US20090064450A1 - Surface treating appliance - Google Patents
Surface treating appliance Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090064450A1 US20090064450A1 US12/205,680 US20568008A US2009064450A1 US 20090064450 A1 US20090064450 A1 US 20090064450A1 US 20568008 A US20568008 A US 20568008A US 2009064450 A1 US2009064450 A1 US 2009064450A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- stand
- main body
- appliance
- appliance according
- upright
- 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
- 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
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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
- A47L5/32—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with means for connecting a hose
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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
- A47L9/0009—Storing devices ; Supports, stands or holders
- A47L9/0054—Stands or the like for temporary interruption of work
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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
- A47L9/009—Carrying-vehicles; Arrangements of trollies or wheels; Means for avoiding mechanical obstacles
Definitions
- This invention relates to a surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner.
- a typical upright vacuum cleaner comprises a main body which houses the main components of the vacuum cleaner, such as a motor and fan for drawing dirty air into the machine and some form of separating apparatus for separating dirt, dust and other debris from a dirty airflow drawn in by the fan.
- the main body also houses filters for trapping fine particles in the cleaned airflow.
- a cleaner head is rotatably mounted to the lower end of the main body.
- a supporting wheel is mounted on each side of the lower part of the main body, in a fixed relationship to the main body. In use, a user reclines the main body of the vacuum cleaner and then pushes and pulls a handle which is fixed to the main body of the cleaner. The vacuum cleaner rolls along the floor surface on the supporting wheels.
- a dirty-air inlet is located on the underside of the cleaner head. Dirty air is drawn into the dust separating apparatus via the dirty-air inlet by means of the motor-driven fan. When the dirt and dust entrained within the air has been separated from the airflow in the separating apparatus, air is conducted to the clean air outlet by a second air flow duct, and via one or more filters, and expelled into the atmosphere.
- the present invention provides a surface-treating appliance comprising a main body, a surface-treating head, and a stand, the stand being located on a rear portion of the appliance and being moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body in an upright position and a stored position, the stand being moveable between the supporting and stored positions in response to a force being applied to the main body.
- the force is movement of the main body between its upright position and an inclined position.
- the force may comprise a downwards force applied to the main body.
- the main body comprises a handle and/or wand and the force is applied to the handle and/or wand.
- the handle and/or wand may be located at the top of the main body.
- surface-treating appliances are stored with the main body in an upright configuration and used with the body in an inclined position. Therefore the provision of a stand which is movable between the supporting and stored positions automatically in response to a force being applied to the main body, for example movement of the main body between its upright position and an inclined position is more intuitive.
- the appliance advantageously requires no direct action by a user in order to raise and lower the stand. A user simply applies a downward pressure to the main body and/or tips the main body ready for use and the stand automatically moves into its stored position.
- the stand is pedaless or actuatorless and therefore a user does not have to find and compress a pedal or other actuator, for example a leaver or button, in order to move the stand into the stored position.
- a pedal or other actuator for example a leaver or button
- the stand is operated without any physical manipulation of the stand, any part of the surface treating head or other direct intervention by the user and as such is “automatic” within the meaning of this invention.
- the stand is pivotably moveable between the supporting and stored positions.
- the stand may be movable either in a forward direction or in a rearward direction. If the stand is arranged to move in a forward direction it may be located generally underneath the appliance or alongside a part of the surface treating head in the stored position. If it is arranged to move in a rearward direction it may be folded generally upwardly against the rear of the appliance in the stored position.
- the stand may be arranged to be moveable from the supporting position to the stored position in response to the main body of the appliance being tipped rearwardly until its weight is over centre of the stand.
- the stand does not have a balance point. In a particular embodiment this is achieved by ensuring that the centre of gravity of the main body is behind the stand when the stand is at substantially 90 degrees to a floor surface on which the appliance is placed. This is advantageous since a common problem with existing support assemblies is that they may have a balance point at which the support assembly is neither up nor down. This may be dangerous, since if the appliance is left standing at this balance point a small knock to the appliance could result in it falling over, which could damage the appliance and/or cause an injury to a user.
- the appliance may further comprise resilient biasing means, for example one or more over-centre spring mechanisms to assist in moving the stand between the stored and supporting positions.
- resilient biasing means for example one or more over-centre spring mechanisms to assist in moving the stand between the stored and supporting positions.
- At least one cam mechanism may additionally or alternatively be provided.
- the cam mechanism may be arranged such that when the main body of the appliance is raised from an inclined position to its upright position, the cam mechanism urges the stand into the supporting position.
- the cam mechanism may for example comprise an actuator, for example an actuator located on the surface treating head, or a yoke associated with the surface treating head.
- the actuator When the main body of the appliance is raised from an inclined position to its upright position by a user, the actuator may be arranged to engage with and push against a portion of the stand to urge the stand into the supporting position.
- the appliance may further comprise a wheel or roller which may be rotatably mounted to the main body for allowing the main body to be moved along a surface.
- the wheel or roller may comprise one or more rotatable members having an outer surface which define a substantially continuous rolling support surface in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main body, the support surface preferably being symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the main body.
- the wheel or roller may house a component of the appliance, for example a motor and/or fan arrangement arranged, in use, to generate a fluid flow.
- the appliance may also further comprise a wand.
- the appliance may further comprise an upright lock for locking the surface-treating head in a fixed position with respect to the main body when the stand is in the supporting position. This advantageously may allow the entire appliance to be lifted of the floor and carried without the surface treating head falling towards the floor.
- the upright lock may be arranged to be automatically released when the main body is tipped into an inclined position for use.
- the upright lock or a portion of the upright lock may also function both to prevent the stand activating accidentally and as the cam for urging the stand into the supporting position.
- the upright lock may be associated with an upright lock resilient biasing means, for example an over centre spring.
- the upright lock and the upright lock biasing means may help to ensure that the stand does not move into its stored position by accident.
- a downward force may be applied to a wand or handle of the main body. Preferably this force is applied as the appliance is reclined. This downward force may help to overcome the force of the upright lock biasing means.
- the stand may comprise a pair of legs and at least one lever arm.
- the lever arm may be arranged to extend alongside one of the legs for example alongside the inner surface of one of the legs.
- the lever arm may be arranged such that it can move the stand into the stored position in response to a user reclining the appliance.
- the lever arm is preferably pivotally attached at a first end to the main body of the appliance.
- the second end of the lever arm further comprises an outwardly facing pin arranged to engage with a groove on the surface of the leg which it is alongside.
- the stand is preferably arranged such that when it is in the supporting position the pin is arranged at the furthest end of the groove away from the main body of the appliance.
- the leg of the stand which comprises the groove may also further comprises a cam which is resiliently biased to project into the groove. Therefore when a user reclines the appliance the pin on the lever arm has to move past the cam against the force of the resilient biasing means. Once the pin has passed the cam, it continues to move along the groove as the user continues to recline the appliance further.
- a stand activating resilient biasing means for example an over centre spring mechanism may be provided to assist in moving the stand between the stored and supporting positions once the pin has reached a certain point along the groove.
- the pin has to move past a cam which is resiliently biased to project into the groove, a certain amount of force is required.
- At least one return cam mechanism may additionally be provided.
- the return cam mechanism may be arranged such that when the main body of the appliance is raised from an inclined position to its upright position, the return cam mechanism urges the stand into the supporting position.
- the return cam mechanism may for example comprise an actuator, for example an actuator located on the surface treating head.
- the actuator When the main body of the appliance is raised from an inclined position to its upright position by a user, the actuator may be arranged to engage with and push against a portion of the stand to urge the stand into the supporting position.
- the pin needs to pass the resiliently biased cam before the stand can reach its supporting position.
- the resiliently biased cam may be pivotally mounted to the leg.
- the leg also further comprises a cam block which is arranged to allow the resiliently biased cam to pivot when the pin moves towards the end of the groove furthest away from the main body of the appliance but not when the pin is moving in the other direction.
- the appliance may also further comprise a hose.
- the appliance may also further comprise a hose lock.
- the hose lock may be arranged to lock the stand in the supporting position during use of the hose, such that if a user applies a rearward pulling force to the hose, the stand does not move into the stored position. This is advantageous as it helps to ensure that the appliance does not fall over whilst the hose is in use.
- the hose lock comprises an abutment member which in use presses against the stand, locking it in the supporting position when the hose is pulled away from the appliance during use.
- the hose lock is preferably arranged to be automatically released when the hose is stored on the main body.
- the appliance may also further comprise a change over valve lock for locking the stand in the supporting position when the wand is in use.
- the change over valve lock may be arranged to lock the stand in the supporting position on removal of the wand from its storage position on the main body. This is advantageous as it helps to ensure that the appliance does not fall over whilst the wand is in use.
- the change over valve lock comprises an abutment member which in use presses against the stand, locking it in the supporting position, when the wand is removed from its storage position on the appliance.
- the change over valve lock is preferably arranged to be automatically released when the wand is stored on the main body.
- This invention is particularly suitable for inclusion in upright vacuum cleaners, for example upright vacuum cleaners having a wide, ball-like rolling support assembly, but may be applied to more conventional upright cleaners and other domestic appliances.
- the vacuum cleaner may further comprising cyclonic dirt and dust separating means.
- surface treating appliance is intended to have a broad meaning, and includes a wide range of appliances having a surface treating head for traveling over a surface to clean or treat the surface in some manner. It includes, inter alia, appliances which apply suction to the surface so as to draw material from it, such as vacuum cleaners (dry, wet and wet/dry), as well as appliances which apply material to the surface, such as polishing/waxing machines, pressure washing machines, ground marking machines and shampooing machines. It also includes lawn mowers and other cutting machines.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a surface-treating appliance constructed according to the invention with the stand in the supporting position;
- FIG. 2 shows the appliance of FIG. 1 at the point of stand collapse
- FIG. 3 shows the appliance of FIGS. 1 and 2 at the point of stand activation
- FIG. 4 shows the appliance of FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3 with the stand in the storage position
- FIG. 5 a shows a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a hose and hose lock, with the hose lock in the unlocked position;
- FIG. 5 b shows the appliance of FIG. 5 a with the hose lock in the locked position
- FIG. 6 shows a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a wand and change over valve lock, with the changeover valve lock shown in the locked (dotted lines) and unlocked positions (solid lines);
- FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the hose lock of the present invention in both the locked and unlocked positions
- FIG. 8 a shows a partial side view of an embodiment of vacuum cleaner according to the present invention showing the stand in the storage position and the upright lock in its unlocked configuration
- FIG. 8 b shows the appliance of FIG. 8 a showing the stand in its supporting position and the upright lock in the locked configuration
- FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the yoke of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 11 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 12 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 13 a to 13 c show side views of an embodiment of the present invention.
- the surface treating appliance is shown in the form of a vacuum cleaner and is indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 .
- the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a main body 2 , a user-operable handle 3 and a large roller 4 for rolling the cleaner 1 along a floor surface 5 .
- the roller 4 houses a motor and fan for generating a suction airflow (not visible in these drawings).
- the main body 2 houses separating apparatus 6 for separating dirt, dust and other debris from a dirty airflow drawn into the cleaner 1 by the fan and motor.
- the separating apparatus 6 is cyclonic, in which the dirt and dust is spun from the airflow.
- the cyclonic separating apparatus 6 comprises two stages of cyclone separation arranged in series with one another.
- the first stage is a cylindrically-walled chamber 7 and the second stage comprises a set of tapering, substantially frusto-conically shaped chambers 8 arranged in parallel with one another.
- Airflow is directed tangentially into the upper part of the chamber 7 by a duct 9 . Larger debris and particles are removed and collected in this cyclonic chamber 7 .
- the airflow then passes through a shroud (not shown) to the set of cyclonic chambers 8 . Finer dust is separated by these chambers 8 and collected in a common collecting region.
- the second set of separators 8 can be upright, i.e. with their fluid inlets and outlets at the top and their dirt outlets at the bottom, or inverted, i.e. with their fluid inlets and outlets at the bottom and their dirt outlets at the top.
- the nature of the separating apparatus 6 is not material to the present invention.
- the main body 2 also houses filters (not visible in these drawings) for trapping fine particles in the cleaned airflow. These filters remove any fine particles of dust which have not already been removed from the airflow by the separating apparatus 6 .
- a first filter called a pre-motor filter, is provided before the motor and fan.
- a second filter called a post-motor filter, is provided after the motor and fan. Where the motor for driving the suction fan has carbon brushes, the post-motor filter also serves to trap any carbon particles emitted by the brushes. Clean air is then expelled to the atmosphere.
- a cleaner head 10 is pivotably mounted to the lower end of the main body 2 , and serves, in use, to treat the floor surface 5 .
- the lower, floor-facing side of the cleaner head 10 has an air inlet slot 11 .
- the roller 4 permits the cleaner 1 to be manoeuvered easily along a floor surface 5 .
- the roller 4 may not provide sufficient support for the cleaner 1 when the main body 2 is in the upright i.e. vertical or substantially vertical position.
- a stand indicated generally at 12 is provided.
- the stand 12 comprises two legs 13 , 14 , with a reinforcing strut 15 extending between their top end portions 13 a, 14 a.
- the bottom end portions 13 b, 14 b of the legs 13 , 14 nearest the floor surface 5 in the embodiments shown, further comprise wheels 16 .
- These wheels 16 may however not be present.
- the wheels 16 are rotatably mounted to each end 13 b, and 14 b of the legs 13 , 14 .
- the wheels 16 are arranged inside the legs 13 , 14 of the stand 12 .
- the top end portions 13 a and 14 a of the legs 13 , 14 are pivotably mounted to the main body 2 of the cleaner 1 .
- the left leg 14 is pivotably mounted to a first protrusion 17 extending from the outlet duct 18 which transports air which has passed through the separating apparatus 6 to an exhaust (not shown).
- the right leg 13 is pivotably mounted to a second protrusion 19 extending from duct 9 which transports air from the air inlet slot 11 to the separating apparatus 6 . This arrangement ensures that the main body 2 bears against the top of the stand 12 when it is in the supporting position as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the stand 12 is arranged such that the bottom ends 13 b, 14 b of the legs 13 , 14 protrude rearwardly of the cleaner for better stability.
- the legs 13 , 14 therefore bear at least a part of the load of the cleaner 1 when in the upright position.
- the main body 2 is inclined backwards slightly in the upright position shown in this embodiment.
- the main body 2 could be vertical or inclined forwards slightly in the “upright position”.
- the stand 12 also comprises an over centre spring mechanism 20 which assists in moving the stand 12 between the supporting position as shown in FIG. 1 and the stored position as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the user reclines the main body 2 . Reclining the main body 2 moves the cleaner 1 towards the position shown in FIG. 2 .
- the centre of gravity of the cleaner 1 is behind the pivot points of the legs 13 , 14 and the spring mechanism 20 forces the stand 12 to move into the stored position shown in FIG. 4 .
- This arrangement is advantageous since it ensures that the stand 12 cannot rest at the balance point shown in FIG. 2 where the stand 12 is neither up nor down.
- the legs 13 , 14 and wheels 16 are held off the floor 5 and are preferably tucked under or inside a channel or aperture in a yoke 21 , which provides the connection between the main body 2 and the cleaner head 10 .
- the main body 2 no longer bears against the arms 13 , 14 of the stand 12 , but is instead supported by a user holding the handle 3 .
- the cleaner 1 is now able to be used for cleaning a floor surface 5 , via the surface treating head 10 .
- FIG. 3 shows the stand 12 about to be activated into the supporting position.
- a region 22 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 8 b ) of the yoke 21 bears against a protrusion 23 extending from an inner surface of the top end 13 a, 14 a of one of the legs 13 , 14 , urging the stand 12 , away from the yoke 21 towards the supporting position.
- the spring mechanism 20 forces the stand 12 to move into the support position shown in FIG. 1 .
- This spring mechanism 20 therefore ensures that the stand 12 cannot rest at the balance point shown in FIG. 2 where the stand 12 is neither up nor down.
- the spring mechanism 20 Once the spring mechanism 20 has activated the stand 12 will move into the position shown in FIG. 1 , where the legs 13 , 14 and wheels 16 are in contact with the floor 5 behind the cleaner 1 .
- the user may release the handle 3 , leaving the main body 2 to be supported by the stand 12 .
- the cleaner 1 is then supported in its upright position.
- the handle 3 extends upwardly from the rear part of the main body 2 .
- the cleaner 1 When the cleaner 1 is in the position shown in FIG. 1 , it can be used in a so called “cylinder mode”, for above-floor cleaning in which case the handle 3 may be released and used as a hose and wand assembly 24 .
- the region 22 may be moveably mounted on the yoke 21 . This may be achieved by forming a channel 34 , for example an arcuate channel in the yoke 21 , or a region near the yoke 21 .
- the region 22 may form part of a C or O shaped ring 38 which may be moveably mounted within the channel 34 .
- the ring 38 may additionally be rotateably mounted on a part of a motor bucket (not shown) to which the yoke 21 is attached. In such an embodiment the ring 38 can slide within the channel 34 and around a portion of the motor bucket.
- FIG. 9 shows an exploded view with an O-shaped ring comprising region 22 removed from the channel 34 . However in use the O-shaped ring 38 may sit within the channel 34 .
- a spring 36 may be fixed at one end to the motor bucket and at the other end to the ring 38 such that the region 22 is biased towards a top end of the channel 34 .
- This arrangement may advantageously help to prevent the region 22 trying to pass under the ducting 9 , 18 during reclining of the vacuum cleaner 1 . It may also advantageously prevent the cleaner head 10 from being lifted off the floor 5 once the region 22 has abutted against the ducting 9 , 18 during reclining of the vacuum cleaner 1 . As the vacuum cleaner 1 is moved from the upright position to the inclined position the region 22 may, rather than attempting to pass underneath the ducting 9 , 18 will abut against it. As the vacuum cleaner 1 is increasingly reclined, the region 22 may be caused to slide along the channel 34 by a part of the ducting 9 , 18 against the biasing force of the spring 36 .
- the biasing force of the spring 36 causes the region 22 to gradually return to its original position.
- the region 22 abuts against protrusion 23 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) extending from an inner surface of the top end 13 a, 14 a of one of the legs 13 , 14 .
- the biasing force of the spring mechanism 20 is then large enough to push out the stand.
- the vacuum cleaner 1 may comprise a changeover valve 25 which is arranged to open the air inlet at the distal end of the wand 24 a and connect it to the separating apparatus 6 in response to the wand 24 a being released from its storage position on the main body 2 for above ground cleaning.
- the changeover valve 25 is also arranged to automatically shut off the air inlet at the distal end of the wand 24 a and connect the separating apparatus 6 to the inlet 11 in the cleaner head 10 in response to the wand 24 a being placed in its storage position on the cleaner main body 2 .
- the changeover valve 25 is pivotably attached to the main body 2 and further comprises a change over valve lock 26 .
- the change over valve lock 26 is brought into contact with a recess 27 on the reinforcing strut 15 which extends between the top end portions 13 a, 14 a of the legs 13 , 14 .
- This engagement of the change over valve lock 26 with the recess 27 locks the stand 12 in the supporting position and therefore advantageously prevents the stand 12 from moving into its storage position accidentally if a user pulls on the wand 24 a or a hose 28 attached thereto.
- a hose lock 29 may be provided.
- the hose 28 is pivotably mounted to the main body 2 .
- the hose lock 29 contacts the reinforcing strut 15 which extends between the top end portions 13 a, 14 a of the legs 13 , 14 .
- This hose lock 29 is shown in more detail in FIG. 7 where it can be seen that the stand 12 can move freely between its supporting and storage positions when the hose 28 is secured to the main body 2 (the upright position shown in FIG.
- This hose lock 29 can be described as self tightening since the harder the hose 28 is pulled the tighter the hose lock 29 gets, thus preventing accidental deactivation of the stand 12 .
- the latch 30 and the upright lock projection 23 may be sized such that they can move past each other, or “bump off” one another if a sufficient force is applied to them.
- this may prevent damage to the vacuum cleaner 1 .
- the latch 30 and projection 23 will remain in contact when challenged with the weight of the cleaner head 10 acting under gravity. However if a larger force is applied the projection 23 can move past the latch 30 allowing the cleaner head 10 to droop downwards and preventing any damage to the vacuum cleaner 1 .
- the latch 30 may preferably be shaped such that whilst the projection 23 can move past it when necessary, the projection 23 cannot get trapped behind the latch 30 once it has moved past it. This may be achieved by having a low profile elongate latch 30 .
- the latch 30 and projection 23 are provided only to act as a lock to prevent the cleaner head 10 drooping when the whole vacuum cleaner 1 is lifted off the floor 5 .
- the latch 30 and projection 23 may be provided on any suitable part of the cleaner head 10 .
- the function of preventing the cleaner head 10 drooping when the whole vacuum cleaner 1 is lifted off the floor 5 may be performed by the region 22 and the protrusion 23 taking on this function as well as the function of activating and/or deactivating the stand 12 .
- the main body 2 is rotatably connected to the roller 4 , which lies at the base of the main body 2 .
- the roller 4 allows the apparatus to be easily pushed or pulled along a surface 5 .
- the shape of the roller 4 and the connections between the main body 2 and the roller 4 , and the roller 4 and the cleaner head 10 allow the cleaner 1 to be more easily manoeuvred than traditional vacuum cleaners.
- the overall shape of the roller 4 resembles a barrel. Looking at the shape of the outer surface in the direction along the longitudinal axis, there is a generally flat central region and an arcuate region at each end where the diameter, or width, of the shell decreases. A flat central region aids a user in steering the cleaner 1 along a straight line, since it will naturally run straight and is less likely to wobble during backwards movements. Ridges 31 are provided on the outer surface of the roller 4 to improve grip over surfaces.
- the cleaner head 10 is connected to the main body 2 of the vacuum cleaner 1 in such a manner that the cleaner head 10 remains in contact with a floor surface 5 as the main body 2 is manoeuvred through a wide range of operating positions, e.g. when moved from side-to-side or when the main body 2 is twisted about its longitudinal axis.
- the yoke 21 connects the main body 2 to the cleaner head 10 .
- the yoke 21 is mounted to each end of the rotational axis of the roller 4 .
- the yoke 21 can rotate independently of the main body 2 .
- At the forward, central part of the yoke 21 there is a joint 32 , which connects to the cleaner head 10 .
- the arrangement of the pivotal mounting of the yoke 21 and joint 32 allows the main body 2 together with the roller 4 to be rotated about its longitudinal axis, in the manner of a corkscrew, while the cleaner head 10 remains in contact with the floor surface 5 .
- This arrangement also causes the cleaner head 10 to point in a new direction as the main body 2 is rotated about its longitudinal axis.
- the support assembly 12 remains neatly tucked up against the yoke 21 during the cleaner's 1 range of motions. This permits the user easily to manoeuvre the cleaner 1 , even when cleaning under furniture and other low obstructions.
- FIGS. 11 and 12 show schematic views of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- the stand indicated generally at 38 may comprise at least one lever arm (indicated as 40 in FIG. 11 , in FIG. 12 the lever arm 40 has been removed).
- the lever arm 40 is arranged to extend along the inside of one of the legs 42 of the stand 38 . In use the lever arm 40 may be arranged such that it can move the stand 38 into the stored position in response to a user reclining the vacuum cleaner 1 .
- the lever arm 40 is preferably pivotally attached to a pivot point 43 at a first end 44 of the lever arm 40 to the main body 46 of the vacuum cleaner 1 .
- the second end 48 of the lever arm 40 further comprises an outwardly facing pin or projection 50 which is arranged to engage with a groove 52 on the surface of the leg 42 which it is alongside.
- the stand 38 is preferably arranged such that when it is in the supporting position (as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 ) the pin 50 is arranged at the furthest end of the groove 52 away from the main body 46 .
- the leg 42 of the stand 38 which comprises the groove 52 may also further comprises a cam 54 which is resiliently biased by a spring 56 to project into the groove 52 . Therefore when a user reclines the vacuum cleaner 1 the pin 50 on the lever arm 40 has to move past the cam 54 against the force of the spring 56 .
- further resilient biasing means for example an over centre spring mechanism 58 may be provided to assist in moving the stand 38 between the stored and supporting positions once the pin 50 has reached a certain point along the grove 52 .
- At least one return cam mechanism may additionally be provided.
- This return cam mechanism may be as described above in the previous embodiment.
- the pin 50 needs to pass the cam 54 before the stand 38 will be in its supporting position.
- the cam 54 may be pivotally mounted at a pivot point 64 to the leg 38 .
- the leg 42 also further comprises a cam block 66 which is arranged to allow the cam 54 to pivot when the pin 50 moves towards the end of the grove 52 furthest away from the main body 46 but not when the pin 50 is moving in the other direction towards the main body 46 .
- FIGS. 13 a to 13 c show schematic views of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- an upright lock indicated generally at 70 is operated by a resilient biasing means, in this case an over centre spring 72 .
- the upright lock 70 is in contact with a cam 74 on the leg 68 .
- the main body can house equipment which is appropriate to the task performed by the machine.
- the main body can house a tank for storing liquid wax
- the head 10 may also carry a brush bar (not shown) which may be connected to and driven by a motor (not shown).
- the brush bar can alternatively or additionally be driven in other ways, such as by a turbine which is driven by incoming or exhaust airflow, or by a coupling to the motor which is also used to drive the suction fan.
- the coupling between the motor and brush bar can alternatively be via a geared coupling.
- the brush bar can be removed entirely so that the machine relies entirely on suction or by some other form of agitation of the surface.
- the cleaner head can include appropriate means for treating the floor surface, such as a polishing pad, a liquid or wax dispensing nozzle etc.
- the lower face of the cleaner head can include small rollers to ease movement across a surface.
Abstract
A surface-treating appliance includes a main body, a surface-treating head, and a stand. The stand is located on a rear portion of the appliance and is moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body in an upright position, and a stored position. The stand is moveable between the supporting and stored positions in response to movement of the main body between its upright position and an inclined position.
Description
- This application claims the priority of United Kingdom Application No. 0717487.3, filed Sep. 8, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates to a surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner.
- Surface treating appliances such as vacuum cleaners and floor polishers are well known. The majority of vacuum cleaners are either of the ‘upright’ type or of the ‘cylinder’ type, called canister or barrel cleaners in some countries. A typical upright vacuum cleaner comprises a main body which houses the main components of the vacuum cleaner, such as a motor and fan for drawing dirty air into the machine and some form of separating apparatus for separating dirt, dust and other debris from a dirty airflow drawn in by the fan. The main body also houses filters for trapping fine particles in the cleaned airflow. A cleaner head is rotatably mounted to the lower end of the main body. A supporting wheel is mounted on each side of the lower part of the main body, in a fixed relationship to the main body. In use, a user reclines the main body of the vacuum cleaner and then pushes and pulls a handle which is fixed to the main body of the cleaner. The vacuum cleaner rolls along the floor surface on the supporting wheels.
- A dirty-air inlet is located on the underside of the cleaner head. Dirty air is drawn into the dust separating apparatus via the dirty-air inlet by means of the motor-driven fan. When the dirt and dust entrained within the air has been separated from the airflow in the separating apparatus, air is conducted to the clean air outlet by a second air flow duct, and via one or more filters, and expelled into the atmosphere.
- Conventional upright vacuum cleaners have a disadvantage in that they can be difficult to manoeuvre about an area in which they are used. They can be pushed and pulled easily enough, but pointing the cleaner in a new direction is more difficult. It has been proposed to make an upright vacuum cleaner more manoeuvrable by substituting a wide rolling support for the supporting wheels, such as is described in our patent application GB2391459. However, such an appliance requires further support when in the upright or vertical position, which can prove cumbersome and unwieldy during use.
- It has been proposed to use a support assembly which may be actuated by raising the main body into its upright position and deactivated by pressing an actuator pedal, such as is described in our patent application GB0500992. However, such a support structure may not be intuitive for a user and may therefore be difficult to use.
- Accordingly the present invention provides a surface-treating appliance comprising a main body, a surface-treating head, and a stand, the stand being located on a rear portion of the appliance and being moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body in an upright position and a stored position, the stand being moveable between the supporting and stored positions in response to a force being applied to the main body.
- In a preferred embodiment the force is movement of the main body between its upright position and an inclined position.
- Additionally or alternatively the force may comprise a downwards force applied to the main body.
- In a preferred embodiment the main body comprises a handle and/or wand and the force is applied to the handle and/or wand. The handle and/or wand may be located at the top of the main body.
- In general, surface-treating appliances are stored with the main body in an upright configuration and used with the body in an inclined position. Therefore the provision of a stand which is movable between the supporting and stored positions automatically in response to a force being applied to the main body, for example movement of the main body between its upright position and an inclined position is more intuitive. The appliance advantageously requires no direct action by a user in order to raise and lower the stand. A user simply applies a downward pressure to the main body and/or tips the main body ready for use and the stand automatically moves into its stored position.
- In particular the stand is pedaless or actuatorless and therefore a user does not have to find and compress a pedal or other actuator, for example a leaver or button, in order to move the stand into the stored position. In this way, the stand is operated without any physical manipulation of the stand, any part of the surface treating head or other direct intervention by the user and as such is “automatic” within the meaning of this invention.
- Preferably the stand is pivotably moveable between the supporting and stored positions.
- To move the stand into the stored position the stand may be movable either in a forward direction or in a rearward direction. If the stand is arranged to move in a forward direction it may be located generally underneath the appliance or alongside a part of the surface treating head in the stored position. If it is arranged to move in a rearward direction it may be folded generally upwardly against the rear of the appliance in the stored position.
- In a particular embodiment the stand may be arranged to be moveable from the supporting position to the stored position in response to the main body of the appliance being tipped rearwardly until its weight is over centre of the stand. In a preferred embodiment the stand does not have a balance point. In a particular embodiment this is achieved by ensuring that the centre of gravity of the main body is behind the stand when the stand is at substantially 90 degrees to a floor surface on which the appliance is placed. This is advantageous since a common problem with existing support assemblies is that they may have a balance point at which the support assembly is neither up nor down. This may be dangerous, since if the appliance is left standing at this balance point a small knock to the appliance could result in it falling over, which could damage the appliance and/or cause an injury to a user.
- The appliance may further comprise resilient biasing means, for example one or more over-centre spring mechanisms to assist in moving the stand between the stored and supporting positions.
- At least one cam mechanism may additionally or alternatively be provided. In a preferred embodiment, the cam mechanism may be arranged such that when the main body of the appliance is raised from an inclined position to its upright position, the cam mechanism urges the stand into the supporting position. The cam mechanism may for example comprise an actuator, for example an actuator located on the surface treating head, or a yoke associated with the surface treating head. When the main body of the appliance is raised from an inclined position to its upright position by a user, the actuator may be arranged to engage with and push against a portion of the stand to urge the stand into the supporting position.
- In an embodiment, the appliance may further comprise a wheel or roller which may be rotatably mounted to the main body for allowing the main body to be moved along a surface. The wheel or roller may comprise one or more rotatable members having an outer surface which define a substantially continuous rolling support surface in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main body, the support surface preferably being symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the main body. The wheel or roller may house a component of the appliance, for example a motor and/or fan arrangement arranged, in use, to generate a fluid flow. The appliance may also further comprise a wand.
- Additionally the appliance may further comprise an upright lock for locking the surface-treating head in a fixed position with respect to the main body when the stand is in the supporting position. This advantageously may allow the entire appliance to be lifted of the floor and carried without the surface treating head falling towards the floor. The upright lock may be arranged to be automatically released when the main body is tipped into an inclined position for use.
- Although it is desirable to have a stand which will be automatically released when the main body is tipped into an inclined position for use it may also be desirable in certain situations to be able to transport the appliance on wheels of the stand. This may be achieved in several ways whilst still providing an appliance where the stand may be moveable between the supporting and stored positions in response to a force being applied to the main body.
- For example in a particular embodiment the upright lock or a portion of the upright lock may also function both to prevent the stand activating accidentally and as the cam for urging the stand into the supporting position. In such an embodiment the upright lock may be associated with an upright lock resilient biasing means, for example an over centre spring. The upright lock and the upright lock biasing means may help to ensure that the stand does not move into its stored position by accident. In a preferred embodiment a downward force may be applied to a wand or handle of the main body. Preferably this force is applied as the appliance is reclined. This downward force may help to overcome the force of the upright lock biasing means. Once the upright lock has been released a stand activating resilient biasing means can act on the stand to move it into the stored position.
- In such an embodiment it may be possible to recline the appliance whilst applying no downward force onto the wand or handle, therefore allowing the appliance to be transported on wheels of the stand.
- In an alternative embodiment the stand may comprise a pair of legs and at least one lever arm. In a preferred embodiment there is a single lever arm. The lever arm may be arranged to extend alongside one of the legs for example alongside the inner surface of one of the legs. In use the lever arm may be arranged such that it can move the stand into the stored position in response to a user reclining the appliance. The lever arm is preferably pivotally attached at a first end to the main body of the appliance. Preferably the second end of the lever arm further comprises an outwardly facing pin arranged to engage with a groove on the surface of the leg which it is alongside. The stand is preferably arranged such that when it is in the supporting position the pin is arranged at the furthest end of the groove away from the main body of the appliance. In this embodiment the leg of the stand which comprises the groove may also further comprises a cam which is resiliently biased to project into the groove. Therefore when a user reclines the appliance the pin on the lever arm has to move past the cam against the force of the resilient biasing means. Once the pin has passed the cam, it continues to move along the groove as the user continues to recline the appliance further. In this embodiment a stand activating resilient biasing means, for example an over centre spring mechanism may be provided to assist in moving the stand between the stored and supporting positions once the pin has reached a certain point along the groove.
- In this embodiment, because the pin has to move past a cam which is resiliently biased to project into the groove, a certain amount of force is required. Advantageously this means that it may be possible to recline the appliance whilst applying no downward force onto the wand or handle, therefore allowing the appliance to be transported on wheels of the stand. Only when enough pressure is applied to the wand or handle, will the pin be able to move past the cam by compressing or distorting the resilient biasing means which are acting on the cam.
- In this embodiment at least one return cam mechanism may additionally be provided. In a preferred embodiment, the return cam mechanism may be arranged such that when the main body of the appliance is raised from an inclined position to its upright position, the return cam mechanism urges the stand into the supporting position. The return cam mechanism may for example comprise an actuator, for example an actuator located on the surface treating head. When the main body of the appliance is raised from an inclined position to its upright position by a user, the actuator may be arranged to engage with and push against a portion of the stand to urge the stand into the supporting position. However in this embodiment the pin needs to pass the resiliently biased cam before the stand can reach its supporting position. In order to reduce the force needed to move past the resiliently biased cam the resiliently biased cam may be pivotally mounted to the leg. Having a pivotally mounted cam helps to ensures that the force required to reset the stand into its supporting position is considerably less than the force required to move the stand into the stored position. It may also advantageously help to reduce the risk of the stand being left at a position between the stored and supporting positions. Preferably the leg also further comprises a cam block which is arranged to allow the resiliently biased cam to pivot when the pin moves towards the end of the groove furthest away from the main body of the appliance but not when the pin is moving in the other direction.
- The appliance may also further comprise a hose. In such an embodiment, the appliance may also further comprise a hose lock. In a preferred embodiment the hose lock may be arranged to lock the stand in the supporting position during use of the hose, such that if a user applies a rearward pulling force to the hose, the stand does not move into the stored position. This is advantageous as it helps to ensure that the appliance does not fall over whilst the hose is in use. In a particular embodiment the hose lock comprises an abutment member which in use presses against the stand, locking it in the supporting position when the hose is pulled away from the appliance during use. The hose lock is preferably arranged to be automatically released when the hose is stored on the main body.
- The appliance may also further comprise a change over valve lock for locking the stand in the supporting position when the wand is in use. In a preferred embodiment the change over valve lock may be arranged to lock the stand in the supporting position on removal of the wand from its storage position on the main body. This is advantageous as it helps to ensure that the appliance does not fall over whilst the wand is in use. In a particular embodiment the change over valve lock comprises an abutment member which in use presses against the stand, locking it in the supporting position, when the wand is removed from its storage position on the appliance. The change over valve lock is preferably arranged to be automatically released when the wand is stored on the main body.
- This invention is particularly suitable for inclusion in upright vacuum cleaners, for example upright vacuum cleaners having a wide, ball-like rolling support assembly, but may be applied to more conventional upright cleaners and other domestic appliances. In a particular embodiment the vacuum cleaner may further comprising cyclonic dirt and dust separating means.
- The term “surface treating appliance” is intended to have a broad meaning, and includes a wide range of appliances having a surface treating head for traveling over a surface to clean or treat the surface in some manner. It includes, inter alia, appliances which apply suction to the surface so as to draw material from it, such as vacuum cleaners (dry, wet and wet/dry), as well as appliances which apply material to the surface, such as polishing/waxing machines, pressure washing machines, ground marking machines and shampooing machines. It also includes lawn mowers and other cutting machines.
- The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a surface-treating appliance constructed according to the invention with the stand in the supporting position; -
FIG. 2 shows the appliance ofFIG. 1 at the point of stand collapse; -
FIG. 3 shows the appliance ofFIGS. 1 and 2 at the point of stand activation; -
FIG. 4 shows the appliance ofFIGS. 1 , 2 and 3 with the stand in the storage position; -
FIG. 5 a shows a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a hose and hose lock, with the hose lock in the unlocked position; -
FIG. 5 b shows the appliance ofFIG. 5 a with the hose lock in the locked position; -
FIG. 6 shows a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a wand and change over valve lock, with the changeover valve lock shown in the locked (dotted lines) and unlocked positions (solid lines); -
FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the hose lock of the present invention in both the locked and unlocked positions; -
FIG. 8 a shows a partial side view of an embodiment of vacuum cleaner according to the present invention showing the stand in the storage position and the upright lock in its unlocked configuration; -
FIG. 8 b shows the appliance ofFIG. 8 a showing the stand in its supporting position and the upright lock in the locked configuration; -
FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the yoke of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 13 a to 13 c show side views of an embodiment of the present invention; - All figures are schematic.
- With reference to
FIGS. 1 to 4 , the surface treating appliance is shown in the form of a vacuum cleaner and is indicated generally by thereference numeral 1. Thevacuum cleaner 1 comprises amain body 2, a user-operable handle 3 and alarge roller 4 for rolling thecleaner 1 along afloor surface 5. Theroller 4 houses a motor and fan for generating a suction airflow (not visible in these drawings). Themain body 2houses separating apparatus 6 for separating dirt, dust and other debris from a dirty airflow drawn into thecleaner 1 by the fan and motor. - In this embodiment, the separating
apparatus 6 is cyclonic, in which the dirt and dust is spun from the airflow. Thecyclonic separating apparatus 6 comprises two stages of cyclone separation arranged in series with one another. The first stage is a cylindrically-walled chamber 7 and the second stage comprises a set of tapering, substantially frusto-conically shapedchambers 8 arranged in parallel with one another. Airflow is directed tangentially into the upper part of thechamber 7 by aduct 9. Larger debris and particles are removed and collected in thiscyclonic chamber 7. The airflow then passes through a shroud (not shown) to the set ofcyclonic chambers 8. Finer dust is separated by thesechambers 8 and collected in a common collecting region. The second set ofseparators 8 can be upright, i.e. with their fluid inlets and outlets at the top and their dirt outlets at the bottom, or inverted, i.e. with their fluid inlets and outlets at the bottom and their dirt outlets at the top. The nature of theseparating apparatus 6 is not material to the present invention. - The
main body 2 also houses filters (not visible in these drawings) for trapping fine particles in the cleaned airflow. These filters remove any fine particles of dust which have not already been removed from the airflow by the separatingapparatus 6. A first filter, called a pre-motor filter, is provided before the motor and fan. A second filter, called a post-motor filter, is provided after the motor and fan. Where the motor for driving the suction fan has carbon brushes, the post-motor filter also serves to trap any carbon particles emitted by the brushes. Clean air is then expelled to the atmosphere. - A
cleaner head 10 is pivotably mounted to the lower end of themain body 2, and serves, in use, to treat thefloor surface 5. The lower, floor-facing side of thecleaner head 10 has anair inlet slot 11. - The
roller 4 permits thecleaner 1 to be manoeuvered easily along afloor surface 5. However, theroller 4 may not provide sufficient support for thecleaner 1 when themain body 2 is in the upright i.e. vertical or substantially vertical position. To this end, a stand indicated generally at 12 is provided. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 to 4 , 5 a, 5 b and 6 it can be seen that thestand 12 comprises twolegs strut 15 extending between theirtop end portions bottom end portions legs floor surface 5, in the embodiments shown, further comprisewheels 16. Thesewheels 16 may however not be present. Thewheels 16 are rotatably mounted to eachend legs wheels 16 are arranged inside thelegs stand 12. - The
top end portions legs main body 2 of thecleaner 1. In the embodiment shown theleft leg 14 is pivotably mounted to afirst protrusion 17 extending from theoutlet duct 18 which transports air which has passed through the separatingapparatus 6 to an exhaust (not shown). Theright leg 13 is pivotably mounted to asecond protrusion 19 extending fromduct 9 which transports air from theair inlet slot 11 to theseparating apparatus 6. This arrangement ensures that themain body 2 bears against the top of thestand 12 when it is in the supporting position as shown inFIG. 1 . Thestand 12 is arranged such that the bottom ends 13 b, 14 b of thelegs legs cleaner 1 when in the upright position. As can be seen inFIG. 1 , themain body 2 is inclined backwards slightly in the upright position shown in this embodiment. Of course themain body 2 could be vertical or inclined forwards slightly in the “upright position”. - The
stand 12 also comprises an overcentre spring mechanism 20 which assists in moving thestand 12 between the supporting position as shown inFIG. 1 and the stored position as shown inFIG. 4 . - When the
cleaner 1 is to be used in conventional floor cleaning mode, the user reclines themain body 2. Reclining themain body 2 moves thecleaner 1 towards the position shown inFIG. 2 . At the point shown inFIG. 2 , the centre of gravity of thecleaner 1 is behind the pivot points of thelegs spring mechanism 20 forces thestand 12 to move into the stored position shown inFIG. 4 . This arrangement is advantageous since it ensures that thestand 12 cannot rest at the balance point shown inFIG. 2 where thestand 12 is neither up nor down. Once thespring mechanism 20 has activated, thestand 12 will move into the position shown inFIG. 4 , where thelegs wheels 16 are held off thefloor 5 and are preferably tucked under or inside a channel or aperture in ayoke 21, which provides the connection between themain body 2 and thecleaner head 10. When thestand 12 is in the storage position, themain body 2 no longer bears against thearms stand 12, but is instead supported by a user holding thehandle 3. Thecleaner 1 is now able to be used for cleaning afloor surface 5, via thesurface treating head 10. - When the user wishes to return the
cleaner 1 to the upright position, he pivotally moves themain body 2 back towards the position shown inFIG. 1 via the position shown inFIG. 3 .FIG. 3 shows thestand 12 about to be activated into the supporting position. As themain body 2 is moved towards the upright position, a region 22 (seeFIG. 2 andFIG. 8 b) of theyoke 21 bears against aprotrusion 23 extending from an inner surface of thetop end legs stand 12, away from theyoke 21 towards the supporting position. At the point shown inFIG. 3 , thespring mechanism 20 forces thestand 12 to move into the support position shown inFIG. 1 . Thisspring mechanism 20 therefore ensures that thestand 12 cannot rest at the balance point shown inFIG. 2 where thestand 12 is neither up nor down. Once thespring mechanism 20 has activated thestand 12 will move into the position shown inFIG. 1 , where thelegs wheels 16 are in contact with thefloor 5 behind thecleaner 1. Thus, the user may release thehandle 3, leaving themain body 2 to be supported by thestand 12. Thecleaner 1 is then supported in its upright position. Thehandle 3 extends upwardly from the rear part of themain body 2. When thecleaner 1 is in the position shown inFIG. 1 , it can be used in a so called “cylinder mode”, for above-floor cleaning in which case thehandle 3 may be released and used as a hose andwand assembly 24. - In a preferred embodiment the
region 22 may be moveably mounted on theyoke 21. This may be achieved by forming achannel 34, for example an arcuate channel in theyoke 21, or a region near theyoke 21. Theregion 22 may form part of a C or O shapedring 38 which may be moveably mounted within thechannel 34. In a preferred embodiment thering 38 may additionally be rotateably mounted on a part of a motor bucket (not shown) to which theyoke 21 is attached. In such an embodiment thering 38 can slide within thechannel 34 and around a portion of the motor bucket.FIG. 9 shows an exploded view with an O-shapedring comprising region 22 removed from thechannel 34. However in use the O-shapedring 38 may sit within thechannel 34. Preferably aspring 36 may be fixed at one end to the motor bucket and at the other end to thering 38 such that theregion 22 is biased towards a top end of thechannel 34. - This arrangement may advantageously help to prevent the
region 22 trying to pass under theducting vacuum cleaner 1. It may also advantageously prevent thecleaner head 10 from being lifted off thefloor 5 once theregion 22 has abutted against theducting vacuum cleaner 1. As thevacuum cleaner 1 is moved from the upright position to the inclined position theregion 22 may, rather than attempting to pass underneath theducting vacuum cleaner 1 is increasingly reclined, theregion 22 may be caused to slide along thechannel 34 by a part of theducting spring 36. When thevacuum cleaner 1 is returned to the upright position, the biasing force of thespring 36 causes theregion 22 to gradually return to its original position. In returning to the original position, theregion 22 abuts against protrusion 23 (shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 ) extending from an inner surface of thetop end legs spring mechanism 20 is then large enough to push out the stand. - As can be seen in
FIG. 6 thevacuum cleaner 1 may comprise achangeover valve 25 which is arranged to open the air inlet at the distal end of thewand 24 a and connect it to theseparating apparatus 6 in response to thewand 24 a being released from its storage position on themain body 2 for above ground cleaning. Thechangeover valve 25 is also arranged to automatically shut off the air inlet at the distal end of thewand 24 a and connect theseparating apparatus 6 to theinlet 11 in thecleaner head 10 in response to thewand 24 a being placed in its storage position on the cleanermain body 2. - The
changeover valve 25 is pivotably attached to themain body 2 and further comprises a change overvalve lock 26. When thechangeover valve 25 swivels to open the air inlet at the distal end of thewand 24 a, the change overvalve lock 26 is brought into contact with arecess 27 on the reinforcingstrut 15 which extends between thetop end portions legs valve lock 26 with therecess 27 locks thestand 12 in the supporting position and therefore advantageously prevents thestand 12 from moving into its storage position accidentally if a user pulls on thewand 24 a or ahose 28 attached thereto. - In an alternative embodiment, for example as shown in
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b where thevacuum cleaner 1 comprises ahose 28 and no wand, ahose lock 29 may be provided. Thehose 28 is pivotably mounted to themain body 2. When thehose 28 is being used for above the ground cleaning thehose lock 29 contacts the reinforcingstrut 15 which extends between thetop end portions legs hose lock 29 is shown in more detail inFIG. 7 where it can be seen that thestand 12 can move freely between its supporting and storage positions when thehose 28 is secured to the main body 2 (the upright position shown inFIG. 7 ) but is prevented from moving into its storage configuration when thehose 28 is pulled away from the main body 2 (the horizontal position shown inFIG. 7 ), for example during use for above ground cleaning. Thishose lock 29 can be described as self tightening since the harder thehose 28 is pulled the tighter thehose lock 29 gets, thus preventing accidental deactivation of thestand 12. - As can be seen in
FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, when thecleaner 1 is in its upright position, with thestand 12 in the supporting position (FIG. 8 b), theupright lock projection 23 is caught on thelatch 30 and is therefore latched with respect to themain body 2. This enables the user to lift thewhole cleaner 1 off thefloor 5 without thecleaner head 10 drooping and obstructing manoeuvrability. Tilting themain body 2 rearwardly will release thecleaner head 10 from thelatch 30 so that, as themain body 2 of thecleaner 1 is reclined, thehead 10 remains in contact with thefloor surface 5 to be treated. - In a particular embodiment as shown in
FIG. 10 , thelatch 30 and theupright lock projection 23 may be sized such that they can move past each other, or “bump off” one another if a sufficient force is applied to them. Advantageously this may prevent damage to thevacuum cleaner 1. During use thelatch 30 andprojection 23 will remain in contact when challenged with the weight of thecleaner head 10 acting under gravity. However if a larger force is applied theprojection 23 can move past thelatch 30 allowing thecleaner head 10 to droop downwards and preventing any damage to thevacuum cleaner 1. - In addition the
latch 30 may preferably be shaped such that whilst theprojection 23 can move past it when necessary, theprojection 23 cannot get trapped behind thelatch 30 once it has moved past it. This may be achieved by having a low profileelongate latch 30. - In one embodiment the
latch 30 andprojection 23 are provided only to act as a lock to prevent thecleaner head 10 drooping when thewhole vacuum cleaner 1 is lifted off thefloor 5. Thelatch 30 andprojection 23 may be provided on any suitable part of thecleaner head 10. In an alternative embodiment the function of preventing thecleaner head 10 drooping when thewhole vacuum cleaner 1 is lifted off thefloor 5, may be performed by theregion 22 and theprotrusion 23 taking on this function as well as the function of activating and/or deactivating thestand 12. - The
main body 2 is rotatably connected to theroller 4, which lies at the base of themain body 2. Theroller 4 allows the apparatus to be easily pushed or pulled along asurface 5. The shape of theroller 4 and the connections between themain body 2 and theroller 4, and theroller 4 and thecleaner head 10, allow the cleaner 1 to be more easily manoeuvred than traditional vacuum cleaners. - The overall shape of the
roller 4 resembles a barrel. Looking at the shape of the outer surface in the direction along the longitudinal axis, there is a generally flat central region and an arcuate region at each end where the diameter, or width, of the shell decreases. A flat central region aids a user in steering thecleaner 1 along a straight line, since it will naturally run straight and is less likely to wobble during backwards movements.Ridges 31 are provided on the outer surface of theroller 4 to improve grip over surfaces. - The
cleaner head 10 is connected to themain body 2 of thevacuum cleaner 1 in such a manner that thecleaner head 10 remains in contact with afloor surface 5 as themain body 2 is manoeuvred through a wide range of operating positions, e.g. when moved from side-to-side or when themain body 2 is twisted about its longitudinal axis. Theyoke 21 connects themain body 2 to thecleaner head 10. Theyoke 21 is mounted to each end of the rotational axis of theroller 4. Theyoke 21 can rotate independently of themain body 2. At the forward, central part of theyoke 21 there is a joint 32, which connects to thecleaner head 10. - The arrangement of the pivotal mounting of the
yoke 21 and joint 32, allows themain body 2 together with theroller 4 to be rotated about its longitudinal axis, in the manner of a corkscrew, while thecleaner head 10 remains in contact with thefloor surface 5. This arrangement also causes thecleaner head 10 to point in a new direction as themain body 2 is rotated about its longitudinal axis. - The
support assembly 12 remains neatly tucked up against theyoke 21 during the cleaner's 1 range of motions. This permits the user easily to manoeuvre thecleaner 1, even when cleaning under furniture and other low obstructions. -
FIGS. 11 and 12 show schematic views of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. It can be seen inFIG. 11 that the stand indicated generally at 38 may comprise at least one lever arm (indicated as 40 inFIG. 11 , inFIG. 12 thelever arm 40 has been removed). Thelever arm 40 is arranged to extend along the inside of one of thelegs 42 of thestand 38. In use thelever arm 40 may be arranged such that it can move thestand 38 into the stored position in response to a user reclining thevacuum cleaner 1. Thelever arm 40 is preferably pivotally attached to apivot point 43 at afirst end 44 of thelever arm 40 to themain body 46 of thevacuum cleaner 1. Preferably thesecond end 48 of thelever arm 40 further comprises an outwardly facing pin orprojection 50 which is arranged to engage with agroove 52 on the surface of theleg 42 which it is alongside. Thestand 38 is preferably arranged such that when it is in the supporting position (as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 ) thepin 50 is arranged at the furthest end of thegroove 52 away from themain body 46. In this embodiment theleg 42 of thestand 38 which comprises thegroove 52 may also further comprises acam 54 which is resiliently biased by aspring 56 to project into thegroove 52. Therefore when a user reclines thevacuum cleaner 1 thepin 50 on thelever arm 40 has to move past thecam 54 against the force of thespring 56. Once thepin 50 has passed thecam 54, it continues to move along thegroove 52 as the user continues to recline thevacuum cleaner 1 further. In this embodiment further resilient biasing means, for example an overcentre spring mechanism 58 may be provided to assist in moving thestand 38 between the stored and supporting positions once thepin 50 has reached a certain point along thegrove 52. - In this embodiment, because the
pin 50 has to move past acam 54 which is resiliently biased to project into thegroove 52, a certain amount of force is required. Advantageously this means that it may be possible to recline thevacuum cleaner 1 whilst applying no downward force onto the wand or handle 62, therefore allowing thevacuum cleaner 1 to be transported onwheels 60 of thestand 38. Only when enough downward force is applied to the wand or handle 62, will thepin 50 be able to move past thecam 54 by compressing or distorting thespring 56. - In this embodiment at least one return cam mechanism may additionally be provided. This return cam mechanism may be as described above in the previous embodiment. However in this embodiment the
pin 50 needs to pass thecam 54 before thestand 38 will be in its supporting position. In order to reduce the force needed to move past thecam 54 thecam 54 may be pivotally mounted at apivot point 64 to theleg 38. Preferably theleg 42 also further comprises acam block 66 which is arranged to allow thecam 54 to pivot when thepin 50 moves towards the end of thegrove 52 furthest away from themain body 46 but not when thepin 50 is moving in the other direction towards themain body 46. -
FIGS. 13 a to 13 c show schematic views of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. InFIGS. 13 a to 13 c only oneleg 67 of thestand 68 can be seen. In this embodiment an upright lock indicated generally at 70 is operated by a resilient biasing means, in this case an overcentre spring 72. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 13 a it can be seen that theupright lock 70 is in contact with acam 74 on theleg 68. In such an embodiment it may also be possible to recline the machine onto thewheels 82 of thestand 68 whilst applying no downward force onto the wand or handle, therefore allowing the vacuum cleaner to be transported on thewheels 82 of thestand 68. - In a preferred embodiment when the vacuum cleaner is reclined and a downward force is applied to the wand handle the force being applied to the
upright lock 70 by thespring 72 is overcome. This causes thespring 72 to over centre and release thecam 74 from theupright lock 70. Once theupright lock 70 has been released a further overcentre spring 80 can act on thestand 68 to move it into the stored position as shown inFIG. 13 c. When a user tries to stand the vacuum cleaner up to move the stand into the supporting position theprojection 76 on theyoke 78 moves back into theaperture 84 on theupright lock 70 and drives theupright lock 70 back into the position shown inFIG. 13 a where the stand is in the supporting position. - While the illustrated embodiments shows a
vacuum cleaner 1 in whichducts cleaners 1 which carry other fluids, such as water and detergents. - Separation of dust from the airflow could equally be carried out using other means such as a conventional bag-type filter, a porous box filter, an electrostatic separator or some other form of separating apparatus. For embodiments of the apparatus which are not vacuum cleaners, the main body can house equipment which is appropriate to the task performed by the machine. For example, for a floor polishing machine the main body can house a tank for storing liquid wax
- The
head 10 may also carry a brush bar (not shown) which may be connected to and driven by a motor (not shown). The brush bar can alternatively or additionally be driven in other ways, such as by a turbine which is driven by incoming or exhaust airflow, or by a coupling to the motor which is also used to drive the suction fan. The coupling between the motor and brush bar can alternatively be via a geared coupling. In alternative embodiments the brush bar can be removed entirely so that the machine relies entirely on suction or by some other form of agitation of the surface. For other types of surface treating machines, the cleaner head can include appropriate means for treating the floor surface, such as a polishing pad, a liquid or wax dispensing nozzle etc. The lower face of the cleaner head can include small rollers to ease movement across a surface.
Claims (27)
1. A surface-treating appliance comprising:
a main body,
a surface-treating head, and
a stand,
the stand being located on a rear portion of the appliance and being moveable between a supporting position, in which the stand supports the main body in an upright position and a stored position, the stand being moveable between the supporting and stored positions in response to a force being applied to the main body.
2. A surface-treating appliance according to claim 1 wherein the force is movement of the main body between its upright position and an inclined position.
3. A surface-treating appliance according to claim 2 wherein the force further comprises a downwards force.
4. A surface-treating appliance according to claim 1 wherein the main body comprises a handle or wand and the force is applied through the handle or wand.
5. A surface-treating appliance according to claim 4 wherein the handle or wand is located at the top of the main body.
6. An appliance according to claim 1 or 4 wherein the stand is arranged to be moveable from the supporting position to the stored position in response to the main body of the appliance being tipped rearwardly until its weight is over centre of the stand.
7. An appliance according to claim 1 or 4 further comprising a resilient biasing member to assist in moving the stand between the stored and supporting positions.
8. An appliance according to claim 7 wherein the resilient biasing member comprises one or more over-centre spring mechanisms.
9. An appliance according to claim 1 or 4 wherein the stand further comprises at least one cam mechanism which is arranged such that when the main body of the appliance is raised from an inclined position to its upright position the cam mechanism urges the stand into the supporting position.
10. An appliance according to claim 9 wherein the cam mechanism comprises an abutment member located on the surface treating head which engages with and pushes against a portion of the stand when the main body of the appliance is raised from an inclined position to its upright position, urging the stand into the supporting position.
11. An appliance according to claim 1 or 4 , further comprising a wheel or roller which is rotatably mounted to the main body for allowing the main body to be moved along a surface.
12. An appliance according to claim 11 wherein the wheel or roller comprises one or more rotatable members having an outer surface which defines a substantially continuous rolling support surface in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main body, the support surface being symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the main body.
13. An appliance as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the wheel or roller houses a component of the appliance.
14. An appliance as claimed in claim 13 , wherein the component comprises a motor and fan arrangement arranged, in use, to generate a fluid flow.
15. An appliance as claimed in claim 1 or 4 , further comprising an upright lock for locking the surface-treating head in a fixed position with respect to the main body when the stand is in the supporting position.
16. An appliance according to claim 15 wherein the upright lock comprises a projection on the stand and a latch on the surface treating head.
17. An appliance as claimed in claim 16 wherein the projection is able to move past the latch to prevent damage to the appliance.
18. An appliance according to claim 15 wherein the upright lock or resilient biasing member associated with the upright lock prevents the stand from moving into the supporting position until a force is applied to the main body.
19. An appliance according to claim 18 wherein the force is a downwards force sufficient to overcome the resilient biasing means associated with the upright lock.
20. An appliance as claimed in claim 1 or 4 further comprising a hose.
21. An appliance according to claim 20 further comprising a hose lock, which is arranged to lock the stand in the supporting position during use of the hose.
22. An appliance according to claim 21 wherein the hose lock comprises an abutment member which locks against the stand when the hose is pulled away from the appliance during use.
23. An appliance according to claim 4 further comprising a change over valve lock which locks the stand in its supporting position when the wand is in use.
24. An appliance according to claim 1 or 4 wherein the appliance is transportable on wheels of the stand.
25. A vacuum cleaner comprising the apparatus of claim 1 or 4 .
26. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 25 further comprising a cyclonic dirt and dust separator.
27. (canceled)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0717487.3 | 2007-09-08 | ||
GB0717487A GB2452548B (en) | 2007-09-08 | 2007-09-08 | A surface treating appliance |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090064450A1 true US20090064450A1 (en) | 2009-03-12 |
Family
ID=38640448
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/205,680 Abandoned US20090064450A1 (en) | 2007-09-08 | 2008-09-05 | Surface treating appliance |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090064450A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4852769B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101444403A (en) |
GB (1) | GB2452548B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009030885A1 (en) |
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US20120223040A1 (en) * | 2011-03-04 | 2012-09-06 | Wilton Industries, Inc. | Coffee caddy |
US20120246866A1 (en) * | 2011-03-28 | 2012-10-04 | Emerson Electric Co. | Support System Adjustable by Like Motion and Method of Use |
DE102012110182A1 (en) * | 2012-10-25 | 2014-04-30 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Upright vacuum cleaner |
US9192266B2 (en) | 2011-03-04 | 2015-11-24 | Wilton Industries, Inc. | Movable support device |
US9949602B2 (en) | 2011-11-03 | 2018-04-24 | Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited | Vacuum axle with a motor embedded therein and wheels |
WO2020061285A1 (en) | 2018-09-19 | 2020-03-26 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Cleaning head for a surface treatment apparatus having one or more stabilizers and surface treatment apparatus having the same |
WO2021013343A1 (en) * | 2019-07-24 | 2021-01-28 | Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG | Floor cleaning machine |
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GB2469049B (en) | 2009-03-31 | 2013-04-17 | Dyson Technology Ltd | A cleaning appliance with steering mechanism |
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GB2469047B (en) * | 2009-03-31 | 2013-12-04 | Dyson Technology Ltd | A cylinder type cleaning appliance |
GB2474472B (en) | 2009-10-15 | 2013-10-23 | Dyson Technology Ltd | A surface treating appliance |
GB2474469B (en) | 2009-10-15 | 2013-11-13 | Dyson Technology Ltd | A surface treating appliance |
GB2474470B (en) * | 2009-10-15 | 2013-10-23 | Dyson Technology Ltd | A surface treating appliance |
GB2474473B (en) | 2009-10-15 | 2013-10-23 | Dyson Technology Ltd | A surface treating appliance |
GB2474465B (en) * | 2009-10-15 | 2013-10-23 | Dyson Technology Ltd | A surface treating appliance |
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GB0918027D0 (en) | 2009-10-15 | 2009-12-02 | Dyson Technology Ltd | A surface trating appliance |
GB2474475B (en) | 2009-10-15 | 2013-10-23 | Dyson Technology Ltd | A surface treating appliance |
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KR101186613B1 (en) | 2010-07-06 | 2012-09-27 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | An upright type vacuum cleaner |
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KR101253196B1 (en) * | 2011-01-18 | 2013-04-10 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Upright type vacuum cleaner |
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CN106667375A (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2017-05-17 | 东莞产权交易中心 | Dust collector facilitating storage |
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CN112911981A (en) | 2018-09-07 | 2021-06-04 | 尚科宁家运营有限公司 | Battery and suction motor assembly for surface treatment apparatus and surface treatment apparatus having the same |
CN113633216A (en) * | 2020-05-11 | 2021-11-12 | 添可智能科技有限公司 | Scrubbing brush and dust catcher |
GB2605743B (en) * | 2020-12-18 | 2023-11-22 | Numatic Int Ltd | Floor treatment machine |
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Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120223040A1 (en) * | 2011-03-04 | 2012-09-06 | Wilton Industries, Inc. | Coffee caddy |
US8641060B2 (en) * | 2011-03-04 | 2014-02-04 | Wilton Industries, Inc. | Coffee caddy |
US9192266B2 (en) | 2011-03-04 | 2015-11-24 | Wilton Industries, Inc. | Movable support device |
US20120246866A1 (en) * | 2011-03-28 | 2012-10-04 | Emerson Electric Co. | Support System Adjustable by Like Motion and Method of Use |
US9949602B2 (en) | 2011-11-03 | 2018-04-24 | Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited | Vacuum axle with a motor embedded therein and wheels |
DE102012110182A1 (en) * | 2012-10-25 | 2014-04-30 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Upright vacuum cleaner |
US8991005B2 (en) | 2012-10-25 | 2015-03-31 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Upright vacuum cleaner |
WO2020061285A1 (en) | 2018-09-19 | 2020-03-26 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Cleaning head for a surface treatment apparatus having one or more stabilizers and surface treatment apparatus having the same |
EP3852592A4 (en) * | 2018-09-19 | 2022-06-29 | SharkNinja Operating LLC | Cleaning head for a surface treatment apparatus having one or more stabilizers and surface treatment apparatus having the same |
WO2021013343A1 (en) * | 2019-07-24 | 2021-01-28 | Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG | Floor cleaning machine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0717487D0 (en) | 2007-10-17 |
GB2452548B (en) | 2011-11-30 |
CN101444403A (en) | 2009-06-03 |
JP4852769B2 (en) | 2012-01-11 |
GB2452548A (en) | 2009-03-11 |
WO2009030885A1 (en) | 2009-03-12 |
JP2009061285A (en) | 2009-03-26 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NEWTON, DAVID CHRISTOPHER JAMES;WHITE, WILLIAM ROBERT JAMES;CZERPAK, SAMUEL JAMES;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:021722/0596;SIGNING DATES FROM 20081008 TO 20081013 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |