US20070113372A1 - Airflow system for bagless vacuum cleaner - Google Patents
Airflow system for bagless vacuum cleaner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070113372A1 US20070113372A1 US11/653,685 US65368507A US2007113372A1 US 20070113372 A1 US20070113372 A1 US 20070113372A1 US 65368507 A US65368507 A US 65368507A US 2007113372 A1 US2007113372 A1 US 2007113372A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vacuum cleaner
- assembly
- dirt
- dust container
- nozzle
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- 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
- A47L9/20—Means for cleaning filters
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- 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
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- 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
- A47L9/1658—Construction of outlets
- A47L9/1666—Construction of outlets with filtering means
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- 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
- A47L9/1683—Dust collecting chambers; Dust collecting receptacles
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- 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
- A47L9/1691—Mounting or coupling means for cyclonic chamber or dust receptacles
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S55/00—Gas separation
- Y10S55/03—Vacuum cleaner
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the vacuum cleaner art, and, more particularly, to a bagless vacuum cleaner incorporating a novel air flow system.
- Such vacuum cleaners are equipped for bagless operation and generally incorporate a washable and rigid dust container or cup for collecting intermediate and larger particles of dirt and debris and a second, upstream corrugated paper, porous foam or like filter or filter cartridge for collecting smaller dirt and dust particles.
- the intermediate and larger particles of dirt and debris are collected in the dust container or cup usually by establishing a vortex airstream therein which allows the heavier particles to be separated from the airstream and collected in the bottom of the container or cup.
- the container or cup is made from transparent or translucent material so that the operator may observe the “cyclonic” cleaning action. This seems to add significantly to the customer satisfaction with the product.
- the transparent or translucent container or cup also allows the operator to confirm when the cup or container is nearing capacity. At that time the vacuum cleaner may be switched off and the cup or container removed for emptying into a garbage can or other appropriate dirt receptacle.
- the bagless vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having a suction nozzle for picking up dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned and a canister assembly including a cavity.
- the bagless vacuum cleaner also includes a dust collection assembly. That dust collection assembly includes a filtering subassembly and a dust container.
- the dust container has an open top, a bottom wall and a first cylindrical sidewall.
- the container also includes an inlet that in at least one embodiment is directed tangentially with respect to the first cylindrical sidewall in order to establish a vortex airstream to allow efficient cleaning action.
- the dust container includes a downwardly directed outlet which extends through the bottom wall of the container. The bagless dust collection assembly is received and held in the cavity in the canister assembly.
- the bagless vacuum cleaner further includes an airstream conduit for conveying a vacuum airstream between the suction nozzle and the inlet. Additionally, a suction fan and suction fan drive motor is carried on either the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly. The suction fan and cooperating suction fan drive motor function to generate the vacuum airstream for drawing dirt and debris through the suction nozzle, the airstream conduit and the dust container.
- the dust container includes a second cylindrical sidewall concentrically received within the first cylindrical sidewall so that at least a portion of the dust container is annular.
- This second cylindrical sidewall defines an exhaust pathway which is provided in fluid communication with the outlet.
- the filtering subassembly includes a main body and a cooperating cover defining a primary filter cavity.
- a primary filter is positioned in the primary filter cavity.
- the primary filter divides the primary filter cavity into an intake chamber and a discharge chamber.
- the primary filter may take the form of an annular corrugated filter made from paper or other natural and/or synthetic fiber materials appropriate for the intended purpose.
- the main body of the filter subassembly includes a downwardly depending exhaust conduit which provides fluid communication between the discharge chamber and the exhaust pathway leading to the outlet. Additionally, the main body includes a first conical wall around the intake chamber.
- a prefilter is carried on the main body.
- the prefilter extends concentrically around the exhaust conduit but is spaced therefrom so as to form an intake channel between the prefilter and the exhaust conduit.
- the intake channel is provided in fluid communication with the intake chamber.
- the prefilter may take the form of a cylindrical open-ended screen.
- An air current guide may be carried on the main body adjacent the prefilter.
- the air current guide extends between the prefilter and the second cylindrical sidewall.
- the air current guide includes a disc-like separator and at least one downwardly depending air current guide vane.
- a first gap having a width W 1 is formed between the prefilter and the first cylindrical sidewall of the dust container.
- the inlet includes a diameter D 1 .
- the diameter D 1 is ⁇ the width W 1 .
- diameter D 1 is between about 30-35 and the width W 1 is between about 34 mm-36 mm.
- a second gap having a width W 2 between about 12 mm-16 mm is provided between an outer edge of the separator and the first cylindrical sidewall.
- the vacuum cleaner also includes a filter clicker carried on the cover of the filtering subassembly.
- the filter clicker includes a cleaning element having at least one projecting lug and an actuator for rotating the cleaning element relative to the primary filter.
- the primary filter preferably includes a frame for supporting the corrugated filter material. A series of projecting tabs extend from the frame. The projecting lug on the cleaning element engages the series of projecting tabs on the frame vibrating the frame and filter material held by the frame and thereby cleaning dirt from the primary filter when the actuator is manually manipulated.
- a method for directing airflow through a bagless vacuum cleaner wherein that vacuum cleaner includes a primary filter and a dust container having an inlet and an outlet.
- the method includes the steps of directing the airflow from the inlet around the dust container, drawing the airflow upwardly through the primary filter and discharging the airflow downwardly through the outlet by passing the airflow through a discharge conduit extending through a bottom wall of the dust container.
- the present invention may be broadly described as relating to a novel bagless upright vacuum cleaner also providing beltless operation.
- the bagless upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having a suction nozzle for picking up dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned and a canister assembly pivotally mounted to the nozzle assembly and including a control handle.
- the upright vacuum cleaner also includes a washable dust container providing a bagless means for collecting dirt and debris cleaned from the surface.
- an agitator is held in the nozzle assembly.
- a beltless agitator drive motor carried on the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly is provided for driving the agitator and lifting dirt and debris from the surface.
- a suction fan and beltless suction fan drive motor carried on the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly generates a vacuum airstream for drawing dirt and debris through the suction nozzle into the dust container.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view through the nozzle assembly of the vacuum cleaner showing the agitator and agitator drive arrangement.
- FIG. 2 a is a detailed cross-sectional view through the agitator
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dust collection assembly incorporated into the vacuum cleaner of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the dust collection assembly
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are cutaway, cross-sectional views through the canister assembly showing the latch handle in the unlatched and latched positions respectively.
- FIG. 1 showing the vacuum cleaner 10 of the present invention. It should be appreciated that while an upright vacuum cleaner 10 is illustrated, embodiments of the present invention also include canister vacuum cleaners incorporating a dust collection assembly 12 of the nature that will be described in detail below.
- the upright vacuum cleaner 10 illustrated includes a nozzle assembly 16 and a canister assembly 18 .
- the canister assembly 18 further includes a control handle 18 and a hand grip 22 .
- the hand grip 22 carries a control switch 24 for turning the vacuum cleaner on and off.
- electrical power is supplied to the vacuum cleaner 10 from a standard electrical wall outlet through a cord (not shown).
- a foot latch (not shown) functions to lock the canister assembly 18 in an upright position as shown in FIG. 1 . When the foot latch is released, the canister assembly 18 may be pivoted relative to the nozzle assembly 16 as the vacuum cleaner 10 is manipulated to-and-fro to clean the floor.
- the canister assembly 18 includes a cavity 32 adapted to receive and hold the dust collection assembly 12 . Additionally, the canister assembly 18 carries a suction fan 34 and suction fan drive motor 35 . Together, the suction fan 34 and its cooperating drive motor 35 function to generate a vacuum airstream for drawing dirt and debris from the surface to be cleaned. While the suction fan 34 and suction fan drive motor 35 are illustrated as being carried on the canister assembly 18 , it should be appreciated that they could likewise be carried on the nozzle assembly 16 if desired.
- the nozzle assembly 16 includes a nozzle and agitator cavity 36 that houses a rotating agitator brush 38 .
- the agitator brush 38 shown is rotatably driven by a motor 40 and cooperating gear drive 42 housed within the agitator and described in greater detail below (see FIGS. 2 and 2 a ).
- the scrubbing action of the rotary agitator brush 38 and the negative air pressure created by the suction fan 34 and drive motor 35 cooperate to brush and beat dirt and dust from the nap of the carpet being cleaned and then draw the dirt and dust laden air from the agitator cavity 36 to the dust collection assembly 12 .
- the dirt and dust laden air passes serially through a suction inlet and hose and/or an integrally molded conduit in the nozzle assembly 16 and/or canister assembly 18 as is known in the art.
- the cyclonic dust collection assembly 12 (described in greater detail below) which serves to trap the suspended dirt, dust and other particles inside while allowing the now clean air to pass freely through to the suction fan 34 , a final filtration cartridge 48 and ultimately to the environment through the exhaust port 50 .
- FIGS. 2 and 2 a show the mounting of the agitator motor 40 and associated gear drive 42 in the agitator 38 in detail.
- the agitator 38 is mounted for rotation relative to the nozzle assembly 16 .
- a first end of the agitator 38 includes an end cap 52 which is supported on bearings 54 on a stub shaft 55 held in mounting block 56 keyed into slot 58 in the side of the nozzle assembly 16 .
- An end cap 60 at the opposite end of the agitator 38 is supported on bearings 62 mounted on the housing 64 of the motor 40 .
- the motor 40 is fixed to the nozzle assembly 16 by means of the mounting block 66 fixed to the motor housing 64 and keyed in the slot 68 in the side of the nozzle assembly.
- the motor 40 drives a shaft 70 including gear teeth 72 .
- the drive shaft 70 extends through a bearing 74 held in the hub 76 of the planetary gear set carrier 78 .
- a fan 80 is keyed or otherwise secured to the distal end of the drive shaft 70 .
- the planetary gear set carrier 78 includes three stub shafts 82 that each carry a planetary gear 84 .
- Each of the planetary gears 84 include teeth that mesh with the gear teeth 72 of the drive shaft 70 .
- the planetary gears 82 mesh with the teeth of an annular gear 86 that is fixed to the agitator motor housing 64 by pin or other means.
- Planetary gear set carrier 78 also includes a drive ring 88 and associated rubber drive boot 87 which includes a series of spaced channels 89 that receive and engage axial ribs 91 projecting inwardly radially from the inner wall of the agitator 38 .
- the rubber drive boot 87 provides the necessary damping to insure the smooth transmission of power to the agitator.
- the drive shaft 70 Simultaneously with the rotation of the planetary gear set carrier 78 and agitator 38 , the drive shaft 70 also drives the fan 80 at a ratio of between 4-1 to 10-1 and most preferably 6-1 with respect to the agitator 38 . The resulting rapid rotation of the fan 80 helps to ensure proper cooling of the agitator motor 40 during its operation.
- the dust collection assembly 12 includes a filtering subassembly generally designated by reference numeral 100 and a dirt collection vessel or dust container 102 .
- Dust container 102 includes an open top 104 , a bottom wall 106 and a first cylindrical sidewall 108 .
- An inlet 110 is shown directed tangentially with respect to the cylindrical sidewall 108 . In this orientation, the inlet 110 promotes the formation of a vortex airstream as described in greater detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that substantially any other inlet orientation could be utilized.
- a downwardly directed outlet 112 extends through the bottom wall 106 .
- a second or inner cylindrical sidewall 114 is concentrically received within the first cylindrical sidewall 108 so that at least a portion of the dust container 102 is annular. As best shown in FIG. 3 , the second cylindrical sidewall 114 defines an exhaust passageway 116 provided in fluid communication with the outlet 112 .
- the filtering subassembly 100 includes a main body 118 and a cooperating cover 120 . Together the main body 118 and cooperating cover 120 define a primary filter cavity 122 .
- a primary filter 124 is positioned in the primary filter cavity 122 and divides that cavity into an intake chamber 126 and a discharge chamber 128 .
- the primary filter 124 is an annular corrugated filter made from paper or other natural and/or synthetic fiber material with each of the corrugations held by a plastic frame 130 . That frame 130 includes a series of upwardly projecting tabs 132 radially arranged about the primary filter 124 .
- the main body 118 includes a downwardly depending exhaust conduit 134 providing fluid communication between the discharge chamber 128 and the exhaust pathway 116 leading to the outlet 112 . As also shown the main body 118 includes a frustoconical wall 136 defining the peripheral margin of the intake chamber 126 .
- a prefilter 138 is carried on the main body 118 below the frustoconical wall 136 .
- the prefilter 138 is shown as comprising a cylindrical open-ended screen which extends concentrically around the exhaust conduit 134 so as to form an intake channel 140 between the prefilter 138 and the exhaust conduit 134 .
- the intake channel 140 is provided in fluid communication with the intake chamber 126 through spaced openings 142 in the base 144 of the main body 118 .
- an air current guide generally designated by reference numeral 146 is carried by the main body 118 adjacent the prefilter 138 .
- the air current guide 146 extends between the prefilter 138 and the second cylindrical sidewall 114 of the dust container 102 .
- the air current guide 146 includes a disc shaped separator 148 and one or more downwardly depending air current guide vanes 150 .
- the air current guide vane is canted inwardly between 0°-30° from the vertical toward the second cylindrical sidewall 114 . The function of the separator 148 and guide vane 150 will be described in greater detail below.
- In operation dirt and debris lifted by the agitator brush 38 and drawn through the suction inlet and hose passes through the inlet 110 .
- Inlet 110 directs the air to tangentially flow in a cyclonic path (note action arrows A in FIG. 3 ) around the dust container 102 .
- the air first flows around a prefilter 138 with the heavier debris falling under the force of gravity toward the bottom of the dust container 102 .
- the air current guide vane 150 helps maintain smooth, uninterrupted and unturbulent cyclonic flow in order to maximize cleaning action. Further, the inward cant of the guide vane causes dirt and debris entrained in the airstream A to move toward the center of the dust container 102 .
- the vacuum airstream now devoid of the relatively larger and heavier dust, debris and particles is drawn through the prefilter screen 138 into the intake channel 140 .
- the screen includes pores having a diameter of between substantially 40 ⁇ m and 300 ⁇ m. Relatively intermediate size dust, dirt and debris too light to settle to the bottom of the dust container 102 but too large to pass through the prefilter screen 138 is removed from the vacuum airstream by the prefilter screen. There this material collects and gradually accumulates into a heavier mass which will eventually fall under the force of gravity onto the separator 148 where it will be displaced by the moving airstream and drop down into the bottom of the dust container 102 .
- the vacuum airstream moving through the prefilter screen 138 into the intake channel 140 is then drawn through one of the apertures 142 in the main body 118 into the intake chamber 126 .
- the vacuum airstream is drawn upwardly through the primary filter 124 which removes substantially all of the remaining fine dust from the airstream.
- the vacuum airstream is drawn into the discharge chamber 128 .
- From there the vacuum airstream is redirected downwardly through the exhaust conduit 134 and then the exhaust passageway 116 to the outlet 112 .
- From there the airstream passes through a foam or sponge rubber filter pad 152 carried at the bottom wall of the cavity 32 in the canister assembly 18 .
- That filter pad 152 covers the inlet to a passageway (not shown) leading to the suction fan 34 . From there the vacuum airstream is exhausted over the suction fan drive motor 35 to provide cooling and is delivered through a sound muffling passageway to the final filtration cartridge 48 and then it is exhausted through the exhaust port 50 .
- a first gap 154 having a width W 1 of between about 34 mm and 36 mm is provided between the prefilter screen 138 and the first cylindrical sidewall 108 .
- the inlet 110 is provided with a diameter D 1 of between about 30 mm and 35 mm. In the most preferred embodiment diameter D 1 ⁇ the width W 1 .
- a second gap 156 having a width W 2 between about 12 mm and 16 mm is provided between an outer edge of the separator 148 and the first cylindrical sidewall 108 .
- the width W 2 of the gap 156 must be carefully controlled as it allows the separator 148 to concentrate the vacuum airflow from the inlet 110 in the area of the prefilter screen 138 away from the dirt and debris collecting in the bottom of the dust container 102 . This is done while simultaneously maintaining a sufficiently large gap 156 to allow the free passage of the larger, heavier dirt and dust particles entrained in the airstream into the lower portion of the dust container 102 where they can be collected.
- the dust container 102 will gradually fill with dirt and debris which will also collect on the prefilter screen 138 . Further, fine dust particles will be collected on the primary filter 124 .
- the dust container 102 and the cover 120 of the filtering subassembly 100 from transparent or translucent plastic material it is possible to visually monitor and inspect the condition of the dust container and primary filter 124 during vacuuming. Following vacuuming or as otherwise necessary it is easy to dispose of this dirt and debris. Specifically, the vacuum cleaner is turned off and the dust collection assembly 12 is removed from the cavity 32 in the canister assembly 18 .
- the latch handle 158 is pivotally connected to the cover 120 and serves as a simple and convenient means of handling the dust collection assembly 12 .
- a filter clicker allows easy cleaning of the primary filter 124 .
- the filter clicker 160 includes a revolving cleaning element 162 shown with a pair of projecting lugs 164 .
- An exposed actuator 166 is carried on the top of the cover 120 .
- the actuator 166 includes a hub 168 which projects through an opening in the cover 120 and engages in a cooperating socket provided in the cleaning element 162 .
- the cleaning element 162 is likewise rotated and the projecting lugs 164 engage with each of the series of projecting tabs 132 on the frame 130 of the primary filter 124 .
- the corrugated filter material is vibrated shaking the fine dust and dirt particles from the primary filter 124 . Since the projecting tabs 132 are provided around the outer margin of the frame, greater vibration is produced for better cleaning action. These dust and dirt particles then drop under the force of gravity and slide down the frustoconical sidewall 136 of the main body, pass through the aperture 142 and drop down into the bottom 170 of the intake channel 140 where they are captured.
- the cover 120 is then removed from the dust container 102 by twisting.
- the filtering subassembly 100 including the main body 118 , cover 120 , prefilter screen 138 and air current guide 146 stay together as a unit.
- the bottom 170 of the intake channel 140 opens and the fine dirt and debris that is collected there from the cleaning of the primary filter 124 falls under the force of gravity into the bottom of the dust container 102 .
- any relatively light dirt and debris remaining on the prefilter screen 138 or the upper ledge of the separator 148 falls easily to the bottom of the container with minor shaking of the filtering subassembly 100 during its removal from the container.
- the dirt and debris is then dumped from the container 102 into a garbage receptacle.
- the filtering subassembly 100 is then rejoined with the dust container 102 by twisting the cover 120 onto the threaded upper end of the dust container 102 and the entire dust collection assembly 12 is then repositioned in the cavity 32 in the canister assembly 18 with the inlet 110 in communication with a coupling 47 in communication with the hose or other conduit leading to the nozzle and the outlet 112 in communication with the port 113 leading to the suction fan 34 .
- the latch handle 158 is pivotally connected to the cover 120 by opposed stub shafts 200 received in cooperating opposed apertures in the cover. Springs 201 bias the latch handle to the latched position resting flat against the cover 120 .
- the latch handle 158 may be utilized in the manner of a handle of a pail to conveniently hold and manipulate the dust collection assembly 12 . As the dust collection assembly 12 is being secured in the cavity 32 the latch handle 158 is utilized to provide a positive connection.
- the latch handle 158 includes a pair of spaced cams 202 that engage a cooperating lip or shoulder 204 on the canister assembly 18 .
- the cams 202 engage the shoulder 204 thereby forcing the dust collection assembly 12 rearwardly and downwardly.
- This dual action firmly seats the inlet 110 in the coupling 47 and the outlet 112 in the port 113 leading to the suction fan 34 .
- a good seal is provided at each connection, vacuum pressure losses are avoided and peak operating efficiency of the suction fan is insured.
- the main body 118 and the cover 120 of the filtering subassembly 100 are connected together by means of the upstanding mounting flange 170 on the main body which provides either a threaded or a fiction fit in the cooperating groove 172 of the cover 120 . Accordingly, the cover 120 may be pulled from the main body 118 to open the primary filter cavity 122 . The primary filter 124 is then replaced with a new filter. The cover 120 is then repositioned on the main body 118 by inserting the mounting flange 170 in the cooperating groove 172 and completing the reconnection.
- a back light 180 could be provided behind the dust collection assembly 12 in the cavity 32 of the canister assembly 18 to visually enhance monitoring of the airflow and/or dirt level in the dust container 102 .
- the vacuum cleaner 10 could also include a bypass valve (not shown) in the airstream conduit upstream from the inlet 110 . The valve could be spring loaded to permit only high velocity air flow into the dust container 102 .
- a performance indicator of the type presently found on the Kenmore Model 38912 upright vacuum cleaner could be provided in the airstream conduit to give a true indication of vacuum cleaner performance.
- the vacuum cleaner is described with an agitator drive motor held in the agitator, the drive motor could be positioned outside of the agitator in either the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly in any manner desired.
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- Cleaning In General (AREA)
Abstract
A bagless vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having a suction nozzle for picking up dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned and a canister assembly including a cavity. A dust collection assembly is received and held in that cavity. The dust collection assembly includes a filtering subassembly and a dust container. The dust container has an open top, a bottom wall, a first cylindrical sidewall, an inlet, and a downwardly directed outlet extending through the bottom wall. An airstream conduit is provided for conveying a vacuum airstream between the suction nozzle and the inlet. A suction fan and suction fan drive motor carried on either the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly generates the vacuum airstream for drawing dirt and debris through the suction nozzle, the airstream conduit and the dust container.
Description
- This application is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/380,604 filed 5 Sep. 2003 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/237,832, filed Oct. 3, 2000.
- The present invention relates generally to the vacuum cleaner art, and, more particularly, to a bagless vacuum cleaner incorporating a novel air flow system.
- A recent consumer products trend has resulted in a rapid increase in the popularity of bagless upright vacuum cleaners. Such vacuum cleaners are equipped for bagless operation and generally incorporate a washable and rigid dust container or cup for collecting intermediate and larger particles of dirt and debris and a second, upstream corrugated paper, porous foam or like filter or filter cartridge for collecting smaller dirt and dust particles. The intermediate and larger particles of dirt and debris are collected in the dust container or cup usually by establishing a vortex airstream therein which allows the heavier particles to be separated from the airstream and collected in the bottom of the container or cup. Generally, the container or cup is made from transparent or translucent material so that the operator may observe the “cyclonic” cleaning action. This seems to add significantly to the customer satisfaction with the product. Of course, the transparent or translucent container or cup also allows the operator to confirm when the cup or container is nearing capacity. At that time the vacuum cleaner may be switched off and the cup or container removed for emptying into a garbage can or other appropriate dirt receptacle.
- While many available designs exist for bagless vacuum cleaners it should be appreciated that further improvements in design including improvements in air flow so as to provide more cleaning power and more efficient operation are still desired. The present invention meets this goal.
- To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, an improved bagless vacuum cleaner is provided. The bagless vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having a suction nozzle for picking up dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned and a canister assembly including a cavity. The bagless vacuum cleaner also includes a dust collection assembly. That dust collection assembly includes a filtering subassembly and a dust container. The dust container has an open top, a bottom wall and a first cylindrical sidewall. The container also includes an inlet that in at least one embodiment is directed tangentially with respect to the first cylindrical sidewall in order to establish a vortex airstream to allow efficient cleaning action. Still further, the dust container includes a downwardly directed outlet which extends through the bottom wall of the container. The bagless dust collection assembly is received and held in the cavity in the canister assembly.
- The bagless vacuum cleaner further includes an airstream conduit for conveying a vacuum airstream between the suction nozzle and the inlet. Additionally, a suction fan and suction fan drive motor is carried on either the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly. The suction fan and cooperating suction fan drive motor function to generate the vacuum airstream for drawing dirt and debris through the suction nozzle, the airstream conduit and the dust container.
- More specifically describing the invention, the dust container includes a second cylindrical sidewall concentrically received within the first cylindrical sidewall so that at least a portion of the dust container is annular. This second cylindrical sidewall defines an exhaust pathway which is provided in fluid communication with the outlet.
- The filtering subassembly includes a main body and a cooperating cover defining a primary filter cavity. A primary filter is positioned in the primary filter cavity. The primary filter divides the primary filter cavity into an intake chamber and a discharge chamber. The primary filter may take the form of an annular corrugated filter made from paper or other natural and/or synthetic fiber materials appropriate for the intended purpose.
- The main body of the filter subassembly includes a downwardly depending exhaust conduit which provides fluid communication between the discharge chamber and the exhaust pathway leading to the outlet. Additionally, the main body includes a first conical wall around the intake chamber.
- A prefilter is carried on the main body. The prefilter extends concentrically around the exhaust conduit but is spaced therefrom so as to form an intake channel between the prefilter and the exhaust conduit. The intake channel is provided in fluid communication with the intake chamber. The prefilter may take the form of a cylindrical open-ended screen.
- An air current guide may be carried on the main body adjacent the prefilter. The air current guide extends between the prefilter and the second cylindrical sidewall. The air current guide includes a disc-like separator and at least one downwardly depending air current guide vane.
- Once fully assembled a first gap having a width W1 is formed between the prefilter and the first cylindrical sidewall of the dust container. Further, the inlet includes a diameter D1. The diameter D1 is ≦the width W1. In a typical embodiment, diameter D1 is between about 30-35 and the width W1 is between about 34 mm-36 mm. Additionally, a second gap having a width W2 between about 12 mm-16 mm is provided between an outer edge of the separator and the first cylindrical sidewall.
- The vacuum cleaner also includes a filter clicker carried on the cover of the filtering subassembly. The filter clicker includes a cleaning element having at least one projecting lug and an actuator for rotating the cleaning element relative to the primary filter. The primary filter preferably includes a frame for supporting the corrugated filter material. A series of projecting tabs extend from the frame. The projecting lug on the cleaning element engages the series of projecting tabs on the frame vibrating the frame and filter material held by the frame and thereby cleaning dirt from the primary filter when the actuator is manually manipulated.
- In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention a method is provided for directing airflow through a bagless vacuum cleaner wherein that vacuum cleaner includes a primary filter and a dust container having an inlet and an outlet. The method includes the steps of directing the airflow from the inlet around the dust container, drawing the airflow upwardly through the primary filter and discharging the airflow downwardly through the outlet by passing the airflow through a discharge conduit extending through a bottom wall of the dust container.
- In addition, the present invention may be broadly described as relating to a novel bagless upright vacuum cleaner also providing beltless operation. The bagless upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having a suction nozzle for picking up dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned and a canister assembly pivotally mounted to the nozzle assembly and including a control handle. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a washable dust container providing a bagless means for collecting dirt and debris cleaned from the surface. Additionally, an agitator is held in the nozzle assembly. A beltless agitator drive motor carried on the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly is provided for driving the agitator and lifting dirt and debris from the surface. A suction fan and beltless suction fan drive motor carried on the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly generates a vacuum airstream for drawing dirt and debris through the suction nozzle into the dust container.
- Still other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention simply by way of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
- The accompanying drawing incorporated in and forming a part of this specification, illustrates several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serves to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawing:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view through the nozzle assembly of the vacuum cleaner showing the agitator and agitator drive arrangement. -
FIG. 2 a is a detailed cross-sectional view through the agitator; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dust collection assembly incorporated into the vacuum cleaner of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the dust collection assembly; and -
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are cutaway, cross-sectional views through the canister assembly showing the latch handle in the unlatched and latched positions respectively. - Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
- Reference is now made to
FIG. 1 showing thevacuum cleaner 10 of the present invention. It should be appreciated that while anupright vacuum cleaner 10 is illustrated, embodiments of the present invention also include canister vacuum cleaners incorporating adust collection assembly 12 of the nature that will be described in detail below. - The
upright vacuum cleaner 10 illustrated includes anozzle assembly 16 and acanister assembly 18. Thecanister assembly 18 further includes acontrol handle 18 and ahand grip 22. Thehand grip 22 carries acontrol switch 24 for turning the vacuum cleaner on and off. Of course, electrical power is supplied to thevacuum cleaner 10 from a standard electrical wall outlet through a cord (not shown). - At the lower portion of the
canister assembly 18,rear wheels 26 are provided to support the weight of thevacuum cleaner 10. A second set ofwheels 27 allow the operator to raise and lower thenozzle assembly 16 through selective manipulation of theheight adjustment switch 28. Such a height adjustment mechanism is well known in the art and is exemplified, for example, by the arrangement incorporated into the Kenmore Progressive Vacuum Cleaner presently in the marketplace. To allow for convenient storage of thevacuum cleaner 10, a foot latch (not shown) functions to lock thecanister assembly 18 in an upright position as shown inFIG. 1 . When the foot latch is released, thecanister assembly 18 may be pivoted relative to thenozzle assembly 16 as thevacuum cleaner 10 is manipulated to-and-fro to clean the floor. - The
canister assembly 18 includes acavity 32 adapted to receive and hold thedust collection assembly 12. Additionally, thecanister assembly 18 carries asuction fan 34 and suctionfan drive motor 35. Together, thesuction fan 34 and its cooperatingdrive motor 35 function to generate a vacuum airstream for drawing dirt and debris from the surface to be cleaned. While thesuction fan 34 and suctionfan drive motor 35 are illustrated as being carried on thecanister assembly 18, it should be appreciated that they could likewise be carried on thenozzle assembly 16 if desired. - The
nozzle assembly 16 includes a nozzle andagitator cavity 36 that houses arotating agitator brush 38. Theagitator brush 38 shown is rotatably driven by amotor 40 and cooperating gear drive 42 housed within the agitator and described in greater detail below (seeFIGS. 2 and 2 a). In the illustratedvacuum cleaner 10, the scrubbing action of therotary agitator brush 38 and the negative air pressure created by thesuction fan 34 and drivemotor 35 cooperate to brush and beat dirt and dust from the nap of the carpet being cleaned and then draw the dirt and dust laden air from theagitator cavity 36 to thedust collection assembly 12. Specifically, the dirt and dust laden air passes serially through a suction inlet and hose and/or an integrally molded conduit in thenozzle assembly 16 and/orcanister assembly 18 as is known in the art. Next, it is delivered into the cyclonic dust collection assembly 12 (described in greater detail below) which serves to trap the suspended dirt, dust and other particles inside while allowing the now clean air to pass freely through to thesuction fan 34, afinal filtration cartridge 48 and ultimately to the environment through theexhaust port 50. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 2 and 2 a which show the mounting of theagitator motor 40 and associated gear drive 42 in theagitator 38 in detail. As shown, theagitator 38 is mounted for rotation relative to thenozzle assembly 16. Specifically, a first end of theagitator 38 includes anend cap 52 which is supported onbearings 54 on astub shaft 55 held in mountingblock 56 keyed intoslot 58 in the side of thenozzle assembly 16. Anend cap 60 at the opposite end of theagitator 38 is supported onbearings 62 mounted on thehousing 64 of themotor 40. As should be appreciated, themotor 40 is fixed to thenozzle assembly 16 by means of the mountingblock 66 fixed to themotor housing 64 and keyed in theslot 68 in the side of the nozzle assembly. - The
motor 40 drives ashaft 70 includinggear teeth 72. Thedrive shaft 70 extends through abearing 74 held in thehub 76 of the planetary gear setcarrier 78. In the most preferred embodiment afan 80 is keyed or otherwise secured to the distal end of thedrive shaft 70. - The planetary gear set
carrier 78 includes threestub shafts 82 that each carry aplanetary gear 84. Each of theplanetary gears 84 include teeth that mesh with thegear teeth 72 of thedrive shaft 70. Additionally, theplanetary gears 82 mesh with the teeth of anannular gear 86 that is fixed to theagitator motor housing 64 by pin or other means. Thus, it should be appreciated that as thedrive shaft 70 is driven by themotor 40, theplanetary gears 84 are driven around theannular gear 86, thereby causing the planetary gear setcarrier 78 to rotate. - Planetary gear set
carrier 78 also includes adrive ring 88 and associatedrubber drive boot 87 which includes a series of spacedchannels 89 that receive and engageaxial ribs 91 projecting inwardly radially from the inner wall of theagitator 38. Thus, the rotation of the planetary gear setcarrier 78 is transmitted by thedrive ring 88 and driveboot 87 directly to and causes like rotation of theagitator 38. Therubber drive boot 87 provides the necessary damping to insure the smooth transmission of power to the agitator. Simultaneously with the rotation of the planetary gear setcarrier 78 andagitator 38, thedrive shaft 70 also drives thefan 80 at a ratio of between 4-1 to 10-1 and most preferably 6-1 with respect to theagitator 38. The resulting rapid rotation of thefan 80 helps to ensure proper cooling of theagitator motor 40 during its operation. - The
dust collection assembly 12 will now be described in detail. Thedust collection assembly 12 includes a filtering subassembly generally designated byreference numeral 100 and a dirt collection vessel ordust container 102.Dust container 102 includes an open top 104, abottom wall 106 and a firstcylindrical sidewall 108. Aninlet 110 is shown directed tangentially with respect to thecylindrical sidewall 108. In this orientation, theinlet 110 promotes the formation of a vortex airstream as described in greater detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that substantially any other inlet orientation could be utilized. - A downwardly directed
outlet 112 extends through thebottom wall 106. A second or innercylindrical sidewall 114 is concentrically received within the firstcylindrical sidewall 108 so that at least a portion of thedust container 102 is annular. As best shown inFIG. 3 , the secondcylindrical sidewall 114 defines anexhaust passageway 116 provided in fluid communication with theoutlet 112. - The
filtering subassembly 100 includes amain body 118 and a cooperatingcover 120. Together themain body 118 and cooperatingcover 120 define aprimary filter cavity 122. Aprimary filter 124 is positioned in theprimary filter cavity 122 and divides that cavity into anintake chamber 126 and adischarge chamber 128. In one embodiment, theprimary filter 124 is an annular corrugated filter made from paper or other natural and/or synthetic fiber material with each of the corrugations held by aplastic frame 130. Thatframe 130 includes a series of upwardly projectingtabs 132 radially arranged about theprimary filter 124. - The
main body 118 includes a downwardly dependingexhaust conduit 134 providing fluid communication between thedischarge chamber 128 and theexhaust pathway 116 leading to theoutlet 112. As also shown themain body 118 includes afrustoconical wall 136 defining the peripheral margin of theintake chamber 126. - A
prefilter 138 is carried on themain body 118 below thefrustoconical wall 136. Theprefilter 138 is shown as comprising a cylindrical open-ended screen which extends concentrically around theexhaust conduit 134 so as to form anintake channel 140 between theprefilter 138 and theexhaust conduit 134. Of course, other materials such as a porous plastic could be used for the prefilter. Theintake channel 140 is provided in fluid communication with theintake chamber 126 through spacedopenings 142 in thebase 144 of themain body 118. - As further shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , an air current guide, generally designated byreference numeral 146 is carried by themain body 118 adjacent theprefilter 138. The aircurrent guide 146 extends between theprefilter 138 and the secondcylindrical sidewall 114 of thedust container 102. As shown the aircurrent guide 146 includes a disc shapedseparator 148 and one or more downwardly depending air current guide vanes 150. The air current guide vane is canted inwardly between 0°-30° from the vertical toward the secondcylindrical sidewall 114. The function of theseparator 148 and guidevane 150 will be described in greater detail below. - In operation, dirt and debris lifted by the
agitator brush 38 and drawn through the suction inlet and hose passes through theinlet 110.Inlet 110 directs the air to tangentially flow in a cyclonic path (note action arrows A inFIG. 3 ) around thedust container 102. Specifically, the air first flows around aprefilter 138 with the heavier debris falling under the force of gravity toward the bottom of thedust container 102. The aircurrent guide vane 150 helps maintain smooth, uninterrupted and unturbulent cyclonic flow in order to maximize cleaning action. Further, the inward cant of the guide vane causes dirt and debris entrained in the airstream A to move toward the center of thedust container 102. This effectively compacts the dirt and debris allowing the dust container to fill to a higher capacity. The largest and heaviest of the dirt and debris entrained in the vacuum airstream delivered into thedust container 102 through theinlet 110 settles to thebottom wall 106 of the dust container. - The vacuum airstream now devoid of the relatively larger and heavier dust, debris and particles is drawn through the
prefilter screen 138 into theintake channel 140. The screen includes pores having a diameter of between substantially 40 μm and 300 μm. Relatively intermediate size dust, dirt and debris too light to settle to the bottom of thedust container 102 but too large to pass through theprefilter screen 138 is removed from the vacuum airstream by the prefilter screen. There this material collects and gradually accumulates into a heavier mass which will eventually fall under the force of gravity onto theseparator 148 where it will be displaced by the moving airstream and drop down into the bottom of thedust container 102. - As best shown by action arrow B, the vacuum airstream moving through the
prefilter screen 138 into theintake channel 140 is then drawn through one of theapertures 142 in themain body 118 into theintake chamber 126. From theintake chamber 126 the vacuum airstream is drawn upwardly through theprimary filter 124 which removes substantially all of the remaining fine dust from the airstream. Next the vacuum airstream is drawn into thedischarge chamber 128. From there the vacuum airstream is redirected downwardly through theexhaust conduit 134 and then theexhaust passageway 116 to theoutlet 112. From there the airstream passes through a foam or sponge rubber filter pad 152 carried at the bottom wall of thecavity 32 in thecanister assembly 18. That filter pad 152 covers the inlet to a passageway (not shown) leading to thesuction fan 34. From there the vacuum airstream is exhausted over the suctionfan drive motor 35 to provide cooling and is delivered through a sound muffling passageway to thefinal filtration cartridge 48 and then it is exhausted through theexhaust port 50. - The flow of the vacuum airstream is carefully shaped and controlled throughout its passage through the
vacuum cleaner 10 in order to ensure the highest possible cleaning efficiency. Toward this end afirst gap 154 having a width W1 of between about 34 mm and 36 mm is provided between theprefilter screen 138 and the firstcylindrical sidewall 108. Theinlet 110 is provided with a diameter D1 of between about 30 mm and 35 mm. In the most preferred embodiment diameter D1≦the width W1. - Additionally, a
second gap 156 having a width W2 between about 12 mm and 16 mm is provided between an outer edge of theseparator 148 and the firstcylindrical sidewall 108. The width W2 of thegap 156 must be carefully controlled as it allows theseparator 148 to concentrate the vacuum airflow from theinlet 110 in the area of theprefilter screen 138 away from the dirt and debris collecting in the bottom of thedust container 102. This is done while simultaneously maintaining a sufficientlylarge gap 156 to allow the free passage of the larger, heavier dirt and dust particles entrained in the airstream into the lower portion of thedust container 102 where they can be collected. - During vacuuming, the
dust container 102 will gradually fill with dirt and debris which will also collect on theprefilter screen 138. Further, fine dust particles will be collected on theprimary filter 124. By forming thedust container 102 and thecover 120 of thefiltering subassembly 100 from transparent or translucent plastic material it is possible to visually monitor and inspect the condition of the dust container andprimary filter 124 during vacuuming. Following vacuuming or as otherwise necessary it is easy to dispose of this dirt and debris. Specifically, the vacuum cleaner is turned off and thedust collection assembly 12 is removed from thecavity 32 in thecanister assembly 18. This may be done by lifting and releasing the latch handle 158 (the operation of which is described in greater detail below) or by simply pulling thedust collection assembly 12 from its nested position if no latch is provided. The latch handle 158 is pivotally connected to thecover 120 and serves as a simple and convenient means of handling thedust collection assembly 12. - A filter clicker, generally designated by
reference numeral 160, allows easy cleaning of theprimary filter 124. More specifically, thefilter clicker 160 includes a revolvingcleaning element 162 shown with a pair of projectinglugs 164. An exposedactuator 166 is carried on the top of thecover 120. Theactuator 166 includes ahub 168 which projects through an opening in thecover 120 and engages in a cooperating socket provided in thecleaning element 162. By manually rotating theactuator 166, thecleaning element 162 is likewise rotated and the projectinglugs 164 engage with each of the series of projectingtabs 132 on theframe 130 of theprimary filter 124. As the projectinglugs 164 resiliently snap past the projectingtabs 132, the corrugated filter material is vibrated shaking the fine dust and dirt particles from theprimary filter 124. Since the projectingtabs 132 are provided around the outer margin of the frame, greater vibration is produced for better cleaning action. These dust and dirt particles then drop under the force of gravity and slide down thefrustoconical sidewall 136 of the main body, pass through theaperture 142 and drop down into thebottom 170 of theintake channel 140 where they are captured. - The
cover 120 is then removed from thedust container 102 by twisting. When separated thefiltering subassembly 100 including themain body 118,cover 120,prefilter screen 138 and aircurrent guide 146 stay together as a unit. As thefiltering subassembly 100 and thedust container 102 are separated, thebottom 170 of theintake channel 140 opens and the fine dirt and debris that is collected there from the cleaning of theprimary filter 124 falls under the force of gravity into the bottom of thedust container 102. Similarly, any relatively light dirt and debris remaining on theprefilter screen 138 or the upper ledge of theseparator 148 falls easily to the bottom of the container with minor shaking of thefiltering subassembly 100 during its removal from the container. The dirt and debris is then dumped from thecontainer 102 into a garbage receptacle. Thefiltering subassembly 100 is then rejoined with thedust container 102 by twisting thecover 120 onto the threaded upper end of thedust container 102 and the entiredust collection assembly 12 is then repositioned in thecavity 32 in thecanister assembly 18 with theinlet 110 in communication with acoupling 47 in communication with the hose or other conduit leading to the nozzle and theoutlet 112 in communication with theport 113 leading to thesuction fan 34. - As best shown in
FIGS. 3, 5 a and 5 b, the latch handle 158 is pivotally connected to thecover 120 byopposed stub shafts 200 received in cooperating opposed apertures in the cover.Springs 201 bias the latch handle to the latched position resting flat against thecover 120. When disengaged or unlatched, the latch handle 158 may be utilized in the manner of a handle of a pail to conveniently hold and manipulate thedust collection assembly 12. As thedust collection assembly 12 is being secured in thecavity 32 the latch handle 158 is utilized to provide a positive connection. - More specifically, the latch handle 158 includes a pair of spaced
cams 202 that engage a cooperating lip orshoulder 204 on thecanister assembly 18. Thus, as the latch handle 158 is pressed downwardly toward thecover 120, thecams 202 engage theshoulder 204 thereby forcing thedust collection assembly 12 rearwardly and downwardly. This dual action firmly seats theinlet 110 in thecoupling 47 and theoutlet 112 in theport 113 leading to thesuction fan 34. As a result, a good seal is provided at each connection, vacuum pressure losses are avoided and peak operating efficiency of the suction fan is insured. - Under certain circumstances, such as after extended heavy duty service, it may become necessary to access the
primary filter 124. This is relatively easily accomplished. More particularly, themain body 118 and thecover 120 of thefiltering subassembly 100 are connected together by means of the upstanding mountingflange 170 on the main body which provides either a threaded or a fiction fit in the cooperatinggroove 172 of thecover 120. Accordingly, thecover 120 may be pulled from themain body 118 to open theprimary filter cavity 122. Theprimary filter 124 is then replaced with a new filter. Thecover 120 is then repositioned on themain body 118 by inserting the mountingflange 170 in the cooperatinggroove 172 and completing the reconnection. - The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of this invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, a back light 180 could be provided behind the
dust collection assembly 12 in thecavity 32 of thecanister assembly 18 to visually enhance monitoring of the airflow and/or dirt level in thedust container 102. Thevacuum cleaner 10 could also include a bypass valve (not shown) in the airstream conduit upstream from theinlet 110. The valve could be spring loaded to permit only high velocity air flow into thedust container 102. If desired, a performance indicator of the type presently found on the Kenmore Model 38912 upright vacuum cleaner could be provided in the airstream conduit to give a true indication of vacuum cleaner performance. Further, while the vacuum cleaner is described with an agitator drive motor held in the agitator, the drive motor could be positioned outside of the agitator in either the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly in any manner desired. - The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.
Claims (14)
1.) An upright vacuum cleaner, comprising
a nozzle assembly including a suction nozzle for picking up dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned;
a canister assembly pivotally mounted to said nozzle assembly and including a control handle;
a bagless means for collecting dirt and debris cleaned from said surface, said bagless means including a washable dust container;
an agitator held in said nozzle assembly;
a beltless agitator drive motor carried on one of said nozzle assembly and said canister assembly for driving said agitator and lifting dirt and debris from said surface; and
a suction fan and beltless suction fan drive motor carried on one of said nozzle assembly and said canister assembly for generating a vacuum airstream for drawing dirt and debris through said suction nozzle into said dust container.
2.) An upright vacuum cleaner, comprising:
a nozzle assembly including a suction nozzle;
a canister assembly pivotally mounted to said nozzle assembly and including a control handle;
a dirt collection assembly including a bagless dust container held in a cavity on said canister assembly;
an agitator held in said nozzle assembly;
a beltless agitator drive motor carried on one of said nozzle assembly and said canister assembly; and
a suction fan and beltless suction fan drive motor carried on one of said nozzle assembly and said canister assembly for generating a vacuum airstream for drawing dirt and debris through said suction nozzle into said bagless dust container.
3.) The vacuum cleaner of claim 2 , wherein said bagless dust container includes a bottom wall and a cylindrical sidewall.
4.) The vacuum cleaner of claim 3 , wherein said bagless dust container includes a tangentially directed inlet.
5.) The vacuum cleaner of claim 4 , wherein said bagless dust container includes an outlet extending through said bottom wall.
6.) The vacuum cleaner of claim 5 , wherein at least a portion of said bagless dust container is annular.
7.) The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , wherein said dust collection assembly further includes a filtering subassembly.
8.) The vacuum cleaner of claim 7 , wherein said filtering subassembly includes a main body and a cooperating cover defining a primary filter cavity.
9.) The vacuum cleaner of claim 8 , further including a primary filter positioned in said primary filter cavity and dividing said primary filter cavity into an intake chamber and a discharge chamber.
10.) The vacuum cleaner of claim 9 , wherein said primary filter is an annular corrugated material filter.
11.) The vacuum cleaner of claim 10 , wherein said main body includes a frustoconical wall around said intake chamber.
12.) The vacuum cleaner of claim 11 , further including a prefilter carried on said main body.
13.) A method of making an upright vacuum cleaner having a nozzle assembly, a canister assembly, a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel, comprising:
equipping said upright vacuum cleaner with a bagless dirt collection vessel; and
driving a fan of said suction generator and said agitator with a beltless drive mechanism.
14.) The method of claim 13 , further including providing said dirt collection vessel with a cylindrical sidewall and a tangentially directed inlet so as to produce air flow in a cyclonic path around said dirt collection vessel.
Priority Applications (1)
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US11/653,685 US20070113372A1 (en) | 2000-10-03 | 2007-01-16 | Airflow system for bagless vacuum cleaner |
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US23783200P | 2000-10-03 | 2000-10-03 | |
US10/380,604 US7222392B2 (en) | 2000-10-03 | 2001-10-03 | Airflow system for bagless vacuum cleaner |
PCT/US2001/030910 WO2002028260A1 (en) | 2000-10-03 | 2001-10-03 | Airflow system for bagless vacuum cleaner |
US11/653,685 US20070113372A1 (en) | 2000-10-03 | 2007-01-16 | Airflow system for bagless vacuum cleaner |
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US10/380,604 Continuation US7222392B2 (en) | 2000-10-03 | 2001-10-03 | Airflow system for bagless vacuum cleaner |
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US11/653,685 Abandoned US20070113372A1 (en) | 2000-10-03 | 2007-01-16 | Airflow system for bagless vacuum cleaner |
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US10/380,604 Expired - Fee Related US7222392B2 (en) | 2000-10-03 | 2001-10-03 | Airflow system for bagless vacuum cleaner |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2424185A1 (en) | 2002-04-11 |
GB2373997B (en) | 2004-07-21 |
US7222392B2 (en) | 2007-05-29 |
WO2002028260A1 (en) | 2002-04-11 |
GB0215282D0 (en) | 2002-08-14 |
GB2373997A (en) | 2002-10-09 |
CA2424185C (en) | 2008-06-03 |
US20040025287A1 (en) | 2004-02-12 |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |