EP3576590A1 - Surface cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Surface cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number
EP3576590A1
EP3576590A1 EP18703829.4A EP18703829A EP3576590A1 EP 3576590 A1 EP3576590 A1 EP 3576590A1 EP 18703829 A EP18703829 A EP 18703829A EP 3576590 A1 EP3576590 A1 EP 3576590A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
blocking member
dirt
passage
blocking
housing
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
Application number
EP18703829.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3576590B1 (en
Inventor
Richard David WATERS
Steven James ROGERS
Guy Lawrence NEWSOM
Darren David Holmes
Matthew James Ward
James David REYNOLDS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Techtronic Floor Care Technology Ltd
Original Assignee
TTI Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TTI Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd filed Critical TTI Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd
Publication of EP3576590A1 publication Critical patent/EP3576590A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3576590B1 publication Critical patent/EP3576590B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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
    • A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
    • A47L5/30—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
    • 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
    • A47L5/225—Convertible suction cleaners, i.e. convertible between different types thereof, e.g. from upright suction cleaners to sledge-type suction cleaners
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47L5/26—Hand-supported suction cleaners with driven dust-loosening tools
    • 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
    • A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
    • 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
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/165—Construction of inlets

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus (10) is described including: a dirt collection container (18b); an inlet passage (99) leading to the dirt collection container (18b) through which dirt-laden air is drawn by a source of suction; and a moveable blocking member (120) positioned in the passage (99); wherein the blocking member (120) is moveable between a blocking position, in which the passage (99) is blocked or substantially blocked, and an unblocking position, in which air can pass through the passage (99), wherein the apparatus includes a receiving formation (130) for receiving at least a portion of the moveable blocking member (120) when the blocking member is in its unblocking position.

Description

Title: Surface Cleaning Apparatus Description of Invention
This invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus.
According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a surface cleaning apparatus including:
a dirt collection container;
a passage leading to the dirt collection container through which dirt- laden air is drawn by a source of suction; and
a moveable blocking member positioned in the passage;
wherein the blocking member is moveable between a blocking position, in which the passage is blocked or substantially blocked, and an unblocking position, in which air can pass through the passage,
wherein the apparatus includes a receiving formation for receiving at least a portion of the moveable blocking member when the blocking member is in its unblocking position.
Further features of the various aspects of the invention are set out in the appended claims. Embodiments of the invention will be set out below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures, of which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus; Figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus of figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a side view of the apparatus figure 1 ; Figure 4 is an opposite side view of the apparatus figure 1 ;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a housing of the apparatus of figure 1 , which housing is operable as a handheld surface cleaning apparatus;
Figure 6 is a side view of the housing of figure 5;
Figure 7 is an opposite side view of the housing of figure 5;
Figure 8 is a further perspective view of a housing of the apparatus of figure 1 , with a portion thereof cut away to show some internal components;
Figure 9 is a yet further perspective view of a housing of the apparatus of figure 1 , with a portion thereof cut away to show some internal components;
Figure 10 is a close up view of a portion of figure 9;
Figure 1 1 is a further side view of a housing of the apparatus of figure 1 , with a portion thereof cut away to show some internal components;
Figure 12 is a yet further side view of a housing of the apparatus of figure 1 , with a portion thereof cut away to show some internal components; Figure 13 an end view of the housing;
Figure 14 is a further end view of the housing;
Figure 15 is cross-sectional view of the apparatus through a central plane of a shroud thereof; and Figures 16 and 17 are side views of a blocking member and receiving formation therefor of the apparatus with various other component parts removed for ease of viewing said components. Referring to the figures, these show a surface cleaning apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus 10 includes a floor head 12, a housing 16 and an elongate member 14 connecting the floor head 12 to the housing 16. The housing 16 in this example is operable as a handheld surface cleaning apparatus, commonly known as a hand vac, when the elongate member 14 and floor head 12 are not connected thereto. The housing 16 supports a suction source, a dirt collection container 18 and a cyclonic separator. In this example the suction source is an electric motor driving a rotatable fan, but any appropriate suction source may be used. All that is necessary is for the suction source to be able to draw air through the floor head 12 and elongate member 14 towards the dirt collection container.
In this example the housing 16 supports or contains a battery to provide electrical power to the suction motor and other components of the apparatus 10. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be mains powered.
Whilst in the present embodiment the apparatus 10 includes a cyclonic separator to separate dirt from the air flowing through the apparatus 10, this is not essential. Indeed, embodiments are envisaged where the apparatus 10 includes a filter bag which collects dirt, or any other appropriate device to separate the dirt from the air. Other embodiments are envisaged where the dirt is collected in a container, similar to that shown in the figures, but where the flow of air in the collection chamber is not cyclonic.
The apparatus 10 includes a pivotally moveable door 18a which enables a user to empty dirt collected within the dirt collection chamber 18b. The elongate member 14 includes a passage for carrying dirt-laden air from the floor head 12 to the dirt collection chamber 18b. In this example the floor head 12 includes a motor for driving a rotatable floor agitating member or brush, so the elongate member 14 includes a further passage through which electrical cables may extend to provide an electric connection between the housing 16 and the motor in the floor head.
The floor head 12 is disconnectable from the elongate member 14, so that, for example, another tool can be connected to the free end of the elongate member 14. The elongate member 14 is also disconnectable from the housing 16, by way of a manually operated switch 17. This enables the housing 16 to be used as handheld surface cleaning apparatus, with the option of being able to connect another tool to the location from where the elongate member 14 is removed.
The housing 16 includes a handle for holding the apparatus 10, said handle including first 20 and second 21 user-graspable portions which are connected to each other substantially at right-angles. A first end of the first user- graspable portion 20 is connected to the housing 16 and extends generally rearwardly away therefrom and from the elongate member 14. A first end of the second user-graspable portion 21 is connected to the housing 16 and extends generally upwardly therefrom. Respective second ends of the first 20 and second 21 user-graspable portions are connected to each other. Essentially, the first 20 and second 21 user-graspable portions form a handle which is L-shaped and which provides two locations each of which is sized such that it can be grasped fully by a hand of a user. A device 22, e.g. a switch, for turning the apparatus "on" is positioned at the connection of the second ends of the first 20 and second 21 user-graspable portions to each other. In the present embodiment, the generally cylindrical body 18 has an elongate axis A and provides at one end the dirt collection chamber 18b and an adjacent a separating chamber 18c. Within the chamber 18c is positioned a cyclonic separation device including a shroud 100 which also has an elongate axis coaxial with the axis A, the axis A being that about which dirt-laden air is caused to rotate as it passes through the apparatus 10 and circulates around the shroud 100. The shroud 100 is connected to the separating chamber 18c at one end and is free at an opposite end. The body 18 includes an inlet passage 99 through which dirt-laden air is drawn into the separating chamber 18c. The inlet passage 99 is configured to direct the incoming dirt-laden air into the generally cylindrical portion of the separating chamber 18c such that it travels circumferentially around an inner surface 18d of the separating chamber 18c. The elongate axis A is substantially horizontal in normal use. Whilst in this embodiment the elongate axes of the dirt collection chamber 18b and the shroud 100 are coaxial or substantially coaxial, they need not be. They could, for examples, be parallel and offset from each other or inclined relative to each other. Alternatively, the shroud 1 00 could be positioned generally centrally of the generally cylindrical portion of the separating chamber 18c.
The shroud 100 includes a framework to support a mesh or the like (not shown) and is generally cylindrical with openings 1 04 therein for the passage of air to an outlet through which cleaner air exits the separating chamber. Other configurations of the shroud 100 are envisaged, for example removing the mesh covering and instead making the openings 1 04 smaller and greater in number.
The present embodiment advantageously provides a moveable blocking member 120, one purpose of which is to prevent any dirt collected in the apparatus from falling out through the inlet passage 99 when the device is not operative. It can often be the case, especially in handheld devices such as the apparatus described in the figures, that once a user has finished with the device, and thus has cut power to the source of suction, that dirt can fall out of the inlet passage under the effect of gravity. In order to prevent this from occurring the present embodiment provides the blocking member 120 which is positioned in a tangential portion of the inlet passage 99. The blocking member 12 is positioned at an entrance (in the direction of flow of dirt-laden air) to a tangential portion of the inlet passage 99, close to the connection location between the elongate member 14 and the housing 16. The blocking member 120 is moveable between a blocking position, in which the inlet passage 99 is blocked or substantially blocked, and an unblocking position, in which air can pass thereover to the dirt collecting chamber 18b. The blocking position of the blocking member 120 is shown in figures 8, 1 1 , 13 and 16. The unblocking position of the blocking member 120 is shown in figures 9, 10, 12, 14 and 17.
The blocking member 120 is flexible. The blocking member 120 is preferably made from a resiliently deformable material, such as, for examples, a rubber or rubber-like material. The blocking member 120 is fixed at one, lower, end 121 to a part of the housing forming the inlet passage 99 by appropriate fasteners 140 (although it could be adhered or attached in any appropriate way). The blocking member 120 has a substantially opposite free end 122 which is free to move between the blocking and unblocking positions. The blocking member 120 is angularly moveable between its blocking and unblocking positions. In one embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the blocking member 120 is pivotally moveable between its blocking and unblocking positions by virtue of its fixed end 121 . In this embodiment, the blocking member 120 is pivotally moveable about an axis A which extends transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the direction of flow of dirt-laden air which is drawn through the inlet passage 99. The free end 122 of the blocking member 120 is curved when viewed from above (see reference numeral 123). In some embodiments, such as the one shown in the figures, the free end 122 of the blocking member 120 is arcuate, preferably shaped substantially as an arc of a circle. The advantage of such a shape will be discussed later. The blocking member 120 is moveable towards its unblocking position under the influence of the source of suction, against its inherent resilience. The resilience of the blocking member 120, as a result of its material of manufacture, is such that the blocking member 120 is resiliently biased towards its blocking position. The blocking member 120 is therefore resiliently biased towards its blocking position, such that in the absence of any suction the blocking member 120 automatically assumes its blocking position. As shown in figures 16 and 17, the blocking member 120 includes, close to its connection to the housing, a thinned wall section 1 24 to assist in pivoting of the blocking member 120 towards its unblocking position. Such a thinned wall section is not essential, however.
Thus, when the source of suction is powered, the suction created causes the blocking member 120 to be pulled away from its blocking position and causes the blocking member 120 to pivot thus moving the free end 122 thereof downwardly, e.g. towards a floor surface being cleaned, in the direction of arrow D in figure 16.
Advantageously, the blocking member 120 moves towards and is at least partially received in a receiving formation 130, which acts to hide or conceal the blocking member 120 from the flow of air passing through the inlet passage 99, in an effort to reduce unwanted turbulence in the air flow. The receiving formation 130 is a recess which is shaped to correspond substantially to the shape and size of the received portion of the blocking member 120. Thus, the receiving formation has an end portion 131 which is curved in a manner similar to the free end 122 of the blocking member 120. It will be seen from the figures that a dirt-laden air passage 1 10, which carries air towards the blocking member 120 and the inlet passage 99, is substantially circular in cross-section. The curved end 123 of the blocking member 120 ensures a suitable sealing of that passage 1 10 when the blocking member 120 is in its blocking position, which means that any dirt 150 behind the blocking member 120 is unlikely to escape.
The receiving formation 130 is provided (in some embodiments, completely or in other embodiments, partially) in a ramp formation 135 which directs air into the cyclonic separation device. Thus, incoming dirt-laden air travels circumferentially around the inner surface 18d of the cyclonic separation device. Advantageous, in the present embodiment the blocking member 120, when in its unblocking position, provides continuation of the ramp formation 135 to assist in directing incoming dirt-laden air towards the cyclonic separation device.
In some embodiments, the ramp formation 135 is located in the housing 16. Thus, the ramp formation 135 is downstream of the elongate member 14 and upstream of the cyclonic separation device. More specifically, for example, the ramp formation 135 forms part of the inlet passage 99 between a connecting portion that connects the housing 16 to the elongate member 14 (or another cleaning tool that is connected, via the connecting portion, to the housing 16) and an entrance to the cyclonic separation device. In other words, the ramp formation 135 and the inlet passage 99 provide the air flow passage between the part of the housing 16 that connects to the elongate member 14 (or another cleaning tool) and the part of the housing 16 the allows dirt-laden air into the separating chamber 18c.
The inlet passage 99 (including the ramp formation 135) is positioned outside (and generally adjacent) the main periphery of the housing 16 (i.e. the inlet passage 99 is located outside the main cylinder that forms the cyclonic separation device) and provides a passage for dirt-laden air to enter the separating chamber 18c in a generally circumferential direction.
In some embodiments, the inlet passage 99 and the connecting portion are positioned at a generally opposing side of the housing 16 (and, therefore, the cyclonic separation device) to the second user-graspable portion 21 .
Whilst the advantageous blocking member and its associated receiving formation is described by reference to its use in a handheld cleaner and a handheld cleaner which is connectable to a floor head via an elongate member, it will be appreciated that the blocking member and its associated receiving formation could be utilised on any surface cleaning apparatus which relies on a source of suction to draw dirt-laden air into a collection container (or a bag positioned therein). For examples, a cylinder cleaner or an upright cleaner could utilise such a blocking member and its associated receiving formation. In addition, the position of the blocking member need not be adjacent or close to the dirt collection container of the apparatus. All that is necessary is for the blocking member and its associated receiving formation to be positioned in the airflow between the dirt collection container and the inlet passage to the apparatus which sucks up dirt from a floor surface. Thus, in the presently described embodiment, the blocking member 120 could be positioned at a lower end of the elongate member 14 (when the apparatus is used in that configuration). In addition, or alternatively still, the apparatus 10 described above could have two such blocking members - one substantially as positioned in the figures and another positioned at the lower end of the elongate member 14. This would enable the advantage of the operation of the blocking member 120 to be present irrespective of the configuration in which the user wishes to use the apparatus. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1 . A surface cleaning apparatus including:
a dirt collection container;
a passage leading to the dirt collection container through which dirt- laden air is drawn by a source of suction; and
a moveable blocking member positioned in the passage;
wherein the blocking member is moveable between a blocking position, in which the passage is blocked or substantially blocked, and an unblocking position, in which air can pass through the passage,
wherein the apparatus includes a receiving formation for receiving at least a portion of the moveable blocking member when the blocking member is in its unblocking position.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the blocking member moves towards its unblocking position under the influence of the source of suction.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the blocking member is resiliently biased towards its blocking position.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the blocking member is resiliently biased towards its blocking position, such that in the absence of any suction the blocking member automatically assumes its blocking position.
5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the blocking member is fixed at one end and has a substantially opposite free end.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein as the blocking member moves towards its unblocking position, a free end thereof moves downwardly, towards a surface being cleaned.
7. An apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the free end of the blocking member is curved or arcuate, preferably shaped substantially as an arc of a circle.
8. An apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6 the free end of the blocking member is curved or arcuate, preferably shaped substantially as an arc of a circle, when viewed in a direction towards the receiving formation.
9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the moveable blocking member is angularly or pivotally moveable between its blocking and unblocking positions.
10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the blocking member is moveable about an axis which extends transversely to the direction of flow of dirt-laden air which is drawn through the passage.
1 1 . An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the blocking member is moveable about an axis which extends perpendicularly to the direction of flow of dirt-laden air which is drawn through the passage.
12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the receiving formation is a recess which is shaped to correspond substantially to the shape and size of the received portion, e.g. a free end, of the blocking member.
13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the blocking member is flexible.
14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the blocking member is formed from a rubber or rubber-like material.
15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim including a dirt-laden air passage which carries air towards the blocking member, and wherein said passage is substantially circular in cross-section.
16. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus includes a cyclonic separation device for separating dirt from the airflow passing through the apparatus, which device communicates with the passage and with the dirt collection container.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the receiving formation is provided completely or partially in a ramp formation which directs air into the cyclonic separation device, said ramp directing incoming dirt-laden air such that it travels circumferentially around an inner surface of the cyclonic separation device.
18. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the blocking member, when in its unblocking position, provides continuation of the ramp formation to assist in directing incoming dirt-laden air towards the cyclonic separation device.
19. An apparatus according to any one of claims 17 and 18 wherein the ramp formation is located downstream of a connecting portion, which connecting portion is connectable to an elongate member, and upstream of the cyclonic separation device.
20. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the connecting portion forms an entrance to the passage for dirt-laden air to be drawn into the housing, towards the cyclonic separation device.
21 . An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 20 wherein the passage which directs dirt-laden air to the cyclonic separation device includes a tangential portion, and wherein the blocking member is positioned at an entrance (in the direction of flow of dirt-laden air) to the tangential portion.
22. An apparatus according to any preceding claim including:
a floor head;
a housing supporting a suction source; and
an elongate member connecting the floor head to the housing, said elongate member including a passage for carrying dirt-laden air from the floor head to the dirt collection container.
23. An apparatus according to claim 22 where further dependent on at least one of claims 17 to 20 wherein the housing comprises part of the passage leading to the dirt collection container and the ramp formation is positioned in the part of the passage.
24. An apparatus according to claims 22 or 23 wherein the elongate member is disconnectable from the floor head.
25. An apparatus according to claim 22 to claim 24 wherein the elongate member is disconnectable from the housing.
26. An apparatus according to at least claim 25 wherein the elongate member is disconnectable from the housing at a connecting portion.
27. An apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 26 wherein the housing is operable as a handheld surface cleaning apparatus when the elongate member and floor head are disconnected therefrom.
28. A surface cleaning apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
29. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.
EP18703829.4A 2017-01-31 2018-01-31 Surface cleaning apparatus Active EP3576590B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1701587.6A GB2562698B (en) 2017-01-31 2017-01-31 Surface cleaning apparatus
PCT/GB2018/050272 WO2018142121A1 (en) 2017-01-31 2018-01-31 Surface cleaning apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3576590A1 true EP3576590A1 (en) 2019-12-11
EP3576590B1 EP3576590B1 (en) 2021-03-31

Family

ID=58462763

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18703829.4A Active EP3576590B1 (en) 2017-01-31 2018-01-31 Surface cleaning apparatus

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20200022542A1 (en)
EP (1) EP3576590B1 (en)
CN (1) CN110234259B (en)
AU (1) AU2018216090B2 (en)
GB (1) GB2562698B (en)
WO (1) WO2018142121A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD1020147S1 (en) * 2020-11-02 2024-03-26 Jiangsu Midea Cleaning Appliances Co., Ltd. Combined vacuum cleaner and holder therefor

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE438090B (en) * 1979-11-26 1985-04-01 Electrolux Ab SUCKING NOZZLE FOR LIQUID CLEANER
US4447931A (en) * 1980-12-03 1984-05-15 Aktiebolaget Electrolux Remotely controlled vacuum cleaner nozzle
US4573234A (en) * 1984-01-30 1986-03-04 The Scott & Fetzer Company Hand-held vacuum cleaner
JP2627275B2 (en) * 1987-09-03 1997-07-02 三洋電機株式会社 Electric vacuum cleaner
US5715566A (en) * 1993-02-12 1998-02-10 Bissell Inc. Cleaning machine with a detachable cleaning module
US5477586A (en) * 1994-07-19 1995-12-26 White Consolidated Industries, Inc. Vacuum cleaner with accessory shutoff
JPH08112225A (en) * 1994-10-18 1996-05-07 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Filter for electric cleaner
US5560074A (en) * 1995-08-04 1996-10-01 Bissell Inc. Convertible vacuum cleaner
CN2354491Y (en) * 1998-07-25 1999-12-22 徐伟民 Multifunctional dust vacuum cleaner
CN1951291A (en) * 2005-10-17 2007-04-25 乐金电子(天津)电器有限公司 Dust collecting device of vacuum cleaner
CA2581795C (en) * 2006-03-08 2010-02-09 Panasonic Corporation Of North America Vacuum cleaner with wand activated conversion valve
JP3926378B1 (en) * 2006-08-09 2007-06-06 貴幸 関島 Suction type cleaning device
CA2919941C (en) * 2013-02-27 2016-09-06 Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. Surface cleaning apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2018142121A1 (en) 2018-08-09
AU2018216090A1 (en) 2019-08-15
CN110234259B (en) 2021-03-30
GB2562698B (en) 2022-06-22
GB201701587D0 (en) 2017-03-15
GB2562698A (en) 2018-11-28
US20200022542A1 (en) 2020-01-23
AU2018216090B2 (en) 2021-01-21
CN110234259A (en) 2019-09-13
EP3576590B1 (en) 2021-03-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11910992B2 (en) Handheld vacuum cleaner
CN107072453B (en) Hand-held vacuum cleaner
KR101821908B1 (en) Electric vacuum cleaner
CN110944555B (en) Surface cleaning apparatus
JP6291218B2 (en) Electric vacuum cleaner
WO2015063445A1 (en) Surface cleaning apparatus
AU2018216090B2 (en) Surface cleaning apparatus
JP6230346B2 (en) Electric vacuum cleaner
CN110062595B (en) Surface cleaning apparatus
CN111031870B (en) Cyclone dust removing apparatus, and vacuum cleaner and handheld-stick type vacuum cleaner including the same
US11284761B2 (en) Cyclonic separation device
JP3224651U (en) Vacuum cleaner and smoke reduction device
CN111031869B (en) Cyclone separator device
AU2017341474B2 (en) Surface cleaning apparatus
JP6178214B2 (en) Electric vacuum cleaner

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20190621

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITED

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20201119

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1375976

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210415

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602018014715

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20210331

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1375976

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210731

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210802

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602018014715

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20220104

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20220131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220131

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220131

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230125

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230127

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230127

Year of fee payment: 6

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230613

P02 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) changed

Effective date: 20230613

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240129

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240129

Year of fee payment: 7