EP0215165A1 - Wet-dry vacuum cleaner - Google Patents
Wet-dry vacuum cleaner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0215165A1 EP0215165A1 EP85306374A EP85306374A EP0215165A1 EP 0215165 A1 EP0215165 A1 EP 0215165A1 EP 85306374 A EP85306374 A EP 85306374A EP 85306374 A EP85306374 A EP 85306374A EP 0215165 A1 EP0215165 A1 EP 0215165A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- liquid
- air
- nozzle
- canister
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 83
- 210000004894 snout Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000012459 cleaning agent Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 abstract description 11
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 13
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005108 dry cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010410 dusting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007790 scraping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/24—Hand-supported suction cleaners
Definitions
- This invention relates to portable vacuum cleaners and, more particularly, to a vacuum cleaner capable of operating both with air and liquid cleaners.
- Vacuum cleaners are utilized in numerous situations ranging from relatively light duty, such as the removal of crumbs and dust from a flat surface, as well as for relatively heavy duty operation as in the withdrawal of foreign matter embedded in carpets and upholstery. It is apparent from the wide range of cleaning tasks that some cleaning is best accomplished by the use of air alone, while other cleaning is best accomplished with the use of water or other cleaning liquid which is to be drawn by suction into the vacuum cleaner.
- both the liquid cleaning agent and the dirt are drawn through the nozzle, in response to the vacuum, and are then deposited in a storage chamber.
- Both the chamber and the nozzle are formed in the unitary structure of a canister which is readily secured to and removed from a housing which contains the motor and the fan.
- the liquid and the dirt can be readily disposed of by detaching the canister from the housing, and then simply pouring out the liquid and the dirt from the canister.
- the canister is fabricated, preferably, of a hard plastic material which may be washed so that the canister can be reused many times, thereby obviating the need for a cloth or paper bag.
- a partial vacuum produced by the fan provides a suction passage through the nozzle into the chamber and then into the housing to the fan.
- a structure for the deflection of the liquid away from an entry port of the housing while permitting the air to pass into the housing At an interface between the canister and the housing, there is provided a structure for the deflection of the liquid away from an entry port of the housing while permitting the air to pass into the housing.
- the deflection structure comprises a flexible member at a posterior port of the nozzle, the flexible member closing the port except during the presence of suction forces when the member is flexed away from the posterior port so as to admit the fluids into the chamber.
- a filter is placed at the entrance to the housing to trap particulate matter and a hood covers the top of the filter and extends forward beneath the flexible member to aid in the deflection of the liquid and dirt towards the central portion of the storage chamber, and away from the entry port to the housing.
- the vacuum cleaner In the event that the vacuum cleaner is oriented in a non-horizontal position, at an angle of inclination sufficient to bring a liquid up against the filter, then some liquid is drawn through the filter to the fan.
- a baffle which protects the motor from the liquid, the housing being provided with vents forward of the baffle through which the air and any liquid contained therein is exhausted to the exterior of the vacuum cleaner. Thereby, the motor is protected from the liquid in the event of an excessive inclination of the vacuum cleaner.
- the deflection structure is formed by means of a deflector positioned at the posterior port of the nozzle and an enclosed inlet chamber disposed in front of the filter and an air conduit of the fan housing.
- the inlet chamber has an opening disposed near the top of the storage chamber so as to prevent the flow of liquid into the air conduit.
- the diverter directs liquid towards the bottom of the storage chamber and away from the opening of the inlet chamber to the conduit so as to inhibit the passage of any liquid with the dirt entrained therein into the blower.
- the cleaner 20 comprises a central housing 22 having a canister 24 affixed to a front end thereof and a handle 26 extending from the back end thereof.
- the handle 26 is configured to be held in the hand of a person using the cleaner 20 for the cleaning of upholstery, rugs, as well as in the dusting of flat surfaces such as the top of a table.
- the housing 22 contains a blower 28 which may also be referred to as a fan or impeller, and an electric motor 30 coupled by a shaft 32 to the blower 28. Rotation of the shaft 32 by the motor 30 imparts rotation to the blower 28 to create a partial vacuum and the accompanying suction which draws air through the canister 24 into the housing 22.
- the motor 30 is supported within the housing 22 by ribs 34 which are disposed circumferentially around the motor 30 and contact the interior surface of the housing 22.
- the motor 30 is powered by batteries 36.
- a switch 38 is positioned on the underside of the handle 26 for convenient engagement by means of the finger of a person utilizing the cleaner 20. Operation of the switch 38 provides for the coupling of electric power from the batteries 36 to the motor 30 for activation of the motor 30.
- a battery charger 40 may also be positioned within the handle 26 for recharging the batteries 36 during a period of nonuse of the cleaner 20, the charger being connected by a suitable electric cord (not shown) to an electrical convenience power outlet in the home or other location wherein the cleaner is to be used.
- Electric wiring 42 connects the batteries 36 by the switch 38 to the motor 30 and also connects the charger 40 to the batteries 36.
- the canister 24 incorporates a nozzle 44 and a storage chamber 46 disposed beneath the nozzle 44.
- the chamber 46 will be used for the collection of any liquid cleaning agents which may be drawn in by suction into the cleaner 20.
- the canister 24 is removably attached by a spring-clip assembly 48 to the forward end of the housing 22.
- the canister 24 can be made of a flexible plastic configured to spring-lock the canister into its operative position.
- a conduit 50 having an entry port 52 conducts air under suction from the canister 24 to the blower 28.
- the entry port 52 is located at the region of an interface 54 between the housing 22 and the canister 24.
- An air filter 56 is located at the entry port 52 for the entrapment of particulate matter which may otherwise be drawn into the housing 22 by the passage of air towards the blower 28. Air drawn in by the blower 28 passes through the blower 28 and is then exhausted from the housing 22 via exhaust vents 58 disposed in the circumferential surface of the housing 22 and, more particularly, at the bottom portion of the housing 22 to permit the escape of any liquid which may have been drawn by the air stream through the filter 56 and the blower 28.
- the cleaner 20 includes a flapper valve 64 and a hood assembly 66, the latter including a hood 68 extending from a partition 70 downwardly over the upper portion of the filter 56.
- the flapper valve 64 and the hood 68 in cooperation with the positioning of the chamber 46 beneath the posterior port 62 constitute a deflection structure, indicated generally by the numeral 72, for deflecting liquid into the chamber 46 and away from the entry port 52 so as to accomplish a separation of the liquid from the air as both are drawn into the cleaner via the nozzle 44 under the force of the suction developed by the blower 28.
- air, or both air and liquid may be drawn into the cleaner 20 depending on whether the cleaner 20 is used for dry operation or wet operation. While the cleaner 20 operates well in both situations, the invention is particularly useful in the case of the utilization of liquid cleaning agents, such as water or other solvents, along with the air which carries the liquid and dirt via the nozzle 44 into the chamber 46.
- the flapper valve 64 and the hood 68 direct liquid falling from the posterior port 62 upon the hood 68 towards the central portion of the chamber 46 and away from the entry port 52 of the conduit 50.
- the motor 30 is protected from the liquid by a baffle plate 74 in the exhaust vents 58.
- the baffle plate 74 extends across the housing 22 and engages with the outer surface of the front bearing 76 of the motor 30 for blocking the flow of liquid towards the motor 30 and directing such flow of liquid to the exhaust vents 58 at the bottom of the housing 22. Thereby, any liquid which fails to be caught within the chamber 46 exits the housing 22 via the vents 58.
- the housing 22 has a generally cylindrical shape and includes ribs 78 for providing increased rigidity to the housing 22.
- the flapper valve 64 is formed of a flexible member, such as a membrane, which is anchored at its upper edge in a bossed extending inwardly from the wall of the nozzle 44.
- the hood 68 may be formed of metal or plastic, plastic being preferred for its resistance to corrosion.
- the hood 68 extends into the chamber 46 from the partition 70 so as to provide a suitable flow path for liquid entrained in the air stream. The force of the vacuum is sufficient to deflect the flexible member of the valve 64 so as to open the posterior port 62 for passage of the fluids.
- FIGs. 10-29 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner 220 of the alternative embodiment incorporating a further feature of the invention relating to the structure for deflecting the liquid away from the stream of air which passes on into the blower.
- the description of the cleaner 220 closely parallels that of the cleaner 20, presented above, and, to the extent possible, corresponding structural features are correspondingly numbered with the 200 series identifying the component of the alternative embodiment.
- the cleaner 220 comprises a central housing 222 having a canister 224 affixed to a front end thereof and a handle 226 extending from the back end thereof.
- the housing 222 contains a blower 228 which may also be referred to as a fan or impeller and an electric motor 230 coupled by a shaft 232 to the blower 228. Rotation of the shaft 232 by the motor 230 imparts rotation to the blower 228 to create a partial vacuum and accom panying suction which draws air through the canister 224 into the housing 222.
- the motor 230 is supported within the housing 222 by ribs 234-235 which are disposed circumferentially around the motor 230 and contact the interior surface of the housing 222.
- the motor 230 is powered by batteries 236.
- a switch 238 is positioned on the underside of the handle 226 for convenient engagement by means of the finger of a person utilizing the cleaner 220.
- Operation of the switch 238 provides for the coupling of electric power from the batteries 236 to the motor 230 for activation of the motor 230.
- a battery charger 240 may also be positioned within the handle 226 for recharging the batteries 236 during a period of nonuse of the cleaner 220, the charger being connected by a suitable electric cord (not shown) to an electrical convenient power outlet. Electric wiring (not shown) connects the batteries 236 by the switch 238 to the motor 230 and also connects the charger 240 to the batteries 236.
- the canister 224 incorporates a nozzle 244 and a storage chamber 246 disposed beneath the nozzle 244.
- the chamber 246 is used for the collection of any liquid cleaning agents which may be drawn in by suction into the cleaner 220.
- the canister 224 is shown as being removably attached by means of a spring-lock configuration 248 molded into the forward end of the canister 224.
- a conduit 250 having an entry port 252 inducts air under suction from the canister 224 to the blower 228.
- the entry port 252 is located at the region of an interface between the housing 222 and the canister 224.
- An air filter 256 is located at the entry port 252 for entrapment of particulate matter which may otherwise be drawn into the conduit 250 by the passage of air toward the blower 228.
- Air drawn in by the blower 228 passes through the blower 228 and is then exhausted from the housing 222 via exhaust vent 258 disposed in the circumferential surface of the housing 222 and, more particularly, at the bottom portion of the housing 222 to permit the escape of any liquid which may have been drawn by the air stream through the filter 256 and the blower 258.
- air enters the nozzle 244 via a passage 260 thereof, and thereafter flows through the passage 260 into the chamber 246.
- the nozzle 244 is provided with a diverter 262 disposed at an exit port 264 at the posterior end of the passage 260.
- the conduit 250 is provided with an inlet chamber 266 bounded by a front wall which forms an air-entry port 268 having an opening which is offset from the central axis of the housing 222. the opening of the port 268 is located near the top of the storage chamber 246 to prevent the flow of liquid stored in the chamber 246 from flowing into the conduit 250.
- the diverter 266 diverts incoming liquid down towards the bottom of the chamber 246 and away from the opening of the port 268.
- the conduit 250 is supported by a partition 270 at the front end thereof, and by a partition 271 at the back end thereof to the housing 222.
- the air-entry port 268 in cooperation with the deflector 262 constitutes a deflection structure, indicated generally by the numeral 272, to accomplish the foregoing deflection of the liquid into the chamber 246 away from the air conduit 250.
- the deflection structure 272 separates the liquid from the air, the liquid remaining in the chamber 246 while the air passes under the force of suction into the region of the blower 228.
- air, or both air and liquid may be drawn into the cleaner 220 depending on whether the cleaner 220 is used for dry operation or wet operation. While the cleaner 220 operates well in both situations, the invention is particularly useful in the case of the utilization of liquid cleaning agents, such as water or other solvents, along with the air which carries the liquid and dirt via the nozzle 244 into the chamber 246.
- the deflector 262 directs all matter entering the passage 260 downwards towards the bottom of the storage chamber 246. Liquid and any dirt entrained therein remains at the lower portion of the storage container 246 while the air under suction proceeds through a sinuous path back up to the opening of the inlet chamber 266 for further passage into the air conduit 250.
- any particulate matter which may be carried in by the air stream is caught within the canister 224.
- Relatively heavy particles which may have been lifted off a surface being cleaned by the air rushing into the nozzle 244 may drop out of the air stream under conditions of turbulence within the chamber 246 and be deposited on the bottom of the chamber 246.
- Lighter particles carried in by the air stream advance through the chamber 246 and the entry port 268 to impinge upon the filter 256. Such particles are entrained within the filter 256 while the air advances to the blower 228 for subsequent exit via the vents 258.
- the liquid accumulates in the chamber 246 and rises against the lower portion of the front wall of the inlet chamber 266.
- the chamber 246 should be regarded as sufficiently full to require emptying of the liquid before further cleaning is attempted.
- the canister 224 with the entry port are detached from the housing 222 to permit emptying of the contents thereof.
- the filter 256 is exposed for removal and cleaning. It is also noted that dirt entrained by the filter 256 may fall to the bottom of the inlet chamber 266 so as to collect therein just as the liquid collects in the bottom of the storage chamber 246. Thereby, the canister 224 has accumulated both the liquid from a wet cleaning operation and dust from a dry cleaning operation.
- the forward protrusion of the cone shaped portion of the entry port 268 would prevent the ingress of liquid into the inlet chamber 266.
- the motor 230 is protected from the liquid by a baffle 274 formed in the base portion of the front rib 235, the baffle 274 extending rearwardly beneath the motor 230 to uncover vents 258 which would allow the excess liquid to be forced out with the exhaust air from the blower 228.
- conduit 250 the supporting of the conduit 250 by front partition 270 and rear partition 271 maintains the conduit 250 positioned along the axis of the housing 22.
- the housing 222 is advantageously strengthened by the use of ribs 278 (Fig. 12).
- the front end of the nozzle 244 is advantageously provided with serrations 280 (Fig. 14) which provide for a scraping or combing function of the nozzle 244 which aids in the cleaning of fabrics.
- the offset entry port 268 is formed with a snout 282 integrally formed on the upper portion of the front wall 284 of the inlet chamber 266.
- a bead 286 is disposed along the rim of the chamber 266 to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the canister 224.
- a vane 288 guides air in laminar flow through the port 268.
- the conduit 250 (Figs. 19-22) is also provided with a bead 290 along an outer rim of the front partition 270 to aid in assembling and disassembling of the conduit 250 with the housing 222. If desired, a portion of the conic wall of the conduit 250 may be configured with different slopes to aid further in containing the liquid forward of the blower 228.
- the rear partition 271 is configured with a relatively small central aperture 292 for engagement with the downstream end of the conduit 250.
- the filter 256 (Figs. 25-26) is provided with a generally flat shape, a uniform thickness, and a generally rounded periphery so as to be readily inserted along the interface 254 between the canister 224 and the housing 222.
- the blower 228 (Figs. 27-29) comprises a set of spiral vanes 294 mounted on a base plate 296 which provides strength to the blower 228, the overall configuration of the blower 228 having a shape which is readily molded.
Landscapes
- Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
- Electric Suction Cleaners (AREA)
- Filters For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to portable vacuum cleaners and, more particularly, to a vacuum cleaner capable of operating both with air and liquid cleaners.
- Vacuum cleaners are utilized in numerous situations ranging from relatively light duty, such as the removal of crumbs and dust from a flat surface, as well as for relatively heavy duty operation as in the withdrawal of foreign matter embedded in carpets and upholstery. It is apparent from the wide range of cleaning tasks that some cleaning is best accomplished by the use of air alone, while other cleaning is best accomplished with the use of water or other cleaning liquid which is to be drawn by suction into the vacuum cleaner.
- It is recognized that the use of a liquid cleaning agent necessitates a more complex structure in the vacuum cleaner. Thus, it is necessary to protect a fan motor from contamination by the liquid. Provision must also be made for extraction of the foreign matter and the liquid cleaner from the vacuum cleaner upon completion of the cleaning process. In addition, the foregoing must be accomplished while allowing for the intake and exhaust of the air stream which is driven by suction of the cleaner fan.
- The foregoing constraints become more difficult to attain in the case of a portable vacuum cleaner, since, as is readily appreciated, a hand held cleaner may be placed in a variety of positions and orientations so that, unlike a stationery cleaner, reliance cannot be made solely on the use of gravity for direction of the liquid cleaning agent away from the motor. Also, it is realized that the use of the traditional vacuum-cleaner bag fabricated of cloth or paper would be contraindicated since any liquid entrapped therein would tend to leak out upon removal of the bag.
- Thus, a problem exists in that the desirable feature of portability in a vacuum cleaner is difficult to attain in a situation wherein the vacuum cleaner is to be used for both wet and dry cleaning applications.
- The foregoing problem is overcome and other advantages are provided by a vacuum cleaner which employs an electrically driven blower wherein batteries are utilized to power the electric motor so that portable operation can be attained. In accordance with the invention, both the liquid cleaning agent and the dirt are drawn through the nozzle, in response to the vacuum, and are then deposited in a storage chamber. Both the chamber and the nozzle are formed in the unitary structure of a canister which is readily secured to and removed from a housing which contains the motor and the fan. Thereby, the liquid and the dirt can be readily disposed of by detaching the canister from the housing, and then simply pouring out the liquid and the dirt from the canister. The canister is fabricated, preferably, of a hard plastic material which may be washed so that the canister can be reused many times, thereby obviating the need for a cloth or paper bag.
- A partial vacuum produced by the fan provides a suction passage through the nozzle into the chamber and then into the housing to the fan. At an interface between the canister and the housing, there is provided a structure for the deflection of the liquid away from an entry port of the housing while permitting the air to pass into the housing. In a first embodiment of the invention, the deflection structure comprises a flexible member at a posterior port of the nozzle, the flexible member closing the port except during the presence of suction forces when the member is flexed away from the posterior port so as to admit the fluids into the chamber. A filter is placed at the entrance to the housing to trap particulate matter and a hood covers the top of the filter and extends forward beneath the flexible member to aid in the deflection of the liquid and dirt towards the central portion of the storage chamber, and away from the entry port to the housing. Thereby, during use of the vacuum cleaner in a substantially horizontal position, substantially all of the liquid collects in the storage chamber.
- In the event that the vacuum cleaner is oriented in a non-horizontal position, at an angle of inclination sufficient to bring a liquid up against the filter, then some liquid is drawn through the filter to the fan. However, behind the fan there is provided a baffle which protects the motor from the liquid, the housing being provided with vents forward of the baffle through which the air and any liquid contained therein is exhausted to the exterior of the vacuum cleaner. Thereby, the motor is protected from the liquid in the event of an excessive inclination of the vacuum cleaner.
- In a second embodiment of the invention, the deflection structure is formed by means of a deflector positioned at the posterior port of the nozzle and an enclosed inlet chamber disposed in front of the filter and an air conduit of the fan housing. The inlet chamber has an opening disposed near the top of the storage chamber so as to prevent the flow of liquid into the air conduit. The diverter directs liquid towards the bottom of the storage chamber and away from the opening of the inlet chamber to the conduit so as to inhibit the passage of any liquid with the dirt entrained therein into the blower.
- The foregoing aspects and other features of the invention are explained in the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
- Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the vacuum cleaner of the invention;
- Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of the vacuum cleaner;
- Fig. 3 is a front end view of the vacuum cleaner;
- Fig. 4 is a back end view of the vacuum cleaner;
- Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the vacuum cleaner;
- Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the vacuum cleaner taken along a longitudinal axial plane; and
- Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are, respectively, a front view, a sectional view, and a back view of a hood assembly disclosed in Fig. 6, the view in Fig. 8 being near along a central axial plane;
- Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the vacuum cleaner in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention;
- Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 10;
- Figs. 12 and 13 are fragmentary sectional views of components of the housing disclosed in Fig. 11;
- Fig. 14 is a front view of the embodiment of Fig. 10;
- Fig. 15 is a front view of the opening to the inlet chamber to the air conduit of Fig. 11;
- Fig. 16 is a horizontal sectional view of the inlet chamber of Fig. 15;
- Fig. 17 is a vertical sectional view of the inlet chamber of Fig. 15;
- Fig. 18 is a rear view of the inlet chamber of Fig. 15;
- Fig. 19 is a front elevation view of an air conduit leading air to the blower of Fig. 11;
- Fig. 20 is a plan view, partially sectioned, of the air conduit of Fig. 19;
- Fig. 21 is a vertical sectional view of the air conduit of Fig. 19;
- Fig. 22 is a rear view of the air conduit of Fig. 19;
- Figs. 23 and 24 are, respectively, a front view and a side sectional view member for holding the rear of the air conduit of Fig. 11;
- Figs. 25 and 26 are, respectively, a front view and a side sectional view of an air filter of Fig. 11; and
- Figs. 27, 28 and 29 are, respectively, a front view, a side sectional view and a side elevation view of the blower of Fig. 11.
- With reference to the Figs. 1-9, there is shown a
vacuum cleaner 20 incorporating the invention. Thecleaner 20 comprises acentral housing 22 having acanister 24 affixed to a front end thereof and ahandle 26 extending from the back end thereof. Thehandle 26 is configured to be held in the hand of a person using thecleaner 20 for the cleaning of upholstery, rugs, as well as in the dusting of flat surfaces such as the top of a table. - The
housing 22 contains ablower 28 which may also be referred to as a fan or impeller, and anelectric motor 30 coupled by ashaft 32 to theblower 28. Rotation of theshaft 32 by themotor 30 imparts rotation to theblower 28 to create a partial vacuum and the accompanying suction which draws air through thecanister 24 into thehousing 22. Themotor 30 is supported within thehousing 22 byribs 34 which are disposed circumferentially around themotor 30 and contact the interior surface of thehousing 22. Themotor 30 is powered bybatteries 36. Aswitch 38 is positioned on the underside of thehandle 26 for convenient engagement by means of the finger of a person utilizing thecleaner 20. Operation of theswitch 38 provides for the coupling of electric power from thebatteries 36 to themotor 30 for activation of themotor 30. Abattery charger 40 may also be positioned within thehandle 26 for recharging thebatteries 36 during a period of nonuse of thecleaner 20, the charger being connected by a suitable electric cord (not shown) to an electrical convenience power outlet in the home or other location wherein the cleaner is to be used.Electric wiring 42 connects thebatteries 36 by theswitch 38 to themotor 30 and also connects thecharger 40 to thebatteries 36. - In accordance with a feature of the invention, the
canister 24 incorporates anozzle 44 and astorage chamber 46 disposed beneath thenozzle 44. Thechamber 46 will be used for the collection of any liquid cleaning agents which may be drawn in by suction into thecleaner 20. Thecanister 24 is removably attached by a spring-clip assembly 48 to the forward end of thehousing 22. Alternatively, thecanister 24 can be made of a flexible plastic configured to spring-lock the canister into its operative position. - Within the
housing 22, aconduit 50 having anentry port 52 conducts air under suction from thecanister 24 to theblower 28. Theentry port 52 is located at the region of aninterface 54 between thehousing 22 and thecanister 24. Anair filter 56 is located at theentry port 52 for the entrapment of particulate matter which may otherwise be drawn into thehousing 22 by the passage of air towards theblower 28. Air drawn in by theblower 28 passes through theblower 28 and is then exhausted from thehousing 22 via exhaust vents 58 disposed in the circumferential surface of thehousing 22 and, more particularly, at the bottom portion of thehousing 22 to permit the escape of any liquid which may have been drawn by the air stream through thefilter 56 and theblower 28. Thus, in response to the suction generated by theblower 28, air enters thenozzle 44 at ananterior port 60 thereof, exits thenozzle 44 via aposterior port 62 thereof to enter thechamber 46, after which the air passes via thefilter 56 into theconduit 50 and vents by theblower 28 to exhaust via thevents 58. - In accordance with the invention, the cleaner 20 includes a
flapper valve 64 and ahood assembly 66, the latter including ahood 68 extending from apartition 70 downwardly over the upper portion of thefilter 56. Theflapper valve 64 and thehood 68 in cooperation with the positioning of thechamber 46 beneath theposterior port 62 constitute a deflection structure, indicated generally by the numeral 72, for deflecting liquid into thechamber 46 and away from theentry port 52 so as to accomplish a separation of the liquid from the air as both are drawn into the cleaner via thenozzle 44 under the force of the suction developed by theblower 28. - In operation, air, or both air and liquid may be drawn into the cleaner 20 depending on whether the cleaner 20 is used for dry operation or wet operation. While the cleaner 20 operates well in both situations, the invention is particularly useful in the case of the utilization of liquid cleaning agents, such as water or other solvents, along with the air which carries the liquid and dirt via the
nozzle 44 into thechamber 46. By virtue of thedeflection structure 72, theflapper valve 64 and thehood 68 direct liquid falling from theposterior port 62 upon thehood 68 towards the central portion of thechamber 46 and away from theentry port 52 of theconduit 50. Thus, with the cleaner 20 held in a substantially horizontal position, or in a position wherein thecanister 24 is pointing in a generally downward direction, liquid accumulates in thechamber 46 and rises against the lower portion of thepartition 70 up to the bottom of theentry port 52. At this point, thechamber 46 should be regarded as sufficiently full to require emptying of the liquid before further cleaning is attempted. Accordingly, thecanister 24 would then be detached from thehousing 22 by means of theclip assembly 48 whereupon the stored liquid would be poured out of thecanister 24. - In the event that the cleaning were continued without emptying of the
canister 24, or in the event that the cleaner 20 were tipped upwards so that thecanister 24 is raised above thehousing 22, then some flow of liquid through thefilter 56 would commence, the liquid then being drawn via the air stream along theconduit 50 and into the blades of theblower 28. However, even under this circumstance, themotor 30 is protected from the liquid by abaffle plate 74 in the exhaust vents 58. Thebaffle plate 74 extends across thehousing 22 and engages with the outer surface of thefront bearing 76 of themotor 30 for blocking the flow of liquid towards themotor 30 and directing such flow of liquid to the exhaust vents 58 at the bottom of thehousing 22. Thereby, any liquid which fails to be caught within thechamber 46 exits thehousing 22 via thevents 58. - In the manner of construction of the cleaner 20, the
housing 22 has a generally cylindrical shape and includesribs 78 for providing increased rigidity to thehousing 22. Theflapper valve 64 is formed of a flexible member, such as a membrane, which is anchored at its upper edge in a bossed extending inwardly from the wall of thenozzle 44. Thehood 68 may be formed of metal or plastic, plastic being preferred for its resistance to corrosion. Thehood 68 extends into thechamber 46 from thepartition 70 so as to provide a suitable flow path for liquid entrained in the air stream. The force of the vacuum is sufficient to deflect the flexible member of thevalve 64 so as to open theposterior port 62 for passage of the fluids. - In view of the accumulation of liquid and dirt, or dirt alone in the event that the cleaner 20 is utilized in the dry mode, within the
storage chamber 46, and in view of the fact that thechamber 46 can be readily emptied and washed out, there is no need for the use of a fabric or paper bag for the entrapment of dirt as is frequently utilized in cleaning apparatus. Thus, the cleaner 20 can be utilized without the use of such bag, as is portrayed in Fig. 6. - With reference to Figs. 10-29 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the vacuum cleaner, the
vacuum cleaner 220 of the alternative embodiment incorporating a further feature of the invention relating to the structure for deflecting the liquid away from the stream of air which passes on into the blower. The description of the cleaner 220 closely parallels that of the cleaner 20, presented above, and, to the extent possible, corresponding structural features are correspondingly numbered with the 200 series identifying the component of the alternative embodiment. - The cleaner 220 comprises a
central housing 222 having acanister 224 affixed to a front end thereof and ahandle 226 extending from the back end thereof. - The
housing 222 contains ablower 228 which may also be referred to as a fan or impeller and an electric motor 230 coupled by ashaft 232 to theblower 228. Rotation of theshaft 232 by the motor 230 imparts rotation to theblower 228 to create a partial vacuum and accom panying suction which draws air through thecanister 224 into thehousing 222. The motor 230 is supported within thehousing 222 by ribs 234-235 which are disposed circumferentially around the motor 230 and contact the interior surface of thehousing 222. The motor 230 is powered bybatteries 236. Aswitch 238 is positioned on the underside of thehandle 226 for convenient engagement by means of the finger of a person utilizing the cleaner 220. Operation of theswitch 238 provides for the coupling of electric power from thebatteries 236 to the motor 230 for activation of the motor 230. Abattery charger 240 may also be positioned within thehandle 226 for recharging thebatteries 236 during a period of nonuse of the cleaner 220, the charger being connected by a suitable electric cord (not shown) to an electrical convenient power outlet. Electric wiring (not shown) connects thebatteries 236 by theswitch 238 to the motor 230 and also connects thecharger 240 to thebatteries 236. - In accordance with a feature of the invention, the
canister 224 incorporates anozzle 244 and astorage chamber 246 disposed beneath thenozzle 244. Thechamber 246 is used for the collection of any liquid cleaning agents which may be drawn in by suction into the cleaner 220. Thecanister 224 is shown as being removably attached by means of a spring-lock configuration 248 molded into the forward end of thecanister 224. - Within the
housing 222, aconduit 250 having anentry port 252 inducts air under suction from thecanister 224 to theblower 228. Theentry port 252 is located at the region of an interface between thehousing 222 and thecanister 224. Anair filter 256 is located at theentry port 252 for entrapment of particulate matter which may otherwise be drawn into theconduit 250 by the passage of air toward theblower 228. Air drawn in by theblower 228 passes through theblower 228 and is then exhausted from thehousing 222 viaexhaust vent 258 disposed in the circumferential surface of thehousing 222 and, more particularly, at the bottom portion of thehousing 222 to permit the escape of any liquid which may have been drawn by the air stream through thefilter 256 and theblower 258. Thus, in response to the suction generated by theblower 228, air enters thenozzle 244 via apassage 260 thereof, and thereafter flows through thepassage 260 into thechamber 246. - In accordance with the invention, the
nozzle 244 is provided with adiverter 262 disposed at anexit port 264 at the posterior end of thepassage 260. Theconduit 250 is provided with aninlet chamber 266 bounded by a front wall which forms an air-entry port 268 having an opening which is offset from the central axis of thehousing 222. the opening of theport 268 is located near the top of thestorage chamber 246 to prevent the flow of liquid stored in thechamber 246 from flowing into theconduit 250. Thediverter 266 diverts incoming liquid down towards the bottom of thechamber 246 and away from the opening of theport 268. Thereby, incoming liquid with dirt entrained therein is deflected away from the flow of the air stream, which air flows from thepassage 260 via thechamber 246 into theport 268. Theconduit 250 is supported by apartition 270 at the front end thereof, and by apartition 271 at the back end thereof to thehousing 222. The air-entry port 268 in cooperation with thedeflector 262 constitutes a deflection structure, indicated generally by the numeral 272, to accomplish the foregoing deflection of the liquid into thechamber 246 away from theair conduit 250. Thedeflection structure 272 separates the liquid from the air, the liquid remaining in thechamber 246 while the air passes under the force of suction into the region of theblower 228. - In operation, air, or both air and liquid may be drawn into the cleaner 220 depending on whether the cleaner 220 is used for dry operation or wet operation. While the cleaner 220 operates well in both situations, the invention is particularly useful in the case of the utilization of liquid cleaning agents, such as water or other solvents, along with the air which carries the liquid and dirt via the
nozzle 244 into thechamber 246. By virtue of thedeflection structure 272, thedeflector 262 directs all matter entering thepassage 260 downwards towards the bottom of thestorage chamber 246. Liquid and any dirt entrained therein remains at the lower portion of thestorage container 246 while the air under suction proceeds through a sinuous path back up to the opening of theinlet chamber 266 for further passage into theair conduit 250. When the cleaner 220 is used for dry operation only, any particulate matter which may be carried in by the air stream is caught within thecanister 224. Relatively heavy particles which may have been lifted off a surface being cleaned by the air rushing into thenozzle 244 may drop out of the air stream under conditions of turbulence within thechamber 246 and be deposited on the bottom of thechamber 246. Lighter particles carried in by the air stream advance through thechamber 246 and theentry port 268 to impinge upon thefilter 256. Such particles are entrained within thefilter 256 while the air advances to theblower 228 for subsequent exit via thevents 258. - When the cleaner 220 is held in a substantially horizontal position, or in a position wherein the
canister 224 is pointing in a generally downward direction, the liquid accumulates in thechamber 246 and rises against the lower portion of the front wall of theinlet chamber 266. At this point, thechamber 246 should be regarded as sufficiently full to require emptying of the liquid before further cleaning is attempted. Thecanister 224 with the entry port are detached from thehousing 222 to permit emptying of the contents thereof. Thereby, thefilter 256 is exposed for removal and cleaning. It is also noted that dirt entrained by thefilter 256 may fall to the bottom of theinlet chamber 266 so as to collect therein just as the liquid collects in the bottom of thestorage chamber 246. Thereby, thecanister 224 has accumulated both the liquid from a wet cleaning operation and dust from a dry cleaning operation. - In the event that the cleaner 220 were tipped upwards so that the liquid stored in the
chamber 246 would flow towards the rear of the chamber, the forward protrusion of the cone shaped portion of theentry port 268 would prevent the ingress of liquid into theinlet chamber 266. Even in the event that thechamber 246 became overloaded with liquid, in which case some liquid may find its way through the opening of theentry port 268 into theconduit 250, the motor 230 is protected from the liquid by abaffle 274 formed in the base portion of thefront rib 235, thebaffle 274 extending rearwardly beneath the motor 230 to uncovervents 258 which would allow the excess liquid to be forced out with the exhaust air from theblower 228. In addition, it is noted that the supporting of theconduit 250 byfront partition 270 andrear partition 271 maintains theconduit 250 positioned along the axis of thehousing 22. The conical shape of theconduit 250 with the attendant sloping bottom wall (as depicted in Fig. 11) providing still further space for the capture of excess liquid for protection of the motor 230. - With respect to further details in the construction of the cleaner 220, the
housing 222 is advantageously strengthened by the use of ribs 278 (Fig. 12). The front end of thenozzle 244 is advantageously provided with serrations 280 (Fig. 14) which provide for a scraping or combing function of thenozzle 244 which aids in the cleaning of fabrics. As depicted in Figs. 15-18, the offsetentry port 268 is formed with asnout 282 integrally formed on the upper portion of thefront wall 284 of theinlet chamber 266. Abead 286 is disposed along the rim of thechamber 266 to facilitate assembly and disassembly of thecanister 224. Avane 288 guides air in laminar flow through theport 268. The conduit 250 (Figs. 19-22) is also provided with abead 290 along an outer rim of thefront partition 270 to aid in assembling and disassembling of theconduit 250 with thehousing 222. If desired, a portion of the conic wall of theconduit 250 may be configured with different slopes to aid further in containing the liquid forward of theblower 228. - With reference to Figs. 23-24, the
rear partition 271 is configured with a relatively smallcentral aperture 292 for engagement with the downstream end of theconduit 250. The filter 256 (Figs. 25-26) is provided with a generally flat shape, a uniform thickness, and a generally rounded periphery so as to be readily inserted along theinterface 254 between thecanister 224 and thehousing 222. The blower 228 (Figs. 27-29) comprises a set ofspiral vanes 294 mounted on abase plate 296 which provides strength to theblower 228, the overall configuration of theblower 228 having a shape which is readily molded. - In view of the foregoing description of the alternative embodiment of the cleaner, it is readily apparent that the alternative embodiment provides for still further resistance to any leakage of liquid from the canister into the motor compartment of the cleaner. In addition, all of the components are readily fabricated and securely mounted for long life.
- It is to be understood that the above described embodiments of the invention are illustrative only and that modifications thereof may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this invention is not to be regarded as limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is to be limited only as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (7)
a motor;
a generally cylindrical housing having a front end and a back end, said housing enclosing said motor;
a blower driven by said motor and disposed ahead of said motor within said housing, rotation of said blower producing a vacuum;
a canister removably attached to the front end of said housing, said canister having an intake nozzle for reception of dirt, liquid, and air drawn into said nozzle in response to a vacuum developed by said blower;
said canister including a storage chamber disposed alongside an exit port of said nozzle for the storage of the dirt and the liquid drawn in via said nozzle; and
deflection means disposed between said blower and said nozzle for deflecting liquid and dirt drawn in via said nozzle away from a stream of air which flows from said nozzle to said blower, said deflec tion means comprising:
an air conduit disposed ahead of said blower and guiding the air stream from said canister to said blower, said conduit incorporating an inlet chamber facing said storage chamber and having an entry port for receiving air from said canister, said entry port being offset from the location of said storage chamber so as to be above said storage chamber and inhibit the passage of any of the liquid from said storage chamber into said conduit when said vacuum cleaner is oriented with a horizontal orientation placing said storage chamber beneath said nozzle; and
a diverter positioned at said exit port of said nozzle and directing suctioned liquid away from said entry port of said conduit, said entry port of said conduit being provided with a front wall and a snout extending forward of said front wall into said storage chamber, said snout preventing the entry of liquid into said inlet chamber when said cleaner is oriented with said horizontal orientation.
a housing supporting the source of suction, said housing having an intake portion, and further comprising exhaust vents through which air, drawn in by the suction, is exhausted to the exterior of the housing;
a canister removably securable to said intake portion of said housing, said canister including a nozzle having an anterior port through which air is drawn into the nozzle and a posterior port through which air exits the nozzle, said canister further including a storage chamber positioned alongside said posterior port of said nozzle for reception of fluids including air and liquid cleaning agents which may be drawn in by the suction; and
deflection means situated at an interface between said canister and said housing for deflecting the liquid into said storage chamber away from said intake portion of said housing while permitting the flow of air under suction through said intake portion into said housing; said deflection means further comprising:
an air conduit disposed behind said intake portion of said housing and guiding a stream of air from said canister to the source of suction, said conduit incorporating an inlet chamber facing said storage chamber and having an entry port for receiving air from said canister, said entry port of said conduit being offset from the location of said storage chamber so as to be above said storage chamber and inhibit the passage of any liquid from said storage chamber into said conduit when said vacuum cleaner is oriented with a horizontal orientation; and
a diverter positioned at said posterior port of said nozzle and directing suctioned liquid away from said entry port of said conduit, said inlet chamber being provided with a front wall facing said storage chamber, said entry port being formed as a snout extending from said forward wall of said inlet chamber to a location offset from said posterior port of said nozzle to in-hibit the passage of any liquid stored in said storage chamber from passing via said conduit toward the source of suction when said cleaner is oriented with said horizontal orientation.
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US06/587,227 US4536914A (en) | 1984-03-07 | 1984-03-07 | Wet-dry vacuum cleaner |
US06/627,899 US4542557A (en) | 1984-03-07 | 1984-07-05 | Wet-dry vacuum cleaner |
AT85306374T ATE65018T1 (en) | 1985-09-09 | 1985-09-09 | WET/DRY VACUUM CLEANER. |
DE8585306374T DE3583441D1 (en) | 1985-09-09 | 1985-09-09 | WET / DRY VACUUM CLEANER. |
EP85306374A EP0215165B1 (en) | 1985-09-09 | 1985-09-09 | Wet-dry vacuum cleaner |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP85306374A EP0215165B1 (en) | 1985-09-09 | 1985-09-09 | Wet-dry vacuum cleaner |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0215165A1 true EP0215165A1 (en) | 1987-03-25 |
EP0215165B1 EP0215165B1 (en) | 1991-07-10 |
Family
ID=8194355
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP85306374A Expired EP0215165B1 (en) | 1984-03-07 | 1985-09-09 | Wet-dry vacuum cleaner |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0215165B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE65018T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE3583441D1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2624714A1 (en) * | 1987-12-18 | 1989-06-23 | Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete | MANUAL DUST ASPIRATOR, IN PARTICULAR SMALL MODEL |
US4884314A (en) * | 1987-11-12 | 1989-12-05 | Black & Decker Inc. | Portable blower |
WO1994008501A1 (en) * | 1992-10-08 | 1994-04-28 | Vax Limited | Pick-up heads for vacuum cleaners |
EP0663176A1 (en) * | 1994-01-14 | 1995-07-19 | Famulus | Cleaning device |
EP0933057A2 (en) * | 1995-08-15 | 1999-08-04 | Vax Limited | Liquid pick-up appliances for use in surface cleaning or drying |
EP1491126A2 (en) | 2003-06-28 | 2004-12-29 | BLACK & DECKER INC. | Vacuum cleaner |
WO2009086892A1 (en) * | 2008-01-11 | 2009-07-16 | Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg | Hard surface vacuum |
EP2830473B1 (en) | 2012-03-30 | 2016-05-18 | Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG | Hard-surface suction implement |
WO2018113972A1 (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2018-06-28 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | Portable vacuum cleaning device |
CN113367606A (en) * | 2020-03-10 | 2021-09-10 | 苏州宝时得电动工具有限公司 | Method for cleaning hand-held cleaner and cleaning method for cleaner assembly |
US11213177B2 (en) | 2017-09-22 | 2022-01-04 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hand-held surface cleaning device |
US20220257071A1 (en) * | 2019-11-04 | 2022-08-18 | Black & Decker, Inc. | Wet-dry vacuum cleaner device |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050081321A1 (en) | 2003-10-15 | 2005-04-21 | Milligan Michael A. | Hand-held cordless vacuum cleaner |
DE602006012794D1 (en) | 2006-01-27 | 2010-04-22 | Black & Decker Inc | Filter cleaning mechanism of vacuum cleaner |
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DE1147360B (en) * | 1961-02-15 | 1963-04-18 | Licentia Gmbh | Small vacuum cleaner |
EP0008117B1 (en) * | 1978-08-11 | 1982-12-15 | Black & Decker Inc. | Hand-held, electric vacuum cleaner |
US4463474A (en) * | 1982-06-07 | 1984-08-07 | Jacobs Paul G | Vacuum cleaner |
US4536914A (en) * | 1984-03-07 | 1985-08-27 | Cic Int'l Corp. | Wet-dry vacuum cleaner |
-
1985
- 1985-09-09 EP EP85306374A patent/EP0215165B1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-09-09 DE DE8585306374T patent/DE3583441D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1985-09-09 AT AT85306374T patent/ATE65018T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (4)
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DE1147360B (en) * | 1961-02-15 | 1963-04-18 | Licentia Gmbh | Small vacuum cleaner |
EP0008117B1 (en) * | 1978-08-11 | 1982-12-15 | Black & Decker Inc. | Hand-held, electric vacuum cleaner |
US4463474A (en) * | 1982-06-07 | 1984-08-07 | Jacobs Paul G | Vacuum cleaner |
US4536914A (en) * | 1984-03-07 | 1985-08-27 | Cic Int'l Corp. | Wet-dry vacuum cleaner |
Cited By (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4884314A (en) * | 1987-11-12 | 1989-12-05 | Black & Decker Inc. | Portable blower |
FR2624714A1 (en) * | 1987-12-18 | 1989-06-23 | Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete | MANUAL DUST ASPIRATOR, IN PARTICULAR SMALL MODEL |
WO1994008501A1 (en) * | 1992-10-08 | 1994-04-28 | Vax Limited | Pick-up heads for vacuum cleaners |
GB2286113A (en) * | 1992-10-08 | 1995-08-09 | Vax Ltd | Pick-up heads for vacuum cleaners |
GB2286113B (en) * | 1992-10-08 | 1996-05-01 | Vax Ltd | Pick-up attachments for connection to vacuum cleaner suction hoses |
AU675084B2 (en) * | 1992-10-08 | 1997-01-23 | Vax Limited | Pick-up heads for vacuum cleaners |
US5634238A (en) * | 1992-10-08 | 1997-06-03 | Vax Limited | Pick-up head for a vacuum cleaner |
EP0663176A1 (en) * | 1994-01-14 | 1995-07-19 | Famulus | Cleaning device |
FR2715054A1 (en) * | 1994-01-14 | 1995-07-21 | Famulus | Cleaning device by spreading cleaning liquid and by suction of used liquid. |
US5590439A (en) * | 1994-01-14 | 1997-01-07 | Famulus | Apparatus for cleaning by spreading cleaning liquid and by suction of the used liquid |
EP0933057A2 (en) * | 1995-08-15 | 1999-08-04 | Vax Limited | Liquid pick-up appliances for use in surface cleaning or drying |
EP0933057A3 (en) * | 1995-08-15 | 1999-12-08 | Vax Limited | Liquid pick-up appliances for use in surface cleaning or drying |
EP1491126A2 (en) | 2003-06-28 | 2004-12-29 | BLACK & DECKER INC. | Vacuum cleaner |
EP1491126A3 (en) * | 2003-06-28 | 2008-03-26 | BLACK & DECKER INC. | Vacuum cleaner |
WO2009086892A1 (en) * | 2008-01-11 | 2009-07-16 | Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg | Hard surface vacuum |
EP2830473B1 (en) | 2012-03-30 | 2016-05-18 | Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG | Hard-surface suction implement |
WO2018113972A1 (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2018-06-28 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | Portable vacuum cleaning device |
US11213177B2 (en) | 2017-09-22 | 2022-01-04 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hand-held surface cleaning device |
US11672388B2 (en) | 2017-09-22 | 2023-06-13 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hand-held surface cleaning device |
US11864714B2 (en) | 2017-09-22 | 2024-01-09 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hand-held surface cleaning device |
US11930988B2 (en) | 2017-09-22 | 2024-03-19 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hand-held surface cleaning device |
US12029375B2 (en) | 2017-09-22 | 2024-07-09 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hand-held surface cleaning device |
US20220257071A1 (en) * | 2019-11-04 | 2022-08-18 | Black & Decker, Inc. | Wet-dry vacuum cleaner device |
CN113367606A (en) * | 2020-03-10 | 2021-09-10 | 苏州宝时得电动工具有限公司 | Method for cleaning hand-held cleaner and cleaning method for cleaner assembly |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE3583441D1 (en) | 1991-08-14 |
EP0215165B1 (en) | 1991-07-10 |
ATE65018T1 (en) | 1991-07-15 |
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