GB2533337A

GB2533337A - Surface cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2533337A
Application number: GB1422413.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: McGovern Francis; William Carter Daniel; David Holmes Darren; Matthew Pougher Simon
Original assignee: Techtronic Industries Co Ltd
Current assignee: Techtronic Industries Co Ltd
Priority date: 2014-12-16
Filing date: 2014-12-16
Publication date: 2016-06-22
Also published as: WO2016097671A1

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a dirt collection chamber 17 and a device (20, fig 2) for indicating to a user when the quantity of dirt contained within the chamber 17 has reached a predetermined quantity, said device (20, fig 2) including a user viewable indicator 25 which is capable of indicating that the chamber 17 has reached said predetermined quantity in at least two orientations of the chamber 17. The user viewable indicator 25 can be moveable relative to the chamber 17 and may be a self-levelling fluid or liquid moveable under the action of gravity, contained in annular tube (22, fig 2).

Description

Title: Surface Cleaning apparatus

Description of Invention

The present invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus.

Some forms of surface cleaning apparatus include a dirt collection container to collect direction which has been separated from an incoming airflow. It is a requirement in some countries to include a marking/indicia on the container to indicate when the quantity of dirt in the container is at a maximum level.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a surface cleaning apparatus having a dirt collection chamber and a device for indicating to a user when the quantity of dirt contained within the chamber has reached a predetermined quantity, said device including a user viewable indicator which is capable of indicating that the chamber has reached said predetermined quantity in at least two orientations of the chamber.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a surface cleaning apparatus having a dirt collection chamber and a device for indicating to a user when the quantity of dirt contained within the chamber has reached a predetermined quantity, said device including a user viewable indicator which is moveable relative to the chamber.

Further features of the invention are set out in the claims appended hereto.

Examples of embodiments of the invention are described below, with reference to the following drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of figure 1; Figure 3 is an end view of the apparatus of figure 1 in an upright position; Figure 4 is an end view of the apparatus of figure 1 in a first rotational position; Figure 5 is an end view of the apparatus of figure 1 in a second rotational position; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 7 is a further perspective view of the embodiment of figure 6.

Referring to the figures these show a surface cleaning apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention. In this particular embodiment the surface cleaning apparatus 10 is generally elongate and cylindrical with a pair of wheels 14, 16, one positioned at each end of its main body 12. The main body 12 contains and supports the working components of the apparatus and is generally concave. In this particular embodiment the apparatus 10 has a dirt separation device in the form of a cyclonic separation device for separating dirt out of an entrained airflow pulled through the apparatus by a suction motor and fan (not shown). An inlet to the separation device communicates with a primary air inlet 18 positioned on the main body 12 which inlet 18 extending generally upwardly (see figure 3). The primary air inlet 18 is connectable, preferably releaseably, to a hose/wand which has positioned at its free end a floor tool. In alternative embodiments the apparatus 10 may include a second stage cyclonic separation device in communication with the first stage. The second stage cyclonic separation device may include a plurality of smaller cyclonic separators, as is well known in the art.

In this embodiment each wheel 14, 16 includes an annular member which is supported for rotation by an exterior surface of part of the main body 12. It should be appreciated, however, that the wheels 14, 16 may take various other forms, so long as they permit the apparatus to be rolled over a ground surface.

The apparatus is generally symmetrical about a plane which extends midway through the main body 12 and primary air inlet 18. In this example the apparatus 10 includes a dirt collection container 17 which has an inlet communicating with an outlet from the separation device. In this embodiment the dirt collection container 17 has a pivotably moveable lid 17a to permit emptying thereof, which is moveable about a hinge 17b. In envisaged embodiments the dirt collection container 17 may be removable from the remainder of the apparatus 10 in order for it to be more easily emptied of its contents. In one envisaged embodiment the dirt collection chamber 17 may be removed through an opening in one end of the apparatus. In this embodiment the wheels 14, 16 are rotatable about an axis A which is coaxial with an axis of the dirt collection chamber 17 and the main body 12.

Advantageously the apparatus 10 includes a device 20 for indicating to a user when the amount of dirt contained within the chamber 17 has reached a predetermined quantity. The device 20 includes a user viewable indicator which is capable of indicating whether or not the chamber 17 has reached said predetermined quantity in at least two orientations of the chamber 17. In this particular embodiment the device 20 takes the form of a part-annular tube 22 which extends around a portion of the dirt chamber 17. In this embodiment the device 20 is connected to and supported by the main body 12, but it could, instead, be connected to or supported by the dirt chamber 17.

The part annular tube 22 is filled, not completely, with a liquid 25, which is preferably coloured. The ends of the tube 22 are closed by blocking members in the form of caps 23, which prevent any liquid from escaping from the tube 22. Whilst in the present embodiment the device 20 is a part-annular tube, and it should be appreciated that embodiments are envisaged which include an annular tube. Thus, in such embodiments the blocking members/caps 23 would not be required.

In this embodiment, the viewable indicator, the liquid 25, is moveable relative to the chamber, so as to rotate about the axis A depending on the orientation of the apparatus 10. Alternatives to liquid can be used. For example, a powder or particulate substance could be positioned within the tube 22. Alternatively still, the viewable indicator may include one or a plurality of indicator members which may be substantially spherical or spherical, e.g. ball bearing or the like.

In order for the user to be able to view the viewable indicator, it is necessary for the device 20 to be positioned either close to an end of the apparatus of the main body or within a transparent or translucent part of the main body (as shown in figure 2). In one envisaged embodiment the device 20 may be positioned within a periphery of one of the wheels 14, 16.

The provision of the viewable indicator in the device 20 means that it is moveable under the action of gravity to rest at an equilibrium position within the tube 22. This means that in any working orientation of the apparatus 10, remote ends/surfaces 27 of the liquid 25 are horizontally aligned with each other, i.e. they are self-levelling. This can be seen in more detail in figures 3, 4 and 5.

The device 20 in accordance with the present invention means that the user can determine whether the chamber 17 has reached its maximum fill quantity in any rotational orientation of the apparatus 10. Referring to figure 3 this shows the apparatus 10 in a generally upright condition with the primary air inlet 18 thereof extending generally upwardly. In this condition it can be seen that the ends 27 of the liquid 25 are aligned horizontally with one another and indicate to a user that the level 28 of dirt within the chamber 17 is not yet at the maximum permitted quantity.

Turning to figure 4, this shows a first rotational condition R1 where the apparatus has been rotated clockwise such that the primary air inlet 18 is now closer to a ground surface F. Rotation of the apparatus about its elongate axis A correspondingly moves the device 20 such that the tube 22 also rotates a corresponding amount. However, the liquid 25 within the tube 22 adopts an equilibrium position such that its ends/surfaces 27 are horizontally aligned with one another. The rotation of the apparatus about its axis A also means that the dirt within the dirt collection container falls under gravity towards the ground surface F. Thus, the user can see that the dirt within the chamber 17 is not at the maximum permitted quantity.

Correspondingly, when the apparatus is rotated counter-clockwise, R2 (see figure 5), the opposite applies, also indicating to a user that the volume of dirt within the chamber 17 is not at the maximum permitted quantity.

Advantageously, therefore, the apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention permits the user to determine whether the dirt within the chamber has reached a predetermined quantity in at least two orientations of the chamber. In this particular embodiment those orientations are rotational orientations about the elongate axis A of the apparatus, but in alternative embodiments they need not necessarily be rotational positions.

In alternative embodiments, an example of which is shown in figures 6 and 7, the device for indicating to a user when the quantity of dirt contained within the chamber has reached a predetermined quantity may take the form of a substantially disc-shaped member/volume 40 which positioned in a plane which lies substantially perpendicular to an elongate axis of the apparatus, and preferably substantially perpendicular to an elongate axis of the dirt collection chamber. In such an embodiment the disc-shaped member/volume 40 may be filled with a liquid or other indicator member(s) 41 which self-level under the action of gravity to indicate to a user when the dirt within the chamber has reached a predetermined quantity, e.g. a maximum permitted quantity. In the example in figures 6 and 7 the disc-shaped member/volume 40 is formed in or as part of a (e.g. pivotally) moveable lid 43.

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

CLAIMS1. A surface cleaning apparatus having a dirt collection chamber and a device for indicating to a user when the quantity of dirt contained within the chamber has reached a predetermined quantity, said device including a user viewable indicator which is capable of indicating that the chamber has reached said predetermined quantity in at least two orientations of the chamber.
2. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the user viewable indicator is moveable relative to the chamber
3. A surface cleaning apparatus having a dirt collection chamber and a device for indicating to a user when the quantity of dirt contained within the chamber has reached a predetermined quantity, said device including a user viewable indicator which is moveable relative to the chamber.
4. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 3 wherein the viewable indicator is moveable under the action of gravity.
5. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the viewable indicator is moveable under the action of gravity as a result of a change in orientation / position of the apparatus.
6. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein when the apparatus is moved to a first orientation, the user viewable indicator adopts and/or moves to a respective first position
7. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein when the apparatus is moved to a second orientation, the user viewable indicator adopts and/or moves to a respective second position
8. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the at least two orientations of the apparatus are different positions of the apparatus about an axis thereof.
9. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the axis is an elongate axis of the apparatus
10. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the elongate axis of the apparatus is substantially horizontal in normal use.
11. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the device includes a passage within which the viewable indicator is moveable.
12. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the viewable indicator is slidably moveable.
13. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein at least a portion of the passage is curved.
14. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the passage extends at least partially around the axis of the apparatus.
15. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the user viewable indicator is self-levelling.
16. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the device is connected to or forms part of the chamber.
17. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 16 as dependent directly or indirectly on claim 11 wherein the passage extends at least partially around the chamber.
18. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim where dependent on claim 11 wherein the apparatus include a moveable closing member which closes an outlet of the chamber, and wherein the passage is 5 connected to or forms part of the closing member.
19. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim where dependent on claim 11 wherein the passage is translucent or transparent.
20. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim where dependent on claim 11 wherein the passage is non-continuous
21. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim where dependent on claim 11 wherein the passage is part-annular
22. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim where dependent on claim 11 wherein the passage is continuous
23. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim where 20 dependent on claim 11 wherein the passage is annular
24. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim where dependent on claim 11 wherein the passage is substantially disc-shaped.
25. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the disc-shaped passage is positioned in a plane which lies substantially perpendicular to the elongate axis of the apparatus.
26. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the viewable indicator is or includes a fluid.
27. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the viewable indicator is or includes a liquid.
28. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the viewable indicator includes one or more indicator members.
29. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the viewable indicator is or includes a plurality of substantially spherical or spherical members.
30. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the viewable indicator is positioned within a transparent or translucent housing of the apparatus.
31. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein surface cleaning apparatus includes a source of suction for drawing dirt-entrained air into the apparatus.
32. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the suction source includes a motor and fan.
33. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the dirt is separated from the air by one or more cyclonic separators and/or a dirt collection bag or the like.
34. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus includes a first wheel being positioned at or near a first end of the apparatus and a second wheel positioned at or near a second of the apparatus.
35. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein each wheel includes an annular member which is supported for rotation by an exterior surface of a part of the apparatus.
36. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus is generally cylindrical
37. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus is generally symmetrical, preferably about a plane which 10 extends midway through an axis extending through the wheels.
38. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the dirt collection chamber is removable in a direction which is parallel and/or coaxial with a rotational axis of at least one of the wheels.
39. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second wheels are rotatable about axes which are coaxial and wherein the dirt collection chamber is removable in a direction which is parallel and/or coaxial with the rotational axis of both wheels.
40. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the dirt collection chamber is removable through an opening in one of the wheels
41. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the main body includes a recess for receiving the dirt collection chamber and wherein an entrance to said recess is at one end of the apparatus
42. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the entrance to the recess is through an opening in one of the wheels
43. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the viewable indicator is positioned within a periphery of one of the wheels.
44. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus includes a first cyclonic separator an outlet of which communicates with the dirt collection chamber
45. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus includes a second cyclonic separator positioned in the flow path between the outlet of the first cyclonic separator and the dirt collection chamber.
46. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the second cyclonic separator includes a plurality of cyclonic separators.
47. A surface cleaning apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
48. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.