MXPA98000384A - Cartu type vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

A single cartridge type vacuum having a simplified housing structure is described. The vacuum provides many features, including a modular housing construction, a simplified engine mounting configuration, a combined tool handle and handle, a unique wheel and idler wheel structure, an improved air discharge configuration, a mounting structure particular switch and an isolated conductor guide structure flexib

Description

VACUUM TYPE CARTRIDGE FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application. No. 60 / 035,359, filed January 10, 1997. The present invention relates to a cartridge or novelty type vacuum. Cartridge vacuum cleaners are known in the art. These vacuum cleaners are compact and incorporate many features typically found in vertical vacuum cleaners. According to this, as cartridge-type vacuums have evolved, they have become relatively complicated, often using intricate internal structures. The resulting complexity significantly impacts the manufacturing and assembly of these vacuum cleaners. Accordingly, there is a need for a cartridge type vacuum that is relatively easy to assemble and that is inexpensive to manufacture. A specific interest related to the complex assembly of currently available cartridge vacuum cleaners is the manner in which the motor is mounted within the enclosure. Although a large set of mounting configurations has been employed, none has provided significant improvement of previous cartridge vacuums. That is, the problems of noise, vibration, leakage and durability have continued to affect right-handers in this area. Accordingly, there is a need for a simplified and efficient technique for assembling and incorporating an engine within a cartridge enclosure. Many cartridge vacuums employ discharge gates on the back of these enclosures. Although generally satisfactory, these discharge gates serve only one function - that of directing the discharge of the unit. There are numerous applications and connections for cartridge vacuums that require diverting the discharge or directing the discharge through one or more other components. As far as is known, the currently available cartridge vacuum cleaners do not provide manipulation of the exhaust flow from the enclosure, or to easily incorporate connections to the enclosure. In this way, there is a need for a cartridge vacuum having a discharge gate with an improved configuration for directing the flow of air from the unit. Recently, consumers have demanded increased discharge air filtering. As will be appreciated, it is convenient to remove as much of the contaminants and therefore of the possible discharge airflow, before returning to the environment, which is typically within the user's home. Accordingly, some vacuum cleaners, more notably large industrial units, have provided additional filtering for the discharge stream. It would be convenient to provide, in a simple and inexpensive way, a structure for connecting a supplementary filter to a cartridge-type vacuum to further filter the discharge of the unit. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention achieves the above objectives and provides in a first aspect a vacuum comprising a front module and a rear module that is adapted to releasably couple the front module. Each module has a unique configuration. The rear module includes a rear wall enclosure with a handle projecting upward, which collectively has a first sealing edge. The front module provides a region of enclosure defining a second seal edge. The modules couple sealingly to each other on the first and second edges. In another aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum comprising a rear module with a lower mounting flange and defining a discharge duct that provides an opening through the rear module. The rear module also includes a seal edge directed forward. The vacuum cleaner also comprises a front module having a generally circumscribed interior within which a partition wall is disposed. The partition wall includes a support member. The vacuum cleaner also comprises a motor arranged between the rear module and the front module and specifically contacts the mounting flange of the rear module and the support member of the front module.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum cleaner having first and second housing components adapted to releasably engage with each other, and a single discharge gate disposed in an end wall of one of the housing components. The discharge gate is configured with respect to a discharge opening defined in an end wall and includes a plurality of support legs extending from the end wall, and arranged around the discharge opening. Connected to the support legs and spacing of the end wall and placed in front of or directly above the discharge opening is a locking plate. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum comprising a first component of the housing having a lower chamber for a filter bag and a second housing component adapted to releasably couple the first housing component. The second housing component provides a single-handle configuration. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum comprising a body module having an integral internal separation and gate, a bag cover module detachably connected to one end of the body module, a fixed rear housing module to the other end of the body module, a motor clamped between the rear housing module and the body module, and fasteners holding between the rear housing module and the body module to fix the modules together and apply clamping pressure per clamp to the motor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a preferred embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of vacuum cleaner; Figure 3 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of vacuum cleaner; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a rear module component of the vacuum cleaner in preferred embodiment; Figure 5 is a top end view of the rear module component; Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the component of the post module; Figure 7 is a top plan view of the rear module component; Figure 8 is a view of the bottom side of the rear module component; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a component of the front module of the preferred embodiment of vacuum cleaner; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the component of the front module and the front cover used in the vacuum cleaner of the preferred embodiment; Figure 11 is a top plan view of the front module component and the front cover; Figure 12 is a side elevation view of the front module component and the front cover; Figure 13 is a front end view of the front cover and the front module component; Figure 14 is an exploded view of the front module component and a pivoting wheel or idler assembly; Y Figure 15 is an exploded view illustrating the placement of a switch within the component of the front module. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The preferred embodiment of vacuum cleaner 10 according to the present invention is better illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. Before describing the preferred embodiment of vacuum cleaner, it will be understood that all references to "upper", "bottom" "," front "," rear "and" sides "including references to" up "and" down "orientations, generally refer to the assembled vacuum placed in its normal operating position on a floor such that its wheels and structure Crazy front wheel all described below contact the floor. Accordingly, the front of the vacuum cleaner 10 is the region in which the front cover 500 is located. Ideally, the upper part of the vacuum cleaner is the region in which the handle 50 is arranged. The preferred embodiment of vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a rear module 20, a motor 270, a front module 300 and a front cover 500 hingedly connected to the front module 300. As illustrated in Figure 1, the upper module 20 and the front module 300 are they couple together and form a generally hollow interior within which the engine 270 is disposed. As described in more detail below, the vacuum 10 further comprises an inlet gate 510 defined on the front cover 500 in which various hoses can be connected. and cleaning instruments. When the components of the preferred embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 10 are fully assembled, the rear module 20 provides a handle 50 and a pair of rotatable wheels 110 and 120, which in conjunction with the idler wheel structure 440 provide a wheel 448 disposed on the side interior of the front module 300, facilitating the movement of the vacuum cleaner relatively through the floor. The rear module 20 uses a unique design and provides numerous features. With reference to Figures 1 and 4 to 8, the rear module 20 generally provides a pair of opposite slanted sides, generally illustrated in the drawings as a first side 30 and a second side 40. The sides 30 and 40 extend upwards towards an upper wall 24 in which the handle 50 is disposed. The upper wall 24 is generally horizontal. The first side 30 defines a first shoulder projecting outwards and rounded 32 and a generally arched cavity designated as the first wheel well 34. The first shoulder 32 extends downwardly in an arcuate shape, as best illustrated in Figure 6, to an arched guard or guard 36. Similarly, on the opposite side of the back module 20, the second side 40 provides a shoulder that projects generally outward and arched 42 that merges into a defense support 46 and that also defines a second wheel cavity 44. The handle 50 extends upwardly from the upper wall 24 of the rear module 20 a distance which is sufficient to provide spacing for the hand of a user inserted between the lower side of the handle 50 and the upper wall 24 The handle extends towards the front of the vacuum cleaner 10, that is towards the front cover 500 in the assembled vacuum 10. The handle 50 preferably is oriented parallel with the shaft l. Tension of the vacuum cleaner 10. The distal end of the handle 50 proximate the front end of the vacuum cleaner 10 defines an arcuate collar with flange 52 which, as discussed in more detail below, serves to attach the rear module 20 to the front module 300 The collar 52 comprises two legs that are inclined upwards, which merge into an arched upper wall to provide a generally continuous inverted U-shaped lip. An ear 56 also projects towards the front of the vacuum 10, preferably disposed between the legs of the collar 52. The handle 50 is preferably hollow having both ends open to thereby define a passage 58. With reference to the Figures 4 and 5, the posterior region of the posterior module 20 provides several significant features. The rear module 20 provides a rear face 60 which extends generally through the lower rear portion of the rear module 20. The rear module also provides a recessed rear face 62 located on the upper region of the rear portion of the rear module 20. rear recessed face 62 is generally defined by and extends between first and second inclined side walls 64 and 66 respectively and an inclined rear face 68. Extending on the recessed rear face 62, there is a support 70. Support 70, preferably oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner 10. The support 70 provides a generally concave or arched receiving surface 72 terminating at a U-shaped upper rear edge 74. The support 70 is adapted to support and / or releasably couple a or more tools or accessories that can be used in conjunction with the vacuum cleaner 10. The support that it extends backwards 70 also preferably serves as a member of "pedal starter". In some applications, it is convenient to tilt the vacuum cleaner 10 upwards so that the rear face 60 of the rear module 20 is directed towards the floor and the front cover 500 is directed upwards. In a more preferred configuration, the support 70 extends beyond the rear face 60 of the rear module 20, a sufficient distance such that when the vacuum cleaner 10 tilts upwards, the trailing edge 74 and the two wheels 110 and 120 they contact the floor. The rear module 20 comprises arrangements for supporting and retaining rotatable wheels 110 and 120. With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the rear module 20 provides a first wheel support 90 that extends laterally outwardly from the first wheel housing 34. The first wheel support 90 is generally cylindrical and provides a bearing surface or inner bearing. One or more support ribs 92 can be provided around the periphery of the wheel support 90. A second wheel support 100 and corresponding support ribs 102 are provided in and project from the second wheel well 44. The first wheel 110 provides a centrally located shaft member, which rotatably engages the first wheel holder 90. The shaft member of the first wheel rotatably couples the bearing surface or inner bearing of the first wheel holder 90. Similarly, the second wheel 120 has a member of shaft that rotatably engages the second wheel support 100 and preferably its corresponding inner support or bearing surface. The wheels 110 and 120 are dimensioned such that they are received and rotated freely within the corresponding wheel housings 34 and 44. With reference to Figure 8, the bottom wall 80 of the rear module 20 is illustrated. Disposed on the bottom wall 80 and extending generally towards the rear of the rear module 20 and preferably in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner 10 is a cable tongue 130. It can be seen in Figures 4 to 6 that the cable tongue 130 provides a defined channel between the bottom wall 80 of the preferred module 20 and the upper surface of the cable tongue 130. The cable tongue 130 facilitates winding and retention of the power conductor cable on the underside of the cable. vacuum cleaner 10. With reference to Figures 4, 5, 7 and 8 the configuration and structure of the fastener receptacles on the rear module 20 is illustrated. Each structure of the vacuum cleaner 10 is held and held together by the use of four threaded fasteners, ie screws. A first lower fastener 140 engages and receives within a first lower fastener shoulder 144. A first notch 142 can be provided on the inner periphery of the rear face 60 of the rear module 20 to increase access to the first lower shoulder 144. Preferably disposed proximate to the other side of the rear face 60 of the rear module 20, a second lower fastener 150 is received within a second lower fastener shoulder 154 through a second indentation 152. The first and second lower fastener humps 144 and 154 preferably serve to align and support the corresponding fasteners. The lower fastener shoulders 144 and 154 typically do not threadably attach the fasteners 140 and 150 as described in greater detail below. With further reference to Figures 4, 5, 7 and 8, a first upper fastener 160 is provided close to the first side 30 of the rear module 20. The first upper fastener 160 is received within a first fastener shoulder 162. Similarly, a second upper fastener 170 is received within a second upper fastener shoulder 172, preferably disposed proximate the second side 40 of the rear module 20. The first and second upper fastener bosses 162 and 172, serve for the mode of retaining the first and second upper fasteners 160 and 170 and typically do not threadably attach these fasteners. As described in conjunction with Figure 9 below, the fasteners threadably engage the receptacles of the fastener 400, 404, 408 and 412 that are provided in the front module 300. With reference to Figures 4 and 5, preferably within the recessed back face 62 is provided on the back of the rear module 20, a pair of first and second rearwardly extending projections 180 and 190. the first projection 180 is disposed proximate the first side 30.

Similarly, the second projection 190 is disposed proximate the second side 40. Each projection has a semicircular cross section. That is, the first projection 180 has an arched side directed toward one side and outwards 182 and an inwardly directed planar face 184. Similarly, the second projection 190 has an arched side directed outwardly and laterally 192 and a directed planar face. inward 194. The planar face 184 of the first projection 180 preferably faces the planar face 194 of the second projection 190. The projections 180 and 190 serve as semi-cylindrical mounting posts for the tubular end portion of an accessory tool. (not shown). Vacuum 10 uses a single discharge configuration. With reference to Figures 4 to 6, the rear module 20 provides a discharge gate 230, defined concentrically within an annular recess 220 disposed on the rear face 60 of the rear module 20. As described in more detail below, the current of discharge air from the vacuum cleaner 10 exits through the discharge gate 230. A circular locking plate 240 is arranged directly on, however spaced from the opening of the discharge gate 230. The blocking plate 240 is separated towards back from the opening of the discharge gate 230, by a plurality of support legs 242. The support legs -242 are preferably equally spaced around the opening of the discharge gate 230. The support legs 242 and the plate The locking means 240 define a plurality of openings through which the discharge air exits during operation of the vacuum cleaner 10. As can be seen more clearly in the Figure 6, a plurality of small holes 231 are provided in the wheel housing 34 to reduce back pressure to improve air flow and reduce noise. As the exhaust air is discharged from the back of the vacuum cleaner 10, it is directed laterally outwardly by a plurality of horizontally extending baffles 210. The baffles 210 are obtained through the rear face 60 of the rear module 20. deflectors 210 as illustrated are generally horizontal and are arranged around the upper portion of the discharge gate 230. Baffles 210 may be continuous and generally extend across the width of the rear face 60 or may not be continuous and be arranged around each side of the back face 60. The discharge gate 230 and the annular recess 220 can also be adapted to couple connection tools, for use in the discharge air stream of the vacuum cleaner 10. As illustrated in Figure 5 , one or more connection fasteners 264 may be provided on the rear face 60 of the rear module 20. The use of the device may be convenient. Use one or more supplemental filters in conjunction with the vacuum cleaner 10.

For example, a filter cartridge according to the removable HEPA standard can be detachably attached to the discharge gate 230 and partially retained by the fasteners 264. The filter cartridge will provide a final filtering operation on the air stream that exits. of the vacuum cleaner 10. The rear module 20 uses a unique motor support configuration as follows. With reference to Figure 1, the rear module 20 provides a rearward projecting engine support flange 250. The size and shape of the rear engine support flange 250 corresponds to the rear region of the engine 270 disposed within the vacuum cleaner 10. A mounting bushing 251 is preferably used between the support flange 250 and the engine 270. A discharge duct 260 is also provided on the lower portion of the rear module 20 and provides access from the interior of the rear module 20 to the exterior of the rear module 20. rear module 20. During engine operation 270, air leaves the vacuum cleaner 10 from the discharge duct 260 and discharges to the back of the vacuum cleaner 10 at the discharge gate 230. This is explained in more detail below. The vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a motor 270 disposed within and between the rear module 20 and the front module 300. The motor 270 is preferably held between other components as described in greater detail below. The engine can be almost any type of conventional engine as is commonly used in household and industrial items and particularly vacuum cleaners. A more preferred engine is a 10 amp, 1120 volt AC motor. Included within the engine 270 are associated impeller and housing components as is known in the art, to produce an air stream in motion or pressure differential. A seal ring 280 is preferably provided to facilitate holding and retaining the motor 270 within the vacuum 10. The seal ring 280 preferably fits over the outer periphery of the motor 270 or its mounting base and serves to support the motor 270 inside the vacuum cleaner 10 and absorbs and absorbs any vibration resulting from the operation of the engine 270. The seal ring 280 can be formed from a wide array of materials, as long as it exhibits the previously noted characteristics. A collapsible elastomeric material is preferred. The front module 300 is illustrated in Figures 9 to 13. The front module 300 provides an interior hollow chamber 304 generally accessible from the front of the vacuum cleaner 10. The chamber 304 serves to house and contain a filter bag as is known in FIG. technique. The front module 300 comprises a first side 310, and a second side 320 extending between an upper wall 340 and a bottom wall 330. A rear wall 422 is provided at one end of the resulting chamber 304. The chamber 304 is generally defined as the region between the front module opening 300, ie in which the front cover 500 is hingedly connected, the rear wall 422, the first side 310, the second side 320, the top wall 340 and the bottom wall 330 The rear wall 422 is preferably integral with the front module 300. The front lip 306 is defined on the edges, farthest from the rear wall 422, the first side 310, the second side 320, the upper wall 340 and the wall bottom 330. The front lip 306 is preferably continuous and defines an opening in the chamber 304. One or more ribs 308 are preferably provided on the bottom surfaces of the sides 310 and 320, and the top and bottom walls 3. 40 and 330. It is preferred that the first and second sides 310 and 320 are inclined to each other slightly as they extend upwardly to the top wall 340. In addition it is preferred that rounded corners or arcuate transition regions are provided between all the adjacent surfaces of the upper walls of the bottom and sides. On the upper wall 340 of the front module 300 there is provided an upwardly extending cover 350. The cover 350 includes an inclined front wall 352 disposed between first and second side walls 354 and 356 respectively. The first and second walls 354 and 356 and the sloping front wall 352 combine to form a continuous rearwardly disposed edge 358. The arched collar with flange previously described 52, defined on the front distal end of the handle 50 is inserted into the opening directed rearwardly of the cover 350 defined by the edge 358. These components are preferably frictionally held together by interference fit. A switching knob 360 and a resilient flexible member 362 are provided on the front and top regions of the cover 350 and are described in greater detail below. The cover 350 circumscribes a switch for operating the motor 270 and uses a configuration single switching assembly also described in more detail below. Preferably located on the front region of the front module 300 and on the inclined front wall 352 of the cover 350 is a clamp seat 366 and a clamp receiving region. These are described in conjunction with the front cover 500. Preferably disposed on the bottom wall 330 and close to the front lip 306 is one or more hinge members 334. These are also described in conjunction with the front cover 500. A first defense 370 is preferably provided proximate the rear end of the front module 300 and on the first side 310. The first fender 370 is preferably arched and engages the first fender bracket 36 that are provided in the rear module 20. Preferably arranged on the second wall 320 of front module 300 is a second defense 380. Similarly, the second defense 380 is arched and corresponds to and receives the second defense support 46 of the rear module 20. An upper engagement surface 390 is defined on the upper wall 340 of the front module 300 and close to the rear region of the front module 300 after the cover 350. The upper coupling surface 390 facilitates the coupling and support between the front module 300 and the rear module 20. One or more retention slots 392 are defined on the rear periphery of the upper coupling surface 390. As can be seen in the accompanying drawings, the rear module 20 and the front module 300 are coupled together on a region of long and twisted or twisting, ie tortuous, interface. This elongated interface region increases the seal and seat area for the modules 20 and 300 and promotes the total stiffness of the assembled unit. As noted, the preferred embodiment of vacuum cleaner 10 utilizes a particular structure and configuration of receptacles for assembly fasteners. The fastener receptacles are adapted to receive and engage the above described upper and lower fasteners 160, 170, 140 and 150. With reference to Figure 9, the front module 300 provides a first lower fastener receptacle 400 and a second fastener receptacle. lower 404 defined on the lower portion of the rear face of the front module 300. Similarly, the front module 300 further provides a first upper fastener receptacle 408 and a second upper fastener receptacle 412, on the upper portion of the rear face. Each of the fastener receptacles 400, 404, 408 and 412 is adapted to engage, and preferably threadably couple a corresponding fastener. That is, in the assembled vacuum 10, the first lower fastener receptacle 400 is aligned with the first lower fastener enhancement 144 of the rear module 20 and engageable the first lower fastener 140. The second fastener receptacle 404 is aligned with the second lower fastener shoulder 154 of the rear module 20 and engageable the second lower fastener 150. The first upper fastener receptacle 408 is aligned with the first upper fastener shoulder 162 of the rear module 20 and engages the first upper fastener 160. The second upper fastener receptacle 412 is aligned with the second upper fastener shoulder 172 of the rear module 20 and engageable the second upper fastener 170. Each of the fastener receptacles 400, 404, 408 and 412 preferably projects towards the back of the assembled vacuum 10 and is oriented in one direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner 10. The fasteners not only fix the front and rear modules together, but also maintain a clamping pressure on the motor arranged between those modules. This configuration simplifies assembly of the unit and reduces the number of components otherwise required for assembly. The front module 300 also serves to support and retain the motor 270 disposed within the vacuum 10. With reference to Figure 9 it is preferred to provide at least one arched motor front support flange 420, on the rearwardly directed portion of the front module 300. The rear wall 422 of the front module 300 provides support for one or more front motor support flanges 420. As illustrated in Figure 9, the preferred front module 300 utilizes four arcuate support flanges 420, arranged concentrically on the wall rear 422. Rear wall 422 defines a plurality of openings within an inlet region 424 as illustrated in Figure 9. Air flow to engine 270 passes through this inlet region 424 from a filter bag disposed therein. of the chamber 304. Arranged on the opposite side of the rear wall 422 is a filter 430, as best illustrated in Figure 10. Filter 430 serves to sift the air flow passing through inlet region 424. Vacuum 10 uses a 440 idler structure to facilitate moving or advancing by rolling the Vacuum cleaner 10 on the floor. With reference to Figure 14, the idler wheel structure 440 is provided on the bottom wall 330 of the front module 300. The idler wheel structure 440 comprises a vertical or downwardly extending post 442 that is rotatably received by an arm pivot 444. One or more ribs 443 may be provided proximate post 442 for increased stiffness. A retainer 441 is preferably provided on the bottom wall 330 of the front module 300. The retainer 441 drifts or assists in retaining a desired orientation of a idler wheel 448. Defined on the upper region of the pivot arm 444 is a cylindrical bore 446 which corresponds to the dimensions of the post 442. The wheel 448 is rotatably retained within the pivot arm 444 by a pair of guide members 452 that rotatably hold an axis 450 extending through the wheel 448. It is preferred that the pivot arm 444 has a cantilevered portion serving as a region for cable reception 454 and the pivot arm can be rotated 180 ° to release a cable wound around region 454 and cable tab 130. Pivot arm 444 also preferably defines a guide of wheel 456 within which the wheel 448 is disposed. The normal operative position of the idler wheel structure 400 is at a site where the retainer is released and the arm Pivot is free to turn. Vacuum 10 of the present invention uses a single switching configuration as follows. With reference to Figure 15, defined within the cover 350 is a generally horizontal switching support flange 470, having a receiving groove 472 there defined. Defined on the bottom portion of the cover 350 and generally on the upper wall 340 of the front module 300, there is a reception seat 474. A switch 460 is received inside the cover 350 and is generally supported and retained by the flange of the cover 350. previously noted switching support 470 and receiving the seat 474. The switch 460 can be any type of conventional control switch as is known in the art. It is preferred that the switch 460 comprises a vertically extending actuator 462 that when depressed, operates the switch 460. The switch includes a body 466, one or more electrical terminals 464 and collar structure 468. When placing the switch 460 within the cover 350, the actuator 462 already contacts or is in close proximity with the knob of the switch 360. Accordingly, when a user presses down on the knob of the switch 360 the actuator 464 is operated by operating the switch 460 in this manner With reference to Figures 10, 11, 13 and 14, the front cover 500 is generally rectangular in shape however it has a front wall bulging or projecting outwards 502. The front cover 500 is adapted to sealably engage the front module 300 and particularly on the front lip 306. The front cover 500 provides a seal channel 504, which extends around the periphery of the cover f 500 and preferably on the rear face of the front cover 500. The seal channel 504 sealingly engages the front lip 306 of the front module 300. Arranged generally in the center of the front cover 500 is an air intake gate 510. A generally cylindrical inlet duct 512 extends rearwardly from the rear face of the front cover 500. A filter bag can be releasably connected to the inlet duct 512 as is known in the art. The filter bag preferably comprises a fin of material such as cardboard that after the bag is removed from the inlet duct 512 the inlet opening of the bag is folded. This prevents or minimizes significantly waste of waste and contaminants from the bag. The front cavity 500 preferably is hingedly connected to the front module 300 by a hinge structure. Agree with this, it is preferred that one or more hinge members 384 of the front module 300. are rotatably fixed to one or more hinge members 520 to the front cavity 500, preferably by hinge pins 522 extending through. A clamp member 530 is preferably provided on the upper portion of the front cover 500 and is received by the clamp receiving region 364 and the clamp seat 336 on the cover 350. The preferred embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 10 uses a configuration for addressing of cable for single energy supply. As will be appreciated, since the motor 270 preferably uses an external AC power supply, it is necessary to provide a cable for power supply between the outside of the vacuum cleaner 10 and the motor 270 disposed inside the unit. Figures 2, 9, 12 and 14 illustrate a cable outlet 332 that is provided on the underside of the front module 300. The cable outlet 332 is a relatively small cover that provides protection for a cable for conventional electrical power supply that passes through the underside of the vacuum 10. With reference to Figure 9, it is particularly preferred to provide a passage for cable retention that is provided by a notch 337 and a cable guide 336 defined between a partition wall 335 and the bottom wall 330. By placing an electrical cable within the groove 337 and the cable guide 336 illustrated in Figure 9 as dotted lines, the wire is securely held by the front module 300. This configuration of wire routing preferably prevents damage to the electrical connections in the cable and the motor terminals 270 caused by pulling the cable away from the vacuum cleaner 10. The cable can be stored suitably with respect to the vacuum 10 when winding it on the underside of the unit. Particularly, the cable is wrapped between the tongue 130 which is provided on the underside of the rear module 20 and the cantilevered portion of the pivot arm 444 disposed on the lower side of the frontal mode 300.

During operation of the vacuum cleaner 10, the rear wall 422 that is provided in the front module 300 divides the interior chamber 304, i.e. the suction chamber housing a filter, dust bag or collection chamber of the discharge chamber, generally defined between the rear face of the rear wall 422 and the front region of the rear module 20. The associated motor and impeller draw air from the inlet gate 510 through the chamber 304 and the discharge duct 260. The air then leaves the the vacuum through the discharge gate 230. The motor 270 is mounted within this discharge chamber next to and preferably immediately adjacent the rear wall 422, such that its impeller draws air through the inlet region 424 defined on the rear wall 422. In another preferred embodiment, a hose line is provided between the motor bearings and the suction side or negative pressure side of the system. ma. The conduit and the resulting airflow through the conduit capture particles and contaminants that would otherwise potentially leak through the bearing or around the bearing and into the atmosphere. In the absence of this conduit, particulates and contaminants may leak from the interior of the enclosure or engine cover to the external environment. Another advantage of providing the flexible conduit is that the resulting air flow through it draws air through and around the bearing, employing this handling rider and neighborhood components. The rear module 20, the front module 300 and the front cover 500 are preferably formed of plastic. However, the present invention includes vacuum cleaners formed of or using housing components formed of different plastic materials such as for example metals and composites. The various components can be formed by a broad set of techniques. If plastic is used for either the rear module 20, the front module 300 or the front cover 500, the preferred manufacturing technique is injection molding. While the above details are those that are considered in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, no material limitations are intended to the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, characteristics and design alternatives that would be evident to a person with ordinary skill in the specialty are considered incorporated herein. The scope of the invention is established and particularly described in the claims below.

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS 1.- A vacuum cleaner, characterized in that it comprises: (i) a rear module having (ii) a first inclined lateral wall extending transversely from the rear wall, (iii) a second inclined lateral wall extending transversely from the rear wall (iv) a top wall extending transversely from the rear wall and disposed between the first and second inclined side walls, the top wall generally being contiguous with the first and second side walls and (v) a handle structure including a first handle member projecting from the top wall, and a second handle member extending from the first handle member, over at least a portion of the top wall, the second handle member is spaced from the top wall at a distance sufficient to provide spacing for a user's hand disposed between the upper wall and the second handle member, wherein the first and second In the case of inclined side walls, the upper wall and the second handle member all extend to a first distal edge; and a front module having (i) a top wall, (ii) a bottom wall, (iii) a first side wall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, (iv) a second side wall spaced from the first side and extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, (v) a cover extending from the top wall, wherein the top wall, the bottom wall, the first and second side walls and the cover , all extend to a second distal edge; wherein the rear module is adapted to releasably couple the front module so that the first distal edge sealingly contacts the second distal edge.
2. 2. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear wall defines a discharge gate, the vacuum cleaner further comprises: support members that extend rearwardly from the rear wall and arranged around the discharge gate, and a locking plate fixed to the support members and disposed on the discharge and spaced gate of the rear wall.
3. 3. - Vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that it also comprises a plurality of deflectors that project backwards from the rear wall and generally extend through the rear wall.
4. 4. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that the front module also has a plurality of projections that mounts the fastener, the rear wall of the rear module defines plurality of fastener openings aligned with the projections of the fastener assembly, the vacuum cleaner further comprising: a plurality of fasteners extending through the fastener openings and engaging in a manner to receive with the fastener mounting bosses.
5. 5. - Vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear module also has retaining fasteners disposed on the rear wall, the vacuum cleaner further comprises: a filter structure that is releasably connected to the rear module by the retaining clips.
6. 6. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that the second handle member extends rearwardly beyond the rear wall of the rear module. 1 . - A vacuum cleaner, characterized in that it comprises: a rear module that includes (i) a rear panel that provides a rear face and a face directed directly opposite, (ii) an enclosure wall that extends around the periphery of the panel defining from this in an interior region close to the front face, (iii) a mounting flange projecting from the rear panel to the interior region,
7. (iv) a discharge duct projecting from the rear panel to the interior region and defining a discharge opening through the rear panel, the enclosure wall defining a seal edge; a front module including (i) a housing having a first end and a second opposite end of the first end, (ii) a front cover hingedly connected to the second end of the housing (iii) a partition wall disposed within the housing between the first end and the second end, the separation wall has at least one support member extending transversely from the partition wall towards the first end of the housing, the first end of the housing sealingly engaging the sealing edge of the rear module; and a motor disposed between the rear module and the front module, the motor contacts the mounting flange of the rear module and the support member at least of the front module.
8. 8. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises: support members arranged around the discharge opening defined in the rear panel and extending from the rear face of the rear panel; and a locking plate fixed to the support members and disposed over the discharge and spaced opening of the rear face of the rear panel.
9. 9. - Vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, characterized in that it also comprises a plurality of horizontal deflectors that extend through the rear face of the rear panel.
10. 10. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, characterized in that the rear module also includes retaining fasteners arranged on the rear face of the rear wall, and the vacuum cleaner further comprises: a filter structure releasably connected to the rear module by the fasteners of the rear module. retention.
11. 11. - Vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, characterized in that the rear module further includes a handle having a handle base member projecting from the enclosure wall and a handle fastening member formed integrally with the handle base member, spacing from the enclosure wall and extending between the seal edge and the rear face of the rear panel.
12. 12. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, characterized in that the front module further includes a cover projecting upwards from the housing, the cover is disposed proximate the second end of the housing, and the cover provides a resilient flexible member, the The vacuum cleaner further comprises: a switch for controlling the operation of the motor, the switch is in electrical association with the motor, the switch is disposed within and generally circumscribed within the cover, the switch is disposed next to the flexible member, wherein the switch is operable by applying a force on the member to flex the member in engagement with the switch.
13. 13. A vacuum cleaner, characterized in that it comprises: a first housing component that provides an interior chamber, adapted to contain a filter bag and that defines an open end that provides access to the interior chamber; and a second housing component having an open end and an end wall opposite the open end, the second housing component is adapted to releasably couple the first housing component, wherein the end wall defines a through-discharge opening. from the end wall; a plurality of support legs disposed around the periphery of the discharge opening and extending from the end wall in a direction away from the open end of the second housing component; and a blocking plate which is fixed to the plurality of support legs and disposed over the discharge and spaced opening of the end wall.
14. 14. - Vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, characterized in that the first housing component includes an integral wall disposed inside the interior chamber, the integral wall has a face facing the front, a face directed backward and a support flange projecting from the rearwardly directed face, the end wall of the second housing component includes a mounting shelf projecting from the end wall toward the open end of the second housing component, the vacuum further comprising: a subject motor by clamp within the support flange of the first housing component and the mounting shelf of the second housing component; and fasteners extending between the first housing component and the second housing component for securing the first housing component to the second housing component and applying clamping pressure to the motor.
15. 15. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 14, characterized in that the first housing component also includes an upwardly extending cover, having a flexible member disposed on an outer region of the cover, the vacuum cleaner further comprising: a switch in electrical association with the motor, the switch is arranged on the cover and is actuable by flexing the flexible member.
16. 16. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, characterized in that the end wall of the second housing component includes a plurality of retaining clips on the end wall, the vacuum cleaner further comprising: a filter releasably retained to the second housing component by the plurality of retaining clips.
17. 17. A vacuum cleaner, characterized in that it comprises: a first housing component that provides an interior chamber, adapted to contain a filter bag and defining an open end that provides access to the interior chamber; and a second housing component having (i) an open end and an end wall opposite the open end, the second housing component is adapted to releasably couple the first housing component, the second housing component further has (ii) a top wall extending between the open end and the end wall,

    (iii) a first handle base member projecting from the upper wall and disposed proximate the open end, (iv) a second handle base member projecting from the upper wall and disposed proximate to the end wall, (v) ) a handle fastening member extending between the first handle base member and the second handle base member, wherein the handle fastening member extends beyond the second handle base member and beyond the end wall .
18. 18. - Vacuum cleaner according to claim 17, characterized in that the second end wall defines a discharge opening, the vacuum cleaner further comprises: support legs projecting from the end wall in a direction away from the open end of the second housing component, the support legs are disposed proximate to the discharge opening; and a plate fixed to the support legs and spaced from the discharge opening.
19. 19. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises: a plurality of retaining clips disposed on the end wall; and a filter disposed on the discharge opening and releasably retained on the end wall by the plurality of retaining clips.
20. 20. - A vacuum cleaner, characterized in that it comprises: a body module having an integral separation, the separation defines a gate through the separation, the separation divides the module into suction and discharge chambers; a bag cover module detachably connected to one end of the body module, and with the separation defines the suction chamber; a rear housing module fixed to another end of the body module and with the separation defines the discharge chamber; a seal member disposed on the gate and allowing air flow through the seal and the gate; an engine having an impeller adapted to draw air from the suction chamber to the discharge chamber, the motor is mounted inside the discharge chamber, such that the impeller is adjacent to the gate defined in the separation and the motor is clamped between the rear housing module and the seal module, and fasteners extending between the rear housing module and the body module for securing the rear housing module to the body module and for applying clamping suction pressure to the engine. 21.- Vacuum cleaner in accordance with the claim

    20, characterized in that a idler structure pivotally mounted in a bottom wall of the body module, the idler structure has a pivot arm that is provided with a cantilevered portion adapted to receive a coiled wire, a dt between the pivot arm and the bottom wall adapted to support the cantilevered arm in a fixed position for receiving the cable and releasable to provide a freely rotatable arm and a wheel rotatably mounted on the pivot arm.