GB2447995A

GB2447995A - Vacuum cleaner with sliding dust collection chamber

Info

Publication number: GB2447995A
Application number: GB0710018A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Glyn Andrew Edward Hauser
Original assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Current assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Priority date: 2007-05-25
Filing date: 2007-05-25
Publication date: 2008-10-01
Also published as: GB0710018D0

Abstract

An upright vacuum cleaner having a floor head 101 configured to travel over a floor surface and an elongate handle pivotally connected to the floor head 101. An electric fan motor 106 is provided to create suction within the vacuum cleaner mounted at either the handle or floor head 101. A dust collection canister 102 is mounted at the handle 100, within the airflow path, and is configured to collect dust and debris matter drawn into the vacuum cleaner by the electric fan motor 106. To increase the accessibility of the vacuum cleaner into restricted floor regions including areas under sofas, tables and chairs, the dust collection canister 102 is capable of sliding along the length of the handle 100 away from the floor head 101 as it is pushed into the obscured floor surface region.

Description

VACUUM CLEANER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and in particular, although not exclusively, to an upright vacuum cleaner configured to allow improved access to restricted floor surface regions.

Background to the Invention

Vacuum cleaners can be divided into two categories. Upright vacuum cleaners comprise a floor head and a pivoting handle attached to the floor head whereby the floor head is pushed and pulled over the floor surface by a user via the handle. Cylinder vacuum cleaners on the other hand typically have a floor head connected to the main cylinder body via a flexible hose whereby a user maneuvers the floor head over the floor surface dragging the cylinder body is behind.

In most domestic situations, a user maneuvers the floor head of the vacuum cleaner to access restricted floor areas obscured by chairs, sofas, tables and other furniture. It is generally easier for a user to access such areas using a cylinder type vacuum cleaner as the floor head of the upright vacuum cleaner is generally more bulky and is also prevented from passing under chairs, sofas and the like due to the dust collection canister that is mounted on the pivoting handle.

Effectively, the dust collection canister abuts the piece of furniture as the user tries to push the floor head into the restricted area.

DE 1628478 discloses an upright vacuum cleaner in which the dust collection canister is slideably mounted on a pivotable handle which in turn is connected to a floor head. As the floor head is pushed into a restricted area the canister is drawn up along the length of the handle by a user to expose the floor head and increase the available reach of the vacuum cleaner.

P1 725.spec as filed However, the vacuum cleaner of DE 1628478 is not optimised to provide increased accessibility to restricted areas due to the relative positioning of the canister, the pivoting handle and floor head in addition to the mechanism by which the canister is displaced along the handle.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising: a floor head configured to travel over a floor surface; a elongate handle pivotally connected to said floor head; suction generation means configured to generate a suction airflow through a region of said floor head; and dust collection means slideably mounted at said handle in a forward facing direction, said dust collection means configured to slide over a region of the length of said handle.

By positioning the dust collection means in a forward facing direction at the pivoting handle, as the floor head is pushed into the restricted area, the dust collection means is brought into contact with the piece of furniture such the action of pushing the floor head further into the restricted region forces the dust collection means to slide along a portion of the handle away from the floor head.

The user is not therefore required to manually displace the dust collection means to expose the floor head. The requirement for additional means to displace the collection means along the handle length by the user is obviated.

Preferably, the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one, two or a plurality of flexible hoses connecting the dust collection means to the floor head so as to provide an air passageway between the floor head and the dust collection means.

Preferably, the at least one flexible hose is configured to provide an elastic return force to bias the dust collection means towards the floor head, possible configurations include the use of corrugated hosing.

P1725.spec as filed Preferably, the suction generation means, in the form of an electric fan motor is positioned at the floor head and preferably towards a rear portion, optionally within said floor head.

Preferably, the elongate handle is telescopic comprising one or a plurality of telescopic sections configured to slide internally within one another.

Preferably, the vacuum cleaner comprises mount means configured to mount the dust collection means to the handle, the means being slideably mounted at the handle. The mount means may be formed as a cradle configured to support an underside of the dust collection means. Preferably the dust collection means is moveably mounted at the mount means.

The vacuum cleaner preferably comprises dampening means to dampen the sliding movement of the dust collection means along the length of the handle and particularly the sliding movement of the dust collection means in a direction towards the floor head. Alternatively the dampening means may be configured to act upon the mount means.

Preferably, the handle comprises at least one guide rail extending over a portion of its length wherein the dust collection means and/or the mount means is shaped to slide over the at least one guide rail so as to inhibit displacement of a dust collection means and/or mount means in a direction transverse including perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Preferably, the mount means and/or the dust collection means are mounted at the handle via a rack and pinion mechanism to control movement of the mount means and/or dust collection means.

In one specific embodiment, the vacuum cleaner is a cyclonic vacuum cleaner wherein the dust collection means comprises a canister configured for containing a cyclonic airflow. The vacuum cleaner may comprise a single, dual or P1725.spec as filed multiple cyclone system including a single and plurality of dust collection chambers. Alternatively the cleaner may be non-cyclonic and comprise at least one dust collection bag.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner having a floor head, handle and dust collection canister according to a specific implementation of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of figure 1 with the dust collection canister removed; Figure 3a illustrates the vacuum cleaner of figure 1 with the handle extending at full tilt relative to the floor head; Figure 3b illustrates the vacuum cleaner of figure 3a in which the dust collection canister is displaced along a region of the handle; Figure 4a illustrates the vacuum cleaner of figure 3b with the handle fully extended; Figure 4b illustrates the vacuum cleaner of figure 4a with the handle collapsed; Figure 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of figure 4b; P1725 spec as filed Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation view of the floor head of the vacuum cleaner of figure 5; Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation view of a floor head, dust collection canister and handle of the vacuum cleaner of figure 6.

Detailed Description

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

Referring to figure 1, the vacuum cleaner comprises floor head 101 and a handle 100 pivotally mounted at one end of floor head 101. A pair of wheels 103 are mounted at the same end of floor head 101 as handle 100 and allow the vacuum cleaner to glide over the floor surface.

A dust collection canister 102 is slideably mounted at handle 100 and is positioned in a forward facing direction relative to floor head 101. That is, when handle 100 is aligned in a substantially vertical position relative to the floor surface, canister 102 is positioned directly over floor head 101.

A conventional vacuum motor 106 is mounted within floor head 101 towards the rear portion in close proximity to wheels 103 and one end of handle 100.

Handle 100 may be mounted at the axle (not shown) connecting wheels 103.

Alternatively, handle 100 may be pivotally mounted directly to floor head 101.

Figure 2 illustrates the vacuum cleaner of figure 1 with the dust collection canister 102 removed. Canister 102 is mounted at the vacuum cleaner via a P1725.spec as filed cradle 200 slideably mounted towards a lower region of handle 100. Cradle 200 comprises a base 206 and side walls 207, 205. The side wall 207 that is forwardmost facing extends only a short distance from base 206. The height of the side walls increase from front side wall 207 towards a rearmost side wall situated almost directly over the rear portion of floor head 101. Side walls 207 and in particular walls 205 provide a means to secure dust collection canister 102 in position at handle 100. Canister 102 may be releasably locked in position at cradle 200 via additional conventional locking means such as tongue 208 extending from cradle 200 configured to mate with a suitable groove positioned at canister 102.

In use, the dust collection canister 102 may be seated within and easily removed from cradle 200 by a user grasping a handle 107 mounted at an uppermost region of canister 102.

Floor head 101 comprises a forwardmost front edge 201 positioned opposed to a rear portion 202 positioned at wheels 103. With the handle 100 in the parked position aligned perpendicular to the floor surface, cradle 200 is positioned over floor head 101 is the forward facing direction.

Hose mountings 203, comprising elongate hollow cylinders that are connected to the rearward portion of cradle 200 and are configured to couple in airflow communication dust collection canister 102 and suitable flexible hoses (not shown) extending from floor head 101 so as to provide an airflow path through the vacuum cleaner that includes dust collection canister 102 and floor head 101.

Figure 3a and 3b illustrate the sliding action of the dust collection canister relative to handle 100 and floor head 101. Handle 100 comprises at least one guide rail 104 positioned at its lower half towards the end that is connected to floor head 101. Guide rail 104 is orientated in a forward facing direction at handle such that when handle 100 is fully pivoted retative to floor head 101 towards P1725.spec as Illed the floor surface, the guide rail 104 and dust collection canister 102 are upward facing relative to the floor surface.

The guide rail 104 comprise two elongate lips 300 extending along the lower region of handle 100 such that guide rail 104 and lips 300, at a cross section along the length of handle 100 form a T-shape. Handle 100 comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration. Cooperating grooves 302 are provided at a rearward facing portion of cradle 200 configured to mate with lips 300 of guide rail 104.

A shock absorbing buffer 303 is positioned at an underside surface of cradle 200 so as to provide a shock absorbing means for contacting furniture and other obstacles obscuring the floor surface.

In use, a user grasping handle end 105 maneuvers floor head 101 over the floor surface. To access obscured floor surface regions, a user tilts handle 100 to a fully inclined position as illustrated in figures 3a and 3b. The floor head 101 is then maneuvered into the restricted region such that buffer 303 and the underside surface of cradle 200 stand above handle 100 and floor head 101 and are forward facing relative to front edge 201 of floor head 101. As the floor head is pushed under a sofa for example, cradle 200 abuts the sofa causing canister 102 and cradle 200 to slide along handle 100 via guide rail 104, lips 300 and cooperating grooves 302.

Control of the sliding action of the cradle 200 and canister 102 may be provided by a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown). Alternatively or in addition, suitable elastomenc, pneumatic and/or hydraulic dampeners may be coupled to handle 100 and/or cradle 200.

By mounting cradle 200 and canister 102 in the forward facing direction, handle 100 may be brought into contact with the floor surface so as to fully P1725.spec as filed expose floor head 101 and increase the available reach of the vacuum cleaner into obscured surface floor areas.

Referring to figures 4a and 4b, handle 100 comprises three elongate telescopic members 400, 401, 402. Each telescopic member 400, 401, 402 comprises a progressively smaller diameter such that member 402 having handle end 105 is capable of sliding with member 401 which in turn is capable of sliding within member 400 pivotally connected to floor head 101. Accordingly, handle may be collapsed, as illustrated in figure 4b to allow convenient storage of the vacuum cleaner.

Referring to figures 5, 6 and 7, the vacuum cleaner has at least two modes of operation as with conventional upright vacuum cleaners. According to a first mode, the airflow path includes the floor head 101 having an air inlet 700 configured to be floor facing. A rotatable carpet brush bar (not shown) may be housed within chamber 701 positioned at a forward region within floor head 101.

The airflow path is formed from inlet 700 through passageway 600 within floor head 101. When handle 100 is tilted or inclined as illustrated in figure 6 away from the parked position as illustrated in figure 2, an engaging arm 602 connected to one end of handle 100 engages a moveable flap 601 mounted within passageway 600. The airflow path is then extended from passageway 600 via flexible hosing (not shown) connecting outlet 503 and the cylindrical coupler 501. A second end 505 of cylindrical coupler is provided in airflow communication with the interior of dust collection chamber 102 positioned upstream of vacuum motor 106.

Downstream of dust collection canister 102 is positioned a second cylindrical coupler having first end 502 and second end 500. End 502 is connected by suitable flexible hosing to inlet 504 positioned at the rear portion of floor head 101. Second end 500 of the coupler is connected in airflow communication with the dust collection canister 102.

P1725.spec as filed Referring to figure 7, when handle 100 is aligned in the parked position such that dust collection canister 102 is positioned directly over floor head 101, engaging arm 602 is disconnected from moveable flap 601 which is spring biased into a closed position obstructing the airflow through passageway 600. This provides a second mode of operation for the vacuum cleaner in that the airflow path is diverted from inlet 700 at floor head 101 to one end 506 of flexible hose 204. Flexible hose 204 and end 506 are configured for cleaning non-floor surfaces such as carpets, stairs and the like, as with conventional upright vacuum cleaners.

When the dust collection canister 102 and cradle 200 are displaced along handle 100 by the action of a user inserting floor head 101 into an obscured surface region a return force is needed to draw canister 102 back to the rest position as illustrated in figure 3a. Suitable biasing means could be employed including elastomers, springs, pneumatic and hydraulic rams and the like.

According to one specific embodiment the return force is provided by the flexible hosing extending between end portion 501, 502 and the outlet 503 and inlet 504 of floor head 101. To facilitate the bias force, the flexible hosing may be corrugated. In any event, as handle 100 is tilted back to the parked position of figure 2, gravity will draw canister 102 towards floor head 101.

According to the specific embodiment, floor head 101 comprises both the suction motor 106 and a brush bar motor (not shown) configured to drive the rotateable brush bar (not shown). According to alternative embodiments, vacuum motor 106 may be mounted at canister 102 either towards the upper handle end or towards the lower floor head end.

Enhanced levels of suction are achievable with the present vacuum cleaner as the dust collection canister 102 is mated with the cradle 200 by sliding canister 102 into position at cradle 200 in a direction aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of handle 100 such that a portion of canister 102 mates in airflow communication with the respective coupling ends 500, 505. This type of linear P1 725.spec as filed motion connection between canister 102 and the main body of the vacuum cleaner provides a tight seal between canister 102 and the vacuum cleaner.

By orientating canister 102 in a forward facing direction allowing handle 100 to be tilted approximately 90 from the parked position of figure 2, as illustrated in figure 3a, the airflow path from inlet 700 within floor head 101, is substantially linear, in contrast to conventional upright vacuum cleaners. This airflow path alignment in turn increases the airflow efficiency both upstream and downstream of canister 102.

P1725.spec as filed

Claims

Claims: 1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a floor head configured to

travel over a floor surface; a elongate handle pivotally connected to said floor head; suction generation means configured to generate a suction airflow through a region of said floor head; and dust collection means slideably mounted at said handle in a forward facing direction, said dust collection means configured to slide over a region of the length of said handle.
2. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim I further comprising at least one flexible hose connecting said dust collection means to said floor head to provide an airflow passageway between said floor head and said dust collection means.
3. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 2 comprising two flexible hoses positioned between said dust collection chamber and said floor head, a first flexible hose providing a suction airflow path from said floor head to said collection means and a second flexible hose providing a suction airflow path from said collection means to said floor head.
4. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein said at least one flexible hose is configured to provide an elastic return force to bias said dust collection means towards said floor head.
5. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said suction generation means is positioned at a rear portion of said floor head.

P1725 spec as filed
6. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said elongate handle is telescopic comprising at least one telescopic section.
7. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said suction generation means is mounted within said floor head.
8. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising mount means configured to mount said dust collection means to said handle, said mount means being slideably mounted at said handle.
9. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 8 wherein said dust collection means is removeably mounted at said mount means.
10. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claims 8 or 9 wherein said mount means is formed as a cradle configured to support an underside of the said dust collection means.
II. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 further comprising dampening means to dampen sliding movement of said dust collection means along the length of the said handle.
12. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 11 wherein said dampening means is connected to said mount means to dampen sliding movement of said mount means along the length of said handle.
13. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein said handle comprises at least one guide rail extending over a portion of the length of said handle.
14. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 13 wherein said mount means is shaped to sit over said at least one guide rail such that said mount P1725.spec as filed means is inhibited from displacement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said handle.
15. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14 wherein said mount means is mounted at said handle via a rack and pinion mechanism.
16. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said dust collection means comprises a canister defining at least one dust collection chamber.
17. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said dust collection means comprises a buffer positioned towards an underside region.
18. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 16 wherein said canister comprises a buffer positioned towards its underside surface.
19. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said cyclone is configured to separate dust matter from said suction airflow via a cyclonic airflow configuration.
20. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 19 wherein said cleaner comprises a dual cyclone mechanism.
21. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 19 wherein said vacuum cleaner comprises a multi-cyclonic airflow configuration.
22. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 further comprising at least one dust collection bag.

P1725.spec as filed