction path between pipe 124.Alternatively, shank 160 could attach to one or both of adapter tube 180 and hose 124 Periphery, and the airflow connection being not involved between adapter tube 180 and hose 124.

User can grasp the handle portion 182 of shank 160 with manipulate adapter tube 180 (such as moving top 104, with And the direction of manipulation surface cleaning head 108).In alternative embodiment, surface cleaning apparatus 100 may not include shank 160, phase Instead, user can directly grasp adapter tube 180.

Referring now to Fig. 5.As shown, top 104 can be moveably mounted relative to surface cleaning head 108.Top 104 can Surface cleaning head 108 is connected to (for example, top is pivotably mounted or rotatably by any means as known in the art Installation etc.).As in the illustrative, pivot fitting 168 allows top 104 relative to the inclination of surface cleaning head 108 and/or pivot Turn.

As in the illustrative, each of adapter tube 180 and surface cleaning cells 112 are optionally attached to Portion 104 is separated with the top.The advantages of the design is that vacuum cleaner can be converted into surface by removing adapter tube by user Cleaning mode, without removing surface cleaning cells 112.Preferably, each of adapter tube 180 and surface cleaning cells 112 It may be selectively coupled to top 104 in a manner of independently from each other, or separated with the top.For example, adapter tube 180 and surface are clear Clean unit 112 can be connected to sequentially or simultaneously top 104 in any order or separate with top.This can simplify surface cleaning dress Setting 100 reconstruct becomes the process of different cleaning mode, while being not necessarily to the operation of interrupt surface cleaning device 100.

As in the illustrative, when the upstream end of adapter tube 180 192 is connected to top 104, surface cleaning head 108 adds Enter into air flow path, becomes floor cleaning mode, such as cleaning floor and stair etc..In this case, surface is clear Clean unit 112 is mountable on top 104, and the weight for the support surface cleaning unit on top 104 is (for example, such as Fig. 3 institute Show, this figure illustrates the traditional floor cleaning modes of upright vacuum cleaner).Alternatively, such as when adapter tube 180 connects When to surface cleaning head 108, surface cleaning cells 112 can be unloaded and be held from top 104, be worn on body as backpack instrument Above or it is placed on floor (for example, as shown in fig. 6, this figure illustrates the alternative floor-cleanings of upright vacuum cleaner Mode).

As in the illustrative, adapter tube 180 can be separated with top 104, to be used for liftoff cleaning mode.Implement at one In example, when adapter tube 180 is used for liftoff cleaning mode, surface cleaning cells 112 are mountable on top 104, on top The weight of support surface cleaning unit on 104 (for example, as shown in Figure 7).Alternatively, in another optional embodiment, example Such as when adapter tube 180 under liftoff cleaning mode in use, surface cleaning cells 112 can also be unloaded from top 104 and be held, conduct Backpack instrument wears or is placed on floor.

Adapter tube 180 and surface cleaning cells 112 can be connected to top 104 in any suitable way.The example shown in In, adapter tube 180 is inserted into top 104, and surface cleaning cells 112 are mounted on the outside on top 104.In such case Under, top 104 can provide the part or all of air flow path from surface cleaning head 108 to adapter tube 180.In other embodiments In, top 104 is not necessarily to a part as air flow path.For example, the mountable outside on top 104 of adapter tube 180, and entrance End can be located on the outlet end of delivery pipe set on the outer surface on top 104.

Referring to Fig. 6, when surface cleaning apparatus 100 is in use, user can be by surface cleaning cells 112 from top 104 disassemble, without interrupting the airflow connection between cleaning unit 112 and surface cleaning head 108.This allows user using Period selectively dismantles cleaning unit 112 and cleaning unit is re-attached to support construction 104, without stopping and again Structure connects the other parts of hose 124 or airflow duct 184.As in the illustrative, adapter tube 180 is attached to top 104, and And surface cleaning cells 112 are disassembled from top 104.

In this configuration, top 104 can provide the connection between adapter tube 180 and surface cleaning head 108, this connection allows User is by manipulation adapter tube 180 come driving surface cleaning head 108.

Other than it can be used to cleaning floor or surface, vacuum cleaner can operate under a variety of cleaning modes, institute It states a variety of cleaning modes not and includes using surface cleaning head and can usually be described as liftoff cleaning mode.It is big with cleaning and Flat surface is on the contrary, liftoff cleaning mode usually may include cleaning furniture, wall, curtain and other objects.

In an example of liftoff cleaning mode, as illustrated in Fig. 7, surface cleaning cells 112 still may be used It is mounted on top 104.This eliminates user's weight of independent support surface cleaning unit 112 under liftoff cleaning mode It needs.In shown configuration, surface cleaning cells 112 are still mountable on top 104, and adapter tube 180 can be from top 104 It disassembles, to provide the coverage area of extension for liftoff cleaning.In addition, as shown in Figure 5, the upstream end 200 of shank 160 It can be separated with the downstream end 188 of adapter tube 180.In this configuration, the upstream end 200 of handle 160 may act as vacuum cleaner 100 Dirty air entrance.Optionally, accessory tool (such as adapter tube, crevice tool, turbine brush, hose or other equipment) can be coupled To the upstream end of handle 160 200.

In an example of liftoff cleaning mode, as illustrated in Fig. 5, surface cleaning cells 112 and connect Pipe 180 can all be disassembled from top 104.As needed, the upstream end 200 of shank 160 optionally with adapter tube 180 Downstream end 188 connects or separates.When surface cleaning cells 112 must keep liftoff (such as when user station is on ladder When), the configuration can be advantageous.In this case, top 104 and surface cleaning head 108 can be to surface cleaning cells 112 increase unnecessary weight.Optionally, adapter tube 180 and top 104 can be configured to provide adapter tube 180 relative to top 104 Support and/or positioning or alignment.

In an example shown, top 104 is configured to that the upstream end thereof of adapter tube 180 is received to be connected to will take over 180 Top 104.The outer wall of adapter tube 180 and the inner wall on top 104 can be in contact with each other one section of sufficient length in insertion with firm adapter tube 180, so that top 104 can provide drive connection between adapter tube 180 and surface cleaning head 108.This allow top 104 by Such as pivot fitting 168 to surface cleaning head 108 transmit be applied on adapter tube 180 power (such as pass through shank 160 or directly work For adapter tube 180).

As illustrated in Fig. 8, adapter tube 180 includes the upstream portion 1002 with upstream end thereof 192 for boundary.On Trip end 192 can limit adapter tube air intake, and the adapter tube air intake is dirty to make via adapter tube 180 for receiving dirty air Air is towards communicating downstream to downstream end 188 (Fig. 5).In addition, shown top 104 includes with downstream end 1010 for side The downstream part 1006 on boundary.As shown, downstream part 1006 may include or around air outlet slit, the air outlet slit be used for The air from surface cleaning head 108 is received in downstream (such as extremely adapter tube 180) discharge.For example, downstream part 1006 may include ventilation Cap, the ventilator around the air flow path for extending through surface cleaning head 108 outlet and extended upward from the outlet Come.Therefore, the upstream portion 1002 of adapter tube 180 can be removably received in the downstream part 1006 on top 104.Top 104 downstream end 1010 can limit the opening 1014 for receiving the upstream end thereof 192 of adapter tube 180.

Referring now to Fig. 8 to Figure 10, downstream part 1006 may include inner wall 1018, and the lateral contour of the inner wall, which corresponds to, to be connect The lateral contour of the outer wall 1022 of the upstream portion 1002 of pipe 180.For example, the size and shape of the lateral contour of inner wall 1018 can It is essentially similar with the lateral contour of outer wall 1022.Preferably, the lateral contour of outer wall 1022 is slightly less than the transverse direction of inner wall 1018 Profile, so that the insertion and removal for adapter tube 180 provide enough gaps, while not when adapter tube 180 is inserted into top 104 Gap can be generated.This allows upstream portion 1002 to be easily inserted into downstream part 1006.

The lateral contour of inner wall 1018 and outer wall 1022 can have any suitable shape.For example, lateral contour can be Circular, triangle, rectangular or other rules or irregular shape.Preferably, lateral contour can have non-circular shape Or irregular shape, so that outer wall 1022 can be fitted between inner wall 1018 by a kind of only orientation.This can force adapter tube 180 Occur specifically to be orientated (for example, so that the expection for providing shank 160 to surface cleaning head 108 is orientated) relative to top 104.Institute In example child, the lateral contour of inner wall 1018 and outer wall 1022 can be described as " egg type ".That is, lateral contour is from one Generally rounding and taper on side to the width of the other side.

The lateral contour of inner wall 1018 and outer wall 1022 has correspondence, alternatively, or in addition, adapter tube 180 and top 104 may include co-operating member, these co-operating members limitation upstream portion 1002 is receivable in the number of the orientation of downstream part 1006 Amount.For example, adapter tube 180 and top 104 can include one or more engagement protrusions and groove jointly.

In the example shown, adapter tube 180 includes protrusion (or key) 1026 in upstream portion 1002, and the protrusion is along outer wall 1022 protrude outward.Protrusion 1026 is configured to be received in Shi Peihe in downstream part 1006 (being inserted into) when upstream portion 1002 The groove (or slit) 1030 being formed in the antelabium 1034 of inner wall 1018.When adapter tube 180 is relative to 104 correct orientation of top When, key 1026 is by aligned slots 1030, to allow upstream portion 1002 to be inserted into downstream part 1006.However, if connecing Pipe 180 is inadequately orientated so that when 1026 misalignment slit 1030 of key relative to top 104, and upstream portion 1002 is inserted in trial Enter into downstream part 1006, then the antelabium 1034 of downstream part 1006 would interfere with key 1026.

In the example shown, hose 124 is electrified, and constitutes from surface cleaning cells 112 and extend to surface cleaning A part of the conduit of head.Therefore, surface cleaning cells 112 may be provided with electric wire or board mounted power (such as one or more electricity Pond), and power via the electrical components of hose 124 and adapter tube 180 into surface cleaning head 108.Therefore, adapter tube 180 can provide Electrified airflow duct for the length conduction along adapter tube 180.As in the illustrative, the upstream portion of adapter tube 180 1002 include electric connector 1038, and the downstream part 1006 on top 104 includes mating electrical connector 1042.Electric connector 1038 and 1042 can be any suitable mating electrical connector, such as male connector (or plug) and female connector (or Socket).In addition, electric connector 1038 and 1042 can connect any amount of electric conductor (such as 1 to 100 electric conductor).As lifted As example explanation, each of connector 1038 and 1042 connects three electric conductors 1046.Upstream portion 1002 and downstream Part 1006 can respectively include any amount of mating electrical connector, and each electric connector can connect different electric conductors.

In some cases, electric connector 1038 and 1042 can be frangible to a certain extent.For example, if electrical connection Device 1038 and 1042 is subjected to certain stress, then can be damaged.In one aspect, the stability that top 104 is provided to adapter tube 180 The stress on electric connector 1038 and 1042 can advantageously be reduced.For example, top 104 and adapter tube 180 and non-electrical connector 1038 Co-operating member (the correspondence lateral contour of such as key 1026 and slit 1030 and/or wall 1018 and 1022) with 1042 can provide Stability (resistance such as mobile relative to the relative rotation between adapter tube 180 and top 104), the stability originally may be by Electric connector 1042 and 1046 is born.

As in Fig. 4 for example, when upstream portion 1002 is received in downstream part 1006, the downstream portion on top 104 Divide 1006 upstream portions 1002 for surrounding adapter tube 180.Preferably, top 104 surrounds adapter tube 180 with enough height, thus to Adapter tube 180 provides support, so that the adapter tube is placed in stand up position.For example, top 104 can surround any part of adapter tube, and And it can be around entire adapter tube.As in the illustrative, top can be around 180 total height of adapter tube (from upstream end thereof 192 to downstream End 188 measure) 10% to 30%, and it is highly preferred that surround 180 total height of adapter tube about 20%.It is same such as to illustrate As bright, upstream end thereof 192 is positioned proximate to the lower end 1062 of surface cleaning cells 112, and is far below surface cleaning The upper end 1066 of unit 112 (when both surface cleaning cells 112 and adapter tube 180 are connected to top 104).It should be appreciated that Upstream end thereof 192 can be pivoted against the outlet end placement of connector 168, or be placed in the outlet end of pivot fitting.

When adapter tube 180 is connected to top 104, adapter tube can form the airtight sealing with airflow channel.Such as illustrate As bright, when adapter tube 180 is connected to top 104, the upstream end thereof 192 of adapter tube 180 can compress the sky around top 104 The sealing element 1070 (such as O-ring) of gas outlet 1074.Sealing element 1070 can prevent air via adapter tube 180 and top 104 it Between interface enter or evolution.

In the example shown, the upstream portion 1002 of adapter tube 180 includes lower section 1078 and upper section 1082.1078 or more lower section Trip end 192 is boundary, and upper section 1082 is in the downstream of lower section 1078.The size and shape of the traversing section of upper section 1082 are set The fixed tight fit at the downstream part 1006 with top 104.Meanwhile lower section 1078 can have substantially lesser traversing section, When starting for lower section 1078 to be inserted into opening 1014, which can provide biggish alignment error limit value.Therefore, user Upstream end thereof 192 can be inserted into top 104.Gap between the wall of 104 facing each other of upstream end thereof 192 and top is advantageous In this insertion.Then, some or all of adapter tube 180 weight can be supported by top 104.Then, user can will take over 180 Rotation to required insertion is orientated, and part or all by insertion upper section 1082 is inserted into complete will take over 180 Operation in portion 104.Relatively narrow lower section 1078 is inserted into top 104 in a step-wise fashion and then is again inserted into wider upper section 1082 To among top, so that user can be easier for upstream portion 1002 to be inserted into top 104.Once lower section 1078 is inserted into In opening 1014, the transverse movement of adapter tube 180 is just by the interaction between lower section 1078 and inner wall 1018 by substantially It constrains at the position of relatively narrow position range, these relatively narrow position ranges will allow upper section 1082 to enter across opening 1014 Downstream part 1006.Because such constraint increases the ratio for the available position for allowing upper section 1082 to enter downstream part 1006, So such constraint is so that user can more rapidly and easily find correct position.

Alternatively, or in addition to relatively narrow lower section 1078, the downstream end 1010 on the top 104 at opening 1014 can be lateral It tilts (or " deflection ").As shown, the front side 1086 of opening 1014 extends above and (further downstream extends) rear side 1090.This allows user to be easier to be positioned at upstream portion 1002 in opening 1014.In use, user can be simple Ground is against the front side 1094 of the mobile upstream portion 1002 in the front side 1086 of opening 1014, so that the alignment opening of upstream portion 1002 1014, then upstream portion 1002 is moved downwardly through to the remainder of opening 1014.By this method, be open 1014 front side 1086 may act as the guiding device of the remainder for upstream portion 1002 to be led into downwards to opening 1014.In view of such Opening forms entire periphery in its uppermost edge, therefore aforesaid way by not tilt (i.e. horizontal) opening laterally than must be grasped Vertical upstream portion 1002 is physically easier to perform.If upstream portion 1002 includes relatively narrow lower section 1078, it is highly preferred that lower section 1078 It can be flushed along front side 1094 with upper section 1082, so that 1002 slide downward of upstream portion be allowed to pass through opening 1014, institute as above It states, without the interference of the overhanging lip by upper section 1082.

Referring now to Figure 11.Alternatively or in addition to this, inclined opening 1014 can help to correct relative to top 104 Adapter tube 180 it is rotary shifted.Top is inserted through in the lower section 1078 for the upstream portion 1002 that at least partly will take over 180 After 104 opening 1014, if adapter tube 180 and opening 1014 are not properly orientated (i.e. rotary shifted) in rotation, on The antelabium 1098 of section 1082 can contact downstream end 1010 at opening 1014.In this case, the downward power of adapter tube 180 F_w, either gravity or user is applied to the power on the contact point between antelabium 1098 and downstream end 1010, can all meet with The reaction force F of inclined downstream end 1010_N.As shown, in addition to horizontal component F_HExcept, reaction force F_NFurther include with Downward power F_wOpposite vertical stress component F_V.Horizontal component F_H180 back rotation of adapter tube is forced to be aligned.For example, if adapter tube 180 rotationally disengage alignment on 1102 in the clockwise direction, then component F_HAdapter tube 180 can be forced to rotate counterclockwise into capable alignment.With The upper section 1082 of this mode, inclined opening 1014 and upstream portion 1002 interacts, and forces adapter tube 180 properly right Standard is so as to insertion opening 1014.

Adapter tube locking mechanism

It is hereafter the description of butt tube locking mechanism, which itself can be used for any surface cleaning apparatus In, or in any combination or sub-portfolio with other any one or more features disclosed herein.

Referring now to Fig. 8.Preferably, once adapter tube 180 is connected to top 104, selectively make adapter tube 180 and top Before 104 separation, adapter tube 180 will all be always maintained at and be connected to top 104.Connection between adapter tube 180 and top 104 can pass through One or more holding elements of locking mechanism maintain, and one or more of holding elements are optionally disengaged.When When locking mechanism engages, upstream portion 1002 will not extract out from downstream part 1006, unless locking mechanism unlocks.Work as adapter tube 180 for when manipulating surface cleaning head 108, this can for example to prevent adapter tube 180 from separating with top 104.

Referring now to Fig. 8 and Figure 19.Figure 19 shows the partial view of the adapter tube 180 including upstream portion 1002, wherein Outer wall 1022 is removed with locking mechanism in exposure (or " adapter tube lock ") 1106.Adapter tube lock 1106 may include locking component, the lock Determine component and releasably engage top 104, selectively will take over 180 latched positions for being fixed on top 104.Such as As illustration, adapter tube lock 1106 includes plunger 1050, which can extend across the opening 1054 of downstream part 1006, To hinder upstream portion 1002 to extract out from downstream part 1006.In addition, plunger 1050 can be it is retractable to be open 1054 Middle extraction, and stop that upstream portion 1002 is hindered to extract out from downstream part 1006.

As in the illustrative, plunger 1050 is located in slit 1110, is used in extended position (showing) and is returned It condenses and is converted between setting.Elastic component such as spring 1114 (Figure 20 a) may act on plunger 1050, so that 1050 direction of plunger Extended position or latched position biasing.At extended position, the end section 1118 of plunger 1050 highlights from slit 1110 Opening 1122 in outer wall 1022.At retraction position, the end section 1118 of plunger 1050 is at least partly drawn back into Into slit 1110.

Preferably, adapter tube lock 1106 is configured to will take over 180 lockings automatically when adapter tube 180 is inserted into top 104 To top 104.For example, the locking component of adapter tube lock 1106 can be certainly when upstream portion 1002 is inserted into downstream part 1006 Dynamic engagement top 104, so that will take over 180 is fixed on top 104.In some cases, locking component can transverse translation (i.e. base Perpendicular to air flow path on this) to be releasably engaged top 104.As in the illustrative, it is inserted into upstream portion 1002 When into downstream part 1006, plunger 1050 can laterally outward translate (or " extension ") opening in downstream part 1006 automatically Mouth 1054, is further acted without user.

In the example shown, the end section 1118 of plunger 1050 includes downside 1126 and opposite upside 1130.Downside 1126 include inclined surface 1134.Originally, in the case where extraction out in upstream portion 1002 from downstream part 1006, plunger 1050 can In extended position.On extended position, the end section 1118 of the inclined surface 1134 including downside 1126 can stretch out across Opening 1122.When upstream portion 1002 to be inserted into downstream part 1006, during insertion, downside 1126 may make Inclined surface 1134 contacts downstream end 1010 at opening 1014.For example, the space between outer wall 1022 and inner wall 1018 can be small The distance of opening 1122 is projected through when end section 1118 is in extended position.Downstream end 1010 can be along inclined surface 1134 Cam action occurs, the biasing for forcing plunger 1050 to overcome spring 1114 bounces back, until the tip 1138 of plunger 1050 is touched To inner wall 1018.When being further inserted into, plunger 1050 can be directed at opening 1054, and horizontal in the case where spring 1114 biases To translating across opening 1054.

When plunger 1050 is in extended position and extends through opening 1054, do not bouncing back at least partly first In the case where plunger 1050, adapter tube 180 will not be extracted from top 104.As in the illustrative, plunger 1050 includes upside 1130.Shown upside 1130 includes 1142 inside of inclined outside faces 1142 and lateral surface with tip 1138 for boundary Do not tilt (or inclination lesser) medial surface 1146.Preferably, in extended position, at least part of medial surface 1146 is prominent Across opening 1054.In this case, if upstream portion 1002 not first retraction plunger 1050 under the premise of attempt from It is extracted out in downstream part 1006, then the upper wall of the accessible opening 1054 of medial surface 1146.Then, the gradient of medial surface 1146 (or lack gradient) can be not enough to for be open 1054 upper wall along the progress cam action of medial surface 1146 with the plunger that bounces back 1050.Therefore, upstream portion 1002 will not extract out from downstream part 1006；Adapter tube lock 1106 is in locking (or " engagement ") position It sets.

Adapter tube lock 1106 may be in response to user's movement and be unlocked by mechanical device, electric device or electromechanical assembly. For example, adapter tube lock 1106 may include operation for unlocking the adapter tube release actuator of adapter tube lock 1106.When adapter tube lock 1106 is in When unlocked position, adapter tube 180 can freely be removed from top 104.

As in the illustrative, top 104 can be terminated far below waist height.For example, top can be 12 inches extremely 14 inches of height.One advantage of shorter upper component is that it promotes adapter tube 180 to be inserted into top 104.In order to connect Pipe 180 avoids user that from must bending over to discharge adapter tube 180 when can be locked in top 104, actuator 1058 can be set In the height that can be activated when user is upright.Actuator such as button 1058 can be by the component such as axis that longitudinally extends 1150 are connected to lock 1106 in a driving manner.Actuator and axis and linkage members can be arranged to a part of adapter tube 180, and And it can be removed together with adapter tube.Therefore, it is incorporated into adapter tube 180 by that will lock with actuator, top 104 can be shorter.

For example, in the embodiment of figure 19, adapter tube lock 1106 includes the conveying member longitudinally extended, and the conveying member is to drive Flowing mode connecting tubes discharge actuator and locking component.For example, conveying member can translate downwards will take over 1106 movement of lock To unlocked position.Moving down conveying member may make locking component to laterally move to disengaging configuration, and will take over lock 1106 and set It is scheduled on unlocked position.

In the example shown, button 1058 is installed on adapter tube 180, and drive shaft 1150 is translated towards plunger 1050.Partially Setting component such as spring 1152 can upwardly bias axis 1150 to retraction position.Axis 1150 can interact with plunger 1050, with Plunger 1050 is moved to retraction position, thus allow be open 1054 upper wall cross at least medial surface 1146 (that is, on the contrary with Entire plunger 1050 is crossed in the inclined engagement of lateral surface 1142).As in the illustrative, plunger 1050 includes facing top Face 1154, and axis 1150 include lower part 1158, which includes the face 1162 of faced downwards.Face 1154 and 1162 can be determined Position is at when downwardly plunger 1050 translates axis 1150 (as shown in Figure 20 b, when button is partially oppressed will lock movement When to unlocked position) it encounters one another.The shape in face 1154 and 1162 can be configured to, as axis 1150 is towards plunger 1050 into one Step translates and provides the cam action for overcoming the biasing of spring 1114 that plunger 1050 is made to bounce back.In the example shown, 1154 He of face Each of 1162 accordingly tilt.As axis 1150 translates downwards, the face 1158 of axis 1150 along plunger 1050 face 1154 carry out cam action, so that plunger 1050 bounces back to retraction position.At retraction position, upstream portion 1002 can be from It is extracted out in downstream part 1006；Adapter tube lock is unlocked (or " being disengaged ").The upper wall of opening 1054 can at least be crossed Prevent the medial surface 1146 of extraction event occurred under lock condition.

Preferably, after button 1058 is released, adapter tube lock 1106 is positively retained at unlock (or " being disengaged ") position.This It allows user using the same hand start button 1058 (unlock adapter tube 180), and then removes and take over from top 104 180.In the example shown, axis 1150 can be biased upwardly (such as by elastic element such as spring 1152).When plunger 1050 When in retraction position, axis 1150 can hinder plunger 1050 to be extended under the biasing of spring 1114, and plunger 1050 can Axis 1150 is hindered to bounce back upwards.As in the illustrative, antelabium 1166 of the plunger 1050 including 1154 lower section of face, and axis 1150 include the antelabium 1170 of 1162 top of face.It is worn in addition, bottom surfaces 1162 can move in the downward translation motion of axis 1150 Cross upper side 1154.When such a situation occurs, plunger 1050 laterally outward translates one section of relatively short distance, thus mobile antelabium 1166 It is contacted with antelabium 1170.Contact between antelabium 1166 and antelabium 1170 prevents axis 1150 to be drawn upwardly out.In addition, lower part 1158 hinder plunger 1050 (as shown in fig. 20 c) in the position of 1050 front of plunger translates further towards extended position. Therefore, lock is maintained at unlocked position.

Preferably, when will take over 180 removals and/or be inserted into top 104, adapter tube lock 1106 can not have to keep In unlocked position.For example, by upstream portion 1002 from when extracting out or be inserted into downstream part 1006 in downstream part 1006, Axis 1150 and plunger 1050 can be disengaged.As in the illustrative, when plunger 1050 is in retraction position, plunger 1050 Inclined lateral surface 1142 and a part of inclined bottom surfaces 1134 can project outwardly through in upstream portion 1002 Opening 1122.This allows to extract out in upstream portion 1002 from downstream part 1006 with the process for the plunger 1050 that further bounces back In, be open 1054 upper wall to inclined lateral surface 1142 carry out cam action.The movement so that plunger 1050 antelabium 1166 Be moved out with the contact of the antelabium 1170 of axis 1150 (as shown in Figure 20 d), thus allow axis 1150 upwards bounce back.In plunger After 1050 cross the downstream end 1010 on top 104, plunger 1050 can extend to extended position under the biasing of spring 1114.

When adapter tube 180 is removed from top 104, adapter tube lock 1106 can also be maintained at unlocked position.For example, when connecing When pipe 180 is removed from top 104, button 1058 can be depressed so that plunger 1050 bounces back, and makes axis 1150 and column Plug 1050 tangles.In this case, will take over 180 and be inserted into top 104 can discharge adapter tube lock from unlocked position.As lifted As example explanation, when plunger 1050 is in retraction position, a part of the inclined bottom surfaces 1134 of plunger 1050 can be to The opening 1122 in upstream portion 1002 is projected through outside.This allows to be inserted into downstream part 1006 in upstream portion 1002 During, opening 1014 at downstream end 1010 to inclined bottom surfaces 1134 carry out cam action so that plunger 1050 into One step retraction.The movement is so that the antelabium 1166 of plunger 1050 is moved out contact (such as Figure 20 d with the antelabium 1170 of axis 1150 It is shown), so that axis 1150 be allowed to bounce back upwards.Once plunger 1050 is directed at the opening 1054 in downstream part 1006, plunger 1050 can laterally outward be moved to extended position under the biasing of spring 1114.

Adapter tube lock release actuator

It is hereafter the description of butt tube lock release actuator, adapter tube lock release actuator itself can be used for any one table In the cleaning device of face, or for any combination or sub-portfolio with any one or more other features disclosed herein In, such as any combination of one or more of first aspect, second aspect, the third aspect, fourth aspect and the 5th aspect Or sub-portfolio.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism for preventing adapter tube 180 from separating upon connection with top 104 (such as connects 1106) pipe lock can be locked release actuator release by adapter tube.Actuator can be with adapter tube lock mechanical connection, electrical connection or electromechanics even It connects.Preferably, actuator is positioned remote from top 104, in higher than position (Fig. 5) of the top 104 towards shank 160.Example Such as, actuator can be positioned as being on adapter tube 180 or on shank 160 higher than top 104.In some cases, actuator can It is positioned between user's knee height and chest level, and it is highly preferred that high between user's thigh height and waist Between degree.This, which can reduce or exclude user, bends over to start actuator and locks and will take over 180 to discharge adapter tube and separate with top 104 The demand of (for example, to use surface cleaning apparatus 100 under liftoff cleaning mode).

Referring to Fig. 8 and Figure 19, as in the illustrative, button 1058 can be positioned in the length along adapter tube 180 At approximate midpoint.Button 1058 is an example of lock release actuator.This can correspond roughly to the height of user's thigh.Such as Shown in figure, button 1058 can be substantially parallel to the upper end 1066 of surface cleaning cells 112.Button 1058 by axis 1150 with Driving method is connected to plunger 1050.

Lock release actuator can be connected to adapter tube 180, and when adapter tube 180 divides with top 104 and surface cleaning cells 112 (for example, being used for liftoff cleaning mode) is removed from the top Shi Kecong 104 and surface cleaning cells 112.Similarly, in a driving manner The conveying member of the locking component that lock release actuator is connected to adapter tube lock 1106 longitudinally extended be may be mounted into adapter tube 180 On, and when adapter tube 180 separates the top Shi Kecong 104 and surface cleaning cells 112 with top 104 and surface cleaning cells 112 It removes.It may be mounted on adapter tube 180 for example, adapter tube lock 1106 is whole, and when adapter tube 180 and top 104 and surface cleaning list Member 112 separates the top Shi Kecong 104 and surface cleaning cells 112 remove.Surface cleaning apparatus 100 can be advantageouslyed allow for easy in this way In being re-configured to different operation modes.For example, when surface cleaning cells 112 are dismantled (removal) from top 104, adapter tube Lock 1106 can be kept and adapter tube 180 is together to allow the holding of adapter tube 180 to be releasably connected to top 104.

In the example shown, adapter tube lock 1106, axis 1150 and plunger 1050 including button 1058 are all independently of surface Cleaning unit 112 and top 104 are connected to adapter tube 180, and separate in surface cleaning cells 112 and top 104 with adapter tube 180 After keep this connection.

Surface cleaning cells mounting structure

It is hereafter the description to surface cleaning cells mounting structure, which itself can be used to appoint In what surface cleaning apparatus, or for any combination or subgroup with any one or more other features disclosed herein In conjunction, such as any group one or more of in terms of first aspect, second aspect, the third aspect, fourth aspect and the 5th Conjunction or sub-portfolio.

Referring now to Fig. 5.Surface cleaning cells 112 can be removably mounting in top 104 and adapter tube 180 One of or more persons on.Preferably, surface cleaning cells 112 can be mounted on top 104 independently of adapter tube 180, so that In the case where not needing the position of adjustment adapter tube 180 or removing adapter tube 180, enable surface cleaning cells 112 mountable on top It is disassembled on 104 and from top.Thus, for example, when surface cleaning cells 112 are mounted on top 104 or are moved from top Except when, adapter tube 180 can be retained in top 104.

Alternatively, or in addition to this, when surface cleaning cells 112 are mounted on top 104, top 104 can make surface Cleaning unit 112 is firm (for example, when manipulating top 104 to manipulate surface cleaning head 108, can be protected surface cleaning cells 112 Hold the fixation position on top 104).For example, top 104 can inhibit surface cleaning cells 112 along 164 direction of top axis 108 translational motion of surface cleaning head (Fig. 2), and/or can inhibit surface cleaning cells 112 and rotated around top axis 164 It is mobile.

Therefore, surface cleaning cells 112 can be installed on the outside on top 112 by two installation components, wherein installing Component is arranged on two longitudinal directions (for example, along axis 164) position spaced apart, wherein being operable to grasp on top 104 When vertical surface cleaning head 108, at least one of two installation components provide lateral stability.It should be appreciated that settable two Above installation component.

Surface cleaning cells 112 can be slidably received on one or both of installation component.For example, table Face cleaning unit 112 can have one or more grooves wherein to receive one in installation component.Therefore, if installation structure One in part includes a pair of of lateral extension portions (for example, being laterally extended alar part from the outwardly extending left side in opposite side on top It is laterally extended alar part with right side, or be arranged in top there is left side to be laterally extended alar part and right side is laterally extended the outside of alar part Front or behind installation component), then surface cleaning cells 112 can have one or two groove, the position being laterally extended It may be received in the groove.

One in installation component can have enough height, so that when adapter tube 180 is removed and/or surface cleaning When unit 112 is unlocked to remove from top, surface cleaning cells are maintained on fixed position.For example, if installation component packet The lateral extension portions being accepted in groove, groove etc. are included, then in unlocked position, and take over lateral extensions when being removed It is in place that engagement point between the abutment surface of groove, groove etc. can be such that surface cleaning cells 112 stablize in dimension.

Referring to Figure 12 to 15 and 21 to 25, surface cleaning cells 112 and top 104 may include for by surface cleaning cells 112 are connected to one or more installation elements or component on top 104.For example, installation elements may include outwardly projecting installation Component or alar part and correspondence installation groove for receiving these installation components.

As in the illustrative, top 104 includes outwardly projecting alar part 1174a and 1174b.Alar part 1174 is installation The example of component.As shown, alar part 1174 can be laterally extended from the front side 1178 on top 104.Although shown top 104 Including two installation components, but in alternative embodiment, top 104 may include any appropriate number of installation component.Example Such as, top 104 may include that can extend along any amount of direction between 1 alar part 1174 and 10 alar part 1174 Alar part.In addition, alar part 1174, which respectively can be discrete element or they, to be integrally formed, in example as shown 1174a and 1174b.

As in the illustrative, surface cleaning cells 112 include groove 1182a and 1182b.Each groove 1182 can be It include opening 1186 in the bottom surface 1190 of surface cleaning cells 112.The size of groove 1182 and position are designed to receive Alar part 1174.For example, surface cleaning cells 112 can be located in 104 top of top, and it is allowed to decline so that alar part 1174 slides into Groove 1182.Then, can by vertical shift surface cleaning cells 112 far from top 104 with from groove 1182 remove alar part 1174, so that surface cleaning cells 112 be separated with top 104.

Although surface cleaning cells 112 are shown as including two grooves 1182, in alternative embodiment, surface Cleaning unit 112 may include any appropriate number of groove for receiving some or all of the installation component on top 104. In addition, the arrangement of groove and installation component outstanding can be it is reverse.In surface cleaning apparatus 112 and top 104 Each may include that size and position are designed to the one or more grooves being fitted to each other and installation component.

Optionally, the opening 1186 of groove 1182 can be shaped for being easier to it for the user alar part In 1174 insertion grooves 1182.It in some cases, may include making surface cleaning above alar part 1174 by the cooperation of groove 1182 Unit 112 drops on top 104.The opening 1186 of groove 1182 on the bottom surface 1190 of surface cleaning cells 112 can be complete The full eye-level display lower section positioned at user, and can not be seen.This may make opening 1186 to be more difficult alignment indentation 1182.

As in the illustrative, each groove 1182 can be expanded in the lower part of groove 1,182 1194, to provide increase Opening 1186.The opening 1186 of increase, which may make, is registered on alar part 1174 less difficulty for opening 1186.Once alar part 1174 enter the opening 1186 increased, and with the further decline of surface cleaning cells 112 and alar part 1174 enters groove 1182 Relatively narrow top 1198, surface cleaning cells 112 can be with autoregistration.

In the example shown, the cross section profile on at least top 1198 of each groove 1182 closely corresponds to accordingly cooperate the wing The cross section profile in portion 1174.This can provide being tightly engaged between groove 1182 and alar part 1174, be used for surface cleaning cells 112 are stabilized on top 104.

Cooperation between alar part 1174 and groove 1182 can secure surface cleaning unit 112, avoid in all directions Rotation.This can prevent surface cleaning cells 112 from overturning when for example operation upper part 104 is to manipulate surface cleaning head 108.In addition, Alar part 1174 can support surface cleaning cells 112 and prevent from translating towards surface cleaning head 108.For example, one in groove 1182 Or multiple may include top 1198 with end wall 1202 for boundary.Alar part 1174 can be plugged into groove 1182 enough far, so that The upper surface 1204 of at least one of alar part 1174 contacts end wall 1202.This contact can inhibit 112 direction of surface cleaning cells Surface cleaning head 108 further translates.Thus, for example, when adapter tube 180 is removed and/or surface cleaning cells 112 are solved When lock from top to remove, then surface cleaning cells 112 are positively retained at the appropriate location on top 104.

In alternate embodiment, different installation elements inhibit surface cleaning cells 112 towards surface cleaning head 108 It is mobile.In this case, groove 1182 can be open (that is, not having end wall 1202), and alar part 1174 can not touch And end wall 1202, or either way will appear.It replaces, which can inhibit surface cleaning cells 112 It is mobile towards surface cleaning head 108.

Referring now to Figure 12, Figure 14 and Figure 17.As the supplement or substitution of alar part 1174 and groove 1182, surface cleaning list Member 112 may include a different installation component, which engages the downstream end 1010 on top 104.As illustrated As, surface cleaning cells 112 include fixture 1206.Fixture 1206 is an example of installation component.Fixture 1206 can be to Lower extension, 1210 positioned in spaced relation of rear surface with surface cleaning cells 112, to form the downstream for receiving top 104 The slit 1214 of a part of end 1010.

In use, surface cleaning cells 112 can drop on top 104 so that the front side 1178 of downstream portion 1006 into Enter slit 1214, and fixture 1206 enters top 104.Fixture 1206 can grasp the front side 1178 on top 104 to inhibit surface Cleaning unit 112 rotates forward, rotation or back rotation on surface cleaning head 108.In some cases, top 104 can be adjacent The upper end 1218 of slit 1214 is connect, so that the weight of surface cleaning cells 112 can be supported on the downstream end 1010 on top 104 On.Fixture 1206 disconnects and can rising away from vertically top 104 by making surface cleaning cells 112 with top 104.Cause This, top 104 provides support portion, can be placed in the support when surface cleaning cells 112 (fixture 1206) are installed to top 104 In portion.

As shown in figure 15, when adapter tube 180 is inserted into top 104, gap 1222 may be disposed at the inner wall on top 104 Between 1018 and the outer wall 1022 of adapter tube 180, towards the front side 1178 on top 104.Gap 1222 can provide sky for fixture 1206 Between be received in top 104 simultaneously with adapter tube 180.In addition, fixture 1206 or adapter tube 180 any one can be removed from top 104, And another one remains inserted in top 104.Quickly and easily surface cleaning apparatus 100 can be re-configured to not in this way Same cleaning mode.

Referring now to Fig. 8, Figure 10, Figure 12 and Figure 17.Substitution or benefit as alar part 1174, groove 1182 and fixture 1206 It fills, adapter tube 180 may include installation component, which is used to support surface cleaning cells 112, and/or by surface cleaning list Member 112 is dynamically stabilized on top 104, or helps for surface cleaning cells to be dynamically stabilized on top.Therefore, example Such as, when both adapter tube 180 and surface cleaning cells 112 are connected to top 104, the installation component of adapter tube 180 enhances table The stability of face cleaning unit 112.For example, the installation component of adapter tube 180 can inhibit the rotation forward of surface cleaning cells 112 And/or translation, such as when top 104 and/or adapter tube 180 are operable to manipulate surface cleaning head 108.

As in the illustrative, adapter tube 180 may include alar part 1226a and 1226b.Alar part 1226 is the example of installation component Son.In addition, surface cleaning cells 112 may include for the arm 1230a and 1230b at least partly around alar part 1226.Such as figure Shown, each arm 1230 can limit the slit 1234 for receiving alar part 1226.Preferably, slit 1234 is open.This Sample allows alar part 1226 to be accepted above or below slit 1234.For example, if surface cleaning cells 112 are connected to Top 104, then as adapter tube 180 lowers into top 104 or is lifted off top 104, alar part 1226 can pass through slit 1234 Open upper end 1238 pass in and out slit 1234.In addition, if adapter tube 180 is connected to top 104, with surface cleaning cells 112 drop on top 104 or are lifted off top 104, alar part 1226 can by the open upper end 1242 of slit 1234 into Slit 1234 out.

Slit 1234 may be shaped such that alar part 1226 is easier to aligned slots 1234.As in the illustrative, narrow Each end 1238 and 1242 of slot 1234 can be expanded to provide the broadening opening for being easier to alignment alar part 1226.Separately Outside, each slit 1234 may include the narrow region 1246 between upper end 1238 and lower end 1242.Preferably, when alar part 1226 is connect When being contained in slit 1234, narrow region 1246 can be contacted with alar part 1226.As in the illustrative, each alar part 1226 includes Front surface 1250 (when surface cleaning cells 112 and adapter tube 180 are connected to top 104) towards surface cleaning cells 112 and 1254 behind opposite facing.In use, when alar part 1226 is accepted in slit 1234, slit 1234 can contact alar part 1254 at least part behind 1226.This allows arm 1230 that surface cleaning cells 112 is inhibited to turn forward and covers table Face cleaning head 108.

The substituted or supplemented of support is provided as to surface cleaning cells 112, it is mutual between alar part 1226 and arm 1230 Effect, which can help to will take over 180, to be supported in stand up position.Adapter tube 180 can be releasably secured to top 104.For example, Adapter tube lock can be releasably engaged will take over 180 and be fixed to top 104.However, in some embodiments, when adapter tube is locked After being disengaged, top 104 excellent support can not be provided with will take over 180 maintenances it is in place on.For example, if not providing Further support, then after adapter tube lock is disengaged, adapter tube 180 may be overturn.Stop in user and takes over lock release In the case that the interaction rear tube lock of actuator remains disengaged from engagement, such case can be aggravated.In this case, when making When user starts adapter tube lock release actuator, the control of the releasable butt tube 180 of user, so that if not providing further Support is held in place with will take over 180, then adapter tube 180 may fall down.It can be provided by arm 1230 such further Support, the arm can receive alar part 1226 to be supported in stand up position will take over 180, such as when adapter tube lock is unlocked. The time for constructing clamping piece appropriate on adapter tube 180 after unlock adapter tube lock can be provided in this way for user.

In operation, surface cleaning cells 112 can be positioned adjacent to top 104 and be located at 1226 He of upper wing portion by user The top of lower wing portion 1174.Slit 1234 can be substantially aligned with upper wing portion 1226, and groove 1182 can be substantially aligned with lower wing portion 1174.This is the position being shown in FIG. 23.Then, surface cleaning cells 112 can be made to decline.With surface cleaning cells 112 Decline, arm 1230 extend with surround upper wing portion 1226 and lower wing portion 1174, start to be accepted in groove 1182.This is to scheme Position shown in 24.Surface cleaning cells are made continuously to drop to installation site shown in Figure 25, so that surface cleaning cells quilt It is placed in lower wing portion 1174, fixture 1206 is accepted in top 104, and the arm 1230 of surface cleaning cells is around adapter tube 180 upper wing portion 1226.

Surface cleaning cells locking mechanism

It is hereafter the description to surface cleaning cells locking mechanism, which itself can be used to appoint In what surface cleaning apparatus, or for any combination or subgroup with any one or more other features disclosed herein In conjunction, such as any group one or more of in terms of first aspect, second aspect, the third aspect, fourth aspect and the 5th Conjunction or sub-portfolio.

Preferably, once surface cleaning cells 112 are connected to top 104, surface cleaning cells 112 are maintained for being connected to Portion 104, until selectively disconnecting surface cleaning cells 112 and top 104.Surface cleaning cells 112 and top 104 Between connection can be maintained by one or more holding elements of locking mechanism, one or more of holding elements may be selected Property it is disengaged.When locking mechanism engagement, surface cleaning cells 112 may not be separated with top 104, remove non-locking machine Structure is unlocked.Such as when top 104 is used to manipulate surface cleaning head 108, or if pass through gripping surface cleaning unit 112 Surface cleaning apparatus 100 is carried, can prevent surface cleaning cells 112 from disconnecting with top 104 in this way.

As previously mentioned, top 104 can terminate in the place far below waist height.One advantage of shorter upper component It is that it promotes adapter tube 180 to be inserted into top 104.Surface cleaning cells 112 are enabled to be locked in top 104 in order to work as When avoid user that from must bending over release surface cleaning unit 112, can be by the actuator person of being set using when erected can be into The height of row actuating.Actuator can be connected in a driving manner lock by longitudinal extending members such as axis.Actuator and axis and Any linkage members can be arranged to a part of surface cleaning cells 112, and can remove together with surface cleaning cells.Cause This is incorporated into surface cleaning cells 112 by that will lock with actuator, and top 104 can be shorter.

Referring to Figure 14, Figure 17 and Figure 18 a to Figure 18 d, similar unit number refers to similar component in the other drawings. As in the illustrative, surface cleaning cells 112 may include locking mechanism 1258, and the locking mechanism is substantially similar to The adapter tube lock 1106 stated.Therefore, hereinafter the description of locking mechanism 1258 is simplified, so as not to can unnecessarily repeat above The details and modification of description.

In the example shown, locking mechanism 1258 may include unlocking activator 1058, which is prolonged by longitudinal The conveying member 1150 stretched is connected to locking component 1050 in a driving manner.Locking component 1050 can laterally outward translate with it is upper Portion 104 engages, so that locking mechanism 1258 is placed in latched position (Figure 18 a).1150 court of conveying member longitudinally extended Locking component can be forced to the vertical translation (for example, passing through the interaction with unlocking activator 1058) of locking component 1050 1050 laterally inwardly translate (Figure 18 b) to be disengaged with top 104, so that locking mechanism 1258 is placed in unlocked position (Figure 18 c).Once being in the unlocked position, locking mechanism 1258 can keep unlocking, until surface cleaning cells 112 are from top 104 extractions are re-engaged with top 104.Surface cleaning cells 112 are extracted out from top 104 or are re-engaged with top dynamic Make that locking mechanism 1258 (Figure 18 d) can be discharged from unlocked position, so that locking mechanism 1258 be allowed to move in due course To latched position.

As in the illustrative, locking mechanism 1258 can fully be connected to surface cleaning cells 112.Work as surface cleaning When unit 112 is removed from top 104, locking mechanism 1258 can also be removed from top 104, remain attached to surface cleaning cells 112.In the example shown, locking mechanism 1258 is positioned in behind the rear surface 1210 of surface cleaning cells 112.Locking mechanism 1258 locking component 1050 is illustrated as plunger, and the plunger can extend across the rear surface 1210 of surface cleaning cells 112 In opening 1262.The locking component 1050 of locking mechanism 1258 can be engaged with the front side 1178 on top 104.Such as illustration Like that, front side 1178 includes opening 1266.The size of opening 1266 and position are designed to be in lock when locking mechanism 1258 Locking component 1050 is received when positioning is set.

Lock release actuator 1058 can be positioned on any suitable position.Preferably, lock release actuator 1058 is positioned At close to the upper end 1066 of surface cleaning apparatus 112.This allows user to start lock release actuator 1058 (for example, pressure Button actuator), and only need slightly to bend over or do not need to bend over.In addition, lock release actuator 1058 is preferably positioned to lean on Nearly shank 160.In some embodiments, this allows user to hold shank 160 and starting lock release actuator simultaneously 1058.In the example shown, lock release actuator 1058 is positioned in the openable lid 228 of cyclone dust collectors storehouse component 136 On.As shown in Figure 18 c, lock release actuator 1058 can extend across the opening 1270 on the inner surface of lid 228, with transmission structure Part 1150 interacts.When lid 228 is in an open position, lock release actuator 1058 can be disengaged with conveying member 1150 (for example, separation).When lid 228 is in the close position, lock release actuator 1058 can be re-engaged (example with conveying member 1150 Such as, contact is re-established), to drive conveying member 1150 to translate.

Preferably, when locking mechanism 1258 in the locked state when, locking mechanism 1258 will inhibit surface cleaning cells 112 It is translated vertically far from top 104 (for example, along downstream direction).However, in some embodiments, locking mechanism 1258 may not Can inhibit the rotation forward (that is, rotating on surface cleaning head 108) of locking mechanism 1258, in some cases, it is described forward Rotation can remove locking component 1050 from opening 1266, so that locking mechanism 1258 be made to fail.Therefore, surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include the additional holding member rotated forward at least inhibiting surface cleaning cells 112 when being connected to top 104 Part.For example, one or both of surface cleaning cells 112 and top 104 may include one or more installation components, such as wing Portion 1174 and/or fixture 1206, for surface cleaning cells 112 to be installed to top 104 and inhibit surface cleaning cells 112 At least rotate forward.

Content described above is intended to carry out the present invention to illustrate and be not intended to limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art answers Work as understanding, other can be carried out in the case where not departing from such as by the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims and changes and repairs Change.The scope of the claims should not be limited by preferred embodiment and example, but should be given it and generally be described one with this The broadest explanation caused.

Claims

1. a kind of surface cleaning apparatus, comprising:

(a) surface cleaning head, the surface cleaning head have dirty air entrance；

(b) top, the top can be movably installed to the surface cleaning head between storage position and floor cleaning position；

(c) liftoff cleaning adapter tube, the liftoff cleaning adapter tube are removably received in the top and have longitudinal extend Axis；

(d) flexible airflow duct, the flexible air conductance pipe form from the liftoff cleaning adapter tube to portable surface and clean list At least part in the air flow path of member；

(e) installation component under, the lower installation component are arranged on the outer surface on the top；

(f) installation component on, the upper installation component are arranged in the outer surface and the adapter tube on the top at least In one；And

(g) the portable surface cleaning unit is removably attached to the top, the portable surface cleaning unit Including suction motor and air-treatment component；

(h) adapter tube with locked is locked, and at the latched position, the adapter tube is fixed on described Portion, in the unlocked position, the adapter tube can be removed from the top；

Wherein the lower installation component includes from outwardly extending a pair of of the lower wing portion of the upper lateral, and the portable timepiece Face cleaning unit has the mating groove of setting on the lower surface thereof,

Wherein once adapter tube lock is moved to the unlocked position and can operate the adapter tube and lock and maintains it in the solution Lock position, and the upper installation component includes from a pair of of the upper wing portion taken over and extended laterally outward, the portable timepiece Face cleaning device includes a pair of of arm at least partly around the upper wing portion, thus when adapter tube lock is moved to the unlock When position, the adapter tube is held in place.

2. surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the upper installation component and the lower installation component At least one inhibits the portable surface cleaning unit around the moving in rotation of the axis of the adapter tube.

3. surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portable surface cleaning unit can be relative to described Upper installation component and the lower installation component are slidably installed.

4. surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portable surface cleaning unit can be from the upper peace Dress component and the lower installation component vertically remove.

5. surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein with steering mode to be attached to the surface clear on the top Clean head.

6. a kind of surface cleaning apparatus, comprising:

(a) surface cleaning head, the surface cleaning head have dirty air entrance；

(f) installation component on, the upper installation component are arranged in the outer surface and the adapter tube on the top at least In one；

(g) the portable surface cleaning unit is removably attached to the top, the portable surface cleaning unit Including suction motor and air-treatment component；And

It (h) include that there is the adapter tube of locked to lock, at the latched position, the adapter tube is fixed to described Top, in the unlocked position, the adapter tube can be removed from the top, wherein the upper installation component setting connects described Guan Shang；

Wherein once adapter tube lock is moved to the unlocked position and can operate the adapter tube and lock and maintains it in the solution Lock position, and the upper installation component includes from a pair of of the upper wing portion taken over and extended laterally outward, the portable timepiece Face cleaning device includes a pair of of arm, and the pair of arm is at least partially surrounding the upper wing portion, thus when adapter tube lock is moved to When the unlocked position, the adapter tube is held in place.

7. a kind of surface cleaning apparatus, comprising:

(a) surface cleaning head, the surface cleaning head have dirty air entrance；

Wherein once adapter tube lock is moved to the unlocked position and can operate the adapter tube and lock and maintains it in the solution Lock position, and the upper installation component includes from a pair of of the alar part taken over and extended laterally outward, and each alar part has face First surface and apparent surface to the portable surface cleaning unit, and the portable surface cleaning device includes one To arm, wherein a part of one apparent surface in alar part described in each arm contact, thus locks when the adapter tube and moves When moving to the unlocked position, the adapter tube is held in place.