CN114568999A

CN114568999A - Dust and allergen control for surface cleaning devices

Info

Publication number: CN114568999A
Application number: CN202210252963.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: W·E·康拉德
Original assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc
Current assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc
Priority date: 2016-12-28
Filing date: 2017-12-11
Publication date: 2022-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-11
Also published as: CN110291024A; CN110291024B; CN114568999B; WO2018119512A1

Abstract

Dust and allergen control for a surface cleaning device. Various dust control mechanisms are provided to inhibit the formation of dust plumes as the dirt collection chamber of the air treatment member is emptied into a waste container. The dust control mechanism may be part of the lid of the waste container, it may be built into the body of the waste container, or it may be part of the surface cleaning apparatus.

Description

Dust and allergen control for surface cleaning devices

The present application is a divisional application of chinese patent application having application number 201780085291.0, application date 2017, 12 and 11, entitled "dust and allergen control for surface cleaning device".

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to dust and allergen control for surface cleaning devices, and more particularly to systems and methods for restraining dust and other allergens during transfer of material collected by a surface cleaning device to a trash can or other waste receptacle.

Background

Various types of surface cleaning devices are known, including upright surface cleaning devices, canister surface cleaning devices, pole surface cleaning devices, hand held surface cleaning devices, and central vacuum systems.

Surface cleaning apparatuses are known which use one or more cleaning stages (e.g. cyclonic cleaning stages) to remove particulate matter (e.g. dust and dirt) from an airflow. Typically, a second cleaning stage (which may, for example, comprise a plurality of cyclones in parallel) is provided downstream of the first cleaning stage to remove particulate matter from the airflow leaving the first cleaning stage (for example by promoting the disengagement of smaller particles from the entrainment of the airflow).

Particulate matter separated from the airflow by the cyclonic cleaning stage is typically collected in one or more dirt collection chambers. Typically, these collection chambers may be removed from the surface cleaning apparatus either by themselves or as part of a removable cyclone assembly. Providing a removable dirt collection chamber and/or cyclone assembly may allow a user to carry the collection chamber and its contents to, for example, a waste container (which may also be referred to as a trash can) for emptying without having to carry or move the remainder of the surface cleaning apparatus.

Typically, the dirt collection chamber is openable for access to the interior of the dirt collection chamber, for example for emptying or cleaning. For example, the collection chamber may have one or more openable portions that are movably (e.g., pivotably) connected to or removable from the collection chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the cyclone assembly in which the collection chamber is provided may have one or more openable sections, for example to provide access to the interior of the cyclone chamber.

Surface cleaning apparatuses that collect particulate matter in an openable dirt collection chamber (which may be referred to as "bagless" vacuum cleaners) may have one or more advantages over surface cleaning apparatuses in which particulate matter is collected in a bag or other non-openable collector. For example, the effective suction provided at, for example, the dirty air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus may be relatively constant regardless of the amount of particulate matter in the dirt collection chamber.

However, the filth collected in the openable filth collection chamber must be transferred to a trash can or the like to empty the openable filth collection chamber.

Disclosure of Invention

The following citations are provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion that follows. The citation is not intended to limit or define any claimed or not yet claimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or subcombination of the elements or method steps disclosed in any portion of this document, including the claims and drawings thereof.

According to a first aspect of the application, a lid for a waste container may have an openable spout which allows access to the interior of the waste container without removing the lid from the waste container. By placing the dirt collection area of the surface cleaning apparatus in the spout, the contents of the dirt collection area can be emptied into the waste container without removing the lid. In such an arrangement, the cover may inhibit or prevent dust, allergens or other particulate matter from escaping from the interior of the waste container as the particulate matter is transferred from the dirt collection area to the waste container.

For example, the surface cleaning apparatus may have a dirt collection area or chamber removable from the surface cleaning apparatus, either separately or as part of a removable air handling assembly (e.g., a removable cyclone assembly). A user may separate and carry such a dirt collection area into a waste container for emptying, or may transport the entire surface cleaning apparatus (e.g. a hand-held surface cleaning apparatus) to a waste container. If the dirt collection area is subsequently opened above or in an open waste container (e.g. one whose lid has been removed), the contents will fall off due to gravity. However, lighter particulate matter may become entrained in the airflow and may form a fine dust plume and/or may be carried to the floor adjacent the waste container. According to this aspect, a user may place the dirt collection area in an open spout of a lid of the waste, wherein the spout is configured to inhibit or prevent dust, allergens or other particulate matter from escaping from the interior of the waste container. For example, the size of the spout may be slightly larger than the dirt collection area, thereby providing a smaller annular gap between the cover and the dirt collection area to reduce the likelihood of dust, allergens or other particulate matter escaping from the interior of the waste container. Alternatively or additionally, the through opening may be provided with a gasket or may be configured to close around the dirt collection container to inhibit or prevent dust, allergens or other particulate matter from escaping from the interior of the waste container.

According to this broad aspect, there is provided a lid for a waste container, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid covers an open upper end of the waste container and an open position in which the waste container can be emptied, the lid having an openable through opening operable between a closed position in which the lid closes the upper end of the waste container and an open position in which a dirt collection area of an air treatment member of a surface cleaning apparatus is located in the through opening.

In some embodiments, in the open position, the cover may be closed around the dirt collection area.

In some embodiments, in the open position, the spout may be sized to close around the dirt collection area such that the waste container is at least substantially sealed.

In some embodiments, the cover may include at least one movable member; the movable member closes the through opening when the through opening is in the closed position; and when the port is in the open position and a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus is located in the port, the movable member is located adjacent the portion of the surface cleaning apparatus and the dirt collection area covers a bottom of the waste container.

In some embodiments, the cover may include at least one movable member; the movable member sealing the through opening when the through opening is in the closed position; and when the through opening is in an open position and a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus is located in the through opening, the moveable member abuts the portion of the surface cleaning apparatus and the dirt collection area covers a bottom of the waste container.

In some embodiments, the cover may include at least one movable member; the movable member closes the through opening when the through opening is in the closed position; and when the spout is in the open position the movable member flexes inwardly into the waste container.

In some embodiments, the at least one movable member may be biased toward the closed position.

In some embodiments, the at least one movable member may comprise a plurality of sections, each section having an outer end located at the periphery of the openable through opening and an inner end, the sections closing the through opening in the closed position and at least a portion of the sections extending into the waste container in the open position.

In some embodiments, the section may be integrally formed as part of the cap.

In some embodiments, the cover may be formed of an elastic material.

In some embodiments, the dirt collection area may have an openable door and a door actuator, and the cover may further include a cover actuator drivingly connected to the door actuator when the dirt collection area is located in the through opening.

In some embodiments, the lid may further comprise a suction motor having a suction motor inlet end in airflow communication with the interior space of the waste container and a suction motor outlet end in airflow communication with ambient atmosphere outside the waste container when the lid is in the closed position.

Also in accordance with this broad aspect, there is provided a trashcan comprising a container defining an interior space and a lid movable between a closed position in which the lid covers an open upper end of the container and an open position in which the container can be emptied, the lid having an openable spout operable between a closed position in which the lid closes the upper end of the container and an open position in which a dirt collection area of a surface cleaning apparatus is located in the spout.

In some embodiments, in the open position, the through opening may be dimensioned to close around the dirt collection area such that the container is at least substantially sealed.

In some embodiments, the cover may include at least one movable member; the movable member closes the through opening when the through opening is in the closed position; and when the through opening is in an open position and a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus is located in the through opening, the moveable member abuts the portion of the surface cleaning apparatus and the dirt collection area covers a bottom of the waste container.

In some embodiments, the cover may include at least one movable member; the movable member closes the through opening when the through opening is in the closed position; and when the spout is in the open position the moveable member flexes inwardly into the container.

In some embodiments, the at least one movable member may comprise a plurality of sections, each section having an outer end located at the periphery of the openable through opening and an inner end, the sections closing the through opening in the closed position and at least a portion of the sections extending into the container in the open position.

In some embodiments, the section may be integrally formed as part of the cap.

In some embodiments, the cover may be formed of an elastic material.

In some embodiments, the trash can further include a suction motor having a suction motor inlet end in airflow communication with the interior space of the container and a suction motor outlet end in airflow communication with ambient atmosphere outside the container.

According to a second aspect of the application, the waste container may be provided with a suction source to draw air from the interior space of the container, which may reduce the air pressure within the waste container. By drawing some air from the interior space of the container, for example when particulate matter is transferred from the dirt collection area of the surface cleaning apparatus through an opening of a waste container (e.g. an open top of the waste container), a substantial amount or substantially all of the dust, allergens or other fine particulate matter dispersed into the air in the interior space of the container may be drawn from the interior space towards the suction source, or may be inhibited or prevented from escaping from the interior of the waste container through the opening, thereby remaining in the interior space for deposition into the waste container. Also, fine particulate matter that may be dispersed into the air above the interior space of the waste container when the dirt collection area is evacuated may be drawn into the interior of the waste container and may be drawn towards the suction source.

For example, the surface cleaning apparatus may have a dirt collection area or chamber removable from the surface cleaning apparatus, either separately or as part of a removable air treatment assembly (e.g., a removable cyclone assembly). A user may separate and carry such a waste container for emptying and open the waste collection area above or in an open waste container (e.g. one whose lid has been removed), whereby gravity will cause at least some of the contents of the waste collection area to fall into the interior of the waste container. However, opening the dirt collection area for evacuation may cause a cloud or plume of fine dust or other particles to billow out of the opening of the dirt collection area and/or from the container into which the dirt collection area is being evacuated. Particles in such plumes or clouds may disperse during evacuation, resulting in incomplete transfer from the dirt collection area to the interior of the waste container. This may be considered undesirable by the user, particularly if the plume or cloud contains dust or other allergens to which the user is sensitive.

By providing a suction source to draw air from the interior space of the waste container, some or all of the fine dust or other particles generated during evacuation of the dirt collection area of the surface cleaning apparatus can be drawn into the interior of the waste container, which can result in a more controlled transfer of the contents of the dirt collection area to the waste container.

According to this second aspect, there is provided a trashcan comprising a container defining an interior space, a lid movable between a closed position and an open position, and a suction motor having a suction motor inlet end in airflow communication with the interior space of the container and a suction motor outlet end in airflow communication with ambient atmosphere outside the container.

In some embodiments, a suction source may be provided on the cover.

In some embodiments, a suction source may be removably mounted on the cover.

In some embodiments, a suction source may be attached to the container.

In some embodiments, a suction source may be removably mounted on the container.

In some embodiments, the trash can further include an air flow path extending from the interior space to the clean air outlet, the air flow path including a suction motor and an air treatment member.

In some embodiments, the air treatment member may comprise a cyclone.

In some embodiments, the trash can further include a pre-motor filter located in the air flow path upstream of the suction motor.

In some embodiments, the trashcan can further comprise a dust control member that provides a dust control agent comprising one or more of liquid mist, positive ions, and negative ions to the interior space.

In some embodiments, a dust control agent can be provided when soil is introduced into the interior space.

In some embodiments, the dust control agent can be provided automatically when soil is introduced into the interior space.

According to this second aspect of the application, a lid for a waste container may be provided with a suction source to draw air from an area adjacent the opening of the container. By drawing air from an area adjacent the opening of the receptacle, dust, allergens or other fine particulate matter dispersed in the air above or in the interior space of the receptacle may be drawn into the interior of the waste receptacle, or prevented from escaping from the interior of the waste receptacle, for example, when the particulate matter is transferred from the dirt collection area of the surface cleaning apparatus to the waste receptacle.

According to this second broad aspect there is provided a lid for a waste container, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid covers an open upper end of the waste container and an open position in which the waste container can be emptied, wherein when the lid is in the closed position, a suction motor inlet end is in airflow communication with the interior space of the waste container and a suction motor outlet end is in airflow communication with ambient atmosphere outside the waste container.

In some embodiments, a suction source may be removably mounted on the cover.

In some embodiments, the cover may further comprise an air flow path extending from the interior space to the clean air outlet, the air flow path comprising the suction motor and the air treatment member.

In some embodiments, the air treatment member may comprise a cyclone.

In some embodiments, the cover may further comprise a pre-motor filter located in the air flow path upstream of the suction motor.

In some embodiments, the cover may further comprise a dust control member that provides a dust control agent comprising one or more of liquid mist, positive ions, and negative ions to the interior space.

According to a third aspect of the application, the cyclone assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus may have a flexible closure member for closing the upper end of the waste container. By deploying the flexible closure member around the waste container prior to opening the dirt collection area of the cyclone assembly, an enclosed space may be provided between the openable door of the dirt collection area and the interior of the waste container. In such an arrangement, the closure member may inhibit or prevent dust, allergens or other particulate matter from escaping from the interior of the waste container as the particulate matter is transferred from the dirt collection area to the waste container.

For example, the surface cleaning apparatus may have a cyclone assembly that is removable as a unit from the surface cleaning apparatus, and such a cyclone assembly may include a dirt collection area or chamber. A user may remove and carry such a cyclone assembly to a waste container for emptying. Instead of opening the dirt collection area in an opening or open waste container above the waste container and relying on gravity to transfer the contents of the dirt collection area to the interior of the waste container, the flexible closure member may be deployed around the upper end of the waste container prior to opening the dirt collection area, which may result in a more controlled transfer of the contents of the dirt collection area to the waste container. In particular, lighter collected matter that may be entrained in the air when the dirt collection area is opened can be contained within a closed or substantially closed space and therefore can be isolated or substantially isolated to produce an airflow in which a fine dust plume may form, or if such a plume is formed, it will be located inside the housing and therefore the plume will be contained.

According to this third aspect, there is provided a cyclone bucket assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus, the cyclone bucket assembly comprising: a dirt collection area for the cyclone, the dirt collection area having an openable door; and a flexible closure member movable to an extended position, wherein a first portion of the closure member is disposed on the cyclone bucket assembly and a second portion of the closure member closes an upper end of the waste container such that when the closure member is in the extended position, an enclosed space is provided including an interior space of the waste container and the openable door is located in the enclosed space.

In some embodiments, the flexible closure member may be mounted to an outer surface of the cyclone bucket assembly.

In some embodiments, the flexible closure member may be gas impermeable.

In some embodiments, the closure member may be removably mounted to the cyclone bucket assembly.

In some embodiments, the closure member may be movable to a retracted position in which the second portion of the closure member is retracted and secured to the cyclone bucket assembly.

In some embodiments, the second portion of the closure member may have a securing member that retains the second portion on the waste container when the flexible closure member is in the deployed position.

In some embodiments, the securing member may include at least one of an elastic member and a pull cord.

In some embodiments, the flexible closure member may comprise a shell.

In some embodiments, the cyclone bucket assembly may further comprise an actuator for the openable door, and the actuator is located outside the enclosed space when the flexible closure member is in the deployed position.

According to this third aspect, there is also provided a dirt collection system comprising: a cyclone bucket assembly including a dirt collection area for the cyclone, the dirt collection area having an openable door; and a flexible closure member movable to an extended position, wherein a first portion of the closure member is disposed on the cyclone bucket assembly and a second portion of the closure member closes the upper end of the waste container such that when the closure member is in the extended position, an enclosed space is provided including an interior space of the waste container and the openable door is located in the enclosed space; and a waste container including a suction motor having a suction motor inlet end in airflow communication with the interior space of the waste container and a suction motor outlet end in airflow communication with ambient atmosphere outside the waste container.

According to the third aspect, there is also provided a dirt collection device comprising: a dirt collection area having an openable door; and a flexible closure member movable to an extended position, wherein a first portion of the closure member is disposed on the waste collection device and a second portion of the closure member closes an upper end of the waste container such that when the closure member is in a closed position, an enclosed space is provided including an interior space of the waste container and the openable door is located in the enclosed space.

In some embodiments, the flexible closure member may be mounted to an outer surface of the dirt collection device.

In some embodiments, the flexible closure member may be gas impermeable.

In some embodiments, the closure member may be movable to a retracted position in which the second portion of the closure member is retracted and secured to the dirt collection device.

In some embodiments, the second portion of the closure member may have a securing member which retains the second portion on the waste container when the flexible closure member is in the deployed position.

In some embodiments, the flexible closure member may comprise a shell.

In some embodiments, the dirt collection device may further include an actuator for the openable door, and the actuator is located outside of the enclosed space when the flexible closure member is in the deployed position.

According to this third aspect, there is also provided a dirt collection system comprising: a dirt collection device, comprising: a dirt collection area having an openable door; and a flexible closure member movable to an extended position, wherein a first portion of the closure member is disposed on the waste collection device and a second portion of the closure member closes an upper end of the waste container such that when the closure member is in a closed position, an enclosed space is provided including an interior space of the waste container and the openable door is located in the enclosed space; and a waste container including a suction motor having a suction motor inlet end in airflow communication with the interior space of the waste container and a suction motor outlet end in airflow communication with ambient atmosphere outside the waste container.

According to a fourth aspect of the application, the waste container may be provided with a dust control system for providing a dust control agent to the waste container interior space and/or to a region above the waste container interior space, for example below a dirt evacuation outlet of a dirt collection region of the surface treating device. By providing a dust control agent in or above the interior space of the container, dust, allergens or other fine particulate matter can be inhibited or prevented from being dispersed into the air, for example, when particulate matter is transferred from the dirt collection area of the surface cleaning apparatus to the waste container. For example, by wetting the particulate matter, the particulate matter will be heavier and less likely to form a dust plume. Alternatively, the particulate matter may acquire an electrical charge during passage through the cyclone. By at least partially neutralizing any such charge that may be obtained by the particulate matter, the particulate matter is less likely to scatter and form a dust plume as it exits the dirt collection area.

Alternatively or additionally, the waste container may be provided with a treatment applicator to provide a treatment agent (e.g. deodorant, disinfectant) to the interior space of the waste container. By providing such a treatment agent, one or more negative aspects of dust, allergens or other particulate matter located in the interior space of the container, such as unpleasant odors, possible bacterial or microbial growth, may be inhibited or eliminated.

Also according to this fourth aspect, the surface treating device may be provided with a dust control system to provide a dust control agent to the openable door of the dirt collection zone of the surface cleaning device and/or towards a region adjacent the openable door. By providing a dust control agent to the openable door of the dirt collection region, dust, allergens or other fine particulate matter can be inhibited or prevented from being dispersed into the air when the openable door is opened (e.g., when transferring particulate matter from the dirt collection region to a waste container).

Alternatively or additionally, the surface treatment device may be provided with a treatment applicator to provide a treatment agent (e.g. deodorant, germicide, disinfectant) to the interior space (dirt collection area) of the air treatment member of the surface treatment device. By providing such a treatment agent, one or more negative aspects of dust, allergens or other particulate matter located in the interior space of the air treatment member, such as unpleasant odours, possible bacterial or microbial growth, may be suppressed or eliminated.

According to this fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising one or more surface treatment devices having an air treatment member and a waste container, wherein at least one of the surface treatment devices and the waste container comprises one or more of: a) a dust control member that provides a dust control agent including one or more of liquid mist, positive ions, and negative ions to a region below a dirt evacuation outlet of a dirt collection region of the surface treatment device; and b) a treatment applicator providing a treatment agent containing one or more of a deodorant, a bactericide, and a disinfectant to the interior space of the air treatment member and the interior space of the waste container.

In some embodiments, one of the surface treatment device and the waste container may comprise a dust control member and a treatment applicator.

In some embodiments, the dust control member may comprise one or more nozzles directed at an area below a dirt evacuation outlet of a dirt collection area of the surface treating device.

In some embodiments, the nozzle can introduce the dust control agent to a location below the dirt evacuation outlet and above the bottom of the waste container.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a housing providing an enclosed space including the interior space of the waste container and the interior space of the dirt collection area when the dirt evacuation outlet is open and the housing is in the deployed position, and the nozzle introduces the dust control agent into the enclosed space.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may include a dirt separation member having a dirt evacuation outlet, the nozzle being located around at least a portion of a periphery of the dirt separation member.

In some embodiments, a nozzle may be disposed on the waste container.

In some embodiments, the dust control member may be automatically actuated upon opening the dirt evacuation outlet.

In some embodiments, the dust control member may be automatically activated prior to opening the dirt evacuation outlet.

In some embodiments, one of the surface treatment device and the waste container comprising the dust control means may further comprise a dust control agent reservoir.

In some embodiments, the waste container may further include a suction motor having a suction motor inlet end in airflow communication with the interior space of the waste container and a suction motor outlet end in airflow communication with ambient atmosphere outside the waste container.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise an air flow path extending from the interior space to the clean air outlet, the air flow path comprising a suction motor and a waste container air treatment member.

In some embodiments, the waste container air treatment member may comprise a cyclone.

In some embodiments, the device may further comprise a pre-motor filter located in the air flow path upstream of the suction motor.

In some embodiments, the treatment agent may include one or more of ozone, ultraviolet light, and hydrogen peroxide.

In some embodiments, the treatment agent may comprise ozone, and the waste container further comprises an air flow path extending from the interior space of the waste container to the clean air outlet, the air flow path comprising a suction motor and an ozone-destroying material.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a housing providing an enclosed space including the interior space of the waste container and the interior space of the waste collection area when the waste evacuation outlet is open and the housing is in the deployed position, and a treatment agent is introduced into the enclosed space.

In some embodiments, the treatment agent may be provided at predetermined intervals.

In some embodiments, the treatment agent may be provided after a predetermined number of uses of the surface cleaning apparatus.

In some embodiments, the treatment agent may be provided by manual actuation.

In some embodiments, a treatment agent may be provided after emptying the dirt collection area.

According to a fifth aspect of the present application, a surface cleaning apparatus may be configured to selectively draw air from a dirt collection region of the surface cleaning apparatus such that air pressure in the dirt collection region may be reduced to a pressure below ambient pressure when an openable door of the dirt collection region is in an open position. By drawing air from the interior space of the dirt collection area, dust, allergens or other fine particulate matter can be inhibited or prevented from being dispersed into the air when the openable door is opened (e.g., when transferring particulate matter from the dirt collection area to a waste container). For example, air may be drawn directly from the dirt chamber and/or cyclone in air flow communication with the dirt chamber via a cyclone chamber dirt outlet. The air may be drawn to the suction motor and may be filtered before and/or after passing through or past the suction motor. The suction motor may be the same suction motor used to clean the surface and/or a separate suction motor.

For example, the surface cleaning apparatus may have a cyclone assembly that includes a dirt collection area or chamber having an openable door. A user may place such a cyclone assembly over a waste container for emptying. Before, at the same time as, or after the door of the dirt collection area is opened, the air pressure in the dirt collection area may be reduced to a pressure below that of the ambient air, which may result in a net flow of air into the dirt collection area, thereby drawing and/or maintaining finer dust, allergens, or other fine particulate matter towards and/or in the dirt collection area. Thus, emptying the dirt collection area may result in no or less dust plume forming in the air that may fall out of the waste container. For example, larger dirt particles collected in the dirt collection region may be directed by gravity to the interior of the waste container, while some or all of the finer dust or other finer particles that might otherwise form a cloud or plume tumbling outwardly from the opening of the dirt collection region may be drawn toward the opening of the dirt collection region.

According to this fifth aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising: a) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and including a main air handling member having a dirt collection area with an openable door; and b) a main suction motor disposed in the air flow path, wherein the dirt collection area is exposed to a sub-atmospheric pressure when the openable door is in the open position.

In some embodiments, the dirt collection area may be automatically exposed to sub-atmospheric pressure when the openable door is opened.

In some embodiments, the dirt collection area may be automatically exposed to a sub-atmospheric pressure prior to the openable door being opened.

In some embodiments, the main suction motor may be used to provide sub-atmospheric pressure to the dirt collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the main suction motor may be operable in a cleaning mode for drawing air from the dirty air inlet through the main air treatment member to the clean air outlet, and an evacuation mode for providing sub-atmospheric pressure to the dirt collection chamber, and the main suction motor is operated at a lower power level during the evacuation mode.

In some embodiments, the main suction motor may generate sufficient suction to produce an air flow of 0.1 to 1.5 cubic feet per minute (CFM) per square inch of open area during the evacuation mode, preferably 0.25 to 1.25CFM per square inch of open area during the evacuation mode, and more preferably 0.50 to 1.00CFM per square inch of open area during the evacuation mode.

In some embodiments, the primary suction motor may be operable in a cleaning mode for drawing air from the dirty air inlet through the primary air treatment member to the clean air outlet, and an evacuation mode for providing sub-atmospheric pressure to the dirt collection chamber, wherein the first pre-motor filter is located in a primary downstream portion of an air flow path from the primary air treatment member to the primary suction motor during the cleaning mode, and an alternative air treatment member is provided in an alternative downstream air flow path from the primary air treatment member to the primary suction motor during the evacuation mode.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a primary closure member associated with the primary downstream portion of the air flow path and an alternative closure member associated with the alternative downstream air flow path, each of the primary and alternative closure members being movable between an open position and a closed position; wherein during the cleaning mode the primary closure member is open and the alternate closure member is closed whereby the primary suction motor is in airflow communication with the primary air treatment member through the primary downstream portion of the air flow path; during the evacuation mode, the primary closure member is closed and the alternate closure member is open, whereby the primary suction motor is in airflow communication with the primary air treatment member through the alternate downstream air flow path.

In some embodiments, the alternative air treatment member may comprise a filter.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise an evacuation mode suction motor providing sub-atmospheric pressure to the dirt collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the evacuation mode suction motor may generate a sub-atmospheric pressure less than the pressure in the primary air treatment member during operation of the primary suction motor.

In some embodiments, the main suction motor may generate sufficient suction to generate an air flow rate of 0.1 to 1.5CFM per square inch of open area during the evacuation mode, preferably 0.25 to 1.25CFM per square inch of open area during the evacuation mode, and more preferably 0.50 to 1.00CFM per square inch of open area during the evacuation mode.

In some embodiments, during an evacuation mode of the dirt collection area, a portion of an air flow path may connect the evacuation mode suction motor in air flow communication with the dirt collection area.

In some embodiments, a portion of the air flow path may be located upstream of the primary air treatment member.

In some embodiments, an evacuation mode air treatment component may be located in a portion of the air flow path.

In some embodiments, a surface cleaning apparatus may include a primary closure member associated with a portion of an air flow path, the primary closure member being movable between an open position and a closed position; wherein during a cleaning mode the main closure member is closed whereby air travels from the dirty air inlet to the main air treatment member without contacting the exhaust mode air treatment member; during an evacuation mode, the primary closure member is opened whereby air travels from the primary air handling member through the evacuation mode air handling member.

In some embodiments, the evacuation mode air treatment member may comprise a filter.

In some embodiments, the primary air treatment member may comprise a cyclone.

In some embodiments, the dirt collection area may comprise a dirt collection chamber outside the cyclone.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the devices or methods disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and may use the features in any specific combination or sub-combination.

These and other aspects and features of various embodiments are described in more detail below.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container and a lid having an openable spout according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container and lid of FIG. 1 with the lid in an open position and overlapping the open interior of the container;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the cover of FIG. 1 with the openable spout in a closed position;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the cover of FIG. 1 with the openable through opening in an open position;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container and lid of FIG. 1 taken along line 5-5 with the openable spout in a closed position;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container and cover of FIG. 5 with the cyclonic dirt bucket in the openable through opening and the cyclonic dirt bucket in a closed condition;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the container and cover of FIG. 5 with the cyclonic dirt bucket in the openable through opening and the cyclonic dirt bucket in an open condition;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the cover of FIG. 1 with the cyclonic dirt bucket positioned in the openable through opening;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the container and cover with the cover actuator drivingly connected to the door actuator of the cyclonic dirt bucket positioned in the openable through opening of the cover, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a container, a first cover with an open spout, a second cover in a removed position, and a suction source according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the container and first cover of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11 with the cyclonic dirt bucket positioned above the container and the cyclonic dirt bucket in a closed condition;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the container and first cover of FIG. 11 with the cyclonic dirt bucket in an open condition and the suction source drawing air from the interior space of the container;

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of a container, a first cover with an open spout and a suction source, and a second cover in a removed position, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the first cover and suction source of FIG. 13A;

figure 14 is a perspective view of a container, a first cover with an open through opening, and a cyclone bucket assembly with a deployable closure member according to one embodiment;

fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a container, a first cover with an open through opening, and a cyclone bucket assembly with a deployable closure member according to another embodiment, the cyclone bucket assembly being in a closed state;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the container, first cover, cyclone bucket assembly and deployable closure member of FIG. 15 with the cyclone bucket assembly in an open state;

fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a container, a first cover with an open through opening, and a cyclone bucket assembly with a deployable closure member according to another embodiment, the cyclone bucket assembly being in an open state;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a container and a first cover having an open port and a dust control member that provides a dust control agent, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the cover of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a container and a first cover with an open port having first and second dust control members for providing a dust control agent according to another embodiment, with a cyclonic dirt bucket positioned above the container and the cyclonic dirt bucket in a closed state;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the container and first cover of FIG. 20 with the cyclonic dirt container in an open state and the first and second dust control members providing dust control agent;

figure 22 is a perspective view of a cyclone bucket assembly having a dust control member providing a dust control agent in accordance with one embodiment;

figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of a cyclone bucket assembly having a dust control member for providing a dust control agent, the cyclone dirt bucket being in a closed condition, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the cyclone bucket assembly of FIG. 23 with the cyclone dirt bucket in an open condition and the dust control member providing a dust control agent;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a cyclone bucket assembly having a dust control member for providing a dust control agent configured to automatically provide the dust control agent when an openable door of a dirt collection area is opened, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a cyclone bucket assembly having a dust control member for providing a dust control agent configured to automatically provide the dust control agent and subsequently open an openable door of a dirt collection region according to another embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a container, a cap, and a suction source according to another embodiment, wherein an ozone gas generator is disposed on an inner wall of the container and a UV light source is disposed on the cap;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a cyclone bucket assembly according to another embodiment wherein a UV light source and an ozone gas generator are provided in the dirt collection area and having a suction source and an ozone destroying material;

figure 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cyclone bucket assembly having a conduit and valve for directing suction from a suction source to selectively draw air out of the cyclone bucket assembly via the cyclone dirty air inlet or via the cyclone air outlet with the openable door of the dirt collection area in a closed condition and the suction source drawing air out of the cyclone bucket assembly via the cyclone air outlet, in accordance with another embodiment;

figure 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cyclone bucket assembly of figure 29 with the openable door in an open condition and the suction source drawing air out of the cyclone bucket assembly through the cyclone dirty air inlet;

figure 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cyclone bucket assembly in accordance with another embodiment wherein an auxiliary suction source is used to draw air out of the cyclone bucket assembly via a cyclone dirty air inlet, an openable door of a dirt collection area is in a closed state, and the suction source draws air out of the cyclone bucket assembly through a cyclone air outlet;

figure 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cyclone bucket assembly having a valve for directing suction from a suction source to selectively draw air out of the cyclone bucket assembly via a cyclone air outlet and an auxiliary cyclone air outlet proximate a cyclone dirty air inlet with an openable door of a dirt collection area in an open condition and the suction source drawing air out of the cyclone bucket assembly via the auxiliary cyclone air outlet according to another embodiment.

The drawings included herein are for the purpose of illustrating various examples, methods, and apparatus of the teachings of this specification and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way.

Detailed Description

Various apparatuses, methods, and compositions are described below to provide examples of embodiments of various claimed inventions. The implementations described below do not limit any of the claimed invention, and any of the claimed invention may encompass different devices or methods than those described below. The claimed invention is not limited to a device, method, or composition having all of the features of any one device, method, or composition described below, nor to features common to a plurality or all of the devices, methods, or compositions described below. The apparatus, methods, or compositions described below may not be an embodiment of any of the claimed inventions. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method, or composition described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject of another protective device (e.g., a continuous patent application), and it is not the intention of the applicant, inventor, and/or owner to disclaim, deny, or dedicate any such invention to the public through the disclosure of this document.

Further, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Moreover, the description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

The terms "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not necessarily all) embodiments of the invention", unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "include," "include," and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to," unless expressly specified otherwise. The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

In the examples discussed herein, the dirt collection area (or dirt collection chamber) can be associated with any suitable type of surface cleaning device (e.g., upright vacuum cleaner, canister vacuum cleaner, hand-held vacuum cleaner, stick vacuum cleaner, wet-dry vacuum cleaner, carpet extractor, etc.) from which dust, allergens, or other particulate matter can be transferred to a waste container or other receptacle.

The following is a general description of a trash can that can be used with any aspect of the present application.

Referring to fig. 1-8, a container 20 and a cover 100, generally designated 10, are shown generally. The container 20 may be referred to as a waste container, and the container 20 and the cover 100 may be collectively referred to as a trash can. The container 20 includes: an upper end 24 and a closed lower end 22; and a sidewall 26 extending between the lower end 22 and the upper end 24. The side wall 26 and the lower end 22 define an interior space 28 of the container 20. The cover 100 is configured to rest on the upper end 24 of the container 20 or engage with the upper end 24 of the container 20 such that the cover covers all or substantially all of the upper end 24. In this closed configuration, the lid 100 blocks or prevents access to the interior space 28 of the container 20. The lid 100 is preferably removable from the waste container 20, for example to facilitate emptying of the container. It should be appreciated that the container 20 and cover 100 may be of any configuration known in the art and may be lockingly secured to one another by any means known in the art.

In the examples discussed herein, dust, allergens, or other particulate matter is described as being transferred into the interior space 28 of the waste container 20. It will be appreciated that a second container, such as a waste bag or trash bag (e.g., a plastic or paper container that may be described as a disposable container), may be removably disposed within the waste container 20, such as lining all or substantially all of the interior space 28. For example, an upper portion of a second container may be disposed between the container 20 and the cover 100, with a lower portion of the second container disposed adjacent to or abutting the lower end 22 of the container 20. In such an arrangement, waste deposited into the container 20 is actually deposited into a second container, and the second container may be periodically removed from the container 20 to transfer the collected waste to, for example, a larger household waste container, from which, for example, municipalities or other service providers may collect waste for transport to landfills, incinerators, etc.

As shown in fig. 1-8, the cover 100 has an upper surface 104 and a lower surface 102. The lower surface 102 is configured to cover the upper end 24 of the container 20 so as to substantially or completely enclose the interior space 28 of the container 20. For example, as shown in fig. 5, the lower surface 102 may have a channel 108, the channel 108 being sized to cover the sidewall 26 and engage the sidewall 26 at the upper end 24 of the container 20. Alternatively, the lower surface 102 and/or the upper end 24 may be provided in another configuration for mating engagement, for example the upper end 24 may have a channel in the top surface of the sidewall 26, and the lower surface 102 may have one or more downwardly extending projections for engaging such a channel.

In some embodiments disclosed herein, the cap may comprise an operational component and/or a portion of the fluid flow channel and/or the ion emitter. In this case, a two-part cover system may be used. In this case, as shown in fig. 10, the cover of the container 20 may include a first cover 100 and a second cover 5. In fig. 10, the second or upper cover 5 is also shown in a removed position. The upper cover 5 is configured to rest on the upper surface 104 of the cover 100 or engage with the upper surface 104 of the cover 100 such that the second cover 5 covers all or substantially all of the through opening 110. The cover 5 is preferably removable from the cover 100. In the embodiment shown, the cap 5 has a handle 7, but in an alternative embodiment such a handle may not be provided.

In some embodiments, the second or upper lid 5 may also be configured to rest on the upper end 24 of the container 20 or engage with the upper end 24 of the container 20 such that the lid covers all or substantially all of the upper end 24. For example, the second cover 5 and container 20 may be purchased or otherwise obtained as a kit, and the first or inner cover 100 may be configured to retrofit or otherwise provide some or all of the dust control features and/or functions as disclosed herein.

An advantage of using the second cover 5 is that the operative components and/or a portion of the fluid flow path and/or the ion emitter need not be provided with the container 20. Rather, they may be provided in or on the cover or as part of the cover. When the container is to be emptied, the first cover 100 may be removed and the second cover 5 used to close the container 20. The container 20 can then be brought to the end of a driveway for emptying by municipal waste service without fear that personnel may damage the operational components and/or a portion of the fluid flow path and/or the ion emitter while emptying the container 20.

Waste container lid with openable spout

The following is a general description of a lid for a waste container having an openable spout and other features described herein that may be used alone or in combination with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, including one or more of the following embodiments: a waste container having a suction source, a cyclone bucket assembly having a deployable closure member, a dust control system for a waste container or surface treatment device, and a dust treatment system for a waste container or surface treatment device. Various features of a lid containing an openable spout for a waste container are described below, which features may be used alone or in any combination or sub-combination.

According to this aspect, the cover 100 has a through hole or opening 110 extending between the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 102. The spout 110 is operable between a closed position and an open position; in the closed position, particulate matter (e.g., dirt, dust, allergens, etc.) is prevented or preferably prevented from passing through the through-openings 110. Preferably, the closure member of the spout 110 is biased towards the closed position. It will be appreciated that the spout 110 may occupy part or all of the lid 100 rather than the portion of the lid that is in place on the waste container 20. It can be understood that:

in the example shown, several movable members or flanges 120 are provided on the inner periphery of the through opening 110. Each movable flange 120 extends inwardly from an outer end 122 toward an inner end 124 at or near the center of the spout 110, and the members 120 are sized such that the through-hole or spout 110 is substantially or preferably completely enclosed by the flange 120 when the members are each substantially parallel to the cover 100. Preferably, the flange 120 is flexible and may be resiliently biased toward a closed position, such as a position where the member is substantially parallel to the remainder of the horizontally extending portion of the cover 100.

Alternatively, the movable member or flange may be of any other suitable configuration, including for example a configuration in which the member opens like a shutter ring or a sliding plate or the like.

The moveable member or flange 120 may be secured to the cover 100 using any suitable method, such as using one or more mechanical fasteners or adhesives, or the like. Alternatively, the cover body 100 and the flange 120 may be integrally formed, for example, by injection molding.

The operation of the cover 100 in controlling dust, allergens and other particulate matter when emptying a dirt collection area of a surface cleaning apparatus will now be discussed with reference to figures 5 to 8.

In fig. 5, the cover 100 rests on and covers the upper end 24 of the container 20. The flange 120 is substantially parallel to the cover 100 and engages to close the through opening 110 in the cover 100.

In fig. 6 and 8, the cyclone bucket assembly 30 for a surface cleaning apparatus is disposed in the through opening 110. The cyclone bucket assembly 30 includes an air handling member, in this case cyclone 31, and a dirt collection area 38 for collecting particulate matter dislodged from entrainment with the dirty airflow by the cyclone 31. A handle 33 is provided at the upper end 34 of the cyclone bucket assembly. The cyclone bucket assembly 30 has an openable lower end portion 32, and the lower end portion 32 is releasably fixed by a door closing member 37. The door release switch or actuator 35 is located on the exterior of the trash can so that a user can operate the door release switch or actuator 35 when the cyclone bin assembly 30 has been inserted into the through opening 110 in the emptying position. The switch 35 is operatively connected to a door closure member 37. As shown, the switch 35 is disposed adjacent the handle 33 and is drivingly coupled to the door closure member 37 by a door actuator 39. It should be appreciated that the switch 35 may be operatively connected to the door closing member 37 by any other mechanical drive member, or may be electrically connected thereto or wirelessly operatively connected thereto.

In the illustrated embodiment, insertion of the cyclone bucket assembly 30 into the through opening 110 causes the flange 120 to flex toward the lower end 22 of the container 20 by contact with the cyclone bucket assembly 30. At least the inner end 124 of each flange 120 is displaced into the interior space 28 of the container 20. Preferably, the flange 120 is configured such that at least a portion of each inner end 124 remains in contact with or in proximity to the outer sidewall 36 of the cyclone bucket assembly 30, thereby forming an at least substantially, if not a complete, seal around the cyclone bucket assembly 30 to inhibit or prevent dust, allergens and other particulate matter from exiting the container 20. Optionally, if the through port 110 is sized to have a diameter slightly larger than the cyclone bucket assembly or dirt collection area into which the through port 110 is inserted, the flange 120 may contact a substantial portion of the circumference of the cyclone bucket assembly or dirt collection area.

In fig. 7, the openable lower end portion 32 of the cyclone bucket assembly 30 has been moved to the open position. For example, the door release switch 35 may have been bent or rotated (e.g., by a user's thumb) causing the door closure member 37 to bend or rotate, whereby the openable lower end portion 32 is released and moved to the open position, e.g., due to gravity or one or more biasing members (not shown).

As discussed previously with reference to fig. 6, the cover body 100 and the substantial (if not complete) seal provided by the flange 120 around the outer sidewall 36 of the cyclone bucket assembly 30 can serve to inhibit or prevent dust, allergens, and other particulate matter from exiting the container 20 during transfer of the particles from the dirt collection area 38 to the interior space 28 of the container 20.

Fig. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cover, generally referred to as 100', having an alternative design for the cyclone bucket assembly 30' located in the through opening 110 of the cover 100 '. The embodiment of the cover 100 'shown in fig. 9 includes a cover actuator for actuating the door closure member of the cyclone bucket assembly when the cyclone bucket assembly has been positioned in the through opening 110 of the cover 100'; otherwise, it is similar to the cover 100 shown in fig. 7.

In the exemplary cyclone bucket assembly 30' illustrated in figure 9, there is no need for a door release switch to be provided near the upper end of the cyclone bucket assembly. Instead, the door closing member 37' may be configured to move (e.g., bend or rotate) once the cyclone bucket assembly is inserted into the through opening 110, thereby releasing the openable lower end portion 32 into the closed or substantially closed space. Otherwise, the exemplary cyclone bucket assembly 30' illustrated in figure 9 is similar to the cyclone bucket assembly 30 illustrated in figure 7.

As shown in fig. 9, the flange 120 is configured such that at least a portion of each inner end portion 124 remains in contact with or in close proximity to the outer sidewall 36 of the cyclone bucket assembly 30 when the cyclone bucket assembly 30' is positioned in the through opening 110, thereby forming an at least substantially, if not completely, seal around the cyclone bucket assembly 30 to inhibit or prevent dust, allergens and other particulate matter from exiting the container 20. However, in this illustrated configuration, the door closure member 37 'is located below the flange 120, which may inhibit or prevent a user from releasing the openable lower end 32 when the cyclone bucket assembly 30' is located in the through opening 110. To address this potential problem, the cover 100' is provided with a cover actuator 130.

The lid actuator 130 has an upper end 132, the upper end 132 being operable by a user from outside the waste container. As shown, the cover actuator 130 projects upwardly from the top surface 104 of the cover 100', for example, and the lower end 134 is located in the interior space 28 and below the lower surface 102 of the cover 100'. In the example shown, the cap actuator is pivotally secured to the cap 100' by a shaft or other pivot coupling 136. In this arrangement, the upper end 132 of the cover actuator 130 may be manipulated by a user to cause the lower end 134 to drivingly engage and thereby actuate the door closure member 37 'of the cyclonic bucket assembly 30' to release the openable lower end 32 when the bucket assembly is positioned in the through opening 110.

Alternatively, the lid actuator may be of any other suitable configuration, including for example a configuration in which the actuator is provided in a side wall of the trashcan and is slidable inwardly to actuate the door closure member 37'.

It should be appreciated that in this and other aspects of the present application, the cyclone bucket assembly 30 may be of any design and may be any type of air treatment member and need not be cyclonic. Furthermore, instead of inserting a portion or all of the air treatment member (e.g., the cyclone bucket assembly 30) into the through opening 110, the dirt collection area may comprise a dirt collection chamber, such as a cyclone chamber, external to the air treatment member, and the dirt collection area may be removed from the remainder of the air treatment member and a portion of all of it may be inserted into the through opening 110 in order to empty the dirt collection chamber.

Waste container with sub-atmospheric mode

The following is a general description of a waste container having a suction source and other features described herein that may be used alone or in combination with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, including one or more of the following embodiments: a lid for a waste container having an openable spout, a dust control system for a waste container or a surface treatment device, and a dust treatment system for a waste container or a surface treatment device. The following describes various features of a waste container including a suction source, which features may be used alone or in any combination or sub-combination.

According to this aspect, sub-atmospheric pressure is used to suppress, substantially prevent or substantially prevent dust plumes of lighter dirt particles that form in the ambient air when the dirt collection area is evacuated. For example, the suction motor may be used to draw air from the interior of the waste container or ambient air above or immediately above the waste container. For example, if the suction motor is in communication with the interior of the waste container, an air flow into the waste container will be created, or if the suction motor is in communication with the air above the waste container, an air flow into the one or more inlet ports will be created, which air flow may partially or substantially entrain the lighter dust which would otherwise form a dust plume. Thus, a smaller dust plume may be formed or substantially no dust plume may be formed.

In the example shown in figures 10 to 12, the suction source (generally 220) is provided on the waste container and may be permanently mounted on the waste container or may be removably mounted. In the latter case, the suction source may be removed before the refuse bin is brought to the end of a driveway, for example, to empty it into a refuse vehicle. By providing a suction source to draw air from the interior space of the waste container, some or all of the fine dust or other particles generated during evacuation of the dirt collection area of the surface cleaning apparatus can be drawn into the interior of the waste container, which can result in a more controlled transfer of the contents of the dirt collection area to the waste container. By making the suction source 220 removable, damage to the suction source 220 can be avoided when the trash can is emptied.

The suction source 220 includes a suction motor 206, the suction motor 206 being drivingly connected to the suction fan 204 for drawing air from the interior space 28 of the container 20 either directly or through an optional air treatment member 210. An optional pre-motor filter 202 is shown upstream of the suction motor 206, and an optional post-motor filter 208 is shown downstream of the suction motor 206 and upstream of the clean air outlet. It should be appreciated that one or both of these filters may not be provided in alternative embodiments.

In the illustrated construction, an upstream or inlet end of the suction source 220 is in airflow communication with the interior space 28 via an inlet 212 provided in the sidewall 26 of the container 20. An optional air treatment member 210 is disposed downstream of the inlet 212. In the illustrated example, the air treatment member 210 is a cyclonic air treatment member and has a cyclone 211, the cyclone 211 being in fluid communication with the interior space 28 of the container 20 via an inlet 212. A dirt collection area 218 is provided to collect particles dislodged by the cyclones 211 from entrainment with air drawn in through the inlet 212. The air treatment member 210 also has an outlet 214 in fluid communication with the suction fan 204. Alternatively or additionally, the air treatment member may include a bag, a filter, an additional cyclonic cleaning stage, and/or other air treatment known in the art.

In the example shown, the inlet 212 is disposed near the upper end 24 of the vessel 20. Alternatively, the inlet 212 may be disposed near the lower end 22 of the vessel 20, or between the upper end 24 and the lower end 22.

Also, in the example shown, a single inlet 212 is provided. Alternatively, two or more inlets 212 may be provided. In some embodiments, a manifold may be disposed between two or more inlets 212 and the suction fan 204. For example, two or more inlets 212 may converge to the optional air treatment member 210 at or before the inlet.

The operation of the suction source 220 in controlling dust, allergens and other particulate matter when evacuating the dirt collection area of the surface cleaning apparatus will now be discussed with reference to figures 11 and 12.

In fig. 11, a cyclone bucket assembly 30' for a surface cleaning apparatus is provided over the through opening 110. For example, a user may remove such a dirt collection area and transport it to such a location. Alternatively, if the surface cleaning apparatus is a handheld vacuum cleaner, the entire handheld vacuum cleaner may be repositioned. The cyclone bucket assembly 30' includes a dirt collection area 38 for collecting particulate matter dislodged from entrainment with the dirty airflow by the air treatment member, in this case cyclone 31.

In fig. 12, the openable lower end portion 32 of the cyclone bucket assembly 30' has been moved to the open position. For example, the user may have opened the dirt collection area, expecting gravity to transfer at least a majority of the contents of the dirt collection area to the interior of the waste container. For example, the door closure member 37 'may have been bent or rotated (e.g., by a user's thumb), whereby the openable lower end 32 is released and moved to the open position, e.g., due to gravity or one or more biasing members (not shown).

As previously mentioned, opening the dirt collection area 38 for evacuation typically results in a cloud or plume of fine dust or other particles billowing outwardly from the opening of the dirt collection area and/or from the container 20 into which the dirt collection area is being evacuated. Particles in such plumes or clouds may disperse during evacuation, resulting in incomplete transfer from the dirt collection region 38 to the interior 28 of the waste container 20. This may be considered undesirable by the user, particularly if the plume or cloud contains dust or other allergens to which the user is sensitive.

To address this potential problem, in fig. 12, suction motor 206 is actuated to drive suction fan 204, creating an air flow from interior space 28 of container 20 through inlet 212 and optionally through air treatment member 210 and through post-motor filter 208 to an area outside container 20. Advantageously, this may result in some or all of any particles dispersed in the plume or smoke cloud created by the opening of the dirt collection region 38 being drawn into the interior space 28 of the container 20 and/or into the air treatment member 210. Thus, the amount of dust, allergens, or other fine particulate matter that is "lost" (i.e., not transferred to the container 20 or the air treatment member 210) when the dirt collection area 38 is emptied into the container 20 may be reduced or eliminated.

Fig. 13A and 13B show an alternative embodiment in which a suction source 220 is provided on the first or inner lid body 100 for the waste container 20. In the example shown, the suction source 220 includes a suction motor 206, the suction motor 206 being drivingly connected to the suction fan 204 for drawing air from the inlet 112 located near the periphery of the through opening 110 in the cover 100. A pre-motor filter 202 and a post-motor filter 208 are also shown upstream and downstream, respectively, of the suction motor 206, but it should be appreciated that one or both of these filters may not be provided in alternative embodiments.

In fig. 13A, the second or upper cover 5 is also shown in a removed position. The upper cover 5 is configured to rest on the upper surface 104 of the cover 100 or engage with the upper surface 104 of the cover 100 such that the second cover 5 covers all or substantially all of the through opening 110.

In the illustrated construction, an inlet 112 is provided on the inner surface of the through opening 110 between the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 102 of the cover 100. An optional air treatment member 210 is disposed downstream of the inlet 112. In the illustrated example, the air handling member 210 includes a vacuum bag 213 for collecting particles from the dirty air flow into the bag, as is known in the art. The air treatment member 210 is in fluid communication with a conduit 115, the conduit 115 being located downstream of an annular manifold 114 disposed around the port 110. A downstream portion of the inlet 112 is connected to the manifold 114, providing a fluid flow path from the inlet 112 to the air treatment member 210. The air treatment member 210 also has an outlet 214 in fluid communication with the suction fan 204. Alternatively, the air treatment member may include a cyclone, a filter, an additional cyclone cleaning stage, and/or other air treatments known in the art.

In the example shown, the inlet 112 is provided on an inner surface of the through port 110. Alternatively, the inlet 112 may be disposed on the lower surface 102 of the cover 100, or on the upper surface 104, and may optionally extend above the upper surface 104.

Also, in the example shown, two inlets 112 are provided. Alternatively, three or more inlets 112 may be provided, or a single inlet 112 may be provided.

Also, in the example shown, the annular manifold 114 is disposed between the inlet 112 and the air treatment member 210. Alternatively, each inlet 112 may be provided with a dedicated conduit to lead to the optional air treatment member 210.

Further, as shown in fig. 13B, the suction source 200 is provided on the cover body 100. For example, the second cover 5 and container 20 (as shown in fig. 13A) may be purchased or otherwise obtained in kit form, and the first or inner cover 110 shown in fig. 13B may be obtained as an option or retrofit (e.g., obtained separately) to enable the suction source to achieve more controlled transfer of the contents of the dirt collection region to a waste container. The suction source 200 may be secured to the cover 100 in any suitable manner. For example, the suction source 200 and/or optional air treatment member 210 may be removably mounted to the cap body 100, e.g., the upper end of the conduit 115 may be threaded to provide rotational engagement and disengagement with corresponding threads in the cap body 100. Alternatively, the suction source 200 and/or the optional air treatment member 210 may be non-removably mounted to (e.g., integrally formed with) the cover 100.

Also, in the example shown, the suction source 200 is provided on the cover 100. Alternatively, the suction source 200 may be provided outside the container 20. The suction source 200 may be secured to the container 20 in any suitable manner. For example, the suction source 200 and/or the optional air treatment member 210 may be removably mounted to the container 20. Alternatively, the suction source 200 and/or the optional air treatment member 210 may be non-removably mounted to (e.g., integrally formed with) the container 20.

Also, in the example shown, the suction source 200 is configured to be located outside the container 20. Alternatively, the suction source 200 and/or the optional air treatment member 210 may be configured to be located (removably or non-removably) inside the container 20.

It should be appreciated that the lid may include the openable port of the previously discussed aspects and may draw air for the substantially sealed interior 28 of the container 20.

Alternatively or additionally, it will be appreciated that the suction source may be actuated before, while or after the dirt collection area is opened. For example, if the spout 110 is provided with a flange, the suction source may be activated when the flange begins to bend when the spout is open. Alternatively, a sensor (e.g., an Infrared (IR) sensor) may be provided to activate the suction source when the dirt collection area is proximate to the container 20 or enters the container 20.

Cyclone bucket assembly with deployable closure member

The following is a general description of the cyclone bucket assembly having a deployable closure member and other features described herein that may be used alone or in combination with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, including one or more of the following embodiments: a lid for a waste container with an openable through opening, a dust control system for a waste container or a surface treatment device, a dust treatment system for a waste container or a surface treatment device, and a waste container with a suction source. Various features of the cyclone bucket assembly including a deployable closure member are described below, which features can be used alone or in any combination or sub-combination.

According to this aspect, a flexible closure member or enclosure is provided to form a closed or substantially closed space between the interior of the container 20 and the openable portion of the dirt collection region. Thus, even if a relatively fine dirt creates a plume or cloud of smoke when the dirt collection area is opened, the plume or cloud of smoke may be contained or substantially contained therein, thereby reducing or preventing the loss of relatively fine particulate matter upon emptying the dirt collection area.

As shown in fig. 14 to 17, the flexible closure member 300 is shown associated with a cyclonic bucket assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus. In the example shown in figures 14 and 17, the cyclone bucket assembly 30' includes an air handling member, in this case a cyclone 31, and a dirt collection area 38 for collecting particulate matter dislodged from entrainment of the dirty airflow by the cyclone 31. A handle 33 is provided at the upper end 34 of the cyclone bucket assembly. The cyclone bucket assembly 30 'has an openable lower end 32, and the lower end 32 is releasably secured by a door closure member 37'. It should be appreciated that any air treatment member and openable dirt collection region known in the art of surface cleaning may be used, as previously described.

As shown, the flexible closure member 300 is mounted or secured to the outer sidewall 36 (i.e., outer surface) of the cyclone bucket assembly 30'. In the example shown, the first or upper end 304 is secured to the sidewall 36. An optional shroud 308 is disposed about the sidewall 36. The shroud 308 may help retain or collect the flexible closure member 300 when the shroud 308 is in the retracted position. It will be appreciated that the flexible closure member 300 may be permanently mounted or removably mounted to any part of the dirt collection area, the air treatment member or the surface cleaning apparatus.

The flexible closure member 300 comprises a flexible material that is pliable and may be provided as a single piece structure (e.g., having a circular or conical shape), or alternatively as two or more sheets of material.

Preferably, the flexible closure member 300 comprises at least one of a plastic material (e.g., polyethylene film, bio-plastic film, etc.) and a natural fabric (e.g., cotton, hemp, etc.). In one or more preferred embodiments, the flexible closure member 300 can be made of a material that is substantially or completely air impermeable.

The flexible closure member 300 is preferably transparent or translucent, but it should be appreciated that all or a portion of the flexible closure member 300 may be opaque.

The flexible closure member 300 is preferably of sufficient length to allow a user to hold, for example, the bucket assembly 30' while upright when the flexible closure member is secured to the container 20 and when emptying the dirt collection area.

As shown in fig. 15, the securing member 306 may be disposed at or near the second or lower end 302 of the flexible closure member 300. The securing member 306 is configured to assist in maintaining the lower end 302 of the flexible closure member 300 in a position in which the flexible closure member surrounds the upper end 24 of the waste container 20.

In a preferred embodiment, the securing member 306 may comprise an elongated resilient member that extends around all or a portion of the circumference of the lower end 302 of the flexible closure member 300. In such an arrangement, the securing member 306 may help provide a partial or complete seal between the lower end 302 of the flexible closure member 300 and the sidewall 26 of the waste container 20. Preferably, such a resilient member is sufficiently resilient to extend from a length approximately equal to the circumference of the outer periphery of the cyclone bucket assembly to a length approximately equal to the circumference of the outer periphery of the waste container 20 or cover 100.

In another preferred embodiment, the securing member 306 may comprise a drawstring that extends around all or a portion of the circumference of the lower end 302 of the flexible closure member 300. Preferably, such a drawstring may extend to a length approximately equal to the circumference of the outer periphery of the waste container 20 or cover 100 and retract to a second length approximately equal to the circumference of the outer periphery of the cyclone bucket assembly.

For example, in the retracted position (not shown), the lower end 302 of the flexible closure member 300 may be gathered or otherwise positioned below the shroud 308 such that all or substantially all of the flexible closure member 300 is positioned between the shroud 308 and the sidewall 36. Preferably, the securing member 306 may be used to secure the lower end 302 to the cyclone bucket assembly (e.g., to the sidewall 36) in such a position.

In another preferred embodiment, the flexible closure member 300 itself may be sufficiently resilient or elastic that the securing member 306 is not required.

Alternatively or additionally, the container 20 may be provided with a locking member to which the lower end of the flexible closure member 300 is releasably attached. For example, the lower end of the flexible closure member 300 and the trash can may have male and female interengagable hook and loop fasteners.

The operation of the flexible closure member 300 in controlling dust, allergens and other particulate matter when emptying a dirt collection area of a surface cleaning apparatus will now be discussed with reference to figures 15 and 16.

In fig. 15, the cyclone bucket assembly 30 for a surface cleaning apparatus is disposed over the spout 110 of the container 20 or may be over the open top of the container 20. For example, a user may remove the cyclone bucket assembly and transport it to such a location. The cyclone bucket assembly 30 includes a dirt collection area 38 for collecting particulate matter dislodged from entrainment with the dirty airflow by the air treatment member, in this case cyclone 31.

Also, in fig. 15, the flexible closure member 300 has been moved to a deployed position in which the lower end 302 is positioned about the upper portion 24 of the container 20, and optionally held in such position by an optional securing member 306. Thus, the enclosed space 310 (i.e., the enclosed space) defined by the flexible closure member 300 extends between the upper end 304 of the flexible closure member 300 and the interior space 28 included by the container 20. It is noted that the openable lower end portion 32 of the cyclone bucket assembly 30 is located within the closed space 310.

In fig. 16, the openable lower end portion 32 of the cyclone bucket assembly 30 has been moved to the open position. For example, a user may have opened the dirt collection region, expecting gravity to transfer at least a substantial portion of the contents of the dirt collection region to the interior of the waste container. For example, the door release switch 35 may have been bent or rotated (e.g., by a user's thumb) causing the door closure member 37 to bend or rotate, whereby the openable lower end portion 32 is released and moved to the open position, e.g., due to gravity or one or more biasing members (not shown).

Advantageously, in the configuration shown in fig. 16, the flexible closure member 300 may direct some or all of any particles dispersed in the plume or cloud of smoke following the opening of the dirt collection area 38 into the interior space 28 of the container 20. Thus, the amount of dust, allergens, or other fine particulate matter dispersed during the emptying of the dirt collection area 38 into the container 20 may be reduced or eliminated.

As previously mentioned, the actuator for opening the dirt collection area may be positioned such that it is actuated when the flexible closure member is deployed, e.g. it is located at a position outside the enclosed space 310. Thus, as shown in figures 15 and 16, the cyclone bucket assembly 30 is provided with a door release switch 35 (located adjacent the handle 33), the door release switch 35 being operatively coupled to the door closure member 37 by a door actuator 39. In such a configuration (i.e., when the flexible closure member 300 is in the deployed position, the actuator 35 for the openable door 32 is outside of the enclosed space 310), a user may relatively simply open the openable door 32. Any of the mechanisms discussed herein may be used instead.

Figure 17 shows an alternative embodiment of the waste container 20 having an alternative design for the cyclonic bucket assembly 30'. In the exemplary cyclone bucket assembly 30' illustrated in fig. 17, no door release switch is provided near the upper end of the cyclone bucket assembly. Instead, the door closing member 37' is configured to be directly bent or rotated, thereby releasing the openable lower end portion 32.

As shown in fig. 17, when the lower end 32 of the cyclone bucket assembly 30 'is positioned in the interior space 28 of the container 20 and the flexible closure member 300 has been unfolded about the upper end 24 of the container 20, the door closure member 37' is positioned in the interior space 310 provided by the flexible closure member 300. In this illustrated configuration, the flexible closure member 300 may inhibit or prevent a user from releasing the openable lower end 32. To address this potential problem, the container 20 is provided with a release actuator 130'.

The release actuator 130' has a first portion 132' that projects generally outwardly from the side wall 26 of the container 20, and a second portion 134' that is located in the interior space 28. In the example shown, the release actuator 130' is located in an annular opening in the sidewall 26 so that the actuator can translate inwardly or outwardly relative to the container 20. Preferably, a spring 138 or other biasing member is provided to bias the release actuator 130' toward a position in which the second portion 134' remains in the interior space 28 and the first portion 132' remains outside of the container 20. In this arrangement, the first portion 132' of the actuator 130' may be manipulated by a user to extend the second portion 134' inwardly to drivingly engage and thereby actuate the door closure member 37' of the cyclone bucket assembly 30' to release the openable lower end 32 when the flexible closure member 300 is in the deployed position. It should be appreciated that the release actuator 130' may have any configuration and may be mounted to be rotatable, translatable, or otherwise movable. Also, the release actuator 130 'may be in wireless communication with the door closure member 37'.

It should be appreciated that any embodiment of this aspect may be advantageously used in embodiments that generate sub-atmospheric pressure in the interior space 28 and/or the interior space 310.

Dust control and/or treatment for waste containers or surface treatment devices

The following is a general description of a dust control and dust handling system for a waste container or surface treatment device and other features described herein that may be used alone or in combination with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, including one or more of the following embodiments: a lid for a waste container having an openable vent, a waste container having a suction source, a cyclone bucket assembly having a deployable closure member, and a dirt collection area of a surface treatment device having a sub-atmospheric mode. The following description includes various features of the dust control and dust handling systems, which features may be used alone or in any combination or subcombination.

According to this aspect, a dust control system is provided for selectively directing a dust control agent to a region in and/or above an interior space of a waste container, for example, below a dirt evacuation outlet of a dirt collection region of a surface treating device. By providing a dust control agent above the interior space of the container, dust, allergens or other fine particulate matter can be inhibited or prevented from dispersing into the air, for example, as particulate matter is transferred from the dirt collection area of the surface cleaning apparatus to the waste container, which can result in a more controlled transfer of the contents of the dirt collection area to the waste container. Alternatively or additionally, the dust control system may be arranged to selectively direct the dust control agent to the interior space of the waste container.

Alternatively or additionally, depending onIn aspects, a dust treatment system is provided for selectively directing a dust treatment agent, for example, to an interior space of a waste container and/or a dirt collection area and/or an air treatment member (e.g., a cyclone chamber). Dust, dirt and other waste collected in the waste container may lead to the growth of undesirable organisms. These organisms may have a negative effect on the quality of the air surrounding the container 20. Accordingly, the waste container 20 may include one or more treatment applicators that provide one or more treatment agents (e.g., disinfectants, sanitizers, and/or deodorizers) in the interior space 28 to reduce or eliminate biological and/or other odor sources in the interior space of the container. The germicide may be any element or radiation that may reduce or inhibit the growth of organisms in the interior space 28, or any element or radiation that is harmful or lethal to organisms that may grow in the interior space 28. Examples include Ultraviolet (UV) light, ozone (O)₃) And hydrogen peroxide (H)₂O₂). The advantage of this design is that it can reduce or eliminate potential harmful organisms (e.g. allergens), or reduce or eliminate odors emanating from the collected waste.

As shown in fig. 18 and 19, the dust control system includes a plurality of nozzles 410 for dispersing a liquid, such as water, into the air in the form of, for example, a mist or other dispersion. A nozzle 410 may be provided on the inner surface of the through opening 110 between the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 102 of the cover 100. As shown in fig. 19, the nozzle 410 is in fluid communication with a fluid pump 430 via a conduit 422, the fluid pump 430 itself being in fluid communication with a reservoir 420. The reservoir 420 is configured to store a liquid (e.g., water) to be dispersed.

It will be appreciated that a liquid such as water may be dispersed using any method known in the art, such as an ultrasonic atomizer or the like.

In the example shown, the nozzle 410 is disposed on an inner surface of the spout 110. Alternatively or additionally, the nozzle 410 may be disposed on the upper surface 104 of the cap body 100, or on the lower surface 102, or on the container 20 itself.

Also, in the example shown, four nozzles 410 are provided. Alternatively, five or more nozzles 410 may be provided, or three, two, or a single nozzle 410 may be provided.

Also, in the example shown, the nozzles 410 are connected in series using conduits 422. Alternatively, each nozzle 410 may be provided with a dedicated conduit to lead to the pump 430.

It should be appreciated that the dust control system can be actuated in a variety of ways, and any of the methods discussed herein for actuating the suction motor to generate sub-atmospheric pressure can be used.

For example, in the configuration shown in fig. 18, a first dust control system actuator 404 (in this example, a depressible button) is disposed on the upper surface 104 of the cover 100. The pump 430 may be configured to direct fluid from the reservoir 420 to the nozzle 410 in response to the actuator 404 being depressed. Alternatively, the pump 430 may be configured to direct fluid to the nozzle 410 after a predetermined delay period after the button 404 is pressed.

Alternatively or additionally, a second dust control system actuator 402, such as a sensor such as an Infrared (IR) sensor, may be provided on an inner surface of the through opening 110, for example, between the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 102 of the cover 100. The IR sensor 402 is preferably configured to detect when an object (e.g., a dirt collection area of a surface cleaning apparatus) is located in the through port 110. The pump 430 may be configured to direct fluid from the reservoir 420 to the nozzle 410 in response to the actuator 402 determining that an object is located in the spout 110. Alternatively, the pump 430 may be configured to direct fluid to the nozzle 410 after a predetermined delay period after the sensor 402 detects the object.

In the configuration shown in fig. 18 and 19, the dust control system includes one or more nozzles for dispersing water or other liquid in the form of a mist or other dispersion into the air. Alternatively or additionally, the dust control system may include one or more ion emitters for selectively dispersing negative ions (and/or positive ions) into the air. In operation, contacting the particulate matter with a liquid will increase the weight of the particulate matter, including some or all of the finer particulate matter. This will increase the weight of the particulate matter, thereby reducing the likelihood of plume or cloud formation. Similarly, particulate matter may become electrically charged as it passes through a surface cleaning device (e.g., a cyclonic chamber). Exposing the particulate matter to oppositely charged ions will reduce the charge state of the particulate matter, including some or all of the finer particulate matter. This will reduce the tendency of the particulate matter to disperse, thereby reducing the likelihood of plume or plume cloud formation.

In the configuration shown in fig. 20 and 21, the dust control system further includes a plurality of ion emitters 460 for applying negative (and/or positive) charges. For example, emitter 460 may be disposed on an inner surface of port 110 between upper surface 104 and lower surface 102 of cover 100. As shown in fig. 20, the transmitter 460 is coupled to, for example, a power supply and control electronics 450 for providing a voltage to apply the charge.

In the example shown, the emitter 460 is disposed on an inner surface of the spout 110. Alternatively or additionally, the emitter 460 may be disposed on the upper surface 104 of the cover 100, or on the lower surface 102, or on the container 20 itself.

Also, in the example shown, a set of six emitters 460 is provided. It should be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of sets of greater or lesser emitters 460 may be provided in alternative embodiments.

Operation of the dust control system in controlling dust, allergens and other particulate matter when emptying a dirt collection area of a surface cleaning apparatus will now be discussed with reference to fig. 20 and 21.

In fig. 20, the cyclone bucket assembly 30 for a surface cleaning apparatus is disposed over the through opening 110. For example, a user may remove such a dirt collection area and transport it to such a location. The cyclone bucket assembly 30 includes a dirt collection area 38 for collecting particulate matter dislodged from entrainment with the dirty airflow by the air treatment member, in this case cyclone 31.

In fig. 21, the openable lower end portion 32 of the cyclone bucket assembly 30 has been moved to the open position. For example, the user may have opened the dirt collection area, expecting gravity to transfer at least a majority of the contents of the dirt collection area to the interior of the waste container. For example, the door release switch 35 may have been bent or rotated (e.g., by a user's thumb) causing the door closure member 37 to bend or rotate, whereby the openable lower end portion 32 is released and moved to the open position, e.g., due to gravity or one or more biasing members (not shown).

As previously described, opening the dirt collection area 38 for evacuation typically results in a cloud or plume of fine dust or other particles billowing outwardly from the opening of the dirt collection area and/or from the container 20 into which the dirt collection area is being evacuated. Particles in such plumes or clouds may disperse during evacuation resulting in incomplete transfer from the dirt collection region 38 to the interior 28 of the waste container 20. This may be considered undesirable by the user, particularly if the plume or cloud contains dust or other allergens to which the user is sensitive.

To address this potential problem, in fig. 21, the pump 430 is actuated to direct liquid (e.g., water) to the nozzle 410, causing a spray or mist of water particles to be dispersed in the area above the through opening 110 (i.e., the area or zone below the outlet of the dirt collection area 38 in the illustrated example). Advantageously, this may result in some or all of any particles dispersed in the plume or plume created by the opening of the dirt collection region 38 being "wetted" by the dispersed water droplets and then being introduced into the interior space 28 of the container 20 by gravity.

Also, in fig. 21, the control electronics 450 are actuated to cause the ion emitter 460 to emit, for example, negatively charged particles, resulting in negative ions being dispersed in the region above the port 110. Advantageously, this may result in some or all of the charged particulate matter being neutralised. This results in less tendency for the particulate matter to disperse after the dirt collection region 38 is opened, resulting in a lower likelihood of plume formation, or a smaller plume formation.

Thus, the amount of dust, allergens, or other fine particulate matter that is "lost" (i.e., not transferred to the container 20) when the dirt collection area 38 is emptied into the container 20 may be reduced or eliminated.

In the examples shown in fig. 18 to 21, a dust control system associated with the waste container and/or the lid for the waste container is provided. Alternatively or additionally, a dust control system may be provided in association with the surface cleaning apparatus or a part thereof, such as the air treatment member (which may be described as a dirt separation member) and/or the dirt collection area. Thus, the dust control system can be configured to selectively direct the dust control agent to the interior space of the dirt collection region and/or to a region below the openable portion of the dirt collection region.

As shown in fig. 22-24, the dust control system includes a plurality of nozzles 410 for dispersing a liquid, such as water, into the air in the form of a mist or other dispersion. A nozzle 410 is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 36 between the upper end 34 and the lower end 102 of the tub assembly 30. As shown in fig. 23, the nozzle 410 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 420. The reservoir 420 is configured to store a liquid (e.g., water) to be dispersed.

In the example shown, four nozzles 410 are shown. Alternatively, five or more nozzles 410 may be provided, or three, two, or a single nozzle 410 may be provided.

Operation of the dust control system in controlling dust, allergens and other particulate matter when emptying a dirt collection area of a surface cleaning apparatus will now be discussed with reference to fig. 23 and 24.

In fig. 23, the openable end or door 32 for the dirt collection area 38 is in a closed position and particulate matter dislodged from entrainment with the dirty air stream by the air treatment member (in this case cyclone 31) is collected in the dirt collection area 38.

In fig. 24, the openable lower end 32 has been moved to the open position. For example, a user may have opened the dirt collection area, expecting gravity to transfer at least a majority of the contents of the dirt collection area to the interior of a waste container, for example. For example, the door closure member 37 'may have been bent or rotated (e.g., by a user's thumb), whereby the openable lower end 32 is released and moved to the open position, e.g., due to gravity or one or more biasing members (not shown).

Also, in FIG. 24, the pump is actuated to direct liquid (e.g., water) to the nozzle 410, causing a spray or mist of water particles to be dispersed in the area around the opening of the dirt collection area 38. As previously mentioned, opening the dirt collection area 38 for evacuation typically results in a cloud or plume of fine dust or other particles billowing outwardly from the opening of the dirt collection area. Advantageously, the dispersion of water particles in the area around the opening of the dirt collection region 38 may cause some or all of any particles dispersed in the plume or plume created by the opening of the dirt collection region 38 to be "wetted" by the dispersed water droplets and then introduced by gravity, for example, into the interior space 28 of the waste container.

Thus, the amount of dust, allergens, or other fine particulate matter dispersed into the air when emptying the dirt collection area 38 may be reduced or eliminated.

The dust control system provided with the cyclone bucket assembly can be actuated in a variety of ways and can be actuated using any of the actuation methods discussed herein. For example, a manual dust control system actuator such as a depressible button may be provided. The fluid pump may be configured to direct fluid from the reservoir 420 to the nozzle 410 in response to such an actuator being depressed. Alternatively, it may be actuated by the opening of the dirt collection area.

For example, in the configuration shown in figure 25, at least a portion of the bellows-type pump 430 is located between the door closure member 37' and the sidewall 36 of the cyclone bucket assembly. In this arrangement, the pump 430 may be actuated substantially simultaneously with the bending or rotation of the door closure member 37 '(e.g., by a user's thumb), so that the spray or mist of water particles is dispersed from the nozzle 410 substantially simultaneously with the opening of the openable lower end 32. In other words, in such an arrangement, the pump 430 is configured to direct fluid from the reservoir 420 to the nozzle 410 in response to the door closure member 37' being actuated.

Alternatively, in the configuration shown in fig. 26, a door release switch 35 disposed adjacent the handle 33 is operatively coupled to the door closure member 37 by a door actuator 39. In this example, the piston pump 430 is disposed at the base of the door actuator 39 such that downward travel of the door actuator 39 causes the spray or mist of water particles to be dispersed from the nozzle 410. Also, a second door actuator 371 is provided at the base of the cylinder of the piston pump 430. In this configuration, further downward travel of the door actuator 39 (i.e., after the pump 430 is actuated) results in contact with the second door actuator 371 to cause downward travel thereof, thereby causing flexing of the door closure member 37, thereby releasing the openable lower end portion 32. In other words, in such an arrangement, the pump 430 is configured to direct fluid from the reservoir 420 to the nozzle 410 before the door closure member 37' is actuated. Or in other words, in such an arrangement, the openable lower end 32 is configured to open automatically after the spray or mist of water particles has been dispersed from the nozzle 410.

Fig. 27 and 28 illustrate the use of dust treatment agents.

As shown in fig. 27, the dust treatment system includes UV light emitters 510 and an ozone gas generator 520, the UV light emitters 510 selectively emitting UV light into the interior space 28 of the container 20, and the ozone gas generator 520 selectively emitting ozone gas into the interior space 28 of the container 20. It should be appreciated that only one processing member may be used.

In some embodiments, a manual actuator (e.g., a depressible button) can be provided to selectively actuate the dust treatment system to provide one or more treatment agents (e.g., UV light, ozone gas) into the interior space 28 of the container 20. For example, UV light emitters 510 may be configured to emit UV light for a preset period of time (e.g., 90 seconds) in response to a press of a manual actuator. Similarly, the ozone gas generator 520 can be configured to emit ozone gas for a preset period of time (e.g., 90 seconds) in response to depression of the manual actuator. Alternatively or additionally, the dust treatment system can be configured to provide one or more treatment agents (e.g., UV light, ozone gas) into the interior space 28 of the container 20 at preset intervals (e.g., every 24 hours) without manual operation, and/or at a preset time while the dirt collection area is being evacuated, and/or after the dirt collection area is evacuated into the waste container.

The ozone gas can effectively purify and/or deodorize the waste collected in the container 20. However, ozone gas can also be harmful if inhaled by humans or other animals. To minimize one or more risks associated with emitting ozone gas, some embodiments that include the ozone gas generator 520 can also include an ozone-destroying material for decomposing some or all of the emitted ozone.

For example, as shown in fig. 27, a suction source 220 can be provided that includes a suction motor 206, the suction motor 206 being drivingly connected to the suction fan 204 for drawing air (including emitted ozone) from the interior space 28 of the container 20 through the inlet 212 and past the ozone-destroying material 530. The ozone destroying material 530 can be any material capable of removing ozone gas from a gas stream by adsorption or conversion to one or more other molecules. Examples include activated carbon or ozone (O)₃) Conversion to oxygen (O)₂) The ozone catalyst of (1). An advantage of this design is that some or all of the ozone gas that is discharged into the interior space 28 to address the organisms in the vessel 20 can be removed prior to exhausting the air stream from the vessel 20. This may allow the container 20 including the ozone gas generator 520 to be safely used in, for example, a residential space.

In the example shown in fig. 27, a dust handling system associated with a waste container and/or a lid for a waste container is provided. Alternatively, a dust handling system may be provided in association with an air handling member (such as a cyclone bucket assembly). As shown in fig. 28, the cyclone bucket assembly 30 for a surface cleaning apparatus has a dust disposal system for selectively introducing a dust treatment agent into a dirt collection region of the surface cleaning apparatus. By providing one or more germicidal agents (e.g. Ultraviolet (UV), ozone (O)₃) And hydrogen peroxide (H)₂O₂) Into the dirt-collection region) can reduce or eliminate the growth of undesirable organisms present in the dust, dirt, and/or other waste collected in the dirt-collection region.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 28, the dust treatment system includes UV light emitters 510 that emit UV light into the dirt collection area 38 of the cyclone bucket assembly 30 and an ozone gas generator 520 that emits ozone gas into the dirt collection area 38. It should be appreciated that only one processing member may be used.

In some embodiments, a manual actuator (e.g., a depressible button) may be provided to selectively actuate the dust treatment system to provide one or more treatment agents (e.g., UV light, ozone gas) into the dust collection region 38 of the cyclone bucket assembly 30. For example, UV light emitters 510 may be configured to emit UV light for a preset period of time (e.g., 90 seconds) in response to a press of a manual actuator. Similarly, the ozone gas generator 520 can be configured to emit ozone gas for a preset period of time (e.g., 90 seconds) in response to depression of the manual actuator. Alternatively or additionally, the dust handling system may be configured to provide one or more treatment agents into the interior space 28 of the container 20 at preset intervals (e.g., every 24 hours) without manual actuation. Alternatively or additionally, the dust handling system may be configured to provide one or more treatment agents into the interior space 28 of the container 20 after a predetermined number of uses of the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., after 5 on/off cycles of a primary suction motor of the surface cleaning apparatus). Alternatively or additionally, the dust handling system may be configured to provide one or more treatment agents into the interior space 28 of the container 20 after emptying the dirt collection area (e.g., in response to the openable door 32 being closed).

To minimize one or more risks associated with discharging ozone gas, the example shown in fig. 28 includes a suction source 220, the suction source 220 including a suction motor 206 drivingly connected to a suction fan 204 for drawing air (including emitted ozone) from the dirt collection area 38 through an inlet 532 and through an ozone-destroying material 530. As described above, the ozone destroying material 530 can be any material capable of removing ozone gas from a gas stream by adsorption or conversion to one or more other molecules. Examples include activated carbon or ozone (O)₃) Conversion to oxygen (O)₂) The ozone catalyst of (1). An advantage of this design is that some or all of the ozone gas discharged into the dirt collection area 38 of the cyclone bucket assembly 30 can be drawn through the ozone-destroying material before being discharged into the ambient atmosphere (e.g., by opening the openable door 32). This may allow the cyclone bucket assembly 30 including the ozone gas generator 520 to be safely usedSuch as a residential space.

Sub-atmospheric mode for a dirt collection area of a surface treatment device

The following is a general description of a dirt collection area of a surface treatment device having a sub-atmospheric mode and other features described herein that may be used alone or in combination with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, including one or more of the following embodiments: a lid for a waste container having an openable through opening, a waste container having a suction source, a cyclone bucket assembly having a deployable closure member, a dust control system for a waste container or surface treatment device, and a dust treatment system for a waste container or surface treatment device. Various features of the dirt collection region including a surface treatment device having a sub-atmospheric mode are described below, which may be used alone or in any combination or sub-combination.

According to this aspect, a sub-atmospheric pressure is provided in the air treatment member or a portion thereof (e.g., the dirt collection region) to draw finer particulate matter into the surface cleaning apparatus. An advantage of this aspect is that the amount of release of finer particulate matter can be reduced when the dirt collection area is opened, and thus a smaller plume can be formed when emptying the dirt collection area.

It will be appreciated that when the surface cleaning apparatus is used to clean a surface (i.e. the cleaning mode), the suction motor for drawing air from the dirty air inlet (which may be referred to as the main suction motor) may generate sub-atmospheric pressure. In this case, the main suction motor may be operated at a lower power level to produce a reduced suction level during the evacuation operation (i.e., evacuation mode). For example, the main suction motor may be configured to generate sufficient suction to generate an air flow of 0.1 to 1.5CFM per square inch of open area during the evacuation mode, preferably 0.25 to 1.25CFM per square inch of open area during the evacuation mode, and more preferably 0.50 to 1.00CFM per square inch of open area during the evacuation mode. Alternatively or additionally, during the evacuation mode, dilution air may be drawn from outside the air handling member, for example by opening a vent between the main suction motor and the air handling member. The advantage of the latter approach is that the suction motor can be operated at the same power level during cleaning and evacuation.

Alternatively or additionally, during the evacuation mode, the sub-atmospheric pressure may be generated by an alternative suction motor used during the cleaning cyclone (i.e., an evacuation mode suction motor). An advantage of this design is that a smaller and therefore lighter suction motor and fan assembly can be used. Such a suction motor may be removable with a dirt collection area (e.g., a removable cyclone bucket assembly or a portion of a dirt collection area) to allow removable dirt collection to be used in conjunction with this aspect.

It will be appreciated that whichever suction motor is used, it may be activated to evacuate before, during or after opening of the dirt collection area. For example, one or more sensors may be provided that are configured to detect when an openable door of the dirt collection area is opened, to automatically activate any suction motor to be used during the evacuation mode in response to the openable door being opened.

It will also be appreciated that air drawn from the air treatment member during an evacuation operation (i.e. evacuation mode) may also be treated to remove particulate matter. Any air treatment member may be used. For example, air may be drawn through a cyclonic and/or pre-motor filter in an alternative or evacuation mode.

As shown in fig. 29 to 32, a cyclonic bucket assembly (primary air treatment member) is schematically shown connected to the suction system of the surface cleaning apparatus. In the illustrated schematic, the cyclone bucket assembly 30 includes a cyclone 31 and a dirt collection area 38, the dirt collection area 38 communicating with the cyclone 31 via a cyclone outlet 633 for collecting particulate matter dislodged from entrainment of the dirty airflow by the cyclone 31. The cyclone bucket assembly 30 has an openable lower end portion 32, and the lower end portion 32 is releasably fixed by a door closing member 37'. It should be appreciated that any air treatment member may be used as the primary air treatment member.

Referring to fig. 29, in operation, dirty air (e.g., an airflow entrained with particulate matter) enters the dirty air inlet 602 of the surface cleaning apparatus and is drawn through the conduit 610 to the cyclonic dirty air inlet 632. After circulating in cyclone 31 and thus being freed from entrained particles therein, air is drawn through conduit 620 by suction fan 204 drivingly connected to main suction motor 206 through cyclone air outlet 634 and out clean air outlet 604 of the surface cleaning apparatus. In the example shown, an optional primary or first pre-motor filter 202 and an optional primary or first post-motor filter 208 are also shown upstream and downstream, respectively, of the suction motor 206, but it will be appreciated that one or both of these filters may not be provided in alternative embodiments. Any known surface cleaning apparatus having any known cyclone assembly or other air treatment means may be used.

As previously mentioned, opening the dirt collection area 38 for evacuation typically results in a cloud or plume of fine dust or other particles billowing outwardly from the opening of the dirt collection area. Particles in such plumes or clouds may disperse during evacuation resulting in incomplete transfer from the dirt collection region 38 to, for example, a waste container. This may be considered undesirable by the user, particularly if the plume or cloud contains dust or other allergens to which the user is sensitive.

As shown in fig. 29 and 30, the main suction motor used during the cleaning operation is used to generate sub-atmospheric pressure during evacuation of the dirt collection area (e.g., when the openable door is in the open position). The suction motor may be connected by any method to draw air from the cyclone, and a cyclone air outlet may be used. As shown, a bypass conduit 612 and

valves

640a, 640b are provided, with the bypass conduit 612 serving as a backup downstream air flow path. For example, in the configuration shown in fig. 30, the primary suction fan 204 and primary suction motor 206 are shown for drawing air from cyclonic air inlet 632 via conduit 612, causing airflow from dirt collection area 38 through cyclonic dirt outlet 633 and cyclone 31, through conduit 612 and optional auxiliary or evacuation mode return pre-motor filter 650, and through post-motor filter 208 to an area external to the air treatment member. Advantageously, this may result in some or all of any particles dispersed in the plume or smoke cloud that would otherwise result from the opening of the dirt collection area 38 being drawn back into the secondary recirculation filter 650. Thus, the amount of dust, allergens, or other fine particulate matter that is "lost" (e.g., not transferred to a waste container) when the dirt collection area 38 is emptied can be reduced or eliminated. In an alternative embodiment as shown in fig. 32, it will be appreciated that an alternative downstream air flow path may extend from the main air treatment member (such as the example cyclone 31) to the main suction motor 206 and bypass the main pre-motor filter 202. In this case, the auxiliary return pre-motor filter 650 may be the only filter upstream of the suction motor 206.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the suction motor 206 may operate at a reduced power when air is drawn from the cyclonic air inlet 632. An advantage of this configuration is that only very fine dust or other particles may be drawn toward the secondary return filter 650, while larger particles may be relatively unaffected by the reduced airflow. For example, when the openable lower end 32 of the cyclone bucket assembly 30 has been moved to the open position, larger dirt particles collected in the dirt collection region may be directed by gravity to the interior of the waste container above which the cyclone bucket assembly 30 is located.

In the example shown in fig. 29 and 30, the same suction source used during normal operation of the surface cleaning apparatus is used to draw air from the cyclonic air inlet 632 during evacuation of the dirt collection area 38. Alternatively, a supplemental or evacuation mode suction source may be provided to draw air from the cyclone, such as from the cyclone air inlet 632.

For example, as shown in fig. 31, a primary suction source 220a (which may be referred to as a primary suction motor or primary suction motor and fan assembly) may be provided downstream of the cyclonic air outlet 634 for drawing air through the cyclone 31 during normal operation (cleaning mode) of the surface cleaning apparatus. For example, the suction fan 204a may be used to direct airflow from the dirty air inlet 602 through the cyclonic air inlet 632, around the cyclone 31, through the cyclonic air outlet 634, and out the clean air outlet 604a of the surface cleaning apparatus.

During evacuation of the dirt collection area (evacuation mode), air may be drawn from the cyclonic air inlet 632 via conduit 612 using the evacuation mode suction fan 204b and evacuation mode suction motor 206b, resulting in an airflow from the dirt collection area 38 through the cyclonic dirt outlet 633 and cyclone 31, through the conduit 612 and optional auxiliary return filter 650, and through the post-motor filter 208b to the auxiliary clean air outlet 604 b. Advantageously, this may result in some or all of any particles dispersed in the plume or smoke cloud created by the opening of the dirt collection area 38 being drawn back into the secondary recirculation filter 650.

It will be appreciated that regardless of which suction motor is used, the air flow path through which air travels during the evacuation mode (an alternative downstream air flow path) may be closed during the cleaning mode and open during the evacuation mode. Similarly, the flow path from the primary air treatment member to the primary suction motor (the primary downstream portion of the air flow path) is open during the cleaning mode, and may be closed during the evacuation mode. The primary closure member may be associated with a primary downstream portion of the air flow path, and the alternative closure member may be associated with an alternative downstream air flow path. The closure members may be provided at the inlets of the air flow paths and may be any closure member, such as a valve or a sliding closure plate or the like.

For example, as shown in fig. 32, a valve 640c is provided to selectively direct suction from the primary suction source 220 to either the cyclonic air outlet 634 (for drawing air through the cyclone 31 during normal operation of the surface cleaning apparatus) or the bypass inlet 636 (for drawing air from the dirt collection area 38 through the cyclone 31 during evacuation). Valve 640c may be a sliding plate that selectively blocks the outlets of main pre-motor filter 202 and alternative pre-motor filter 650. Thus, a single closure member may be used.

Thus, during cleaning operations, the valve 640c may direct the airflow generated by the main suction fan 204 to direct the airflow from the dirty air inlet 602 through the cyclonic air inlet 632, around the cyclone 31, through the cyclonic air outlet 634, through the pre-motor filter 202, through the suction motor, through the post-motor filter 208, and out the clean air outlet 604 of the surface cleaning apparatus.

During evacuation of the dirt collection area, valve 640c (in the position shown in fig. 32) may direct the airflow generated by suction fan 204 to draw the airflow from dirt collection area 38 through cyclone dirt outlet 633 and cyclone 31, and through the auxiliary cleaning cyclone outlet, through the pre-motor filter 650 of the cleaning cycle, through the suction motor, and through the post-motor filter 208 to clean air outlet 604. This may result in some or all of any particles dispersed in the plume or smoke cloud resulting from the opening of the dirt collection region 38 being drawn back into the auxiliary pre-motor filter 650. Since the dirt entrained by the pre-motor filter may differ between cleaning and evacuation operations (e.g., may be finer during a cleaning operation), each

pre-motor filter

202 and 650 may be designed to collect dirt having a different particle size distribution. The advantage of this design is that the main pre-motor filter 202 is not used in the drain mode, so the pre-motor filter can run for longer periods of time without cleaning or replacement.

In alternative embodiments, separate closure members may be used for each flow path. Thus, for example, in the embodiment of fig. 31, the primary closure member 640c may be used to close the cyclonic air outlet during the evacuation mode, and the alternative closure member 640d may be used to close the alternative downstream air flow path 612 during the cleaning mode.

As described above, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the suction motor 206 may be operated at a reduced power during the evacuation operation such that only very fine dust or other particles may be drawn toward the auxiliary pre-motor filter 650, while larger particles may be relatively unaffected by the reduced airflow.

As used herein, the term "and/or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or". That is, for example, "X and/or Y" is intended to mean X or Y or both. As another example, "X, Y and/or Z" is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

While the above description describes features of exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that some of the components and/or functions of the illustrated embodiments may be modified without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the illustrated embodiments. For example, various features described with the aid of the embodiments or examples represented may be selectively combined with one another. Accordingly, the above description is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concepts and not restrictive. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that changes or modifications can be made to the above without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 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.

Claims

1. A waste container comprising:

(a) an air flow path from an inlet port to a clean air outlet, wherein a dirt collection area of the surface cleaning apparatus is removably disposed in air flow communication with the inlet port;

(b) an air treatment member disposed downstream of the inlet port in the air flow path, the air treatment member including a dirt collection area of the waste container, an

(c) A suction motor disposed upstream of the clean air outlet in the air flow path,

wherein the waste container is free standing on a floor and the inlet port is located at an upper end of the waste container above a lower end of a dirt collection area of the waste container when the waste container is standing on the floor.

2. The waste container of claim 1 wherein the air treatment member comprises a cyclone having a cyclone air inlet and a cyclone air outlet at a lower end thereof and a dirt outlet at an upper end thereof.

3. The waste container of claim 1, wherein the air handling member has an air inlet in a sidewall thereof.

4. A waste container as claimed in claim 2 in which the waste container dirt collection region is external to the cyclone and communicates with the cyclone via the dirt outlet.

5. The waste container of claim 1, further comprising a lid that is openable.

6. The waste container of claim 1, wherein the suction motor is disposed below the air treatment member.

7. A waste container as claimed in claim 1 in which the dirt collection region of the surface cleaning apparatus is movable in a downward direction to a position in which the dirt collection region of the surface cleaning apparatus is in air flow communication with the inlet port when the waste container is standing on a floor.

8. The waste container of claim 1, wherein the waste container is portable.

9. A waste container as claimed in claim 1 in which at least a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus is insertable into the apparatus.

10. The waste container of claim 1, wherein a trash bag is removably disposed in the waste container.

11. A waste container as claimed in claim 1 in which at least part of the surface cleaning apparatus is insertable into the waste container, the waste container being sealed around an outer wall of the part of the surface cleaning apparatus when the at least part of the surface cleaning apparatus is insertable into the waste container.

12. The waste container of claim 1, wherein the inlet port is directed upwardly when the waste container is standing on a floor.

13. A waste container comprising:

(a) an air flow path from an inlet port to a clean air outlet, wherein a dirt collection area of the surface cleaning apparatus is removably sealingly disposed in air flow communication with the inlet port;

(b) an air treatment member disposed downstream of the inlet port in the air flow path,

wherein the waste container is free standing on a floor and the inlet port is directed upwardly when the waste container is standing on the floor.

14. A waste container as claimed in claim 13 in which, when the dirt collection region is placed in air flow communication with the inlet port and the suction motor is activated, air passes downwardly from the dirt collection region into the air treatment member whereby dirt collected in the dirt collection region is transferred into the dirt collection region of the waste container.

15. A waste container as claimed in claim 13 in which the waste collection area is supported by the waste container in a position above the floor when the waste collection area is placed in air flow communication with the inlet port and the waste container is free standing on the floor.

16. A waste container as claimed in claim 13 in which at least part of a surface cleaning apparatus is insertable into the waste container.