US20100162516A1 - Vacuum Bypass Vent and Vacuums Incorporating Such Bypass Vents - Google Patents

Vacuum Bypass Vent and Vacuums Incorporating Such Bypass Vents Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20100162516A1
US20100162516A1 US12/651,243 US65124309A US2010162516A1 US 20100162516 A1 US20100162516 A1 US 20100162516A1 US 65124309 A US65124309 A US 65124309A US 2010162516 A1 US2010162516 A1 US 2010162516A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
impeller
bypass
vacuum
liquid
vacuum appliance
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
Application number
US12/651,243
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Joseph T. Gierer
Jeffrey L. Young
David BETH
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Emerson Electric Co
Original Assignee
Emerson Electric Co
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Emerson Electric Co filed Critical Emerson Electric Co
Priority to US12/651,243 priority Critical patent/US20100162516A1/en
Priority to MX2010000332A priority patent/MX2010000332A/es
Assigned to EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. reassignment EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BETH, DAVID, GIERER, JOSEPH T., YOUNG, JEFFREY L.
Publication of US20100162516A1 publication Critical patent/US20100162516A1/en
Priority to US14/196,103 priority patent/US10092148B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
    • A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
    • A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
    • A47L7/0023—Recovery tanks
    • A47L7/0028—Security means, e.g. float valves or level switches for preventing overflow
    • 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
    • A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
    • A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
    • A47L7/0042—Gaskets; Sealing means
    • 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
    • A47L9/0072—Mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action

Definitions

  • the inventions disclosed and taught herein relate generally to wet/dry vacuum appliances, and more specifically, are related to a bypass vent system for use with wet/dry vacuum appliances.
  • Vacuum appliances capable of picking up both wet and dry materials are generally well-known. Such vacuums with both wet and dry capabilities are often used in workshops, basements, garages, and other environments where both wet and dry debris can accumulate and needs to be collected for separate disposal.
  • Wet/dry vacuums conventionally consist of a collection tank or canister, sometimes mounted on wheels or casters, and a cover or lid upon which a motor and impeller assembly is mounted.
  • the motor and impeller assembly creates a suction within the canister, such that debris and liquid are drawn in to the canister through an air inlet to which a flexible hose can be attached.
  • a filter within the canister prevents incoming debris from escaping from the canister while allowing filtered air to escape.
  • the vacuum cleaner motor is supported on a removable lid for the debris collection drum and drives an impeller fan having an inlet side that communicates with the drum interior and draws a vacuum therein, allowing water or liquid debris to be drawn into the collection drum by way of a vacuum hose or the like.
  • the lid is a generally flat surface disc or plate.
  • the lid is typically formed of a strong, relatively rigid polymer or metal disc having a periphery that is shaped to sealingly engage the upper end of the side wall of the cylindrical tank or drum. A hole is cut through the lid just beneath the mounting for the motor and this hole provides communication between the interior of the tank and the impeller fan driven by the motor.
  • a filter assembly is interposed between the interior of the tank and the inlet to the impeller fan for capturing particulate matter so that it does not escape into and past the fan and is not expelled from the vacuum cleaner.
  • the filter support is in the form of a generally cylindrical cage
  • the filter element is in the form of a cylindrical annulus or sleeve of open cell foam material which is removably fitted over the filter cage.
  • the annular sides of the filter cage are defined by vertical ribs, shaped and placed to support the surrounding filter element, yet spaced apart so as not to interfere with air flow. The bottom of the filter cage is closed off.
  • the filter cage of the typical canister vacuum cleaner is secured to the underside of the lid around the hole through the lid, and is included for the purpose of supporting a cylindrically-shaped filter element.
  • the filter cage is a molded plastic unit with an annular collar at its upper edge, and may be of cylindrical, oval, or numerous other shapes, as appropriate.
  • a ball or cylinder float element that sits on the base of the filter cage and is adapted to float up within the filter cage once the level of liquid in the tank rises above the bottom of the filter cage.
  • the float element eventually floats high enough to seal the inlet to the impeller fan. Further operation of the vacuum cleaner is blocked until the tank is emptied of collected material.
  • the filter element may also be replaced if so desired by the user.
  • the prior art vacuum cleaner dirt level detection devices can be divided into two general categories. These devices have either floats that are designed to operate in vacuum cleaners which pick up liquids, or they have diaphragm devices that are affected by the difference in pressure between two points in the vacuum cleaner caused by the clogging of a vacuum cleaner dirt collecting bag. When the pressure differential reaches a threshold, the diaphragm triggers a sequence of mechanical or electrical steps which result in either the dust bag cover opening, a light or audible signal warning the operator to shut down the vacuum cleaner, or automatic powering down of the motor fan unit.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,366 to Berfield is representative of the devices having a float-based system.
  • the float devices rely generally on the principle of buoyancy which causes a float to rise and seal against a seat when a sufficient amount of water has accumulated in the collection container of the vacuum cleaner.
  • the float blocks the fan inlet opening so that even if the motor fan unit continues to run, additional water is not pulled into the system.
  • These float devices are thus not designed to operate by sensing a differential air pressure on opposed sides of a valve.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 2,817,414 to Ferraris is a typical vacuum cleaner employing a differential pressure diaphragm, or sensor, which acts to detect an increase in pressure between two points in the vacuum cleaner.
  • pressure readings are taken between the inside and the outside of a dust collecting bag.
  • a differential force is exerted upon a control diaphragm.
  • the diaphragm distorts and sets in motion a sequence of pneumatic, mechanical and/or electrical steps which de-energize the motor fan unit.
  • a canister- or tank-type vacuum cleaner which uses a generally cylindrical filter element that is fitted around a generally cylindrical filter cage
  • the cage is an integral plastic molding with the lid that closes the tank of the vacuum cleaner; the vacuum cleaner motor sits atop the lid; the lid is removably sealed to the canister; and, inside the filter cage, there is a freely floating ball, which floats up through the cage as the tank becomes filled to seal the air outlet to the motor.
  • the bottom end of the filter cage is closed off by a bottom cover.
  • An inlet grid element including a grid covered opening, is disposed across the hole through the tank lid for permitting air to pass through the hole in the lid while also enclosing the top end of the filter cage as a safety feature to block access to the rotating impeller fan.
  • a generally flat wall extends from the grid to the tank lid.
  • the bottom edge of a sleeve extending downward from the grid constitutes a seat against which the float seals upon rising to a predetermined level. If the fan continues to operate after its inlet is blocked by sealing of the float against the seat, the fan motor overheats. This causes the molded plastic grid unit to overheat at a time when there is an upward force transmitted through the float to the sleeve portion of the grid unit. As a result, the grid unit distorts, often resulting in a faulty sealing between the float and seat at the bottom edge of the sleeve.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,366 describes a wet/dry canister-type vacuum cleaner that is provided with a plastic grid unit that includes a spherical cup-like main section, an upper annular mounting lip, a short tubular support disposed within the main section with the lower end of the support surrounding a central inlet opening in the latter, and a grid extending across the support at the top thereof and disposed below the mounting lip.
  • the lower end of the support constitutes a seat for a floating ball valve element.
  • An axially extending slot in the support provides a drain for liquid that may be accumulated by the main section at the interior thereof.
  • Vacuum appliances capable of picking up both wet and dry material are described, the vacuum appliances including an impeller configured to induce liquid into the vacuum appliance, a motor configured to turn the impeller, a restrictor to prevent the liquid from being ingested into the motor impeller, and a bypass vent configured to allow sufficient air to reach the motor impeller chamber in order to keep the motor impeller chamber cool while the restrictor is preventing the liquid from being ingested into the motor impeller.
  • the vacuum appliance may include a drum configured to retain the solid and/or liquid debris and an impeller intake between the impeller and the drum.
  • the restrictor may comprise a float configured to rise with a level of the liquid in the drum and prevent the liquid from entering the impeller intake.
  • the bypass vent may be configured to allow air to bypass the restrictor and/or the drum.
  • the bypass vent may comprise a bypass area of between about 0.01 square inches and about 0.1 square inches. In one non-limiting embodiment, the bypass area is approximately 0.05 square inches.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wet/dry vacuum appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the wet/dry vacuum assembly shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a partial sectional view of the embodiment of a wet/dry vacuum assembly shown in FIG. 1 , taken along line 3 - 3 .
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a chamber region of a vacuum utilizing certain aspects of the present inventions.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a cut-away perspective view of a chamber member of a vacuum utilizing certain aspects of the present inventions.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a typical float of a vacuum utilizing certain aspects of the present inventions.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of the float of FIG. 6 , taken along line 7 - 7 .
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a side elevation view of the float of FIG. 6 , taken along line 8 - 8 .
  • FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of an insert of a vacuum utilizing certain aspects of the present inventions.
  • FIG. 9B illustrates a perspective view of the opposite face of the insert of FIG. 9A .
  • FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of the top face of an insert with a grille for use with a vacuum utilizing certain aspects of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10B illustrates another perspective view of the insert with a grille of FIG. 10A , rotated 90° clockwise.
  • FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of the bottom, opposite face of the insert with a grille of FIG. 10A .
  • FIG. 11B illustrates a further perspective view of the bottom face of the insert with a grille of FIG. 11A , rotated 90° clockwise.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a subassembly comprising the insert of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 13 illustrates a further perspective view of the subassembly of FIG. 17 , rotated 90° clockwise.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the assembly of a grille assembly of the present disclosure and the bottom face of a collector assembly of a wet/dry vacuum appliance.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective exploded view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Applicants have created a vacuum appliance capable of picking up both wet and dry material, including an impeller configured to induce liquid into the vacuum appliance, a motor configured to turn the impeller, a restrictor to prevent the liquid from being ingested into the impeller, and a bypass vent configured to allow sufficient air to reach the impeller chamber in order to keep the chamber and motor cool while the restrictor is preventing the liquid from being ingested into the impeller.
  • the vacuum appliance may include a drum configured to retain the liquid and an impeller intake between the impeller and the drum.
  • the restrictor may comprise a float configured to rise with a level of the liquid in the drum and prevent the liquid from entering the impeller intake.
  • the bypass vent may be configured to allow airflow to bypass the restrictor, as appropriate.
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of an exemplary wet/dry vacuum appliance 100 in accordance with the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the vacuum of FIG. 1
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the wet/dry vacuum appliance of FIG. 1 , taken along line 3 - 3 .
  • Vacuum 100 is of the wet/dry variety, i.e., capable of picking up both wet and dry material.
  • Vacuum 100 comprises a collection canister, or drum, 102 having a bottom 101 , sides, an open top opposite the bottom, a lid 111 , and a powerhead 104 attached to the top face of lid 111 , which is releasably secured over the open top of collection canister 102 via handles 107 .
  • Collection drum 102 may also include a drain outlet and drain plug member 103 at the bottom of the drum, so as to allow for enhanced removal of liquid debris from within the drum itself, such as with a pump accessory as shown in U.S. Design Pat. No. D551,681.
  • Powerhead 104 houses a motor and impeller assembly (not shown) within an impeller chamber, for establishing vacuum pressure within the vacuum 100 during operation.
  • a flexible vacuum hose 99 is configured so that one end can be inserted into an air inlet 108 formed in the front portion of the powerhead 104 .
  • hose 99 is simply friction-fitted into inlet port 108 .
  • hose 99 may be lock-fit into inlet port 108 , or employ a quick-connect/disconnect mechanism in order to obtain a leak-free seal, in accordance with U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,370,730 and 6,115,881, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the collection drum 102 , the lid 111 and the powerhead 104 are preferably made of injection-molded plastic, such as polypropylene or the like, in accordance with conventional practice.
  • the air inlet port 108 is defined in a side wall of the collection drum 102 as shown, or alternatively, may be defined in the lid 111 or within a face of powerhead 104 .
  • the powerhead assembly 104 houses a motor (M) and an impeller assembly housed within an impeller chamber, and has defined therein an air exhaust or outlet port 108 ′.
  • the powerhead assembly 104 is operable to create a suction within the collection drum 102 , such that during operation debris and/or liquid is drawn into the collection drum 102 through the hose 99 , which is attached to the inlet port 108 via a connection member 98 .
  • an upper portion of powerhead 104 may be configured to serve as a carrying handle 110 for vacuum 100 .
  • an on/off switch 112 is disposed, such that switch 112 may be conveniently reached with one's thumb while holding vacuum 100 by handle 110 .
  • Power to the vacuum appliance 100 may be via a typical AC power source via power cord 109 , or via a battery system, as appropriate.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of vacuum 100 , showing certain internal components thereof not visible in the perspective views of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • powerhead 104 houses a motor M which receives electrical power from power cord 109 via user actuation of switch 112 .
  • a filter assembly comprising a rigid filter cage 114 and a standard filter 116 , such as a cylindrical paper, cloth, polymer, or HEPA-type filter.
  • Filter cage 114 is adapted to be secured on the underside of powerhead 104 .
  • the motor M functions to turn an impeller 124 disposed generally above the filter cage 114 , such that air is drawn into air inlet port 108 , through filter 116 (and cage 114 ), and out an air outlet port 108 ′.
  • an airflow path is defined such that, during typical vacuum operation, air is taken in through air inlet port 108 , filtered through filter 116 (and cage 114 ), and finally expelled through the air outlet port 108 ′, leaving vacuumed debris contained within collection drum 102 , in accordance with the operation of conventional wet/dry vacuums.
  • the air is propelled through this airflow path by way of the motor M and impeller assembly housed within powerhead 104 .
  • the impeller assembly comprises a blower wheel 124 attached to motor M by a nut 125 or similar attachment means suitable for threadably connecting the blower wheel to the Motor via motor shaft M.
  • the filter cage 114 located below the impeller assembly and extending into the drum 102 are the filter cage 114 (housing float 122 within), with a filter 116 fitting snugly over the exterior of filter cage 114 .
  • the air inlet port and air outlet port are defined by powerhead 104 , it is contemplated that other embodiments may be implemented in which this is not the case. It is sufficient that the powerhead communicate with the air inlet port and the air outlet port during operation, such that powerhead 104 can perform the function of causing air to be drawn in through the air inlet port and expelled out through the air outlet port.
  • an impeller chamber formed by lid 110 above and a collector assembly 133 below surrounds the impeller 124 , and its configuration is such that the rotation of fins or blades of the impeller 124 causes the vacuum pressure to be created within vacuum 100 .
  • a float 122 which may take many forms such as a ball or a cylinder, is disposed within filter cage 114 .
  • Float 122 rises automatically within cage 114 to restrict the flow of air through vacuum 100 when liquid in the drum, 102 reaches a predetermined level.
  • a plurality of fins may optionally be formed within cage 114 to serve as guides to keep the float 122 centrally disposed within cage itself.
  • lower motor frame 136 fits into the bottom face of lid 111 , creating an annular seal designated with reference numerals 138 .
  • the assembly consisting of motor M, lid 111 , and motor frames 134 and 136 may be attached to bottom face 132 of powerhead 104 with screws 140 .
  • An impeller intake aperture 142 defined by powerhead bottom 132 provides a path for the flow of air to impeller 128 to be expelled through output port 130 .
  • an annular ring seal 144 is formed in bottom 132 , which interlocks with a corresponding annular groove in collector member 133 , in a tongue-and-groove fashion.
  • float 122 rises automatically within cage 114 to restrict the flow of air through vacuum 100 when liquid in collection drum 102 reaches a predetermined level. In its raised position, the float 122 may partially seal the intake aperture 142 in the powerhead bottom 132 . In this manner, the float 122 acts as a restrictor, preventing liquid from being sucked, or ingested, into the impeller 124 , and/or the impeller chamber 131 .
  • the float 122 may take forms other than cylindrical.
  • the present invention when the airflow path is blocked or otherwise limited, less airflow is available to cool the impeller 124 , impeller chamber 131 , and motor (M). Additionally, when the airflow path is blocked or otherwise limited, significant suction may be created within the vacuum 100 .
  • the present invention preferably includes a bypass vent 200 somewhere along the airflow path before, or up-stream of, the impeller 124 to allow sufficient airflow to cool the motor M, impeller 124 , and impeller chamber 131 even when liquid in drum 102 reaches the predetermined level.
  • the bypass vent 200 of the present invention provides a small, controlled amount of fresh ambient air, or bypass air, to enter the impeller chamber 131 to keep it cool. At the same time, the bypass vent 200 of the present invention keeps the airflow to a minimum in order to keep the vacuum pressure generated inside the drum 102 to a level that will not pull liquid into the vacuum drum 102 when picking up mixtures of air and liquid.
  • the bypass vent is preferably tuned and located to allow enough cooling air to keep the impeller chamber 131 and motor M cool while, at the same time, prevent intake of liquid.
  • the reduced vacuum pressure with the float in the sealed position, must be less than that needed to lift the water from the source up to the intake of the vacuum, which typically would be greater than 10 inches of water head.
  • the bypass vent 200 preferably provides a bypass area of about 0.05 square inches located at the interface between the float 122 and the impeller's air intake 142 . In one embodiment, referring to FIG.
  • this bypass area is provided by two bypass notches 202 , each of which providing a bypass area of about 0.025 square inches in size in the rim of the impeller intake 142 .
  • any number of notches, or holes, can be used, so long as the final size is approximately 0.05 square inches, and wherein the blocked suction pressure is approximately 40-55 inches of water.
  • the bypass area may be about 0.01 square inches, about 0.025 square inches, about 0.075 square inches, or about 0.1 square inches. Due to manufacturing tolerances, as well as other considerations, the bypass area may be between about 0.01 square inches and about 0.025 square inches, between about 0.025 square inches and about 0.05 square inches, between about 0.03 square inches and about 0.07 square inches, between about 0.05 square inches and about 0.075 square inches, or between about 0.07 square inches and about 0.1 square inches.
  • bypass vent 200 may be located in other places, such as a hole near the top of the vacuum 100 .
  • the notches are provided in the drum 102 , the float 122 , the impeller intake 142 , and in an insert or grille between the impeller 124 and the drum 102 .
  • the bypass vent 200 is significantly smaller than the main hose air input port, or inlet, 108 . More specifically, the bypass vent 200 is preferably tuned to allow a consistent amount of air to bypass the seal between the float 122 and the intake aperture 142 .
  • This bypass, or leakage, air keeps the air temperature inside the impeller chamber 131 well below the maximum operating temperature of the motor M and other vacuum components, such as the motor's lower frame.
  • this bypass air is small enough that the vacuum pressure generated inside the drum 102 is low and will no longer pick up liquid, thus keeping liquid from ever entering the impeller chamber 131 .
  • the bypass vent 200 allows the vacuum 100 to run long term with the float 122 in the raised position without overheating the motor M and without allowing further liquid to be pulled into the vacuum 100 .
  • the bypass vent 200 provides a controlled area of air leakage into the impeller chamber 131 to introduce fresh cooling air while, at the same time, choking off or substantially reducing the airflow to a flow rate sufficient to minimize the vacuum pressure developed inside the drum 102 , and thus stop the inflow of liquid into the drum 102 for air/liquid mixtures.
  • This controlled air leakage, or bypass air can be provided at the interface between the float 122 and the impeller inlet 142 , on the inlet 142 itself, or in the float 122 itself, or a combination thereof.
  • the bypass vent 200 may be specific holes, notches, or slits in either the float 122 or the rim of the impeller intake 142 .
  • three or more short ribs may be raised on the top of the float 122 , or some other standoff feature may be built in to the top of the float 122 .
  • the ribs 204 may be built in to the impeller intake 142 .
  • the bypass vent 200 may be embodied as one or more grooves 206 formed on the top surface of the float 122 , so as to provide the bypass airflow path.
  • FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 cross-sectional views of float 122 along lines 7 - 7 and 8 - 8 , respectively, of FIG. 6 , show that the groove (or grooves) 206 may be straight, extending from one edge of the float to an opposite edge.
  • the groove or grooves 206 acting as bypass vents may be diagonal, crossing, curved, and/or spiral, as appropriate.
  • the bypass vent 200 may be designed into a separate annular insert 220 that fits into the impeller intake aperture 142 .
  • the insert 220 may have one or more bypass notches 222 formed in the rim of the assembly 220 that interfaces with the top of the float 122 .
  • a wedge-shaped surface, such as created by formed fins 227 may provide for a tight fit of the bypass assembly 220 into the impeller intake aperture 142 , thereby forming a seal.
  • one or more o-rings 224 , 224 ′ may be used with the insert, circumscribing the exterior face of the assembly 220 (in the case of O-ring 224 ), and/or the interior face of the assembly (in the case of O-ring 224 ′), so as to provide the seal, or enhance the seal as appropriate.
  • the insert 220 may be further include a plurality (two or more) of tabs 226 extending outwardly from the outer edge or rim of the insert 220 , and which act to hold the insert 220 in place by sandwiching the insert under the filter cage 114 when assembled.
  • Assembly 230 is an annular assembly having an edge or rim 231 within inside and outside faces, and a filtering grate, or grille, 233 extending across the inner face of rim 231 of the assembly 230 , the grille acting as a last-chance barrier to prevent medium or large debris particles from entering the collector, or impeller, chamber 131 .
  • the assembly 230 may have one or more bypass notches 232 formed into a top face 235 of the rim, the notches 232 interfacing with the top of the float 122 when the vacuum is fully assembled.
  • the assembly 230 may be held in place by metal barbs 234 formed or inserted into the outer face of rim 231 , and/or by wings or tabs which allow the assembly 230 to be trapped under the filter cage 114 , similar to the bypass assembly insert 220 described above.
  • FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a further, optional assembly of the present disclosure, wherein before insertion into the vacuum assembly in the impeller intake opening, intermediate between the filter cage and associated float and the impeller intake assembly, bypass vent assemblies 220 and 230 are combined, with the annular grate assembly 230 fitting within the interior region of the rim of bypass assembly 220 , and resting on a surface formed on the interior face of the rim of assembly 220 .
  • bypass notches 222 and 232 are aligned, so as to allow for sufficient air to reach the impeller chamber and keep the impeller chamber cool.
  • FIG. 14 and 15 illustrate exploded views of a filter cage 114 , float 122 , the inserts 230 and 220 (respectively), and an exemplary collector member 133 , and their assembly into the impeller intake opening 142 on the bottom surface of the lid of a vacuum cleaner.
  • the bypass vent 200 provides airflow directly from the outside of the vacuum 100 .
  • a tube may be used to connect the intake port 142 of the impeller chamber 131 to the outside of the vacuum 100 .
  • the bypass vent 200 may allow the impeller to induce airflow to bypass the float 122 , the drum 102 , and/or the impeller intake 142 .
  • the bypass vent 200 may comprise one notch, three notches, four notches, and/or five or more notches.
  • the various methods and embodiments of the present invention can be included in combination with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements and vice-versa.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)
US12/651,243 2008-12-31 2009-12-31 Vacuum Bypass Vent and Vacuums Incorporating Such Bypass Vents Abandoned US20100162516A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/651,243 US20100162516A1 (en) 2008-12-31 2009-12-31 Vacuum Bypass Vent and Vacuums Incorporating Such Bypass Vents
MX2010000332A MX2010000332A (es) 2008-12-31 2010-01-07 Purga de desviacion de aspiradora y aspiradoras que incorporan dichas purgas de desviacion.
US14/196,103 US10092148B2 (en) 2008-12-31 2014-03-04 Vacuum bypass vent and vacuums incorporating such bypass vents

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14213808P 2008-12-31 2008-12-31
US12/651,243 US20100162516A1 (en) 2008-12-31 2009-12-31 Vacuum Bypass Vent and Vacuums Incorporating Such Bypass Vents

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/196,103 Division US10092148B2 (en) 2008-12-31 2014-03-04 Vacuum bypass vent and vacuums incorporating such bypass vents

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20100162516A1 true US20100162516A1 (en) 2010-07-01

Family

ID=42283209

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/651,243 Abandoned US20100162516A1 (en) 2008-12-31 2009-12-31 Vacuum Bypass Vent and Vacuums Incorporating Such Bypass Vents
US14/196,103 Active 2032-06-19 US10092148B2 (en) 2008-12-31 2014-03-04 Vacuum bypass vent and vacuums incorporating such bypass vents

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/196,103 Active 2032-06-19 US10092148B2 (en) 2008-12-31 2014-03-04 Vacuum bypass vent and vacuums incorporating such bypass vents

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (2) US20100162516A1 (es)
CA (1) CA2689483C (es)
MX (1) MX2010000332A (es)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160037988A1 (en) * 2014-08-08 2016-02-11 Emerson Electric Co. Low profile filter for vacuum cleaners
US20160066758A1 (en) * 2014-02-12 2016-03-10 Emerson Electric Co. Systems, Methods, and Apparatuses for Controlling the Power Supply of a Vacuum Cleaner Motor
US20160102675A1 (en) * 2014-10-10 2016-04-14 Emerson Electric Co. Efficient vacuum cleaner fan inlet
US20160113467A1 (en) * 2014-10-22 2016-04-28 Dyson Technology Limited Vacuum cleaner with motor cooling
US10244912B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2019-04-02 Dyson Technology Limited Vacuum cleaner with motor between separation stages
CN109922701A (zh) * 2016-11-15 2019-06-21 阿尔弗雷德·卡赫欧洲两合公司 抽吸器具
CN110772165A (zh) * 2019-11-26 2020-02-11 兰溪米雪电子科技有限公司 一种手推式吸尘器
US20230218130A1 (en) * 2020-04-24 2023-07-13 Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited Floor cleaner with full tank indicator

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170231263A1 (en) * 2016-02-14 2017-08-17 Grover A Britt, Jr. Vacuum assisted nut cracker
US10869586B2 (en) 2016-11-17 2020-12-22 Karcher North America, Inc. Portable vacuum and related accessories
USD876738S1 (en) * 2018-04-30 2020-02-25 Emerson Electric Co. Wet/dry vacuum cleaner
USD901112S1 (en) 2018-04-30 2020-11-03 Emerson Electric Co. Wet/dry vacuum cleaner
USD876039S1 (en) * 2018-04-30 2020-02-18 Emerson Electric Co. Wet/dry vacuum cleaner
USD865305S1 (en) * 2018-04-30 2019-10-29 Emerson Electric Co. Combined wet/dry vacuum cleaner
USD876739S1 (en) * 2018-04-30 2020-02-25 Emerson Electric Co. Wet/dry vacuum cleaner
USD882892S1 (en) * 2018-04-30 2020-04-28 Emerson Electric Co. Wet/dry vacuum cleaner
CN210433398U (zh) * 2019-04-18 2020-05-01 天佑电器（苏州）有限公司 干湿吸尘器
CN213189348U (zh) * 2020-05-20 2021-05-14 天佑电器（苏州）有限公司 吸尘器

Citations (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3138873A (en) * 1961-09-08 1964-06-30 Harold P Bishop Vacuum attachment for dental aspirator unit
US3220638A (en) * 1963-10-01 1965-11-30 Fisker & Nielsen As Suction unit, particularly for cleaning apparatus
US3290865A (en) * 1963-09-27 1966-12-13 Diethelm & Co Suction apparatus for liquids and foam
US3296777A (en) * 1964-08-06 1967-01-10 Purex Corp Ltd Combination vacuum sweeper and liquid vaporizer
US3909219A (en) * 1973-01-03 1975-09-30 Singer Co Vacuum cleaner filter assembly
US4057364A (en) * 1974-08-23 1977-11-08 John Bratschitsch Fluid transfer systems and valves therefor
US4185974A (en) * 1977-12-15 1980-01-29 Shop-Vac Corporation Integral filter cage and lid for cannister type vacuum cleaner
US4508550A (en) * 1983-04-28 1985-04-02 Shop-Vac Corporation Air flow responsive outlet from tank of vacuum cleaner
US4623366A (en) * 1985-09-20 1986-11-18 Shop-Vac Corporation Grid element for lid of a cannister type vacuum cleaner
US4797072A (en) * 1987-06-19 1989-01-10 Shop-Vac Corporation Portable electric blower
US5062870A (en) * 1990-07-06 1991-11-05 Notetry Limited Shut-off device for cyclonic vacuum cleaner
US5618410A (en) * 1995-02-15 1997-04-08 Den-Tal-Ez, Inc. Automatically draining vacuum apparatus
US6011331A (en) * 1997-04-22 2000-01-04 Emerson Electric Co. Electric motor having an improved airflow cooling system
US6101669A (en) * 1998-06-04 2000-08-15 Emerson Electric Co. Wet/dry vacuum
US6115881A (en) * 1998-08-28 2000-09-12 Emerson Electric Co. Secure hose locking device
US6237187B1 (en) * 1998-08-31 2001-05-29 Emerson Electric Co. Wet/dry vacuum dolly
US6279198B1 (en) * 1999-02-18 2001-08-28 Emerson Electric Co. Convertible wet/dry cleaning system
US6370730B1 (en) * 1998-08-28 2002-04-16 Emerson Electric Co. Hose lock with integral seal
US6378165B1 (en) * 2000-02-17 2002-04-30 Emerson Electric Co. Pull handle with interlocking mounting mechanism for wet/dry vacuum appliance
US6440191B1 (en) * 2000-06-14 2002-08-27 Shop Vac Corporation Vacuum cleaner filter assembly
US6691396B2 (en) * 2000-03-03 2004-02-17 Emerson Electric Co. Wet/dry vacuum and method of assembling same
US7228592B2 (en) * 2000-01-14 2007-06-12 Electrolux Homecare Products Ltd. Upright vacuum cleaner with cyclonic air path
US7291195B2 (en) * 2005-11-23 2007-11-06 Emerson Electric Co. Durable filter cage for air-moving system
US7374595B2 (en) * 2005-11-23 2008-05-20 Emerson Electric Co. Filter and system for improved sealing on a vacuum cleaner
US7374594B2 (en) * 2005-11-23 2008-05-20 Emerson Electric Co. Filter and system for improved sealing and ease of attachment on a vacuum cleaner

Family Cites Families (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3172743A (en) 1965-03-09 Commercial vacuum cleaners
US2230113A (en) 1937-08-14 1941-01-28 Sears Roebuck & Co Pneumatic device
US2758670A (en) 1954-01-29 1956-08-14 Electrolux Corp Adjustable control for automatic vacuum cleaners
US2817414A (en) 1954-03-25 1957-12-24 Electrolux Corp Control unit for automatic vacuum cleaners
US2764256A (en) 1954-05-11 1956-09-25 Electrolux Corp Continuously adjustable control device for automatic vacuum cleaners
US2863524A (en) 1955-02-21 1958-12-09 Strapavac Corp Vacuum cleaner
US2814358A (en) 1955-08-31 1957-11-26 Electrolux Corp Automatic vacuum cleaners
US3626545A (en) 1969-10-09 1971-12-14 Perry W Sparrow Central vacuum cleaner with remote control
SE366642B (es) 1972-09-22 1974-05-06 Electrolux Ab
US4246676A (en) 1979-08-15 1981-01-27 Alexander Hallsworth Liquid collecting vacuum container
US4294595A (en) 1980-07-18 1981-10-13 Electrolux Corporation Vacuum cleaner including automatic shutoff device
US6167586B1 (en) * 1995-11-06 2001-01-02 Bissell Homecare, Inc. Upright water extraction cleaning machine with improved tank structure
US5920955A (en) * 1996-07-12 1999-07-13 Shop Vac Corporation Self-evacuating vacuum cleaner
US5954863A (en) * 1996-11-18 1999-09-21 Loveless; Michael L. Wet and dry vacuum with float valve system
US6110248A (en) * 1998-08-31 2000-08-29 Shop Vac Corporation Dual filter assembly for a vacuum cleaner
US6113663A (en) * 1998-11-10 2000-09-05 Shop Vac Corporation Vacuum cleaner having a dual filter assembly
US6324723B1 (en) * 2000-06-14 2001-12-04 The Scott Fetzer Company Wet pickup attachment for vacuum cleaners
US6637068B2 (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-10-28 Shop Vac Corporation Float rod seal for vacuum cleaner
US6912757B2 (en) * 2002-12-12 2005-07-05 Shop-Vac Corporation Vacuum cleaner with continuous liquid pick-up
EP1495706B1 (en) * 2003-07-10 2013-05-01 Black & Decker Inc. Vacuum cleaner
US7971314B2 (en) * 2006-11-30 2011-07-05 Emerson Electric Co. Oval filter cage and vacuum cleaner

Patent Citations (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3138873A (en) * 1961-09-08 1964-06-30 Harold P Bishop Vacuum attachment for dental aspirator unit
US3290865A (en) * 1963-09-27 1966-12-13 Diethelm & Co Suction apparatus for liquids and foam
US3220638A (en) * 1963-10-01 1965-11-30 Fisker & Nielsen As Suction unit, particularly for cleaning apparatus
US3296777A (en) * 1964-08-06 1967-01-10 Purex Corp Ltd Combination vacuum sweeper and liquid vaporizer
US3909219A (en) * 1973-01-03 1975-09-30 Singer Co Vacuum cleaner filter assembly
US4057364A (en) * 1974-08-23 1977-11-08 John Bratschitsch Fluid transfer systems and valves therefor
US4185974A (en) * 1977-12-15 1980-01-29 Shop-Vac Corporation Integral filter cage and lid for cannister type vacuum cleaner
US4508550A (en) * 1983-04-28 1985-04-02 Shop-Vac Corporation Air flow responsive outlet from tank of vacuum cleaner
US4623366A (en) * 1985-09-20 1986-11-18 Shop-Vac Corporation Grid element for lid of a cannister type vacuum cleaner
US4797072A (en) * 1987-06-19 1989-01-10 Shop-Vac Corporation Portable electric blower
US5062870A (en) * 1990-07-06 1991-11-05 Notetry Limited Shut-off device for cyclonic vacuum cleaner
US5618410A (en) * 1995-02-15 1997-04-08 Den-Tal-Ez, Inc. Automatically draining vacuum apparatus
US6011331A (en) * 1997-04-22 2000-01-04 Emerson Electric Co. Electric motor having an improved airflow cooling system
US6101669A (en) * 1998-06-04 2000-08-15 Emerson Electric Co. Wet/dry vacuum
US6115881A (en) * 1998-08-28 2000-09-12 Emerson Electric Co. Secure hose locking device
US7134694B2 (en) * 1998-08-28 2006-11-14 Emerson Electric Co. Hose connection adapter
US6370730B1 (en) * 1998-08-28 2002-04-16 Emerson Electric Co. Hose lock with integral seal
US6347429B1 (en) * 1998-08-31 2002-02-19 Emerson Electric Co. Wet/dry vacuum drain system
US6237187B1 (en) * 1998-08-31 2001-05-29 Emerson Electric Co. Wet/dry vacuum dolly
US6279198B1 (en) * 1999-02-18 2001-08-28 Emerson Electric Co. Convertible wet/dry cleaning system
US7228592B2 (en) * 2000-01-14 2007-06-12 Electrolux Homecare Products Ltd. Upright vacuum cleaner with cyclonic air path
US6543085B2 (en) * 2000-02-17 2003-04-08 Emerson Electric Co. Vacuum appliance having push and pull handles
US6378165B1 (en) * 2000-02-17 2002-04-30 Emerson Electric Co. Pull handle with interlocking mounting mechanism for wet/dry vacuum appliance
US6691396B2 (en) * 2000-03-03 2004-02-17 Emerson Electric Co. Wet/dry vacuum and method of assembling same
US6440191B1 (en) * 2000-06-14 2002-08-27 Shop Vac Corporation Vacuum cleaner filter assembly
US7291195B2 (en) * 2005-11-23 2007-11-06 Emerson Electric Co. Durable filter cage for air-moving system
US7374595B2 (en) * 2005-11-23 2008-05-20 Emerson Electric Co. Filter and system for improved sealing on a vacuum cleaner
US7374594B2 (en) * 2005-11-23 2008-05-20 Emerson Electric Co. Filter and system for improved sealing and ease of attachment on a vacuum cleaner

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10049841B2 (en) * 2014-02-12 2018-08-14 Emerson Electric Co. Systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor
US20160066758A1 (en) * 2014-02-12 2016-03-10 Emerson Electric Co. Systems, Methods, and Apparatuses for Controlling the Power Supply of a Vacuum Cleaner Motor
US11101088B2 (en) 2014-02-12 2021-08-24 Emerson Electric Co. Methods for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor
US20160037988A1 (en) * 2014-08-08 2016-02-11 Emerson Electric Co. Low profile filter for vacuum cleaners
US9775478B2 (en) * 2014-08-08 2017-10-03 Emerson Electric Co. Low profile filter for vacuum cleaners
US10398266B2 (en) * 2014-10-10 2019-09-03 Emerson Electric Co. Efficient vacuum cleaner fan inlet
US20160102675A1 (en) * 2014-10-10 2016-04-14 Emerson Electric Co. Efficient vacuum cleaner fan inlet
US10016111B2 (en) * 2014-10-22 2018-07-10 Dyson Technology Limited Vacuum cleaner with motor cooling
US10244912B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2019-04-02 Dyson Technology Limited Vacuum cleaner with motor between separation stages
US20160113467A1 (en) * 2014-10-22 2016-04-28 Dyson Technology Limited Vacuum cleaner with motor cooling
CN109922701A (zh) * 2016-11-15 2019-06-21 阿尔弗雷德·卡赫欧洲两合公司 抽吸器具
CN110772165A (zh) * 2019-11-26 2020-02-11 兰溪米雪电子科技有限公司 一种手推式吸尘器
US20230218130A1 (en) * 2020-04-24 2023-07-13 Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited Floor cleaner with full tank indicator
US12011136B2 (en) * 2020-04-24 2024-06-18 Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited Floor cleaner with full tank indicator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20140182078A1 (en) 2014-07-03
CA2689483A1 (en) 2010-06-30
MX2010000332A (es) 2010-06-29
CA2689483C (en) 2018-05-22
US10092148B2 (en) 2018-10-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10092148B2 (en) Vacuum bypass vent and vacuums incorporating such bypass vents
CA2113522C (en) Wet/dry utility vacuum cleaner
US9844309B2 (en) Vacuum
CA2628573C (en) Motor, fan and filter arrangement for a vacuum cleaner
KR100869537B1 (ko) 진공청소기용 집수장치
JP3999815B2 (ja) 自己排出型真空掃除機
US12011137B2 (en) Vacuum apparatus including float and base-mounted motor
US11101088B2 (en) Methods for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor
US5850668A (en) Self-evacuating vacuum cleaner
EP0607058A1 (en) Vacuum cleaner
KR860001634B1 (ko) 건 · 습식 진공 소제기
US5032155A (en) Wet/dry vacuum with automatic shutoff
US5943732A (en) Door valve for utility vacuum cleaners
US7462210B2 (en) Dust collecting unit for vacuum cleaner
CN209863648U (zh) 一种吸水过滤附件及具有其的吸尘器
US5570489A (en) Liquid extraction device for a vacuum cleaner
KR101574689B1 (ko) 습식 진공청소기
KR100793415B1 (ko) 진공스팀청소기용 집진유닛
CN219661596U (zh) 一种污水箱及清洁设备
EP2982284A2 (en) Suction cleaner
JPH07124076A (ja) 無フィルター方式の液体濾過真空掃除機
KR100203436B1 (ko) 진공청소기 먼지량 표시장치
KR0133761B1 (ko) 습식 및 건식(Wet and dry type) 진공청소기
JPH0672545U (ja) 電気掃除機
JP4134635B2 (ja) 集塵機

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.,MISSOURI

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GIERER, JOSEPH T.;YOUNG, JEFFREY L.;BETH, DAVID;REEL/FRAME:023992/0731

Effective date: 20100219

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION