US20160106277A9 - Surface cleaning apparatus - Google Patents
Surface cleaning apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160106277A9 US20160106277A9 US14/298,254 US201414298254A US2016106277A9 US 20160106277 A9 US20160106277 A9 US 20160106277A9 US 201414298254 A US201414298254 A US 201414298254A US 2016106277 A9 US2016106277 A9 US 2016106277A9
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- surface cleaning
- brush
- wand
- upper portion
- handle
- 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.)
- Granted
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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
- A47L5/30—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
-
- 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
- A47L5/225—Convertible suction cleaners, i.e. convertible between different types thereof, e.g. from upright suction cleaners to sledge-type suction 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
- 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
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0405—Driving means for the brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0411—Driving means for the brushes or agitators driven by electric motor
-
- 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
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
- A47L9/0466—Rotating tools
- A47L9/0477—Rolls
-
- 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
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2836—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means characterised by the parts which are controlled
- A47L9/2847—Surface treating elements
-
- 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
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2857—User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
-
- 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
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/30—Arrangement of illuminating devices
-
- 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
- A47L9/32—Handles
- A47L9/325—Handles for wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
Definitions
- an upright vacuum cleaner includes an upper portion or upper section, including an air treatment member such as one or more cyclones and/or filters, drivingly mounted to a surface cleaning head.
- An up flow conduit is typically provided between the surface cleaning head and the upper portion.
- a spine, casing or backbone extends between the surface cleaning head and the upper portion for supporting the air treatment member.
- the suction motor may be provided in the upper portion or in the surface cleaning head.
- US 2011/0314629 discloses an upright vacuum cleaner having a surface cleaning head and an upright section pivotally mounted thereto.
- a hand vacuum cleaner or a pod is removably mounted on the upper portion and is connected in airflow communication with the surface cleaning head via a flexible hose.
- a portion of the upper portion is bendable so as to allow the surface cleaning head to extend under furniture. This bendable portion is external to the airflow path.
- the hand vacuum cleaner is locked on the upper portion.
- a user may manually unlock the hand vacuum cleaner so as to remove it for use as a hand vacuum cleaner and/or for emptying the cyclone bin assembly.
- an above floor cleaning wand may be provided and may be removable with the pod.
- a reconfigurable surface cleaning apparatus with a multiposition brush control so that the surface cleaning head may be operated in a plurality of modes, such as brush off for bare floor cleaning and one or more powered modes for different carpets.
- the upright vacuum cleaner includes a removable cleaning unit such as a hand vac or a pod that is connected in air flow communication with the surface cleaning head via an electrified hose. This enables a brush control to be located remote from the surface cleaning head, such as on the handle of the upright vacuum cleaner.
- an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
- the handle assembly comprises a handle useable by a hand of a user to direct the surface cleaning head and the brush control is operable by the hand while the user uses the hand to direct the surface cleaning head.
- the handle assembly comprises a handle and the brush control is positioned proximate the handle.
- the brush control is adjustable such that the brush motor is operable in at least three different modes.
- the brush control comprises a multi-position switch.
- the handle assembly comprises a handle and the brush control is provided on the handle.
- the upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a main power control that is provided on the handle.
- the upper portion comprises a rigid airflow conduit removably connectable to the cleaning head air outlet, the airflow conduit comprising a conduit air inlet and a conduit air outlet, the conduit air inlet having an associated second multi-conductor connector mateable with the first multi-conductor connector, the conduit air outlet having an associated third multi-conductor connector with each conductor electrically coupled to respective conductors of the second multi-conductor connector.
- the brush control is a multi-position control
- the circuit comprises a handle control processor coupled to the multi-position control and a brush control processor, wherein the handle control processor is configured to transmit a brush control signal via a control conductor to the brush control processor based on a selected position of the multi-position control, and wherein the brush control processor is configured to select between at least two different brush power level outputs of the brush motor based on the brush control signal.
- the upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a main power control that is provided in series with the control conductor and a hot conductor.
- the handle assembly comprises a fourth multi-conductor connector configured to removably mate with the third multi-conductor connector.
- the upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a light source disposed on the handle assembly.
- the light source is automatically powered when the handle assembly is electrically disconnected from the surface cleaning head.
- the upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a surface light source provided on the surface cleaning head, wherein the surface light source is automatically powered when the handle assembly is electrically connected to the surface cleaning head and a main power switch is in the on position.
- a vacuum cleaner wherein the air treatment member, which may be provided in a removable cleaning unit such as a hand vac or a pod, is connected in air flow communication with the surface cleaning head via an electrified hose and the handle assembly that is drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head comprises a multi-position brush control electrically coupled to the brush motor whereby the brush motor is operable in at least two different modes, such as brush off for bare floor cleaning and one or more powered modes for different carpets.
- an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
- the handle assembly comprises a handle useable by a hand of a user to direct the surface cleaning head and the brush control is operable by the hand while the user uses the hand to direct the surface cleaning head.
- the handle assembly comprises a handle and the brush control is positioned proximate the handle.
- the upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a main power control that is provided on the handle.
- the upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a light source disposed on the handle assembly.
- the light source is automatically powered when the handle assembly is electrically disconnected from the surface cleaning head.
- a surface cleaning apparatus may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in a storage position
- FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 , in the storage position;
- FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 , in a floor cleaning position;
- FIG. 3 a is a side elevation view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 , in a storage position;
- FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 4 - 4 in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 , in a partially disassembled configuration
- FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 , with the pod removed but still in air flow communication with the surface cleaning head;
- FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 , in an above-floor cleaning configuration
- FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 wherein the cyclone bin assembly has been removed;
- FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the portable surface cleaning unit with the cyclone bin assembly removed.
- FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid in an open position;
- FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the wand of FIG. 1 disconnected from the upper portion;
- FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the upper portion and the surface cleaning head of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 , with the wand disconnected from the upper portion;
- FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 4 - 4 in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 15 is a partial rear perspective view of the wand of FIG. 1 disconnected from the upper portion;
- FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning unit of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the surface cleaning unit of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the upper portion and surface cleaning head of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken alone line 19 - 19 in FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken alone line 20 - 20 in FIG. 14 ;
- FIG. 21 is a rear elevation view of the surface cleaning unit of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 22 a -22 d are rear perspective views of the surface cleaning unit of FIG. 1 with a rear wall removed and the locking mechanism in different positions;
- FIG. 23 is a partial rear perspective view of the wand of FIG. 11 ;
- FIGS. 24 a -24 d are partial rear perspective views of the wand of FIG. 11 with an outer wall removed;
- FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid in an open position;
- FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the handle of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 27 a and 27 b are cross sectional views taken along line 12 - 12 in FIG. 26 showing a brush control in different positions;
- FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of the surface cleaning head and the upper portion of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 , in an above-floor cleaning position;
- FIG. 30 is an abstracted schematic diagram of the electric circuits and conductors of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 31 is an example circuit diagram of the electric circuits and conductors of FIG. 30 ;
- FIG. 32 is an example logic flow diagram executed by one or more processors of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 .
- the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is an upright vacuum cleaner.
- the surface cleaning apparatus may be another suitable type of surface cleaning apparatus, such as a canister type vacuum cleaner, and hand vacuum cleaner, a stick vac, a wet-dry type vacuum cleaner or a carpet extractor.
- the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes an upper portion or support structure 104 that is movably and drivingly connected to a surface cleaning head 108 .
- a surface cleaning unit 112 is mounted on the upper portion 104 .
- the surface cleaning apparatus 100 also has at least one dirty air inlet 116 , at least one clean air outlet 120 , and an air flow path or passage extending therebetween.
- the air flow path includes at least one flexible air flow conduit member (such as a hose 124 or other flexible conduit). Alternatively, the air flow path may be formed from rigid members.
- At least one suction motor and at least one air treatment member are positioned in the air flow path to separate dirt and other debris from the airflow.
- the suction motor and the air treatment member may be provided in the upper portion and/or the surface cleaning head of an upright surface cleaning apparatus.
- the suction motor and the air treatment member are provided in a removable surface cleaning unit.
- the air treatment member may be any suitable air treatment member, including, for example, one or more cyclones, filters, and bags, and preferably the at least one air treatment member is provided upstream from the suction motor.
- the portable surface cleaning unit 112 includes both the suction motor 128 , which may be in a motor housing 132 , and an air treatment member, which may be in the form of a cyclone bin assembly 136 . Accordingly, surface cleaning unit 112 may be a hand vacuum cleaner, a pod or the like.
- the motor housing 132 can include at least one removable or openable door 140 which may allow a user to access the interior of the motor housing 132 , for example to access the motor 128 , a filter or any other component within the housing 132 .
- the cyclone bin assembly 136 includes a cyclone chamber 144 and a dirt collection chamber 148 .
- the surface cleaning head 108 includes the dirty air inlet 116 in the form of a slot or opening 152 ( FIG. 4 ) formed in a generally downward facing surface of the surface cleaning head 108 . From the dirty air inlet 116 , the air flow path extends through the surface cleaning head 108 , and through an up flow conduit 156 ( FIG. 2 ) in the upper portion 104 to the surface cleaning unit 112 .
- the clean air outlet 120 is provided in the front of the surface cleaning unit 112 , and is configured to direct the clear air in a generally lateral direction, toward the front of the apparatus 100 .
- a handle or handle assembly 160 is drivingly connected to the upper portion 104 to allow a user to manipulate the surface cleaning apparatus 100 .
- the upper portion extends along an upper axis 164 and is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head 108 .
- the upper portion 104 is pivotally mounted to the surface cleaning head via a pivot joint 168 .
- the pivot joint 168 may be any suitable pivot joint.
- the upper portion 104 is movable, relative to the surface cleaning head 108 , between a storage position ( FIG. 1 ), and a use or floor cleaning position ( FIG. 3 ).
- the upper portion 104 In the floor cleaning position, the upper portion 104 may be inclined relative to the surface being cleaned, and an angle 172 between a plane 176 parallel to the surface and the upper axis 164 may be between about 20° and about 85°. In the storage position ( FIG. 3 a ), the upper portion 104 may be inclined relative to the surface being cleaned, and the angle 172 between the plane 176 parallel to the surface and the upper axis 164 may be between about 85° and 135°.
- the upper portion 104 may also be rotatably mounted to surface cleaning head 108 .
- the upper portion 104 , and the surface cleaning unit 112 supported thereon may be rotatable about the upper axis 164 .
- rotation of the upper portion 104 about the upper axis 164 may help steer the surface cleaning head 108 across the floor (or other surface being cleaned).
- the upper portion 104 may be pivotally mounted to the surface cleaning head about a second pivot axis, or otherwise moveable mounted with respect to the surface cleaning head, to provide steering.
- an upright vacuum cleaner may use a surface cleaning head, the surface cleaning unit and upper portion of any design and they may be moveably connected together by any means known in the art.
- the upright vacuum cleaner 100 may be operable in a variety of different functional configurations or operating modes.
- the versatility of operating in different operating modes may be achieved by permitting the surface cleaning unit 112 to be detachable, e.g., from the upper portion 104 .
- further versatility may be achieved by permitting portions of the vacuum cleaner (e.g., one or more of a surface cleaning head, an above floor cleaning wand, a handle assembly, a hose) to be detachable from each other at a plurality of locations, and re-connectable to each other in a variety of combinations and configurations.
- the vacuum cleaner 100 may be operated like a traditional upright style vacuum cleaner, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 .
- the user may preferably detach the surface cleaning unit 112 from the upper portion 104 and choose to carry the surface cleaning unit 112 (e.g. by hand or by a strap) separately from the upper portion 104 , while still using the upper portion 104 to drivingly maneuver the surface cleaning head 108 .
- the surface cleaning unit 112 is detached, a user may more easily maneuver the surface cleaning head 108 around or under obstacles, like furniture and stairs.
- the airflow connection between the surface cleaning head 108 and the cleaning unit 112 is preferably at least partially formed by a flexible conduit, such as flexible hose 124 , which may be an electrified hose.
- a flexible conduit such as flexible hose 124
- the hose 124 is extensible and more preferably is elastically or resiliently extensible. The use of a flexible conduit allows a user to detach the surface cleaning unit 112 and maintain a flow connection between the portable surface cleaning unit 112 and the surface cleaning head 108 without having to reconfigure or reconnect any portions of the airflow conduit 184 ( FIG. 6 ).
- the airflow path between the surface cleaning head 108 and the cleaning unit 112 further includes an above floor cleaning wand 180 .
- Wand 180 may be positioned upstream of hose 124 and downstream of surface cleaning head 108 .
- wand 180 may be drivingly connected to upper portion 104 so that wand 108 may be used to direct surface cleaning head 108 (e.g., forwardly and rearwardly) and, optionally, for also steering surface cleaning head 108 .
- wand 180 comprises a rigid airflow conduit having any suitable shape.
- wand 180 may be straight as shown or it may be curved or bent. In some embodiments, wand 180 may be reconfigurable.
- wand 108 may have upper and lower sections that are moveably mounted with respect to each other (e.g., pivotally connected) so that wand 180 may be converted from a straight configuration to a bent configuration.
- wand 180 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a circular cross-section as shown, or another cross-sectional shape such as square, triangular, or another regular or irregular shape.
- Wand 180 may be telescopic so that it is extendable.
- wand 180 may be provided with a handle assembly.
- handle assembly or handle 160 is positioned proximate an upper (i.e. downstream) end 188 of wand 180 .
- handle 160 may be connected to one or both of wand 180 and hose 124 .
- handle 160 may form part of the airflow path between wand 180 and hose 124 .
- handle 160 may be peripherally attached to one or both of wand 180 and hose 124 without participating in the airflow communication between wand 180 and hose 124 .
- a user may grasp a hand grip portion 182 of handle 160 to manipulate wand 180 (e.g. for moving upper portion 104 and steering surface cleaning head 108 ).
- surface cleaning apparatus 100 may not include a handle 160 and instead a user may grasp wand 180 directly.
- upper portion 104 is moveably mounted with respect to surface cleaning head 108 .
- Upper portion 104 may be connected to surface cleaning head 108 by any means known in the art, (e.g., it may be pivotally mounted, rotationally mounted or the like).
- pivot joint 168 permits upper portion 104 to tilt and/or pivot with respect to surface cleaning head 108 .
- wand 180 and surface cleaning unit 112 may be selectively attached or detached from upper portion 104 .
- each of wand 180 and surface cleaning unit 112 is selectively attachable or detachable from upper portion 104 .
- An advantage of this design is that a user may convert the vacuum cleaner to a surface cleaning mode by removing the wand without having to remove surface cleaning unit 112 .
- each of wand 180 and surface cleaning unit 112 may be selectively connected or disconnected from upper portion 104 independently of the other.
- wand 180 and surface cleaning unit 112 may be connected or disconnected from upper portion 104 in any order, sequentially or simultaneously. This may simplify the reconfiguration of surface cleaning apparatus 100 into different cleaning modes without requiring disruption to the operation of surface cleaning apparatus 100 .
- the surface cleaning head 108 participates in the airflow path in a floor cleaning mode, e.g., for cleaning floors, stairs, and the like.
- the surface cleaning unit 112 may be mounted on upper portion 104 , for supporting the weight of surface cleaning unit on upper portion 104 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3 which exemplifies a traditional floor cleaning mode for an upright vacuum cleaner).
- surface cleaning unit 112 may be dismounted from upper portion 104 and carried by hand, worn as a backpack, or placed on the floor for example while wand 180 is connected to surface cleaning head 108 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6 which exemplifies an alternate floor cleaning mode for an upright vacuum cleaner).
- wand 180 may be disconnected from upper portion 104 for use in an above-floor cleaning mode.
- surface cleaning unit 112 may be mounted on upper portion 104 , for supporting the weight of surface cleaning unit on upper portion 104 while wand 180 is used in the above floor cleaning mode (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7 ).
- surface cleaning unit 112 may also be dismounted from upper portion 104 and carried by hand, worn as a backpack, or placed on the floor for example while wand 180 is used in the above floor cleaning mode.
- Wand 180 may be selectively connected or disconnected from the airflow path, such as when the extension in reach it provides is not required.
- downstream end 188 of wand 180 may be separated from handle 160 .
- the reduced reach provided by this configuration may be advantageous where the user may wish to manipulate the cleaning surface by hand (e.g. separate cushions in a couch) while cleaning, or where the user may require fine control (e.g. to avoid sucking up objects on the cleaning surface).
- Wand 180 and surface cleaning unit 112 are each individually removable, then they may each be independently mounted to upper portion 104 .
- Wand 180 and surface cleaning unit 112 may connect to upper portion 104 in any suitable fashion.
- wand 180 is inserted into upper portion 104
- surface cleaning unit 112 is mounted to an exterior of upper portion 104 .
- upper portion 104 may provide part or all of the air flow path from surface cleaning head 108 to wand 180 .
- upper portion 104 need not be part of the air flow path.
- wand 180 may be mounted to the exterior of upper portion 104 and the inlet end may seat on an outlet end of a duct provided on the outer surface of the upper portion 104 .
- a user may detach the surface cleaning unit 112 from the upper portion 104 without interrupting the airflow communication between the cleaning unit 112 and the surface cleaning head 108 .
- This allows a user to selectively detach and re-attach the cleaning unit 112 to the support structure 104 during use without having to stop and reconfigure the connecting hose 124 or other portions of the airflow conduit 184 .
- wand 180 is attached to upper portion 104 and surface cleaning unit 112 is detached from upper portion 104 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration in which the vacuum cleaner 100 can be operated with the surface cleaning unit 112 detached from the upper portion 104 and the air flow path between the surface cleaning unit 112 and the surface cleaning head 108 remains intact.
- upper portion 104 may provide a connection between wand 180 and surface cleaning head 108 , which may permit surface cleaning head 108 to be driven by manipulating wand 180 .
- the vacuum cleaner may be operated in a variety of cleaning modes that do not include use of the surface cleaning head, and may be generally described as above floor cleaning modes. This can generally include cleaning furniture, walls, drapes and other objects as opposed to cleaning a large, planar surface.
- the surface cleaning unit 112 can remain mounted on the upper portion 104 . This eliminates the need for the user to separately support the weight of the surface cleaning unit 112 in an above floor cleaning mode.
- the surface cleaning unit 112 may remain mounted on the upper portion 104 and the wand 180 may be detached from upper portion 104 to provide an extended reach for above floor cleaning.
- additional accessory tools may be coupled to the upstream end 192 of wand 180 , including for example a crevice tool, a cleaning brush (optionally an electrically powered brush or an air driven turbo brush) and any other type of accessory including a power tool such as a sander.
- the upstream end 200 of the handle 160 may be separated from the downstream end 188 of wand 180 .
- the upstream end 200 of the handle 160 can function as the dirty air inlet for the vacuum cleaner 100 .
- accessory tools such as wands, crevasse tools, turbo brushes, hoses or other devices may be coupled to the upstream end 200 of the handle 160 .
- the surface cleaning unit 112 and wand 180 can both be detached from the upper portion 104 .
- the upstream end 200 of handle 160 may be selectively connected or disconnected from downstream end 188 of wand 180 as desired.
- This configuration may be advantageous when surface cleaning unit 112 must be held above the floor (e.g. while the user is standing on a ladder). In this case, the upper portion 104 and surface cleaning head 108 may add unnecessary weight to the surface cleaning unit 112 .
- This configuration may also be advantageous when the surface cleaning unit 112 is to be rested on a sloped surface.
- the rear wheels 204 and the front wheels or glides (not shown) of surface cleaning head 108 may allow surface cleaning unit 112 to roll away. By detaching surface cleaning unit 112 from surface cleaning head 108 , surface cleaning unit 112 may be placed directly on the sloped surface.
- additional accessory tools may be coupled to the upstream end 192 of the wand 180 .
- one or more auxiliary support members can be provided on the rear of the surface cleaning apparatus and/or the upper portion and configured to contact the floor (or other surface) when the upper portion is inclined or placed close to the surface.
- Providing an auxiliary support member may help carry some of the weight of the surface cleaning unit and/or upper portion when in a generally horizontal configuration.
- the auxiliary support member may also help the upper portion 104 and/or surface cleaning unit 112 to roll relatively easily over the floor when in a generally horizontal position. This may help a user to more easily maneuver the upper portion and/or surface cleaning unit under obstacles, such as a bed, cabinet or other piece of furniture.
- the cyclone bin assembly 136 may be detachable from the motor housing 132 . Providing a detachable cyclone bin assembly 136 may allow a user to carry the cyclone bin assembly 136 to a garbage can for emptying, without needing to carry or move the rest of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 or the surface cleaning unit 112 .
- the cyclone bin assembly 136 can be separated from the motor housing 132 while the surface cleaning unit 112 is mounted on the upper portion 104 and also when the surface cleaning unit 112 is separated from the upper portion 104 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment where the cyclone bin assembly 136 is removable as a closed module, which may help prevent dirt and debris from spilling out of the cyclone bin assembly 136 during transport.
- removing the cyclone bin assembly 136 reveals a pre-motor filter chamber 208 that is positioned in the air flow path between the cyclone bin assembly 136 and the suction motor 128 .
- One or more filters may be provided in the pre-motor filter chamber 208 to filter the air exiting the cyclone bin assembly 136 before it reaches the motor 128 .
- the pre-motor filter includes at least a foam filter 212 positioned within the pre-motor filter chamber 208 .
- filter 212 is removable to allow a user to clean and/or replace the filter 212 when it is dirty.
- part or all of the sidewalls of the pre-motor filter chamber or housing 208 can be at least partially transparent so that a user can visually inspect the condition of the filter 212 without having to remove the cyclone bin assembly 136 .
- cyclone bin assembly 136 may extend below and partially surround pre-motor filter chamber 208 .
- cyclone bin assembly 136 includes a cyclone chamber 144 aligned above pre-motor filter chamber 208 and a dirt collection chamber 148 extending below and forward of pre-motor filter chamber 208 . This may provide an enlarged dirt collection chamber 148 in a compact arrangement. In turn, the capacity of dirt collection chamber 148 may be increased which may permit surface cleaning apparatus 100 to be emptied less frequently.
- cyclone bin assembly 136 may be wholly positioned to one side of pre-motor filter chamber 208 (e.g. above pre-motor filter chamber 208 ).
- cyclone bin assembly 136 may be releasably connected to surface cleaning unit 112 .
- surface cleaning unit 112 may include a locking mechanism having a locked position, in which cyclone bin assembly 136 may be inhibited from separating from surface cleaning unit 112 , and an unlocked position, in which cyclone bin assembly 136 may be freely removed from surface cleaning unit 112 .
- cyclone bin assembly 136 includes a locking mechanism 216 for releasably securing cyclone bin assembly 136 to surface cleaning unit 112 .
- locking mechanism 216 includes a locking member (or latch) 218 which may releasably engage a mating recess 220 in surface cleaning unit 112 .
- Recess 220 may be sized and positioned to receive locking mechanism 216 when cyclone bin assembly 136 is positioned in place on surface cleaning unit 112 .
- Locking mechanism 216 may interfere with the removal of cyclone bin assembly 136 from surface cleaning unit 112 by the interaction of locking member 218 with recess 220 .
- a groove provided on latch 218 may engage the wall in which recess 220 is located.
- Locking mechanism 216 may also include a lock-release actuator 224 which may be activated to move locking mechanism 216 to the unlocked position.
- lock-release actuator 224 may be located on or proximate to handle 226 of cyclone bin assembly 136 so it may be actuated by a user using the same had as is used to hold handle 226 . This may permit a user to simultaneously grasp handle 226 and activate lock-release actuator 224 .
- a rear portion of handle 226 includes a lock-release actuator 224 .
- Activating lock-release actuator 224 may retract locking member 218 from recess 220 (e.g., by pivoting or rotating or translating latch 218 towards cyclone bin assembly 136 ) to place locking mechanism 216 in the unlocked position in which cyclone bin assembly 136 may be removed from surface cleaning unit 112 .
- cyclone bin assembly 136 may include one or more of an openable lid or bottom. This may provide access to empty dirt collection chamber 148 and/or cyclone chamber 144 .
- cyclone bin assembly 136 includes an openable lid 228 . Lid 228 may be movable between a closed position ( FIG. 9 ) in which lid 228 closes an upper end of cyclone bin assembly 136 , and an open position ( FIG. 10 ) in the upper end of cyclone bin assembly 136 is open.
- Lid 228 of cyclone bin assembly 136 may be completely removed from cyclone bin assembly 136 in the open position. Alternatively, lid 228 may remain attached to cyclone bin assembly 136 in the open position. As exemplified, cyclone bin assembly 136 may include hinges 232 that pivotally connect lid 228 to cyclone bin assembly 136 . This may permit lid 228 to pivot to an open position while conveniently remaining connected to cyclone bin assembly 136 .
- the following is a description of the wand alignment mechanism to assist in aligning the wand during insertion of the wand into the upper portion that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- wand 180 may be removably mounted to upper portion 104 using any suitable mounting apparatus.
- Wand 180 and upper portion 104 may be configured to provide support and/or positioning or alignment of the wand 180 relative to the upper portion 104 .
- wand 180 When connected to upper portion 104 , wand 180 may be stabilized to provide a driving connection between wand 180 and upper portion 104 .
- upper portion 104 may be configured to receive an upstream end of wand 180 to connect wand 180 to upper portion 104 .
- the outer wall of wand 180 and the inner wall of upper portion 104 may contact each other over a sufficient length to stabilize wand 180 so that upper portion 104 may provide a driving connection between wand 180 and surface cleaning head 108 .
- This may permit upper portion 104 to transmit forces applied to wand 180 (e.g. via handle 160 or directly to wand 180 ) to surface cleaning head 108 by way of, e.g., pivot joint 168 .
- upper portion 104 may be rigidly connected to wand 180 to reduce or eliminate play between upper portion 104 and wand 180 . This may improve the handling of surface cleaning head 108 and thereby improve the user experience of apparatus 100 .
- wand 180 includes an upstream portion 1002 bordered by upstream end 192 .
- Upstream end 192 may define a wand air inlet for receiving dirty air to be communicated downstream through wand 180 to downstream end 188 ( FIG. 5 ).
- upper portion 104 is shown including a downstream portion 1006 bordered by downstream end 1010 .
- downstream portion 1006 may include or surround an air outlet for discharging air received from surface cleaning head 108 , downstream (e.g. to wand 180 ).
- downstream portion 1006 may comprise a cowl that surrounds and extends upwardly from the outlet of an air flow path extending through the surface cleaning head 108 .
- Wand 180 may be sized and shaped to be partially received inside upper portion 104 .
- upstream portion 1002 of wand 180 may be removably receivable inside downstream portion 1006 of upper portion 104 .
- Downstream end 1010 of upper portion 104 may define an opening 1014 for receiving upstream end 192 of wand 180 .
- downstream portion 1006 may include inner walls 1018 having a transverse profile that corresponds to the transverse profile of outer walls 1022 of the upstream portion 1002 of wand 180 .
- the transverse profile of inner walls 1018 may have a substantially similar size and shape as the transverse profile of the outer walls 1022 .
- the transverse profile of outer walls 1022 is slightly smaller than the transverse profile of inner walls 1018 to provide a sufficient clearance to permit insertion and removal of wand 180 without play when want 180 is inserted into upper portion 104 . This may permit upstream portion 1002 to be easily inserted into downstream portion 1006 .
- the transverse profile of inner walls 1018 and outer walls 1022 may have any suitable shape.
- the transverse profiles may be circular, triangular, square or another regular or irregular shape.
- the transverse profiles have a non-circular or irregular shape such that outer walls 1022 may fit between inner walls 1018 in only one orientation. This may force wand 180 to be specifically oriented with respect to upper portion 104 (e.g. to provide an intended orientation of handle 160 to surface cleaning head 108 ).
- the transverse profiles of inner walls 1018 and outer walls 1022 may be described as “egg-shaped”. That is, the transverse profiles are generally rounded and taper in width from one side to the other.
- wand 180 and upper portion 104 may include mating elements that limit the number of orientations in which upstream portion 1002 may be received in downstream portion 1006 .
- wand 180 and upper portion 104 may collectively include one or more mating protrusions and recesses.
- wand 180 includes a protrusion (or key) 1026 in upstream portion 1002 that protrudes outwardly along outer wall 1022 .
- Protrusion 1026 is configured to mate with (i.e. insert into) recess (or slot) 1030 formed in a lip 1034 of inner walls 1018 when upstream portion 1002 is received in downstream portion 1006 .
- key 1026 will align with slot 1030 to allow upstream portion 1002 to be inserted into downstream portion 1006 .
- lip 1034 of downstream portion 1006 will interfere with key 1026 if attempting to insert upstream portion 1002 into downstream portion 1006 while wand 180 is incorrectly oriented with respect to upper portion 104 such that key 1026 is misaligned with slot 1030 .
- Connecting wand 180 to upper portion 104 extends the airflow pathway from wand 180 upstream through surface cleaning head 108 .
- the connection may also connect one or more other mechanical elements, such as locking members or linkages, and/or electrical elements, such as electrical power connectors.
- there may be limited relative orientations between wand 180 and upper portion 104 which completes the airflow, mechanical and/or electrical connections. For this reason, it may be advantageous to limit the orientations in which the upstream portion 1002 can be received in downstream portion 1006 , preferably to a single orientation.
- hose 124 is electrified and comprises part of a circuit extending from surface cleaning unit 112 to surface cleaning head.
- surface cleaning unit 112 may be provided with the electrical cord or an on board power source and an electrical component in the surface cleaning head 108 may be powered via the hose 124 and wand 180 .
- wand 180 may provide an electrified air flow conduit for conducting electricity along the length of wand 180 .
- upstream portion 1002 of wand 180 includes an electrical connector 1038
- downstream portion 1006 of upper portion 104 includes a mating electrical connector 1042 .
- Electrical connectors 1038 and 1042 may be any suitable mating electrical connectors, such as for example a male connector (or plug) and a female connector (or jack). Further, electrical connectors 1038 and 1042 may connect any number of electrical conductors (e.g. from 1 to 100 conductors). As exemplified, each of connectors 1038 and 1042 connects three electrical conductors 1046 . Upstream and downstream portions 1002 and 1006 may each include any number of mating electrical connectors, each of which may connect different electrical conductors.
- electrical connectors 1038 and 1042 may be somewhat fragile.
- electrical connectors 1038 and 1042 may suffer damage if subjected to certain stresses.
- the stability provided by upper portion 104 to wand 180 may advantageously reduce stresses on electrical connectors 1038 and 1042 .
- mating elements of upper portion 104 and wand 180 , other than electrical connectors 1038 and 1042 may provide stability (such as resistance to relative rotational movement between wand 180 and upper portion 104 ) which might otherwise be borne by electrical connectors 1042 and 1046 .
- wand 180 remains connected to upper portion 104 until wand 180 is selectively disconnected from upper portion 104 .
- the connection between wand 180 and upper portion 104 may be maintained by friction which may be overcome by sufficient force, or may be maintained by one or more retentive elements which may be selectively disengaged.
- Wand 180 may include a locking mechanism that automatically engages downstream portion 1006 when upstream portion 1002 is inserted into downstream portion 1006 . When the locking mechanism is engaged with downstream portion 1006 , upstream portion 1002 cannot be withdrawn from downstream portion 1006 unless the locking mechanism is unlocked. This may prevent the wand from 180 from disconnecting from upper portion 104 while wand is used to maneuver surface cleaning head 108 , for example.
- wand 180 includes a locking member 1050 and upper portion 104 includes an opening 1054 .
- Locking member 1050 may be sized and positioned to automatically project through opening 1054 after upstream portion 1002 is properly inserted into downstream portion 1006 . Thereafter, upstream portion 1002 cannot be disconnected from downstream portion 1006 without withdrawing locking member 1050 from opening 1054 .
- An actuator e.g. button 1058 , is provided to selectively withdraw locking member 1050 from opening 1054 , and permit upstream portion 1002 to be freely separated from downstream portion 1006 .
- wand 180 may remain connected with upper portion 104 even while the connection is unlocked.
- the contact between wand 180 and upper portion 104 may retain wand 180 in upper portion 104 even while the locking mechanism for locking the connection is unlocked.
- upper portion 104 may be configured to support wand 180 in an upright position. This may permit a user to release control of wand 180 while unlocking the locking mechanism, without the risk of wand 180 toppling over.
- downstream portion 1006 of upper portion 104 surrounds upstream portion 1002 of wand 180 when upstream portion 1002 is received in downstream portion 1006 .
- upper portion 104 surrounds a sufficient height of wand 180 to provide support to wand 180 to rest in the upright position.
- upper portion 104 may surround any portion of the wand and may surround the entire wand.
- upper portion may surround between 10 percent and 30 percent of the total height of wand 180 (measured from upstream end 192 to downstream end 188 ), and more preferably about 20 percent of the total height of wand 180 .
- upstream end 192 is positioned proximate a lower end 1062 of surface cleaning unit 112 and well below upper end 1066 of surface cleaning unit 112 (when both surface cleaning unit 112 and wand 180 are connected to upper portion 104 ). It will be appreciated that upstream end 192 may seat against or in the outlet end of pivot joint 168 .
- the airflow pathway may extend from dirty air inlet 116 through surface cleaning head 108 , through pivot joint 168 , optionally through upper portion 104 if upstream end 192 is positioned above the outlet end of pivot joint 168 , and into wand 180 .
- at least the portion of the airflow pathway extending between surface cleaning head 108 and wand 180 is substantially air-tight to preserve the suction generated by suction motor 128 .
- a bleed valve (not shown) may be provided to reduce suction for cleaning certain cleaning surfaces.
- wand 180 may form an airtight seal with the airflow passage when connected to upper portion 104 .
- upstream end 192 of wand 180 may be urged against a seal 1070 (e.g. O-ring) surrounding air outlet 1074 of upper portion 104 when wand 180 is connected to upper portion 104 .
- Seal 1070 may prevent entry or escape of air through the interface between wand 180 and upper portion 104 .
- lower portion 1002 of wand 180 has a transverse cross-section that is sized and shaped to form a tight fit inside downstream portion 1006 of upper portion 104 .
- precise alignment requiring fine motor skills may be required for those elements to be connected.
- wand 180 and/or upper portion 104 may be configured to make inserting wand 180 into upper portion 104 easier and faster.
- upstream portion 1002 of wand 180 includes a lower section 1078 , and an upper section 1082 .
- Lower section 1078 is bordered by upstream end 192
- upper section 1082 is downstream of lower section 1078 .
- the transverse section of upper section 1082 may be sized and shaped to provide a tight fit with downstream portion 1006 of upper portion 104 .
- lower section 1078 may have a substantially smaller transverse section, which may provide a greater margin for alignment error when firstly inserting lower section 1078 into opening 1014 . Accordingly, a user may insert upstream end 192 into upper portion 104 . This is facilitated by the clearance between the facing walls of upstream end 192 and upper portion 104 .
- Some or all of the weight of the wand 18 - 0 may then be supported by upper portion 104 .
- the user may then rotate wand 180 to the required insertion orientation and complete the insertion of wand 180 into upper portion 104 by inserting part or all of upper section 1082 .
- the stepwise insertion of a narrower lower section 1078 into upper portion 104 followed by a wider upper section 1082 may make inserting upstream portion 1002 into upper portion 104 easier for a user.
- lateral movements of wand 180 are substantially constrained, by the interaction of lower section 1078 with inner walls 1018 , to positions that are in close proximity to the comparatively narrower range of positions that will allow upper section 1082 to pass through opening 1014 into downstream portion 1006 .
- Such constraint may make finding the correct position faster and easier for a user because the constraint increases the proportion of available positions that will allow upper section 1082 to enter downstream portion 1006 .
- downstream end 1010 of upper portion 104 at opening 1014 may be transversely inclined (or “sloped”).
- a front side 1086 of opening 1014 extends higher (i.e. further downstream) than the rear side 1090 . This may permit a user to more easily locate upstream portion 1002 into opening 1014 .
- the user may simply move front side 1094 of upstream portion 1002 against front side 1086 of opening 1014 to align upstream portion 1002 with opening 1014 , and then move upstream portion 1002 downwardly through the remainder of opening 1014 .
- front side 1086 of opening 1014 may act as a guide for directing upstream portion 1002 downwardly into the remainder of opening 1014 .
- upstream portion 1002 may be easier to perform than having to maneuver upstream portion 1002 through a transversely uninclined (i.e. horizontal) opening, since such an opening forms a complete periphery at its uppermost edge.
- upstream portion 1002 includes a narrower lower section 1078 , then preferably, lower and upper sections 1078 and 1082 may be flush along front side 1094 to permit upstream portion 1002 to slide downwardly through opening 1014 , as described above, without interference by an overhanging lip of upper section 1082 .
- sloped opening 1014 may help to correct for rotational misalignment of wand 180 with respect to upper portion 104 .
- a lip 1098 of upper section 1082 may contact downstream end 1010 at opening 1014 .
- the downward force F w of wand 180 is met with a reactionary force F N by sloped downstream end 1010 .
- reactionary force F N includes a vertical component of force F v in opposition to downward for F W in addition to a horizontal component of force F H .
- the horizontal component of force F H urges the wand 180 to rotate back into alignment. For example, if wand 180 is rotated out of alignment in the clockwise direction 1102 then the component of force F H urges the wand 180 to rotate counter-clockwise into alignment.
- sloped opening 1014 interacts with upper section 1082 of upstream portion 1002 to urge wand 180 into proper alignment for insertion into opening 1014 .
- wand 180 remains connected to upper portion 104 until wand 180 is selectively disconnected from upper portion 104 .
- the connection between wand 180 and upper portion 104 may be maintained by one or more retentive elements of a locking mechanism, which may be selectively disengaged.
- a locking mechanism which may be selectively disengaged.
- upstream portion 1002 cannot be withdrawn from downstream portion 1006 unless the locking mechanism is unlocked. This may prevent the wand from 180 from disconnecting from upper portion 104 while wand 180 is used to maneuver surface cleaning head 108 , for example.
- FIG. 23 shows a partial view of wand 180 including upstream portion 1002 with outer wall 1022 removed to expose the inner locking mechanism (or “wand lock”) 1106 .
- Wand lock 1106 may include a locking member that releasably engages upper portion 104 to selectively secure wand 180 to upper portion 104 in a locked position.
- wand lock 1106 includes a plunger 1050 which may extend through opening 1054 of downstream portion 1006 to obstruct the withdrawal of upstream portion 1002 from downstream portion 1006 . Further, plunger 1050 may be retractable to withdraw from opening 1054 and cease obstructing the withdrawal of upstream portion 1002 from downstream portion 1006 .
- plunger 1050 is positioned in a slot 1110 for translation between an extended position (shown), and a retracted position.
- a resilient member such as spring 1114 ( FIG. 24 a ) may act upon plunger 1050 to bias plunger 1050 toward the extended position.
- an end portion 1118 of plunger 1050 protrudes from slot 1110 through an opening 1122 in outer wall 1022 .
- end portion 1118 of plunger 1050 is at least partially withdrawn back into slot 1110 .
- wand lock 1106 is configured to automatically lock wand 180 to upper portion 104 , upon insertion of wand 180 into upper portion 104 .
- the locking member of wand lock 1106 may automatically engage upper portion 104 upon the insertion of upstream portion 1002 into downstream portion 1006 , thereby securing wand 180 to upper portion 104 .
- the locking member may translate laterally (i.e. substantially perpendicularly to the airflow path) to releasably engage the upper portion 104 .
- plunger 1050 may automatically translate (or “extend”) laterally outwardly through opening 1054 in downstream portion 1006 upon the insertion of upstream portion 1002 into downstream portion 1006 , without requiring further user action.
- end portion 1118 of plunger 1050 includes a lower side 1126 and an opposite upper side 1130 .
- Lower side 1126 includes a sloped face 1134 .
- plunger 1050 may be in the extended position while upstream portion 1002 is withdrawn from downstream portion 1006 .
- end portion 1118 including sloped face 1134 of lower side 1126 may protrude through opening 1122 .
- sloped face 1134 of lower side 1126 may make contact with downstream end 1010 at opening 1014 during insertion.
- Downstream end 1010 may cam along sloped face 1134 forcing plunger 1050 to retract against the bias of spring 1114 until tip 1138 of plunger 1050 meets inner walls 1018 .
- plunger 1050 may align with opening 1054 and translate laterally under the bias of spring 1114 through opening 1054 .
- plunger 1050 When plunger 1050 is in the extended position and extending through opening 1054 , wand 180 may not be withdrawn from upper portion 104 without first at least partially retracting plunger 1050 .
- plunger 1050 includes an upper side 1130 .
- Upper side 1130 is shown including a sloped outboard face 1142 bordered by tip 1138 , and an unsloped (or less sloped) inboard face 1146 inboard of outboard face 1142 .
- at least a portion of inboard face 1146 projects through opening 1054 in the extended position. In this case, inboard face 1146 may contact an upper wall of opening 1054 if upstream portion 1002 is attempted to be withdrawn from downstream portion 1006 without first retracting plunger 1050 .
- inboard face 1146 may be insufficient for the upper wall of opening 1054 to cam along inboard face 1146 to withdraw plunger 1050 . Accordingly, upstream portion 1002 cannot be withdrawn from downstream portion 1006 ; wand lock 1106 is in the locked (or “engaged”) position.
- Wand lock 1106 may be unlocked by a mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical device in response to a user action.
- wand lock 1106 may include a wand release actuator which operates to unlock wand lock 1106 .
- wand 180 may be freely removable from upper portion 104 .
- upper portion 104 may terminate well below waist height.
- upper portion may be 12-14 inches tall.
- An advantage of a shorter upper member is that it facilitates the insertion of wand 180 into upper portion 104 .
- an actuator 1058 may be provided at a height which may be actuated by a user while standing upright.
- An actuator, such as button 1058 may be drivingly connected to lock 1106 by a longitudinally extending member, such as shaft 1150 .
- the actuator and shaft, as well as the linking member may be provided as part of, and removable with, wand 180 . Accordingly, by incorporating the lock and actuator into wand 180 , upper portion 104 may be shorter.
- wand lock 1106 includes a longitudinally extending transmission member that drivingly connects the wand release actuator and the locking member.
- the transmission member may be translatable downwardly to move the wand lock 1106 into the unlocked position. Moving the transmission member downwardly may cause the locking member to move laterally to a disengaged position, and set the wand lock 1106 in the unlocked position.
- a button 1058 is mounted to wand 180 that drives a shaft 1150 to translate toward plunger 1050 .
- a biasing member, such as spring 1152 may bias shaft 1150 upwardly into a retracted position.
- Shaft 1150 may interact with plunger 1050 to move plunger 1050 into a retracted position, and thereby permit the upper wall of opening 1054 to clear at least inboard face 1146 (i.e. to engage with sloped outboard face 1142 instead, or to clear plunger 1050 altogether).
- plunger 1050 includes an upwardly-facing face 1154
- shaft 1150 includes a lower portion 1158 including a downwardly-facing face 1162 .
- Faces 1154 and 1162 may be positioned to meet when shaft 1150 is translated downwardly toward plunger 1050 (as shown in FIG. 24 b when button is partially pressed to move the lock to the unlocked position). Faces 1154 and 1162 may be shaped to provide a caming action that retracts plunger 1050 against the bias of spring 1114 as shaft 1150 is further translated toward plunger 1050 . In the example shown, each of faces 1154 and 1162 are correspondingly sloped. As shaft 1150 is translated downwardly, face 1158 of shaft 1150 cams along face 1154 of plunger 1050 causing plunger 1050 to retract to the retracted position.
- the upstream portion 1002 may be withdrawn from downstream portion 1006 ; the wand lock is unlocked (or “disengaged”).
- the upper wall of opening 1054 may be able to clear at least inboard face 1146 which was preventing the withdrawal in the locked condition.
- wand lock 1106 may remain in the unlocked (or “disengaged”) position after button 1058 is released. This may permit a user to use the same hand to activate button 1058 (unlocking wand 180 ) and to subsequently remove wand 180 from upper portion 104 .
- shaft 1150 may be biased (e.g. by a resilient element such as spring 1152 ) upwardly. When plunger 1050 is in the retracted position, shaft 1150 may obstruct plunger 1050 from extending under the bias of spring 1114 , and plunger 1050 may obstruct shaft 1150 from retracting upwardly.
- plunger 1050 includes a lip 1166 below face 1154
- shaft 1150 includes a lip 1170 above face 1162 .
- lower face 1162 may move past upper face 1154 during downward translation of shaft 1150 .
- plunger 1050 translates laterally outwardly a short distance moving lips 1166 and 1170 into contact. The contact between lips 1166 and 1170 prevents shaft 1150 from withdrawing upwardly.
- the position of lower portion 1158 in front of plunger 1050 obstructs plunger 1050 (as shown in FIG. 24 c ) from further translation toward the extended position. Accordingly, the lock is maintained in the unlocked position.
- wand lock 1106 may be freed from maintaining the unlocked position upon removing and/or reinserting wand 180 into upper portion 104 .
- shaft 1150 and plunger 1050 may be disentangled upon the withdrawal or reinsertion of upstream portion 1002 out of or into downstream portion 1006 .
- sloped outboard face 1142 and a portion of sloped lower face 1134 of plunger 1050 may protrude outwardly through opening 1122 in upstream portion 1002 , when plunger 1050 is in the retracted position. This may permit the upper wall of opening 1054 to cam sloped outboard face 1142 during withdrawal of upstream portion 1002 from downstream portion 1006 to further retract plunger 1050 .
- plunger 1050 may extend under the bias of spring 1114 to the extended position.
- Wand lock 1106 may also be maintained in the unlocked position while wand 180 is removed from upper portion 104 .
- button 1058 may be depressed to retract plunger 1050 and entangle shaft 1150 with plunger 1050 while wand 180 is removed from upper portion 104 .
- reinserting wand 180 into upper portion 104 may release wand lock from the unlocked position.
- a portion of sloped lower face 1134 of plunger 1050 may protrude outwardly through opening 1122 in upstream portion 1002 , when plunger 1050 is in the retracted position.
- plunger 1050 may translate laterally outwardly under the bias of spring 1114 to the extended position.
- wand lock release actuator that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- the locking mechanism (e.g. wand lock 1106 ) that prevents wand 180 from being separated from upper portion 104 after they are connected, may be released by a wand lock release actuator.
- the actuator may have a mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical connection to the wand lock.
- the actuator may be positioned remotely from upper portion 104 at a position above upper portion 104 toward handle 160 ( FIG. 5 ).
- the actuator may be positioned above upper portion 104 on wand 180 or on handle 160 .
- the actuator may be positioned between a user's knee height and chest height, and more preferably between a user's thigh height and waist height. This may reduce or eliminate the need for a user to bend over to activate the actuator to release the wand lock and separate the wand 180 from the upper portion 104 (e.g. to use the surface cleaning apparatus 100 in an above-floor cleaning mode).
- a button 1058 is positioned at approximately a midpoint along the length of wand 180 .
- Button 1058 is an example of a lock release actuator. This may generally correspond to a height of a user's thighs. As shown, button 1058 may be substantially parallel with an upper end 1066 of surface cleaning unit 112 . Button 1058 is drivingly connected to the plunger 1050 by shaft 1150 .
- the lock release actuator may be connected to wand 180 , and removable from upper portion 104 and surface cleaning unit 102 when wand 180 is separated from upper portion 104 and surface cleaning unit 102 (e.g. for use in an above-floor cleaning mode).
- a longitudinally extending transmission member drivingly connecting the lock release actuator to the locking member of wand lock 1106 may be mounted to wand 180 and removable from upper portion 104 and surface cleaning unit 102 when wand 180 is separated from upper portion 104 and surface cleaning unit 102 .
- wand lock 1106 in its entirety may be mounted to wand 180 and removable from upper portion 104 and surface cleaning unit 102 when wand 180 is separated from upper portion 104 and surface cleaning unit 102 .
- wand lock 1106 including button 1058 , shaft 1150 , and plunger 1050 are all connected to wand 180 independent of surface cleaning unit 112 and upper portion 104 , and remain so connected after surface cleaning unit 112 and upper portion 104 are separated from wand 180 .
- Surface cleaning unit 112 may be removably mountable to one or more of upper portion 104 and wand 180 .
- surface cleaning unit 112 may be mounted to upper portion 104 independent of wand 180 , such that surface cleaning unit 112 may be mounted and dismounted from upper portion 104 without adjusting the position of wand 180 or removing wand 180 . Accordingly, for example, wand 180 may remain in upper portion 104 while surface cleaning unit 112 is mounted to or removed from upper portion 104 .
- upper portion 104 may stabilize surface cleaning unit 112 (e.g. surface cleaning unit 112 may remain in a fixed position on upper portion 104 as upper portion 104 is manipulated to maneuver surface cleaning head 108 ).
- upper portion 104 may inhibit translational movement of surface cleaning unit 112 along upper axis 164 ( FIG. 1 ) toward surface cleaning head 108 , and/or may inhibit rotational movement of surface cleaning unit 112 around upper axis 164 .
- surface cleaning unit 112 may be mounted on the exterior of upper portion 112 by two mounting members wherein the mounting members are provided a two longitudinally (e.g., along axis 164 ) spaced apart locations wherein at least one of the two mounting members provides lateral stability as upper portion 104 is manipulated to maneuver surface cleaning head 108 . It will be appreciated that more than two mounting members may be provided.
- Surface cleaning unit 112 may be slidably receivable on one or both of the mounting members.
- surface cleaning unit 112 may have one or more recess to receive one of the mounting members therein.
- one of the mounting members comprises a pair of laterally extending portions (e.g., left and right laterally extending wings that extend outwardly from opposed sides of the upper portion, or a mounting member provided on the front or rear of the exterior of the upper portion which has left and right laterally extending wings)
- the surface cleaning unit 112 may have one or two groves in which the laterally extending position may be received.
- One of the mounting members may have a sufficient height such that surface cleaning unit remains in a fixed position if wand 180 is removed and/or surface cleaning unit 112 is unlocked for removal from upper portion.
- the mounting member comprises laterally extending portions that are received in a recess, groove or the like then the engagement between abutting surfaces of the laterally extending portions and the recess, groove or the likes may dimensionally stabilize surface cleaning unit 112 in position in the unlocked position and with the wand removed.
- surface cleaning unit 112 and upper portion 104 may include one or more mounting elements or members for connecting surface cleaning unit 112 to upper portion 104 .
- the mounting elements may include outwardly projecting mounting members or wings and corresponding mounting recesses for receiving those mounting members.
- upper portion 104 includes outwardly projecting wings 1174 a and 1174 b .
- Wings 1174 are examples of mounting members. As shown, wings 1174 may extend laterally from a front side 1178 of upper portion 104 .
- upper portion 104 is shown including two mounting members, in alternative embodiments, upper portion 104 may include any suitable number of mounting members.
- upper portion 104 may include between one wing 1174 and ten wings 1174 , which may extend in any number of directions.
- wings 1174 may each be discrete elements, or they may be integrally formed as are 1174 a and 1174 b in the example shown.
- surface cleaning unit 112 includes recesses 1182 a and 1182 b . Each recess 1182 may include an opening 1186 in a bottom surface 1190 of surface cleaning unit 112 . Recesses 1182 may be sized and positioned to receive wings 1174 . For example, surface cleaning unit 112 may be positioned above upper portion 104 and lowered to slide wings 1174 into recesses 1182 . Thereafter, surface cleaning unit 112 may be separated from upper portion 104 by moving surface cleaning unit 112 vertically away from upper portion 104 to remove wings 1174 from recesses 1182 .
- surface cleaning unit 112 is shown including two recesses 1182 , in alternative embodiments, surface cleaning unit 112 may include any suitable number of recesses for receiving some or all of the mounting members of upper portion 104 . Further, the arrangement of recesses and protruding mounting members may be reversed. Each of surface cleaning apparatus 112 and upper portion 104 may include one or more recesses and mounting members sized and positioned to mate with one another.
- openings 1186 to recesses 1182 may be shaped to make it easier for a user to insert wings 1174 into recesses 1182 .
- mating recesses 1182 over wings 1174 may include lowering surface cleaning unit 112 onto upper portion 104 .
- the openings 1186 to recesses 1182 on the bottom surface 1190 of surface cleaning unit 112 may be well below a user's eye-level and obscured from view. This may make aligning openings 1186 with recesses 1182 more difficult.
- each recess 1182 may be flared in a lower portion 1194 of the recess 1182 to provide an enlarged opening 1186 .
- Enlarged openings 1186 may make aligning openings 1186 over wings 1174 less difficult. Once wings 1174 enter the enlarged openings 1186 , surface cleaning unit 112 may self-align as surface cleaning unit 112 is lowered further and wings 1174 enter the narrower upper portions 1198 of recesses 1182 .
- each recess 1182 has a sectional profile that closely corresponds to the sectional profile of respective mating wings 1174 . This may provide a tight interface between recesses 1182 and wings 1174 for stabilizing surface cleaning unit 112 on upper portion 104 .
- wings 1174 and recesses 1182 may stabilize surface cleaning unit 112 from rotating in all directions. This may prevent surface cleaning unit 112 from tipping over, e.g. when upper portion 104 is manipulated to maneuver surface cleaning head 108 . Further, wings 1174 may support surface cleaning unit 112 from translating toward surface cleaning head 108 .
- one or more of recesses 1182 may include an end wall 1202 bordering upper portion 1198 . Wings 1174 may insert far enough into recesses 1182 that an upper surface 1204 of at least one of wings 1174 contacts an end wall 1202 . This contact may inhibit further translation of surface cleaning unit 112 toward surface cleaning head 108 . Accordingly, for example, if wand 180 is removed and/or surface cleaning unit 112 is unlocked for removal from upper portion, then surface cleaning unit 112 may remain in position on upper portion 104 .
- different mounting element(s) inhibit movement of surface cleaning unit 112 toward surface cleaning head 108 .
- recesses 1182 may be open ended (i.e. without end walls 1202 ), wings 1174 may not reach an end wall 1202 , or both.
- the different mounting element(s) may inhibit movement of surface cleaning unit 112 toward surface cleaning head 108 .
- surface cleaning unit 112 may include a different mounting member that engages downstream end 1010 of upper portion 104 .
- surface cleaning unit 112 includes a clip 1206 .
- Clip 1206 is an example of a mounting member. Clip 1206 may extend downwardly in spaced apart relation from a rear surface 1210 of surface cleaning unit 112 forming a slot 1214 for receiving a portion of downstream end 1010 of upper portion 104 .
- surface cleaning unit 112 may be lowered onto upper portion 104 such that a front side 1178 of downstream portion 1006 enters slot 1214 , and clip 1206 enters upper portion 104 .
- Clip 1206 may grasp front side 1178 of upper portion 104 to inhibit surface cleaning unit 112 from rotating forwardly, over surface cleaning head 108 , or rearwardly.
- upper portion 104 may abut upper end 1218 of slot 1214 such that the weight of surface cleaning unit 112 may be supported on downstream end 1010 of upper portion 104 .
- Clip 1206 may be disconnected from upper portion 104 by raising surface cleaning unit 112 vertically away from upper portion 104 . Accordingly, upper portion 104 provides a support on which the surface cleaning unit 112 (clip 1206 ) seats when mounted to upper portion 104 .
- a clearance 1222 may be provided between inner wall 1018 of upper portion 104 and outer wall 1022 of wand 180 , toward the front side 1178 of upper portion 104 , when wand 180 is inserted into upper portion 104 .
- Clearance 1222 may provide space for clip 1206 to be received in upper portion 104 simultaneously with wand 180 . Further, either of clip 1206 or wand 180 may be removed from upper portion 104 while the other remains inserted in upper portion 104 . This may make reconfiguring surface cleaning apparatus 100 into different cleaning modes quick and easy.
- wand 180 may include mounting members for supporting surface cleaning unit 112 and or dynamically stabilizing or assisting in dynamically stabilizing surface cleaning unit 112 on upper portion 1104 . Accordingly, for example, the mounting members of wand 180 enhance stability of surface cleaning unit 112 when both wand 180 and surface cleaning unit 112 are connected to upper portion 104 . For example, mounting members of wand 180 may inhibit the rotation and/or the translation forward of surface cleaning unit 112 , e.g. when upper portion 104 and/or wand 180 are manipulated to maneuver surface cleaning head 108 .
- wand 180 may include wings 1226 a and 1226 b .
- Wings 1226 are examples of mounting members.
- surface cleaning unit 112 may include arms 1230 a and 1230 b for at least partially surrounding wings 1226 .
- each arm 1230 may define a slot 1234 for receiving a wing 1226 .
- slots 1234 are open ended. This may permit wings 1226 to be received from above or below slots 1234 .
- surface cleaning unit 112 is connected to upper portion 104 , then wings 1226 may enter and exit slots 1234 through the open upper end 1238 of slots 1234 , as wand 180 is lowered into upper portion 104 or raised away from upper portion 104 .
- wings 1226 may enter and exit through slots 1234 through the open bottom end 1242 of slots 1234 , as surface cleaning unit 112 is lowered onto upper portion 104 or raised away from upper portion 104 .
- Slots 1234 may be shaped to make aligning wings 1226 with slots 1234 easier. As exemplified, each end 1238 and 1242 of slots 1234 may be flared to provide a widened opening for easier alignment with wings 1226 . Further, each slot 1234 may include a narrow region 1246 between upper and lower ends 1238 and 1242 . Preferably, narrow region 1246 may make contact with wings 1226 when wings 1226 are received in slots 1234 . As exemplified, each of wings 1226 includes a front surface 1250 that faces forward toward surface cleaning unit 112 (when surface cleaning unit 112 and wand 180 are connected to upper portion 104 ), and an opposite rear face 1254 . In use, when wings 1226 are received in slots 1234 , slots 1234 may contact at least a portion of rear faces 1254 of wings 1226 . This may permit arms 1230 to inhibiting surface cleaning unit 112 from tilting forwardly over surface cleaning head 108 .
- the interaction between wings 1226 and arms 1230 may help to support wand 180 in an upright position.
- Wand 180 may be releasably securable to upper portion 104 .
- a wand lock may be releasably engaged to secure wand 180 to upper portion 104 .
- upper portion 104 may not provide good support to maintain wand 180 in position.
- wand 180 may tip over after the wand lock is disengaged if no further support is provided. This may be exacerbated where the wand lock remains disengaged after a user ceases interaction with a wand lock release actuator.
- wand lock release actuator when a user activates the wand lock release actuator, the user may release control of wand 180 , such that wand 180 may fall over if no further support is provided to keep wand 180 in position.
- Such further support may be provided by arms 1230 which may receive wings 1226 to support wand 180 in an upright position, e.g. when wand lock is unlocked. This may provide a user with time to develop a proper grip on wand 180 after unlocking the wand lock.
- a user may position surface cleaning unit 112 adjacent upper portion 104 and above upper wings 1226 and above lower wings 1174 .
- Slots 1234 may be generally aligned with upper wings 1226 and recesses 1182 may be generally aligned with lower wings 1174 .
- FIG. 31 Surface cleaning unit 112 may then be lowered.
- arms 1230 extend to surround upper wings 1226 and lower wings 1174 commence to be received in recesses 1182 .
- FIG. 32 Continual lowering of surface cleaning unit to the mounted position shown in FIG. 33 results in surface cleaning unit being seated on lower wings 1174 , clip 1206 being received in upper portion 104 and arms 1230 of the surface cleaning unit surrounding upper wings 1226 of the wand 180 .
- surface cleaning unit 112 remains connected to upper portion 104 until surface cleaning unit 112 is selectively disconnected from upper portion 104 .
- the connection between surface cleaning unit 112 and upper portion 104 may be maintained by one or more retentive elements of a locking mechanism, which may be selectively disengaged.
- a locking mechanism which may be selectively disengaged.
- surface cleaning unit 112 may not be separable from upper portion 104 unless the locking mechanism is unlocked. This may prevent the upper portion 104 from disconnecting from upper portion 104 , e.g. while upper portion 104 is used to maneuver surface cleaning head 108 or if surface cleaning apparatus 100 is carried by grasping surface cleaning unit 112 .
- upper portion 104 may terminate well below waist height.
- An advantage of a shorter upper member is that it facilitates the insertion of wand 180 into upper portion 104 .
- an actuator may be provided at a height which may be actuated by a user while standing upright.
- the actuator may be drivingly connected to lock by a longitudinally extending member, such as shaft.
- the actuator and shaft, as well as any linking member, may be provided as part of, and removable with, surface cleaning unit 112 . Accordingly, by incorporating the lock and actuator into surface cleaning unit 112 , upper portion 104 may be shorter.
- surface cleaning unit 112 may include a locking mechanism 1258 that is substantially similar to wand lock 1106 describe above. Accordingly, the description below of locking mechanism 1258 is abbreviated so as not to unnecessarily repeat details and variants already described above.
- locking mechanism 1258 may include an unlock actuator 1058 drivingly connected to a locking member 1050 by a longitudinally extending transmission member 1150 .
- Locking member 1050 may translate laterally outwardly to engage with upper portion 104 , placing locking mechanism 1258 into a locked position ( FIG. 22 a ).
- Vertical translation of longitudinally extending transmission member 1150 toward locking member 1050 e.g. by interaction with unlock actuator 1058 ) may urge locking member 1050 to translate laterally inwardly ( FIG. 22 b ) to disengage with upper portion 104 , placing locking mechanism 1258 in an unlocked position ( FIG. 22 c ).
- locking mechanism 1258 may remain unlocked until the surface cleaning unit 112 is withdrawn from upper portion 104 or reengaged with the upper portion 104 .
- the act of withdrawing or reengaging surface cleaning unit 112 with upper portion 104 may release locking mechanism 1258 from the unlocked position ( FIG. 22 d ), allowing locking mechanism 1258 to move to the locked position when appropriate.
- locking mechanism 1258 may be wholly connected to surface cleaning unit 112 . When surface cleaning unit 112 is removed from upper portion 104 , so too may locking mechanism 1258 , which may remain connected to surface cleaning unit 112 . In the example shown, locking mechanism 1258 is positioned behind rear surface 1210 of surface cleaning unit 112 . Locking member 1050 of locking mechanism 1258 is exemplified as a plunger which is extendable through an opening 1262 in rear surface 1210 of surface cleaning unit 112 . Locking member 1050 of locking mechanism 1258 may engage with a front side 1178 of upper portion 104 . As exemplified, front side 1178 includes an opening 1266 . Opening 1266 may be sized and positioned to receive locking member 1050 when locking mechanism 1258 is in the locked position.
- Lock release actuator 1058 may be positioned in any suitable location. Preferably, lock release actuator 1058 is positioned proximate upper end 1066 of surface cleaning apparatus 112 . This may permit a user to activate lock release actuator 1058 (e.g. depressing a button actuator) with little or no bending over. Further, lock release actuator 1058 is preferably positioned proximate handle 160 . In some embodiments, this may permit a user to simultaneously grasp handle 160 and activate lock release actuator 1058 . In the example shown, lock release actuator 1058 is positioned on openable lid 228 of cyclone bin assembly 136 . As shown in FIG. 25 , lock release actuator 1058 may extend through an opening 1270 in an inner surface of lid 216 for interacting with transmission member 1150 .
- lock release actuator 1058 may disengage (e.g. separate from) transmission member 1150 .
- lock release actuator 1058 may re-engage (e.g. reestablish contact with) transmission member 1150 for driving the translation of transmission member 1150 .
- locking mechanism 1258 inhibits vertical translation of surface cleaning unit 112 away from upper portion 104 (e.g. in the downstream direction) when locking mechanism 1258 is in the locked condition.
- locking mechanism 1258 may not inhibit forward rotation (i.e. rotation over surface cleaning head 108 ) of locking mechanism 1258 , which in some circumstances may remove locking member 1050 from opening 1266 defeating locking mechanism 1258 .
- surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include additional retentive elements for at least inhibiting forward rotation of surface cleaning unit 112 when connected to upper portion 104 .
- one or both of surface cleaning unit 112 and upper portion 104 may include one or more mounting members, such as wings 1174 and/or clip 1206 , for mounting surface cleaning unit 112 to upper portion 104 and inhibiting at least forward rotation of surface cleaning unit 112 .
- mounting members such as wings 1174 and/or clip 1206 , for mounting surface cleaning unit 112 to upper portion 104 and inhibiting at least forward rotation of surface cleaning unit 112 .
- a bleed valve that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include one or more bleed valves.
- a bleed valve may be operable to provide a secondary air inlet into the airflow pathway between the dirty air inlet and the suction motor. For example, if an obstruction occurs at the dirty air inlet (e.g. a clog), the flow of air through the airflow pathway and the suction motor may decline. Where the suction motor relies upon this airflow for cooling, the reduced airflow may lead to overheating of the suction motor.
- a bleed valve may be opened to provide a secondary air inlet which may permit the suction generated by the suction motor to draw additional air through the bleed valve to the suction motor. This may help to prevent the suction motor from overheating.
- a bleed valve may also be operable to modulate the level of suction developed at the dirty air inlet. Opening the bleed valve may reduce the suction at the dirty air inlet, and closing the bleed valve may restore the suction at the dirty air inlet. This may be useful for selecting a level of suction best suited to a surface to be cleaned. For example, low suction may be recommended for thick carpet and high suction may be recommended for hard floors.
- the bleed valve may have multiple open positions (i.e. corresponding to different degrees of openness), each of which admits a different amount of air, for selecting from among multiple different levels of suction at the dirty air inlet.
- the bleed valve may be set to a half-open position to draw medium suction for short carpet, or to a fully-open position to draw minimum suction for thick carpet. Further, the bleed valve may be continuously variable between closed and full-open which may allow for precise control of the amount of air admitted through the valve.
- surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include two bleed valves.
- a first bleed valve may be provided for preventing the suction motor from overheating, and the second bleed valve may be provided for adjusting the level of suction developed at the dirty air inlet based on the type of surface being cleaned.
- the first bleed valve may be configured to open and close automatically in response to the pressure and/or airflow in the air flow pathway and may be provided downstream of a pre-motor filter. For example, the first bleed valve may open automatically in response to pressure or airflow below a certain threshold.
- the second bleed valve may be selectively operable by a user for setting the level of suction at the dirty air inlet (e.g. in accordance with the recommended level of suction for the surface to be cleaned).
- the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a control member that is may be operatively connected to the second bleed valve by any means known in the art (e.g., electrically, mechanically, or electromechanically coupled to the bleed valve) for setting the position of the bleed valve (e.g. to an open, partially open or a closed position). Examples of suitable control members include dials, switches, levers, slides, buttons, and touch-screens.
- the bleed valve may be located at any position along the airflow pathway.
- the bleed valve may provide a secondary air inlet at a portion of the airflow pathway provided by, e.g., the handle 160 , wand 180 or hose 124 .
- handle 160 may form part of the airflow pathway between dirty air inlet 116 and surface cleaning unit 112 .
- handle 160 may be interposed between wand 180 and hose 124 .
- the bleed valve may be part of handle 160 .
- the bleed valve may be internal of handle 160 (in which case handle 160 is provided with a grill or the like for the upstream side of the bleed valve to be in communication with the ambient air) or it may be located on an exterior portion (e.g., in a recess provided in the outer surface of handle 160 ).
- the control for the bleed valve may be provided on handle 160 or remotely therefrom.
- handle 160 may surround a portion of wand 180 and/or hose 124 without participating in the airflow pathway to the surface cleaning unit 112 .
- the control for the bleed valve may be provided on handle 160 and operatively controlled to the bleed valve.
- the bleed valve may be provided in the hose or a hose cuff and operated by a control provided on handle 160 .
- a bleed valve 2002 is located inside handle 160 .
- Bleed valve 2002 may be any suitable valve.
- bleed valve 2002 may include a socket 2006 and a plug 2010 .
- handle 160 forms part of the airflow pathway from the surface cleaning head 108 to hose 124 ( FIG. 1 ).
- handle 160 may include a conduit 2014 which may be in airflow communication with upstream hose 124 ( FIG. 1 ).
- Socket 2006 may provide a secondary inlet to the airflow pathway in addition to primary inlet at, e.g., the dirty air inlet of the surface cleaning head or upstream end 200 of handle 160 if handle 160 is disconnected from wand 180 .
- socket 2006 may provide an opening into conduit 2014 to admit ambient air into the airflow pathway as exemplified by the arrows in FIG. 12 a.
- Bleed valve 2002 may include at least an open position in which air may be admitted into the airflow pathway through bleed valve 2002 , and a closed position in which air is not permitted into the airflow pathway through bleed valve 2002 .
- plug 2010 may be movable between an open position in which plug 2010 is spaced apart from socket 2006 as shown in FIG. 27 a , and a closed position in which plug 2010 seals socket 2006 .
- handle 160 includes one or more vents 2022 which allow ambient air to pass through handle 160 toward socket 2006 when bleed valve 2002 is in the open position.
- socket 2006 may include a seal (e.g. O-ring) which may compress against socket 2006 to form an air-tight seal with socket 2006 when in the closed position.
- a control member may be provided to manually operate bleed valve 2002 .
- the control member is located on or adjacent the handle 160 to provide easy user access while operating the surface cleaning apparatus 100 .
- the control member may be provided at a location that is operable by the same hand of a user that is user to move the surface cleaning head 108 using handle 160 .
- the control member may be provided on hand grip portion 182 . In this way, a user may use, e.g., their thumb to adjust the control while vacuuming. Accordingly, if a user moves a surface cleaning head 108 from a hard floor to an area rug, the user may easily adjust the position of bleed valve 2002 .
- handle 160 includes a brush control 3026 .
- Brush control 3026 is an example of a control member.
- Brush control 3026 may be operably coupled to bleed valve 2002 to select the position of bleed valve 2002 .
- brush control 3026 may include at least a first position shown in FIG. 27 a which moves bleed valve 2002 to the open position, and a second position shown in FIG. 27 b which moves bleed valve 2002 to the closed position.
- the control member may be operably connected to bleed valve 2002 in any suitable manner.
- the control member may be connected to bleed valve 2002 by an electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical connection.
- brush control 3026 is mechanically coupled to bleed valve 2002 by a linkage 2030 .
- the bleed valve may comprise a plug 2010 .
- Brush control 3026 , linkage 2030 and plug 2010 may be made as a one piece assembly, e.g., they made molded as a unit. And may me slidably mounted in handle 160 in a tack.
- Brush control 3026 may be movable upwardly to the open position shown in FIG. 27 a , which moves plug 2010 away from socket 2006 , and may be movable downwardly to the closed position shown in FIG. 27 b , which moves plug 2010 into socket 2006 .
- control member may be positionable at one or more additional positions between the open position and the closed position.
- brush control 3026 may be positionable in one or more intermediate positions between the open ( FIG. 27 a ) and closed positions ( FIG. 27 b ). Each intermediate position of brush control 3026 may move plug 2010 to a different distance from socket 2006 to admit a different amount of air to enter the airflow pathway. As exemplified, moving brush control 3026 to an intermediate position closer to the openmost position of brush control 3026 exemplified in FIG. 27 aa moves plug 2010 from inlet 2006 thereby allowing more air to enter the airflow pathway, and vice versa.
- handle 160 may include one or more visual markings, which may be provided adjacent brush control 3026 (e.g., below brush control 3026 in a panel as exemplified in FIG. 11 ) which correspond to positions of the control member.
- the visual markings may identify the positions of brush control 3026 which are recommended for different floor cleaning surface types. Such markings may help to remind users of the recommended bleed valve setting for particular surface types.
- handle 160 includes a THICK CARPET marking identifying the openmost position of brush control 3026 , a HARD FLOOR marking identifying the closed position of brush control 3026 , and a SHORT CARPET marking identifying an intermediate position of brush control 3026 .
- surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes an electrically powered peripheral device, other than a suction motor.
- surface cleaning head 108 may include a power brush 2034 .
- Power brush 2034 may include a plurality of bristles 2038 which are driven by a brush motor 3094 (e.g. an electric motor) 3094 as shown in FIG. 30 to rotate about an axis of rotation 2042 .
- bristles 2038 may be positioned to contact the surface to be cleaned, in order to dislodge and collect dirt and hair.
- the brush drive motor may be drivingly connected to the brush by any means known in the surface cleaning arts, such as a belt drive or direct drive.
- a power brush on certain surface types, such as carpet which may retain dirt and hair more persistently, and to disable the power brush for certain other surface types, such as hard surfaces (e.g. hardwood or tiles) where the bristles may deflect dirt away from the dirty air inlet or scratch the surface. Further, it may be recommended to change the speed of the power brush (i.e. the rotary speed of the bristles) to a faster speed for certain surface types (e.g. thick carpet) than for other surface types (e.g. short carpet).
- the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a control member operably connected to adjust the speed of the brush.
- the control member may be operably connected to the brush drive motor or to a transmission member positioned between the brush drive motor and the brush to selectively activate and/or control the speed of the power brush. This may permit a user to selectively activate, deactivate, speed up or slow down the power brush according to the surface type to be cleaned.
- the control member may be mechanically, electrically, or electromechanically coupled to the brush motor controlling the speed of the power brush. Examples of suitable control members include dials, switches, levers, slides, buttons, and touch-screens.
- handle 160 includes a brush control 3026 .
- Brush control 3026 is an example of a suitable control member.
- Brush control 3026 may be electrically coupled to the brush motor of power brush 2034 in any suitable manner, such as by way of an electrical connector or by way of one or more conductors as shown, for example, in FIG. 30 .
- brush control 3026 is movable between at least an off position as shown in FIG. 27 b and a high speed position as shown in FIG. 27 a .
- brush control 3026 includes, or is mechanically coupled to, a multi-position switch 3020 , and may also have one or more intermediate selectable positions in addition to the off and high speed positions shown, such as a medium speed.
- brush control 3026 is infinitely positionable between the off and high speed positions shown for selecting a speed within a continuous spectrum from off to high speed. In use, a user may move brush control 3026 from the off position to any other non-zero speed position to operate the power brush at the selected speed.
- multi-position switch 3020 can be positioned electrically downstream from a main power control 3014 .
- Multi-position switch 3020 is provided in electrical communication between the main power control 3014 and the surface cleaning head 108 and, in particular, brush motor 3094 .
- the supply of power to the surface cleaning head 108 and brush motor 3094 may be controlled via the multi-position switch 3020 and one or more processors and circuits as exemplified herein with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31 . This allows the surface cleaning head 108 to be selectively energized or de-energized while the surface cleaning unit 112 , and the suction motor 128 therein, remain energized.
- a user may, e.g., control the rotating brush within the surface cleaning head when cleaning one surface (e.g. a thick carpet), may control the rotating brush within the surface cleaning head to rotate at a lower or intermediate speed when cleaning another surface (e.g., a short carpet) and may turn off the rotating brush when cleaning another surface (e.g. a non-carpeted floor such as a tile or hardwood floor) without interrupting the suction supplied by the surface cleaning unit 112 .
- one surface e.g. a thick carpet
- the rotating brush within the surface cleaning head may rotate at a lower or intermediate speed when cleaning another surface (e.g., a short carpet) and may turn off the rotating brush when cleaning another surface (e.g. a non-carpeted floor such as a tile or hardwood floor) without interrupting the suction supplied by the surface cleaning unit 112 .
- the multi-position switch 3020 may be located at any position that is electrically connected to the main power control 3014 and the surface cleaning head 108 .
- the multi-position switch 3020 is provided on the handle 160 , and is generally adjacent the hand grip portion 182 and may be on the hand grip portion 182 . This may allow a user to operate the brush control 3026 and thus control the power brush during use, such as by changing the position of brush control 3026 , as the cleaning surface type changes (e.g., using the same hand as is moving surface cleaning head 108 using handle 160 ).
- brush control 3026 may be positioned on the handle 160 so that it is operable by a user's hand, while the user uses the hand to direct the surface cleaning head.
- the auxiliary power switch may be provided in another location, including, for example on the surface cleaning unit, on the surface cleaning head, on the upper or lower wand portion, on the hand grip, or on the cuff or other portion of the hose 124 .
- an indicator 3010 may be provided adjacent brush control 3026 , with visual markings which communicate a correspondence between the different positions of brush control 3026 and the speed of power brush 2034 .
- visual markings may be provided for OFF, LOW SPEED, and HIGH SPEED.
- the visual markings may communicate a correspondence between the different positions of brush control 3026 and the recommended surface type for the corresponding speed.
- visual markings may be provided for HARD FLOOR (at the off position), SHORT CARPET (at the medium or intermediate speed position), and THICK CARPET (at the high speed position).
- the indicator may be illuminated, for example using LEDs.
- a backlight LED may be provided to align with the selected position of the brush control 3026 when the multi-position switch is moved by the user.
- separate backlight LEDs for each position of the brush control 3026 may be selected enabled or disabled, for example by a handle control processor, when the switch is moved.
- surface cleaning apparatus may include both the manually operable bleed valve and the brush speed selector as discussed separately herein.
- each of the manually operable bleed valve and the brush speed selector may have their own individual control.
- one control member may be used to control both the position (i.e. openness) of the bleed valve, and the brush speed of the power brush. This may permit a user to use one control member to adjust the suction developed at the dirty air inlet and the brush speed of the power brush.
- slider switch 2026 is mechanically coupled to bleed valve 2002 , and electrically connected to the brush drive (not shown) of power brush 2034 .
- Each position of the control member may therefore simultaneously correspond to a pair of settings: a bleed valve position and a power brush speed. Adjusting the position of the control member may automatically change both the bleed valve position and the power brush speed according to the corresponding pair of settings.
- each pair of settings may correspond to settings that recommended for a particular cleaning surface type. For example, it may be recommended when cleaning hard flooring that the bleed valve should be closed and the power brush should be turned off. Accordingly, there may be a position on the control member for closing the bleed valve and turning off the power brush. As exemplified, when brush control 3036 is moved to the lowest position shown in FIG. 27 b , the bleed valve 2002 may be fully closed and the power brush 2034 may be turned off.
- the bleed valve should be fully open and the power brush speed should be set to maximum. Accordingly, there may be a position on the control member for fully opening the bleed valve and setting the power brush speed to maximum. As exemplified, when brush control 3036 is moved to the uppermost position shown in FIG. 27 a , the bleed valve 2002 may be fully open and the speed of the power brush 2034 may be set to maximum.
- the control member may be positioned anywhere on surface cleaning apparatus 100 .
- the control member is positioned on handle 160 .
- brush control 3036 is positioned on hand grip portion 182 of handle 160 . This may provide easy access for a user to control the power brush and bleed valve during use, such by changing the position of the control member, as the cleaning surface type changes.
- the markings may be used to communication a recommended position of the control member based on the type of surface being cleaned. Therefore, a user need not consider whether a high or low brush speed is needed or an open or closed position of the bleed valve is needed. Instead, the user may move the control member to position corresponding to the floor type being cleaned, e.g., HARD FLOOR, SHORT CARPET, and THICK CARPET and the positioning of the control member in the selected position will automatically adjust the speed of the brush and the position of the bleed valve to the recommended positions corresponding to the selected position of the control member.
- the floor type being cleaned e.g., HARD FLOOR, SHORT CARPET, and THICK CARPET
- the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a main power control or master on/off electrical switch 3014 that controls the supply of power received from the wall socket (or any other type of power source that is connected to the surface cleaning unit, including, for example, a battery).
- the main power control 3014 controls the supply of power to the suction motor 128 , brush motor 3094 and other components within the surface cleaning apparatus 100 .
- main power control 3014 may be used to turn all electrical components on or off, or if a component has an individual on/off control switch such as brush control 3026 , main power control 3014 may energize a circuit including the individual on/off control switch.
- main power control 3014 is interposed in series with one or more hot conductors, which allows the main power control 3014 to be provided in handle 160 , wand 180 , hose 124 , surface cleaning head 108 or surface cleaning unit 112 .
- the surface cleaning unit 112 When the main power control 3014 is off, the surface cleaning unit 112 (and the hose 124 , surface cleaning head 108 and other components) may be de-energized. When the main power control 3014 is on, the surface cleaning unit 112 (and hose 124 , surface cleaning head 108 , etc.) may be energized.
- Main power control 3014 may be located at any position. Preferably, main power control 3014 is located on or adjacent the handle 160 to provide easy user access while operating the surface cleaning apparatus 100 .
- main power control 3014 may be provided at a location that is operable by the same hand of a user that is user to move the surface cleaning head 108 using handle 160 . Accordingly, for example, the control member may be provided on hand grip portion 182 . In this way, a user may use, e.g., their thumb to adjust the control while vacuuming.
- handle 160 includes a main power control 3014 .
- Main power control 3014 may be electrically coupled to the suction motor 128 of surface cleaning unit 112 and the brush motor 3094 of power brush 2034 in any suitable manner, such as by way of an electrical connector or by way of one or more conductors as shown, for example, in FIGS. 30 and 31 .
- main power control 3014 is a toggle switch movable between an off position and on position.
- main power control 3014 may be a slider switch or other suitable switch.
- main power control 3014 may be interposed between a hot conductor 3510 of an AC electrical plug and a power control conductor 3550 for controlling a suction motor relay circuit 3090 .
- the supply of power to the suction motor 128 may be controlled via the main power control 3014 , which may be located in the handle 160 . This allows the surface cleaning unit 112 to be selectively energized or de-energized from the handle by a user while grasping the hand grip, and without requiring the user to locate a power control on the surface cleaning unit 112 or surface cleaning head 108 .
- an electrified, stretchable suction hose may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- an electrified hose may be mounted directly or indirectly to a surface cleaning unit 112 and removable therewith from upper portion 104 . Accordingly, when the surface cleaning unit is used in a hand carriable configuration, the electrified hose may still be electrified and used to power a tool or handle 160 .
- hose 124 may include one or more electrical conductors (e.g. wires) that can carry electrical power and/or control or data signals between the upstream and downstream ends of the hose.
- electrical conductors e.g. wires
- the conductors within the hose may be limited to carrying electrical power and the transmission of control or data signals may be accomplished using another suitable means.
- the means for transmitting the control or data signals may be a wireless transmitter, which may help reduce the need to provide separate data conductors in addition to the hose.
- hose 124 may include multi-conductor connectors that are mateable with corresponding multi-conductor connectors of surface cleaning unit 112 or handle 160 .
- a downstream end of hose 124 has a multi-conductor connector 3042 , in which male push-type connectors for each of the respective conductors of hose 124 are provided.
- Multi-conductor connector 3042 is mateable with a multi-conductor connector 3038 of surface cleaning unit 112 , which has female push-type connectors corresponding to the male connectors of multi-conductor connector 3042 . It will be appreciated that the male-female relationship may be reversed, or connectors of other suitable types may be used.
- Providing electrical conductors within the hose 124 may allow the hose to transmit electrical signals (power and/or control signals) between its upstream and downstream ends.
- the conductors may be attached to the inner surface of the hose (i.e. within the air flow path), attached to the outer surface of the hose or incorporated within the sidewall of the hose 124 . This may eliminate the need for a separate wire or other power transfer apparatus to be provided in addition to the hose and/or to run in parallel with the hose. Reducing the need for external power or control wires may reduce the chances that the exposed electrical wires may be damaged, unintentionally disconnected during use or otherwise compromised.
- Providing electrical conductors within the hose 124 may allow the hose 124 to serve as a primary, and optionally only, electrical connection between the surface cleaning unit 112 and the surface cleaning head 108 (or any other portion of the vacuum cleaner that is connected to an external power supply) and the rest of the vacuum cleaner upstream from the hose.
- the hose 124 may serve as the primary electrical conduit for carrying power and/or control signals to the surface cleaning head 108 , a plurality of cleaning tools, auxiliary tools, lights, sensors, power tools and other components that are connected to the upstream end of the hose 124 and used in combination with the surface cleaning unit.
- hose 124 may be wired in series with wand 108 and therefore hose 124 and wand 180 (and optionally handle 160 to which each of hose 124 and wand 180 may be removably connected) may be used to provide power from surface cleaning unit 112 to surface cleaning head 108 .
- surface cleaning unit 112 is connected to the source of power. Accordingly hose 124 is used to carry a power control signal used to energize surface cleaning unit 112 . In addition, hose 124 is used to carry a power control signal and power to energize surface cleaning head 108 . In other embodiments, hose 124 may perform only one or two of these functions.
- transmitting power via the hose 124 will allow the hose to be used to supply power to cleaning tools and/or other power tools which may eliminate the need to provide a separate power connection for the tools or to require the use of batteries or an air turbine.
- using an electrified hose to supply electrical power may allow the surface cleaning head 108 to be powered in a variety of different cleaning configurations, including those in which the surface cleaning unit 112 is removed from upper portion 104 .
- some or all of the wand 180 may also be configured to include conductors corresponding to those of hose 124 , to transmit power and/or signals. This may help provide an electrical connection between the hose, e.g., upstream end of the hose 124 , and other portions of the vacuum cleaner.
- the handle 160 and surface cleaning unit 112 are provided with electrical connections via conductors and connectors. Providing electrical connections between the portions of the apparatus allows power to be transmitted from the surface cleaning unit 112 to the handle 160 and on to the surface cleaning head 108 (for example to power a rotating brush assembly) via the wand 180 and without the need for a separate electrical wire or connection.
- a power control circuit 3002 is provided in surface cleaning unit 112 .
- Power control circuit 3002 has three conductors connected via a multi-conductor connector to respective conductors of hose 124 : a hot conductor 3510 , a neutral conductor 3520 and a power control conductor 3550 b .
- Hose 124 carries the hot, neutral and power control conductors, each of which is connected using a multi-conductor connector to a respective conductor of the handle control circuit 3102 .
- Handle control circuit has a main power control 3014 interposed in a hot conductor 3510 b .
- a power control conductor 3550 a is tied to the downstream portion of hot conductor 3510 b , such that it can only be energized when the main power control 3014 is on (e.g., switch is closed).
- power control conductor 3550 a also becomes ‘hot’ and energizes power control circuit 3002 .
- Power control circuit 3002 includes a suction motor relay circuit 3090 which is activated when power control conductor 3550 a and 3550 b are energized, and operates to close a relay, allowing suction motor 128 to become energized.
- an electrified wand may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- an electrified wand may be mounted directly or indirectly to a surface cleaning unit 112 and removable therewith from a base.
- the electrified wand may be used to power a tool or surface cleaning head 108 .
- wand 180 may include one or more electrical conductors (e.g. wires) that can carry electrical power and/or control or data signals between the ends of the hose.
- electrical conductors e.g. wires
- the conductors within the wand may be limited to carrying electrical power and the transmission of control or data signals may be accomplished using another suitable means.
- the means for transmitting the control or data signals may be a wireless transmitter, which may help reduce the need to provide separate data conductors in addition to the wand.
- Upstream and/or downstream ends of wands 180 may include multi-conductor connectors that are mateable with corresponding multi-conductor connectors of surface cleaning head 108 and/or handle 160 respectively.
- upper portion 104 which is mounted to surface cleaning head 108 has a multi-conductor connector 1042 , in which male push-type connectors for each of the respective conductors of wand 180 are provided.
- Multi-conductor connector 1042 is mateable with a multi-conductor connector 1038 of an upstream end of wand 180 , which has female push-type connectors corresponding to the male connectors of multi-conductor connector 1042 .
- multi-conductor connector 1042 may be provided on surface cleaning head 108 or any other location on upper portion 104 , such as an exterior surface thereof. Preferably, it is located internally of upper portion 104 such that an electrical connection is made when wand 180 is inserted into upper portion 104 .
- a downstream end of wand 180 may be provided with a multi-conductor connector 3344 , which is mateable with a multi-conductor connector 2046 of handle 180 , as seen in FIGS. 27 a and 27 b.
- Providing electrical conductors within the wand 180 may allow the wand to transmit electrical signals (power and/or control signals) between its upstream and downstream ends.
- the conductors may be attached to the inner surface of the wand (i.e. within the air flow path), attached to the outer surface of the wand or incorporated within the sidewall of the wand 180 . This may eliminate the need for a separate wire or other power transfer apparatus to be provided in addition to the wand and/or to run in parallel with the wand. Reducing the need for external power or control wires may reduce the chances that the exposed electrical wires may be damaged, unintentionally disconnected during use or otherwise compromised.
- Providing electrical conductors within the wand 180 may allow the wand 180 to serve as a primary, and optionally only, electrical connection between the surface cleaning unit 112 and the surface cleaning head 108 (or any other portion of the vacuum cleaner that is connected to an external power supply) and the rest of the vacuum cleaner upstream from the wand.
- the wand 180 may serve as the primary electrical conduit (e.g., in series with hose 124 ) for carrying power and/or control signals to the surface cleaning head 108 , a plurality of cleaning tools, auxiliary tools, lights, sensors, power tools and other components that are connected to the upstream end of the wand 180 and used in combination with the surface cleaning unit.
- wand 180 is used to carry a power control signal used to energize surface cleaning unit 112 .
- Transmitting power via the wand 180 may also allow the wand to be used to supply power to cleaning tools and/or other power tools which may eliminate the need to provide a separate power connection for the tools or to require the use of batteries or an air turbine.
- using an electrified wand to supply electrical power may allow the surface cleaning head 108 to be powered in a variety of different cleaning configurations, including those in which the surface cleaning unit 112 is removed from upper portion 104 .
- the handle 160 and surface cleaning head 108 are provided with electrical connections via conductors and connectors. Providing electrical connections between the portions of the apparatus allows power to be transmitted from the surface cleaning unit 112 to the handle 160 and on to the surface cleaning head 108 (for example to power a rotating brush assembly) via the wand 180 and without the need for a separate electrical wire or connection.
- hose 124 may be connected directly to wand 180 and the controls provided on wither the hose 124 or wand 180 .
- a handle control circuit 3102 is provided in handle 160 .
- Handle control circuit 3102 has three conductors connected via a multi-conductor connector to respective conductors of wand 180 : a hot conductor 3510 c , a neutral conductor 3520 c and a brush control conductor 3552 a .
- Wand 180 carries the hot, neutral and brush control conductors, each of which is connected using a multi-conductor connector to a respective conductor of the brush control circuit 3202 .
- Handle control circuit has a handle control processor 3110 , which is coupled to brush control 3020 . Based on the selected position of brush control 3020 , handle control processor 3110 is configured to transmit a brush control signal via brush control conductor 3552 a . The signal is relayed via the control conductor of wand 180 to brush control conductor 3552 b of brush control circuit 3202 .
- Brush control circuit 3202 has a brush control processor 3210 , which receives the brush control signal, and is configured to modulate a motor speed of brush motor 3094 accordingly.
- Each of handle control processor 3110 and brush control processor 3210 may be a suitable microprocessor or microcontroller.
- the processors are 8-bit microcontrollers with a RISC-type instruction set.
- one or more light source may be provided in some or all of cleaning tools that are used in combination with the surface cleaning apparatus.
- Providing a light source on some or all of the tools may allow a user to direct the light onto a surface being cleaned.
- the light source may also illuminate the downstream end of the accessory that is being connected by the user, which may help a user see the connector details and/or align the accessory for proper assembly, especially in low light conditions.
- the light source can be any suitable light source, including, for example an incandescent light bulb, a fluorescent light bulb, a light emitting diode (LED), the end of a fiber optic filament and any other suitable source.
- an LED may be provided in the downstream portion of the connector itself (for example on the upstream end of the handle.
- the light source can be provided in the downstream portion of the connector (in the direction of air flow) so that it can remain energized when the connector is separated.
- a light source on the downstream portion of the connector may be useful to illuminate a transparent or translucent cleaning tool that is attached to the connector, even if the tool does not have its own onboard light source (e.g. via partial internal reflection and/or refraction of the light within the transparent and/or translucent material).
- the auxiliary tool may comprise a light pipe. This may allow handle 160 to illuminate its surroundings, for example the crevice between a cushion and a couch frame, which may assist a user in seeing or inspecting the surface to be cleaned.
- the surface cleaning head 108 may include lights, such as LEDs 3024 for illuminating the surface being cleaned.
- lights such as LEDs 3024 for illuminating the surface being cleaned.
- a switching circuit can be provided that may allow the LEDs to remain powered regardless of the state of the motor driving the rotating brush.
- LEDs 3024 are automatically powered and illuminated when surface cleaning head 108 is energized, whether at a high power or low power setting, while the LEDs 3024 are switched off when the brush motor 3094 is disabled.
- LEDs 3024 may be controlled by a brush control processor 3210 .
- a brush control processor 3210 One example of a suitable switching circuit is explained with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31 .
- LEDs 3024 may remain switched on when the brush motor 3094 is disabled.
- a handle light 3006 may be provided on handle 160 , and may be controlled by handle control processor 3110 .
- Handle light 3006 may be provided near a handle grip and positioned to illuminate an area proximal to the upstream end 200 of handle 160 .
- a wand light 3030 may be provided on wand 180 , near an upstream end 192 of 180 . Positioning the lights near upstream ends of handle 160 or wand 180 allows for convenient illumination when using the detached handle or wand to clean dark areas such as corners and crevices.
- handle light 3006 may be automatically switched on when handle is detached from wand 180 and automatically switched off when the handle is re-attached to wand 180 .
- wand light 3030 may be automatically powered when wand 180 is detached from surface cleaning head 108 and automatically switched off when wand 180 is re-attached to surface cleaning head 108 .
- handle light 3006 may be automatically switched on when wand 180 is detached from surface cleaning head 108 and automatically switched off when wand 180 is re-attached to surface cleaning head 108 .
- FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrating a schematic diagram of a power control circuit 3002 for a surface cleaning apparatus that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- Power control circuit 3002 comprises a power connector 3040 , a suction motor relay circuit and a suction motor 128 . It will be appreciated that power control circuit 3002 may also comprise various other elements, such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, varistors and fuses, the description of which is omitted here to ease explanation and understanding.
- Power connector 3040 may be a two- or three-prong power connector, connectable to a 120V or 240V alternating current (AC) power supply. Power connector connects to a line-level or hot conductor 3510 and a neutral conductor 3520 .
- AC alternating current
- Hot conductor 3510 may be electrically coupled to a first terminal of a power control switch.
- hot conductor 3510 is coupled, via hose 124 , to a first terminal of main power control 3014 of handle control circuit 3102 , which is described in further detail herein. Both handle control circuit 3102 and main power control 3014 may be provided in handle 160 , rather than in surface cleaning unit 112 .
- a second terminal of main power control 3014 is tied to a power control conductor 3550 a .
- Power control conductor 3550 a is electrically coupled, via hose 124 , to power control conductor 3550 b.
- Suction motor relay circuit 3090 is configured such that when the power control conductor 3550 b is energized (e.g., when main power control 3014 is in the ‘on’ position), the relay circuit operates to close a relay, allowing suction motor 128 to become electrically coupled to hot conductor 3510 , and thereby energized. Conversely, when main power control is ‘off’ (e.g., switch is open), suction motor relay circuit 3090 is configured to open the relay and thereby de-energize the suction motor 128 .
- main power control is ‘off’ (e.g., switch is open)
- the suction motor relay circuit 3090 allows the main power control 3014 to be disposed elsewhere on the surface cleaning apparatus, for example in handle 160 , without requiring separate power and control wiring. It will be appreciated that power control circuit 3002 may also be adapted for a DC circuit, e.g., if the power supply is a battery or the like.
- FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrating a schematic diagram of a handle control circuit 3102 for a surface cleaning apparatus that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- Handle control circuit 3102 includes hot conductors 3510 and 3510 b , power control conductor 3550 a , brush control conductor 3552 a , neutral conductors 3520 b and 3520 c , main power control 3014 , brush control 3020 and handle control processor 3110 .
- handle control circuit 3102 may include one or more indicator lights, whose operation is described with reference to FIG. 32 . It will be appreciated that handle control circuit 3102 may also comprise various other elements, such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, TRIACs (triodes for alternating current) and fuses, the description of which is omitted here to ease explanation and understanding.
- Hot conductor 3510 is electrically couplable to hot conductor 3510 b via main power control 3014 .
- main power control 3014 When main power control 3014 is in the ‘on’ position, hot conductor 3510 b conducts line-level power, via wand 180 (and multi-conductor connectors), to surface cleaning head 108 .
- brush control 3020 is a multi-position switch.
- the switch is electrically connected, via jumpers to input/output pins of handle control processor 3110 .
- Handle control processor 3110 is configured to detect a selected position of the switch, based on the I/O pin signals, and to select a desired brush speed. Based on the selected position of the multi-position switch, the handle control processor 3110 can generate a brush control signal.
- a brush control conductor 3552 a is also electrically coupled to another I/O pin of brush control processor 3210 . Accordingly, brush control processor 3210 can transmit the brush control signal via brush control conductor 3552 a (and wand 180 ) to a brush control processor 3210 provided in surface cleaning head 108 . Thereupon, the brush control processor 3210 is configured to select between at least two different brush power level outputs of the brush motor 128 based on the brush control signal.
- handle control circuit 3012 may also be adapted for a DC circuit, e.g., if the power supply is a battery or the like.
- FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrating a schematic diagram of a brush control circuit 3202 for a surface cleaning apparatus that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- Brush control circuit 3202 includes hot conductor 3510 d , brush control conductor 3552 b , neutral conductor 3520 d , brush control processor 3210 , bridge rectifier 3280 and TRIAC 3290 .
- brush control circuit 3202 may include one or more LEDs 3024 and other indicator lights (e.g., a brush indicator light 3086 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 30 ), under the control of brush control processor 3210 as described with reference to FIG. 33 .
- brush control circuit 3202 may also comprise various other elements, such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors and fuses, the description of which is omitted here to ease explanation and understanding.
- Hot conductor 3510 d is electrically coupled to TRIAC 3290 , which is coupled to bridge rectifier 3280 .
- Both brush control conductor 3552 b and hot conductor 3510 d are electrically coupled to an I/O pin of brush control processor 3210 .
- the input of the I/O pin can be modulated by a brush control signal provided by handle control processor 3110 .
- Brush control processor 3210 detects the input and determines an appropriate brush power level output for brush motor 3094 .
- the desired brush power level output can be attained by using another I/O pin of brush control processor 3210 to control TRIAC 3290 .
- brush control processor 3210 may provide a small trigger pulse signal at a controlled phase angle to control the percentage of current that flows through TRIAC 3290 to bridge rectifier 3280 .
- Bridge rectifier converts the incoming modulated current to DC, which allows brush motor 3094 to be powered accordingly. It will be appreciated that brush motor 3094 may be AC or DC powered and brush control circuit 3202 modified accordingly.
- brush control circuit 3202 may also include an upright switch 3350 .
- upright switch 3350 may be coupled to yet another I/O pin of brush control processor 3210 , which may detect the state of the upright switch 3350 .
- Upright switch 3350 may also be mechanically coupled to surface cleaning head 108 and upper portion 104 , such that the switch is engaged in the ‘on’ position when the upper portion 104 is inclined relative to the vertical, and disengaged in the ‘off’ position when the upper portion 104 is returned to the vertical.
- brush control circuit 3202 may also be adapted for a DC circuit, e.g., if the power supply is a battery or the like.
- FIG. 32 illustrates a logic flow diagram for operating various indicator lights of surface cleaning apparatus 100 .
- the logic flow is for controlling brush indicator light 3086 and headlight LEDs 3024 of surface cleaning head 108 , handle light 3006 and brush selection indicators 3010 a , 3010 b and 3010 c ( FIG. 26 ).
- the logic flow may be executed by any suitable processor.
- the logic flow is executed by handle control processor 3110 and brush control processor 3210 in co-operation.
- handle control processor 3110 and brush control processor 3210 in co-operation.
- only one processor will be referred to herein, however it will be appreciated that various acts of the logic flow may be performed by one or the other, or both, of handle control processor 3110 and brush control processor 3210 .
- Logic flow 3600 begins at 3602 .
- the processor determines, based on one or more switches, or based on a state of the circuits formed by conductors within hose 124 , whether hose 124 is in a ‘home’ position (e.g., whether the hose 124 and handle 160 are attached to wand 180 ).
- handle light 3006 may be enabled, to provide illumination for the user while using the handle 160 , and also to provide a visual indication that the handle 160 is not in complete engagement with wand 180 .
- handle light 3006 may be disabled, and LEDs 3024 of surface cleaning head 108 may be enabled at 3614 .
- LEDs 3024 are arranged in a strip, and may act as headlights for the surface cleaning head, illuminating the surface to be cleaned.
- the processor determines a position of brush control 3020 . If a ‘thick carpet’ mode is presently selected by brush control 3020 , a ‘thick carpet’ indicator may be enabled at 3622 and brush indicator 3086 may also be enabled. Other indicator lights not corresponding to a currently-selected mode, such as the ‘short carpet’ or ‘bare floor’ indicators, may be disabled.
- Brush indicator 3086 indicates that the brush motor is engaged, and that the brushes are rotating.
- the processor determines this at 3630 , and enables a ‘short carpet’ indicator at 3634 , along with brush indicator 3086 .
- Other indicator lights not corresponding to a currently-selected mode such as the ‘thick carpet’ or ‘bare floor’ indicators, may be disabled.
- a ‘bare floor’ mode is presently selected by brush control 3020 , the processor determines this at 3642 , and enables a ‘bare floor’ indicator at 3642 .
- Brush indicator 3086 may be disabled, along with other indicator lights not corresponding to a currently-selected mode, such as the ‘thick carpet’ or ‘short carpet’ indicators.
- the processor or processors may continuously monitor the handle control circuit 3102 and brush control circuit 3202 for any changes in state, such as the user detaching the handle 160 from wand 180 , or changing the selected mode via brush control 3020 . When a change is detected, the logic flow may be repeated.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims benefit under 35 USC 120 as continuation in part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/781,441, filed on Feb. 28, 2013, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- This specification relates to a surface cleaning apparatus. In one embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus is a reconfigurable upright surface cleaning apparatus with a brush control provided on or adjacent the handle assembly so that a user may adjust the brush speed while operating the surface cleaning apparatus. In another embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus has a multiposition brush control which may operate the brush in at least three different modes.
- The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.
- Various types of surface cleaning apparatus are known. Typically, an upright vacuum cleaner includes an upper portion or upper section, including an air treatment member such as one or more cyclones and/or filters, drivingly mounted to a surface cleaning head. An up flow conduit is typically provided between the surface cleaning head and the upper portion. In some such vacuum cleaners, a spine, casing or backbone extends between the surface cleaning head and the upper portion for supporting the air treatment member. The suction motor may be provided in the upper portion or in the surface cleaning head.
- Surface cleaning apparatus having a portable cleaning module that is removably mounted to an upright vacuum cleaner are known. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,600, U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,315 and US 2011/0314629. US 2011/0314629 discloses an upright vacuum cleaner having a surface cleaning head and an upright section pivotally mounted thereto. A hand vacuum cleaner or a pod is removably mounted on the upper portion and is connected in airflow communication with the surface cleaning head via a flexible hose. A portion of the upper portion is bendable so as to allow the surface cleaning head to extend under furniture. This bendable portion is external to the airflow path. In use, the hand vacuum cleaner is locked on the upper portion. A user may manually unlock the hand vacuum cleaner so as to remove it for use as a hand vacuum cleaner and/or for emptying the cyclone bin assembly. In addition, an above floor cleaning wand may be provided and may be removable with the pod.
- This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.
- In a first aspect, there is provided a reconfigurable surface cleaning apparatus with a multiposition brush control so that the surface cleaning head may be operated in a plurality of modes, such as brush off for bare floor cleaning and one or more powered modes for different carpets. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a removable cleaning unit such as a hand vac or a pod that is connected in air flow communication with the surface cleaning head via an electrified hose. This enables a brush control to be located remote from the surface cleaning head, such as on the handle of the upright vacuum cleaner.
- In accordance with this aspect, there is provided an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
-
- (a) a surface cleaning head comprising, a brush driven by a brush motor, a dirty air inlet and a cleaning head air outlet, the cleaning head air outlet having an associated first multi-conductor connector;
- (b) an upper portion moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position;
- (c) a surface cleaning unit removably mounted to the upper portion, the surface cleaning unit comprising a suction motor operable by a power source and an air treatment member having an air treatment member air inlet;
- (d) an air flow path extending from the cleaning head air outlet to the air treatment member air inlet and comprising a flexible electrified air flow conduit wherein the brush motor is electrically connected to the surface cleaning unit by a circuit that includes the flexible electrified air flow conduit;
- (e) a handle assembly drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head; and,
- (f) a brush control electrically coupled to the brush motor.
- In some embodiments the handle assembly comprises a handle useable by a hand of a user to direct the surface cleaning head and the brush control is operable by the hand while the user uses the hand to direct the surface cleaning head.
- In some embodiments the handle assembly comprises a handle and the brush control is positioned proximate the handle.
- In some embodiments the brush control is adjustable such that the brush motor is operable in at least three different modes.
- In some embodiments the brush control comprises a multi-position switch.
- In some embodiments the handle assembly comprises a handle and the brush control is provided on the handle.
- In some embodiments the upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a main power control that is provided on the handle.
- In some embodiments the upper portion comprises a rigid airflow conduit removably connectable to the cleaning head air outlet, the airflow conduit comprising a conduit air inlet and a conduit air outlet, the conduit air inlet having an associated second multi-conductor connector mateable with the first multi-conductor connector, the conduit air outlet having an associated third multi-conductor connector with each conductor electrically coupled to respective conductors of the second multi-conductor connector.
- In some embodiments the brush control is a multi-position control, the circuit comprises a handle control processor coupled to the multi-position control and a brush control processor, wherein the handle control processor is configured to transmit a brush control signal via a control conductor to the brush control processor based on a selected position of the multi-position control, and wherein the brush control processor is configured to select between at least two different brush power level outputs of the brush motor based on the brush control signal.
- In some embodiments the upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a main power control that is provided in series with the control conductor and a hot conductor.
- In some embodiments the handle assembly comprises a fourth multi-conductor connector configured to removably mate with the third multi-conductor connector.
- In some embodiments the upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a light source disposed on the handle assembly.
- In some embodiments the light source is automatically powered when the handle assembly is electrically disconnected from the surface cleaning head.
- In some embodiments the upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a surface light source provided on the surface cleaning head, wherein the surface light source is automatically powered when the handle assembly is electrically connected to the surface cleaning head and a main power switch is in the on position.
- In a second aspect, there is provided a vacuum cleaner wherein the air treatment member, which may be provided in a removable cleaning unit such as a hand vac or a pod, is connected in air flow communication with the surface cleaning head via an electrified hose and the handle assembly that is drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head comprises a multi-position brush control electrically coupled to the brush motor whereby the brush motor is operable in at least two different modes, such as brush off for bare floor cleaning and one or more powered modes for different carpets.
- In accordance with this aspect, there is provided an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
-
- (a) a surface cleaning head comprising, a brush driven by a brush motor, a dirty air inlet and a cleaning head air outlet;
- (b) an upper portion moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position;
- (c) an air flow path extending from the cleaning head air outlet to a clean air outlet; an air treatment member and a suction motor provided in the air flow path;
- (d) the air flow path comprising a flexible electrified air flow conduit wherein the brush motor is electrically connected to a power source by a circuit that includes the flexible electrified air flow conduit; and,
- (e) a handle assembly drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head and comprising a multi-position brush control electrically coupled to the brush motor whereby the brush motor is operable in at least two different modes.
- In some embodiments the handle assembly comprises a handle useable by a hand of a user to direct the surface cleaning head and the brush control is operable by the hand while the user uses the hand to direct the surface cleaning head.
- In some embodiments the handle assembly comprises a handle and the brush control is positioned proximate the handle.
- In some embodiments the upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a main power control that is provided on the handle.
- In some embodiments the upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a light source disposed on the handle assembly.
- In some embodiments the light source is automatically powered when the handle assembly is electrically disconnected from the surface cleaning head.
- It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a surface cleaning apparatus may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination.
- The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in a storage position; -
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 , in the storage position; -
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 , in a floor cleaning position; -
FIG. 3a is a side elevation view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 , in a storage position; -
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 , in a partially disassembled configuration; -
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 , with the pod removed but still in air flow communication with the surface cleaning head; -
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 , in an above-floor cleaning configuration; -
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 wherein the cyclone bin assembly has been removed; -
FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the portable surface cleaning unit with the cyclone bin assembly removed; -
FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly ofFIG. 1 with the lid in an open position; -
FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the wand ofFIG. 1 disconnected from the upper portion; -
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the upper portion and the surface cleaning head ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 , with the wand disconnected from the upper portion; -
FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 15 is a partial rear perspective view of the wand ofFIG. 1 disconnected from the upper portion; -
FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning unit ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the surface cleaning unit ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the upper portion and surface cleaning head ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken alone line 19-19 inFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken alone line 20-20 inFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 21 is a rear elevation view of the surface cleaning unit ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 22a-22d are rear perspective views of the surface cleaning unit ofFIG. 1 with a rear wall removed and the locking mechanism in different positions; -
FIG. 23 is a partial rear perspective view of the wand ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIGS. 24a-24d are partial rear perspective views of the wand ofFIG. 11 with an outer wall removed; -
FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly ofFIG. 1 with the lid in an open position; and -
FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the handle ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 27a and 27b are cross sectional views taken along line 12-12 inFIG. 26 showing a brush control in different positions; -
FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of the surface cleaning head and the upper portion ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 , in an above-floor cleaning position; -
FIG. 30 is an abstracted schematic diagram of the electric circuits and conductors of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 31 is an example circuit diagram of the electric circuits and conductors ofFIG. 30 ; and, -
FIG. 32 is an example logic flow diagram executed by one or more processors of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 1 . - Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1-3 , a first embodiment of asurface cleaning apparatus 100 is shown. In the embodiment shown, thesurface cleaning apparatus 100 is an upright vacuum cleaner. In alternate embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may be another suitable type of surface cleaning apparatus, such as a canister type vacuum cleaner, and hand vacuum cleaner, a stick vac, a wet-dry type vacuum cleaner or a carpet extractor. - In the illustrated example, the
surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes an upper portion orsupport structure 104 that is movably and drivingly connected to asurface cleaning head 108. Asurface cleaning unit 112 is mounted on theupper portion 104. Thesurface cleaning apparatus 100 also has at least onedirty air inlet 116, at least oneclean air outlet 120, and an air flow path or passage extending therebetween. In the illustrated example, the air flow path includes at least one flexible air flow conduit member (such as ahose 124 or other flexible conduit). Alternatively, the air flow path may be formed from rigid members. - At least one suction motor and at least one air treatment member are positioned in the air flow path to separate dirt and other debris from the airflow. The suction motor and the air treatment member may be provided in the upper portion and/or the surface cleaning head of an upright surface cleaning apparatus. Preferably, the suction motor and the air treatment member are provided in a removable surface cleaning unit. The air treatment member may be any suitable air treatment member, including, for example, one or more cyclones, filters, and bags, and preferably the at least one air treatment member is provided upstream from the suction motor. Preferably, as exemplified in
FIG. 4 , the portablesurface cleaning unit 112 includes both thesuction motor 128, which may be in amotor housing 132, and an air treatment member, which may be in the form of acyclone bin assembly 136. Accordingly,surface cleaning unit 112 may be a hand vacuum cleaner, a pod or the like. Themotor housing 132 can include at least one removable oropenable door 140 which may allow a user to access the interior of themotor housing 132, for example to access themotor 128, a filter or any other component within thehousing 132. Thecyclone bin assembly 136 includes acyclone chamber 144 and adirt collection chamber 148. - In the embodiment shown, the
surface cleaning head 108 includes thedirty air inlet 116 in the form of a slot or opening 152 (FIG. 4 ) formed in a generally downward facing surface of thesurface cleaning head 108. From thedirty air inlet 116, the air flow path extends through thesurface cleaning head 108, and through an up flow conduit 156 (FIG. 2 ) in theupper portion 104 to thesurface cleaning unit 112. In the illustrated example, theclean air outlet 120 is provided in the front of thesurface cleaning unit 112, and is configured to direct the clear air in a generally lateral direction, toward the front of theapparatus 100. - A handle or handle
assembly 160 is drivingly connected to theupper portion 104 to allow a user to manipulate thesurface cleaning apparatus 100. Referring toFIGS. 2, 3, and 3 a, the upper portion extends along anupper axis 164 and is moveably mounted to thesurface cleaning head 108. In the illustrated example, theupper portion 104 is pivotally mounted to the surface cleaning head via apivot joint 168. The pivot joint 168 may be any suitable pivot joint. In this embodiment, theupper portion 104 is movable, relative to thesurface cleaning head 108, between a storage position (FIG. 1 ), and a use or floor cleaning position (FIG. 3 ). In the floor cleaning position, theupper portion 104 may be inclined relative to the surface being cleaned, and anangle 172 between aplane 176 parallel to the surface and theupper axis 164 may be between about 20° and about 85°. In the storage position (FIG. 3a ), theupper portion 104 may be inclined relative to the surface being cleaned, and theangle 172 between theplane 176 parallel to the surface and theupper axis 164 may be between about 85° and 135°. - Alternatively, or in addition to being pivotally coupled to the
surface cleaning head 108, theupper portion 104 may also be rotatably mounted tosurface cleaning head 108. In this configuration, theupper portion 104, and thesurface cleaning unit 112 supported thereon, may be rotatable about theupper axis 164. In this configuration, rotation of theupper portion 104 about theupper axis 164 may help steer thesurface cleaning head 108 across the floor (or other surface being cleaned). Alternately, theupper portion 104 may be pivotally mounted to the surface cleaning head about a second pivot axis, or otherwise moveable mounted with respect to the surface cleaning head, to provide steering. - It will be appreciated that the forgoing discussion is exemplary and that an upright vacuum cleaner may use a surface cleaning head, the surface cleaning unit and upper portion of any design and they may be moveably connected together by any means known in the art.
- The following is a description of the components of the surface cleaning apparatus that are configured to be disconnectable that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- Accordingly, in one aspect, the
upright vacuum cleaner 100 may be operable in a variety of different functional configurations or operating modes. The versatility of operating in different operating modes may be achieved by permitting thesurface cleaning unit 112 to be detachable, e.g., from theupper portion 104. Alternatively, or in addition, further versatility may be achieved by permitting portions of the vacuum cleaner (e.g., one or more of a surface cleaning head, an above floor cleaning wand, a handle assembly, a hose) to be detachable from each other at a plurality of locations, and re-connectable to each other in a variety of combinations and configurations. - In the examples illustrated, mounting the
surface cleaning unit 112 on theupper portion 104 increases the weight of theupper portion 104 and can affect the maneuverability and ease of use of thesurface cleaning apparatus 100. With thesurface cleaning unit 112 attached, thevacuum cleaner 100 may be operated like a traditional upright style vacuum cleaner, as illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 . - Alternatively, in some cleaning situations the user may preferably detach the
surface cleaning unit 112 from theupper portion 104 and choose to carry the surface cleaning unit 112 (e.g. by hand or by a strap) separately from theupper portion 104, while still using theupper portion 104 to drivingly maneuver thesurface cleaning head 108. When thesurface cleaning unit 112 is detached, a user may more easily maneuver thesurface cleaning head 108 around or under obstacles, like furniture and stairs. - To enable the vacuum suction generated by the
surface cleaning unit 112 to remain in airflow communication with thesurface cleaning head 108 when thesurface cleaning unit 112 is detached from thesupport structure 104, the airflow connection between thesurface cleaning head 108 and thecleaning unit 112 is preferably at least partially formed by a flexible conduit, such asflexible hose 124, which may be an electrified hose. Preferably, thehose 124 is extensible and more preferably is elastically or resiliently extensible. The use of a flexible conduit allows a user to detach thesurface cleaning unit 112 and maintain a flow connection between the portablesurface cleaning unit 112 and thesurface cleaning head 108 without having to reconfigure or reconnect any portions of the airflow conduit 184 (FIG. 6 ). - In the example shown, the airflow path between the
surface cleaning head 108 and thecleaning unit 112 further includes an abovefloor cleaning wand 180.Wand 180 may be positioned upstream ofhose 124 and downstream ofsurface cleaning head 108. Preferably,wand 180 may be drivingly connected toupper portion 104 so thatwand 108 may be used to direct surface cleaning head 108 (e.g., forwardly and rearwardly) and, optionally, for also steeringsurface cleaning head 108. Accordingly,wand 180 comprises a rigid airflow conduit having any suitable shape. For example,wand 180 may be straight as shown or it may be curved or bent. In some embodiments,wand 180 may be reconfigurable. For example,wand 108 may have upper and lower sections that are moveably mounted with respect to each other (e.g., pivotally connected) so thatwand 180 may be converted from a straight configuration to a bent configuration. Further,wand 180 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a circular cross-section as shown, or another cross-sectional shape such as square, triangular, or another regular or irregular shape. -
Wand 180 may be telescopic so that it is extendable. - In order to enable a user to use
wand 180 to remotely maneuversurface cleaning head 108,wand 180 may be provided with a handle assembly. Preferably, handle assembly or handle 160 is positioned proximate an upper (i.e. downstream)end 188 ofwand 180. For example, handle 160 may be connected to one or both ofwand 180 andhose 124. Optionally, handle 160 may form part of the airflow path betweenwand 180 andhose 124. Alternatively, handle 160 may be peripherally attached to one or both ofwand 180 andhose 124 without participating in the airflow communication betweenwand 180 andhose 124. - A user may grasp a
hand grip portion 182 ofhandle 160 to manipulate wand 180 (e.g. for movingupper portion 104 and steering surface cleaning head 108). In alternative embodiments,surface cleaning apparatus 100 may not include ahandle 160 and instead a user may graspwand 180 directly. - Reference is now made to
FIG. 5 . As shown,upper portion 104 is moveably mounted with respect tosurface cleaning head 108.Upper portion 104 may be connected to surface cleaninghead 108 by any means known in the art, (e.g., it may be pivotally mounted, rotationally mounted or the like). As exemplified, pivot joint 168 permitsupper portion 104 to tilt and/or pivot with respect tosurface cleaning head 108. - One or both of
wand 180 andsurface cleaning unit 112 may be selectively attached or detached fromupper portion 104. As exemplified, each ofwand 180 andsurface cleaning unit 112 is selectively attachable or detachable fromupper portion 104. An advantage of this design is that a user may convert the vacuum cleaner to a surface cleaning mode by removing the wand without having to removesurface cleaning unit 112. Preferably, each ofwand 180 andsurface cleaning unit 112 may be selectively connected or disconnected fromupper portion 104 independently of the other. For example,wand 180 andsurface cleaning unit 112 may be connected or disconnected fromupper portion 104 in any order, sequentially or simultaneously. This may simplify the reconfiguration ofsurface cleaning apparatus 100 into different cleaning modes without requiring disruption to the operation ofsurface cleaning apparatus 100. - As exemplified, when
upstream end 192 ofwand 180 is connected toupper portion 104, thesurface cleaning head 108 participates in the airflow path in a floor cleaning mode, e.g., for cleaning floors, stairs, and the like. In such a case, thesurface cleaning unit 112 may be mounted onupper portion 104, for supporting the weight of surface cleaning unit on upper portion 104 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 3 which exemplifies a traditional floor cleaning mode for an upright vacuum cleaner). Alternately,surface cleaning unit 112 may be dismounted fromupper portion 104 and carried by hand, worn as a backpack, or placed on the floor for example whilewand 180 is connected to surface cleaning head 108 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 6 which exemplifies an alternate floor cleaning mode for an upright vacuum cleaner). - As exemplified,
wand 180 may be disconnected fromupper portion 104 for use in an above-floor cleaning mode. In one embodiment,surface cleaning unit 112 may be mounted onupper portion 104, for supporting the weight of surface cleaning unit onupper portion 104 whilewand 180 is used in the above floor cleaning mode (e.g., as shown inFIG. 7 ). Alternately, in another optional embodiment,surface cleaning unit 112 may also be dismounted fromupper portion 104 and carried by hand, worn as a backpack, or placed on the floor for example whilewand 180 is used in the above floor cleaning mode. -
Wand 180 may be selectively connected or disconnected from the airflow path, such as when the extension in reach it provides is not required. For example,downstream end 188 ofwand 180 may be separated fromhandle 160. The reduced reach provided by this configuration may be advantageous where the user may wish to manipulate the cleaning surface by hand (e.g. separate cushions in a couch) while cleaning, or where the user may require fine control (e.g. to avoid sucking up objects on the cleaning surface). - If
Wand 180 andsurface cleaning unit 112 are each individually removable, then they may each be independently mounted toupper portion 104.Wand 180 andsurface cleaning unit 112 may connect toupper portion 104 in any suitable fashion. In the example shown,wand 180 is inserted intoupper portion 104, andsurface cleaning unit 112 is mounted to an exterior ofupper portion 104. In such a case,upper portion 104 may provide part or all of the air flow path fromsurface cleaning head 108 towand 180. In other embodiments,upper portion 104 need not be part of the air flow path. For example,wand 180 may be mounted to the exterior ofupper portion 104 and the inlet end may seat on an outlet end of a duct provided on the outer surface of theupper portion 104. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , when thesurface cleaning apparatus 100 is in use, a user may detach thesurface cleaning unit 112 from theupper portion 104 without interrupting the airflow communication between thecleaning unit 112 and thesurface cleaning head 108. This allows a user to selectively detach and re-attach thecleaning unit 112 to thesupport structure 104 during use without having to stop and reconfigure the connectinghose 124 or other portions of theairflow conduit 184. As exemplified,wand 180 is attached toupper portion 104 andsurface cleaning unit 112 is detached fromupper portion 104. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration in which thevacuum cleaner 100 can be operated with thesurface cleaning unit 112 detached from theupper portion 104 and the air flow path between thesurface cleaning unit 112 and thesurface cleaning head 108 remains intact. In this configuration,upper portion 104 may provide a connection betweenwand 180 andsurface cleaning head 108, which may permitsurface cleaning head 108 to be driven by manipulatingwand 180. - In addition to being operable to clean floors or surfaces, the vacuum cleaner may be operated in a variety of cleaning modes that do not include use of the surface cleaning head, and may be generally described as above floor cleaning modes. This can generally include cleaning furniture, walls, drapes and other objects as opposed to cleaning a large, planar surface.
- In one example of an above floor cleaning mode, as exemplified in
FIG. 7 , thesurface cleaning unit 112 can remain mounted on theupper portion 104. This eliminates the need for the user to separately support the weight of thesurface cleaning unit 112 in an above floor cleaning mode. In the illustrated configuration, thesurface cleaning unit 112 may remain mounted on theupper portion 104 and thewand 180 may be detached fromupper portion 104 to provide an extended reach for above floor cleaning. Optionally, additional accessory tools may be coupled to theupstream end 192 ofwand 180, including for example a crevice tool, a cleaning brush (optionally an electrically powered brush or an air driven turbo brush) and any other type of accessory including a power tool such as a sander. - Further, as illustrated in
FIG. 5 , theupstream end 200 of thehandle 160 may be separated from thedownstream end 188 ofwand 180. In this configuration theupstream end 200 of thehandle 160 can function as the dirty air inlet for thevacuum cleaner 100. Optionally, accessory tools, such as wands, crevasse tools, turbo brushes, hoses or other devices may be coupled to theupstream end 200 of thehandle 160. - In another example of an above floor cleaning mode, as exemplified in
FIG. 5 , thesurface cleaning unit 112 andwand 180 can both be detached from theupper portion 104. Theupstream end 200 ofhandle 160 may be selectively connected or disconnected fromdownstream end 188 ofwand 180 as desired. This configuration may be advantageous whensurface cleaning unit 112 must be held above the floor (e.g. while the user is standing on a ladder). In this case, theupper portion 104 andsurface cleaning head 108 may add unnecessary weight to thesurface cleaning unit 112. This configuration may also be advantageous when thesurface cleaning unit 112 is to be rested on a sloped surface. In this case, therear wheels 204 and the front wheels or glides (not shown) ofsurface cleaning head 108 may allowsurface cleaning unit 112 to roll away. By detachingsurface cleaning unit 112 fromsurface cleaning head 108,surface cleaning unit 112 may be placed directly on the sloped surface. Optionally, additional accessory tools may be coupled to theupstream end 192 of thewand 180. - Optionally, one or more auxiliary support members, including for example a wheel and a roller, can be provided on the rear of the surface cleaning apparatus and/or the upper portion and configured to contact the floor (or other surface) when the upper portion is inclined or placed close to the surface. Providing an auxiliary support member may help carry some of the weight of the surface cleaning unit and/or upper portion when in a generally horizontal configuration. The auxiliary support member may also help the
upper portion 104 and/orsurface cleaning unit 112 to roll relatively easily over the floor when in a generally horizontal position. This may help a user to more easily maneuver the upper portion and/or surface cleaning unit under obstacles, such as a bed, cabinet or other piece of furniture. - The following is a description of a removable cyclone that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- Reference is now made to
FIGS. 8 and 9 . Optionally, thecyclone bin assembly 136 may be detachable from themotor housing 132. Providing a detachablecyclone bin assembly 136 may allow a user to carry thecyclone bin assembly 136 to a garbage can for emptying, without needing to carry or move the rest of thesurface cleaning apparatus 100 or thesurface cleaning unit 112. Preferably, thecyclone bin assembly 136 can be separated from themotor housing 132 while thesurface cleaning unit 112 is mounted on theupper portion 104 and also when thesurface cleaning unit 112 is separated from theupper portion 104.FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment where thecyclone bin assembly 136 is removable as a closed module, which may help prevent dirt and debris from spilling out of thecyclone bin assembly 136 during transport. - Optionally, as exemplified, removing the
cyclone bin assembly 136 reveals apre-motor filter chamber 208 that is positioned in the air flow path between thecyclone bin assembly 136 and thesuction motor 128. One or more filters may be provided in thepre-motor filter chamber 208 to filter the air exiting thecyclone bin assembly 136 before it reaches themotor 128. In the illustrated example, the pre-motor filter includes at least afoam filter 212 positioned within thepre-motor filter chamber 208. Preferably,filter 212 is removable to allow a user to clean and/or replace thefilter 212 when it is dirty. Optionally, part or all of the sidewalls of the pre-motor filter chamber orhousing 208 can be at least partially transparent so that a user can visually inspect the condition of thefilter 212 without having to remove thecyclone bin assembly 136. - In some embodiments,
cyclone bin assembly 136 may extend below and partially surroundpre-motor filter chamber 208. In the illustrated embodiment,cyclone bin assembly 136 includes acyclone chamber 144 aligned abovepre-motor filter chamber 208 and adirt collection chamber 148 extending below and forward ofpre-motor filter chamber 208. This may provide an enlargeddirt collection chamber 148 in a compact arrangement. In turn, the capacity ofdirt collection chamber 148 may be increased which may permitsurface cleaning apparatus 100 to be emptied less frequently. Still, in alternative embodiments,cyclone bin assembly 136 may be wholly positioned to one side of pre-motor filter chamber 208 (e.g. above pre-motor filter chamber 208). - Preferably,
cyclone bin assembly 136 may be releasably connected to surface cleaningunit 112. For example,surface cleaning unit 112 may include a locking mechanism having a locked position, in whichcyclone bin assembly 136 may be inhibited from separating fromsurface cleaning unit 112, and an unlocked position, in whichcyclone bin assembly 136 may be freely removed fromsurface cleaning unit 112. As exemplified,cyclone bin assembly 136 includes alocking mechanism 216 for releasably securingcyclone bin assembly 136 to surface cleaningunit 112. In the example shown,locking mechanism 216 includes a locking member (or latch) 218 which may releasably engage amating recess 220 insurface cleaning unit 112. Recess 220 may be sized and positioned to receivelocking mechanism 216 whencyclone bin assembly 136 is positioned in place onsurface cleaning unit 112.Locking mechanism 216 may interfere with the removal ofcyclone bin assembly 136 fromsurface cleaning unit 112 by the interaction of lockingmember 218 withrecess 220. For example, a groove provided onlatch 218 may engage the wall in whichrecess 220 is located. -
Locking mechanism 216 may also include a lock-release actuator 224 which may be activated to movelocking mechanism 216 to the unlocked position. Preferably, lock-release actuator 224 may be located on or proximate to handle 226 ofcyclone bin assembly 136 so it may be actuated by a user using the same had as is used to hold handle 226. This may permit a user to simultaneously grasp handle 226 and activate lock-release actuator 224. As exemplified, a rear portion of handle 226 includes a lock-release actuator 224. Activating lock-release actuator 224 may retract lockingmember 218 from recess 220 (e.g., by pivoting or rotating or translatinglatch 218 towards cyclone bin assembly 136) to placelocking mechanism 216 in the unlocked position in whichcyclone bin assembly 136 may be removed fromsurface cleaning unit 112. - Referring now to
FIGS. 9 and 10 ,cyclone bin assembly 136 may include one or more of an openable lid or bottom. This may provide access to emptydirt collection chamber 148 and/orcyclone chamber 144. As exemplified,cyclone bin assembly 136 includes anopenable lid 228.Lid 228 may be movable between a closed position (FIG. 9 ) in whichlid 228 closes an upper end ofcyclone bin assembly 136, and an open position (FIG. 10 ) in the upper end ofcyclone bin assembly 136 is open. -
Lid 228 ofcyclone bin assembly 136 may be completely removed fromcyclone bin assembly 136 in the open position. Alternatively,lid 228 may remain attached tocyclone bin assembly 136 in the open position. As exemplified,cyclone bin assembly 136 may include hinges 232 that pivotally connectlid 228 tocyclone bin assembly 136. This may permitlid 228 to pivot to an open position while conveniently remaining connected tocyclone bin assembly 136. - The following is a description of the wand alignment mechanism to assist in aligning the wand during insertion of the wand into the upper portion that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- Referring to
FIG. 5 ,wand 180 may be removably mounted toupper portion 104 using any suitable mounting apparatus.Wand 180 andupper portion 104 may be configured to provide support and/or positioning or alignment of thewand 180 relative to theupper portion 104. When connected toupper portion 104,wand 180 may be stabilized to provide a driving connection betweenwand 180 andupper portion 104. - In the example shown,
upper portion 104 may be configured to receive an upstream end ofwand 180 to connectwand 180 toupper portion 104. When inserted, the outer wall ofwand 180 and the inner wall ofupper portion 104 may contact each other over a sufficient length to stabilizewand 180 so thatupper portion 104 may provide a driving connection betweenwand 180 andsurface cleaning head 108. This may permitupper portion 104 to transmit forces applied to wand 180 (e.g. viahandle 160 or directly to wand 180) tosurface cleaning head 108 by way of, e.g., pivot joint 168. For example,upper portion 104 may be rigidly connected towand 180 to reduce or eliminate play betweenupper portion 104 andwand 180. This may improve the handling ofsurface cleaning head 108 and thereby improve the user experience ofapparatus 100. - Reference is now to
FIG. 11 . As exemplified,wand 180 includes anupstream portion 1002 bordered byupstream end 192.Upstream end 192 may define a wand air inlet for receiving dirty air to be communicated downstream throughwand 180 to downstream end 188 (FIG. 5 ). Further,upper portion 104 is shown including adownstream portion 1006 bordered bydownstream end 1010. As shown,downstream portion 1006 may include or surround an air outlet for discharging air received fromsurface cleaning head 108, downstream (e.g. to wand 180). For example,downstream portion 1006 may comprise a cowl that surrounds and extends upwardly from the outlet of an air flow path extending through thesurface cleaning head 108. -
Wand 180 may be sized and shaped to be partially received insideupper portion 104. As exemplified,upstream portion 1002 ofwand 180 may be removably receivable insidedownstream portion 1006 ofupper portion 104.Downstream end 1010 ofupper portion 104 may define anopening 1014 for receivingupstream end 192 ofwand 180. - When
wand 180 is received insideupper portion 104,wand 180 andupper portion 104 may form a connection that provides stability towand 180. For example, mating elements ofupper portion 104 andwand 180 may engage upon reception ofwand 180 insideupper portion 104, whether automatically (i.e. without user action) by the insertion ofwand 180 intoupper portion 104 or by manual user-actuation of a retention member. Referring now toFIGS. 11-13 ,downstream portion 1006 may includeinner walls 1018 having a transverse profile that corresponds to the transverse profile ofouter walls 1022 of theupstream portion 1002 ofwand 180. For example, the transverse profile ofinner walls 1018 may have a substantially similar size and shape as the transverse profile of theouter walls 1022. Preferably, the transverse profile ofouter walls 1022 is slightly smaller than the transverse profile ofinner walls 1018 to provide a sufficient clearance to permit insertion and removal ofwand 180 without play when want 180 is inserted intoupper portion 104. This may permitupstream portion 1002 to be easily inserted intodownstream portion 1006. - The transverse profile of
inner walls 1018 andouter walls 1022 may have any suitable shape. For example, the transverse profiles may be circular, triangular, square or another regular or irregular shape. Preferably, the transverse profiles have a non-circular or irregular shape such thatouter walls 1022 may fit betweeninner walls 1018 in only one orientation. This may forcewand 180 to be specifically oriented with respect to upper portion 104 (e.g. to provide an intended orientation ofhandle 160 to surface cleaning head 108). In the example shown, the transverse profiles ofinner walls 1018 andouter walls 1022 may be described as “egg-shaped”. That is, the transverse profiles are generally rounded and taper in width from one side to the other. - Alternatively, or in addition to the correspondence in transverse profiles of inner and
outer walls wand 180 andupper portion 104 may include mating elements that limit the number of orientations in whichupstream portion 1002 may be received indownstream portion 1006. For example,wand 180 andupper portion 104 may collectively include one or more mating protrusions and recesses. - In the example shown,
wand 180 includes a protrusion (or key) 1026 inupstream portion 1002 that protrudes outwardly alongouter wall 1022.Protrusion 1026 is configured to mate with (i.e. insert into) recess (or slot) 1030 formed in alip 1034 ofinner walls 1018 whenupstream portion 1002 is received indownstream portion 1006. Whenwand 180 is correctly oriented with respect toupper portion 104, key 1026 will align withslot 1030 to allowupstream portion 1002 to be inserted intodownstream portion 1006. However,lip 1034 ofdownstream portion 1006 will interfere with key 1026 if attempting to insertupstream portion 1002 intodownstream portion 1006 whilewand 180 is incorrectly oriented with respect toupper portion 104 such that key 1026 is misaligned withslot 1030. -
Connecting wand 180 toupper portion 104 extends the airflow pathway fromwand 180 upstream throughsurface cleaning head 108. The connection may also connect one or more other mechanical elements, such as locking members or linkages, and/or electrical elements, such as electrical power connectors. In this case, there may be limited relative orientations betweenwand 180 andupper portion 104 which completes the airflow, mechanical and/or electrical connections. For this reason, it may be advantageous to limit the orientations in which theupstream portion 1002 can be received indownstream portion 1006, preferably to a single orientation. - In the example shown,
hose 124 is electrified and comprises part of a circuit extending fromsurface cleaning unit 112 to surface cleaning head. Accordingly,surface cleaning unit 112 may be provided with the electrical cord or an on board power source and an electrical component in thesurface cleaning head 108 may be powered via thehose 124 andwand 180. Accordingly,wand 180 may provide an electrified air flow conduit for conducting electricity along the length ofwand 180. As exemplified,upstream portion 1002 ofwand 180 includes anelectrical connector 1038, anddownstream portion 1006 ofupper portion 104 includes a matingelectrical connector 1042.Electrical connectors electrical connectors connectors electrical conductors 1046. Upstream anddownstream portions - In some cases,
electrical connectors electrical connectors upper portion 104 towand 180 may advantageously reduce stresses onelectrical connectors upper portion 104 andwand 180, other thanelectrical connectors 1038 and 1042 (such as key 1026 andslot 1030, and/or the corresponding transverse profiles ofwalls 1018 and 1022) may provide stability (such as resistance to relative rotational movement betweenwand 180 and upper portion 104) which might otherwise be borne byelectrical connectors - Preferably, once
wand 180 is connected toupper portion 104,wand 180 remains connected toupper portion 104 untilwand 180 is selectively disconnected fromupper portion 104. For example, the connection betweenwand 180 andupper portion 104 may be maintained by friction which may be overcome by sufficient force, or may be maintained by one or more retentive elements which may be selectively disengaged.Wand 180 may include a locking mechanism that automatically engagesdownstream portion 1006 whenupstream portion 1002 is inserted intodownstream portion 1006. When the locking mechanism is engaged withdownstream portion 1006,upstream portion 1002 cannot be withdrawn fromdownstream portion 1006 unless the locking mechanism is unlocked. This may prevent the wand from 180 from disconnecting fromupper portion 104 while wand is used to maneuversurface cleaning head 108, for example. - Reference is now made to
FIG. 11 . As exemplified,wand 180 includes a lockingmember 1050 andupper portion 104 includes anopening 1054. Lockingmember 1050 may be sized and positioned to automatically project throughopening 1054 afterupstream portion 1002 is properly inserted intodownstream portion 1006. Thereafter,upstream portion 1002 cannot be disconnected fromdownstream portion 1006 without withdrawing lockingmember 1050 from opening 1054. An actuator,e.g. button 1058, is provided to selectively withdraw lockingmember 1050 from opening 1054, and permitupstream portion 1002 to be freely separated fromdownstream portion 1006. - Optionally,
wand 180 may remain connected withupper portion 104 even while the connection is unlocked. For example, ifupstream portion 1002 is received indownstream portion 1006, then the contact betweenwand 180 andupper portion 104 may retainwand 180 inupper portion 104 even while the locking mechanism for locking the connection is unlocked. In this circumstance,upper portion 104 may be configured to supportwand 180 in an upright position. This may permit a user to release control ofwand 180 while unlocking the locking mechanism, without the risk ofwand 180 toppling over. As exemplified,downstream portion 1006 ofupper portion 104 surroundsupstream portion 1002 ofwand 180 whenupstream portion 1002 is received indownstream portion 1006. Preferably,upper portion 104 surrounds a sufficient height ofwand 180 to provide support towand 180 to rest in the upright position. For example,upper portion 104 may surround any portion of the wand and may surround the entire wand. As exemplified, upper portion may surround between 10 percent and 30 percent of the total height of wand 180 (measured fromupstream end 192 to downstream end 188), and more preferably about 20 percent of the total height ofwand 180. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 ,wand 180 andsurface cleaning unit 112 are shown connected toupper portion 104. As shown,downstream end 1010 ofupper portion 104 extends well aboveupstream end 192 ofwand 180. As exemplified,upstream end 192 is positioned proximate alower end 1062 ofsurface cleaning unit 112 and well belowupper end 1066 of surface cleaning unit 112 (when bothsurface cleaning unit 112 andwand 180 are connected to upper portion 104). It will be appreciated thatupstream end 192 may seat against or in the outlet end of pivot joint 168. - When
wand 180 is connected toupper portion 104, the airflow pathway may extend fromdirty air inlet 116 throughsurface cleaning head 108, through pivot joint 168, optionally throughupper portion 104 ifupstream end 192 is positioned above the outlet end of pivot joint 168, and intowand 180. Preferably, at least the portion of the airflow pathway extending betweensurface cleaning head 108 andwand 180 is substantially air-tight to preserve the suction generated bysuction motor 128. Optionally, a bleed valve (not shown) may be provided to reduce suction for cleaning certain cleaning surfaces. In some embodiments,wand 180 may form an airtight seal with the airflow passage when connected toupper portion 104. As exemplified,upstream end 192 ofwand 180 may be urged against a seal 1070 (e.g. O-ring) surroundingair outlet 1074 ofupper portion 104 whenwand 180 is connected toupper portion 104.Seal 1070 may prevent entry or escape of air through the interface betweenwand 180 andupper portion 104. - Reference is now made to
FIG. 11 . As exemplified,lower portion 1002 ofwand 180 has a transverse cross-section that is sized and shaped to form a tight fit insidedownstream portion 1006 ofupper portion 104. In some cases, it may be difficult for a user to insert one element into another where the fit between those elements is tight. For example, precise alignment requiring fine motor skills may be required for those elements to be connected. In some embodiments,wand 180 and/orupper portion 104 may be configured to make insertingwand 180 intoupper portion 104 easier and faster. - In the example shown,
upstream portion 1002 ofwand 180 includes alower section 1078, and anupper section 1082.Lower section 1078 is bordered byupstream end 192, andupper section 1082 is downstream oflower section 1078. The transverse section ofupper section 1082 may be sized and shaped to provide a tight fit withdownstream portion 1006 ofupper portion 104. At the same time,lower section 1078 may have a substantially smaller transverse section, which may provide a greater margin for alignment error when firstly insertinglower section 1078 intoopening 1014. Accordingly, a user may insertupstream end 192 intoupper portion 104. This is facilitated by the clearance between the facing walls ofupstream end 192 andupper portion 104. Some or all of the weight of the wand 18-0 may then be supported byupper portion 104. The user may then rotatewand 180 to the required insertion orientation and complete the insertion ofwand 180 intoupper portion 104 by inserting part or all ofupper section 1082. The stepwise insertion of a narrowerlower section 1078 intoupper portion 104 followed by a widerupper section 1082 may make insertingupstream portion 1002 intoupper portion 104 easier for a user. Oncelower section 1078 is inserted intoopening 1014, lateral movements ofwand 180 are substantially constrained, by the interaction oflower section 1078 withinner walls 1018, to positions that are in close proximity to the comparatively narrower range of positions that will allowupper section 1082 to pass through opening 1014 intodownstream portion 1006. Such constraint may make finding the correct position faster and easier for a user because the constraint increases the proportion of available positions that will allowupper section 1082 to enterdownstream portion 1006. - Alternatively, or in addition to a narrower
lower section 1078,downstream end 1010 ofupper portion 104 at opening 1014 may be transversely inclined (or “sloped”). As shown, afront side 1086 ofopening 1014 extends higher (i.e. further downstream) than therear side 1090. This may permit a user to more easily locateupstream portion 1002 intoopening 1014. In use, the user may simply movefront side 1094 ofupstream portion 1002 againstfront side 1086 of opening 1014 to alignupstream portion 1002 withopening 1014, and then moveupstream portion 1002 downwardly through the remainder ofopening 1014. In this way,front side 1086 ofopening 1014 may act as a guide for directingupstream portion 1002 downwardly into the remainder ofopening 1014. This may be easier to perform than having to maneuverupstream portion 1002 through a transversely uninclined (i.e. horizontal) opening, since such an opening forms a complete periphery at its uppermost edge. Ifupstream portion 1002 includes a narrowerlower section 1078, then preferably, lower andupper sections front side 1094 to permitupstream portion 1002 to slide downwardly throughopening 1014, as described above, without interference by an overhanging lip ofupper section 1082. - Reference is now made to
FIG. 14 . Alternately, or in addition, slopedopening 1014 may help to correct for rotational misalignment ofwand 180 with respect toupper portion 104. After at least partially insertinglower section 1078 ofupstream portion 1002 ofwand 180 throughopening 1014 ofupper portion 104, ifwand 180 is not properly oriented in rotation (i.e. rotationally misaligned) withopening 1014, then alip 1098 ofupper section 1082 may contactdownstream end 1010 atopening 1014. In this case, the downward force Fw ofwand 180, whether gravity or user applied to the point of contact betweenlip 1098 anddownstream end 1010, is met with a reactionary force FN by slopeddownstream end 1010. As shown, reactionary force FN includes a vertical component of force Fv in opposition to downward for FW in addition to a horizontal component of force FH. The horizontal component of force FH urges thewand 180 to rotate back into alignment. For example, ifwand 180 is rotated out of alignment in theclockwise direction 1102 then the component of force FH urges thewand 180 to rotate counter-clockwise into alignment. In this way, slopedopening 1014 interacts withupper section 1082 ofupstream portion 1002 to urgewand 180 into proper alignment for insertion intoopening 1014. - The following is a description of the wand locking mechanism that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- Reference is now made to
FIG. 11 . Preferably, oncewand 180 is connected toupper portion 104,wand 180 remains connected toupper portion 104 untilwand 180 is selectively disconnected fromupper portion 104. The connection betweenwand 180 andupper portion 104 may be maintained by one or more retentive elements of a locking mechanism, which may be selectively disengaged. When the locking mechanism is engaged,upstream portion 1002 cannot be withdrawn fromdownstream portion 1006 unless the locking mechanism is unlocked. This may prevent the wand from 180 from disconnecting fromupper portion 104 whilewand 180 is used to maneuversurface cleaning head 108, for example. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 11 and 23 .FIG. 23 shows a partial view ofwand 180 includingupstream portion 1002 withouter wall 1022 removed to expose the inner locking mechanism (or “wand lock”) 1106.Wand lock 1106 may include a locking member that releasably engagesupper portion 104 to selectivelysecure wand 180 toupper portion 104 in a locked position. As exemplified,wand lock 1106 includes aplunger 1050 which may extend throughopening 1054 ofdownstream portion 1006 to obstruct the withdrawal ofupstream portion 1002 fromdownstream portion 1006. Further,plunger 1050 may be retractable to withdraw from opening 1054 and cease obstructing the withdrawal ofupstream portion 1002 fromdownstream portion 1006. - As exemplified,
plunger 1050 is positioned in a slot 1110 for translation between an extended position (shown), and a retracted position. A resilient member, such as spring 1114 (FIG. 24a ) may act uponplunger 1050 tobias plunger 1050 toward the extended position. In the extended position, anend portion 1118 ofplunger 1050 protrudes from slot 1110 through anopening 1122 inouter wall 1022. In the retracted position,end portion 1118 ofplunger 1050 is at least partially withdrawn back into slot 1110. - Preferably,
wand lock 1106 is configured to automatically lockwand 180 toupper portion 104, upon insertion ofwand 180 intoupper portion 104. For example, the locking member ofwand lock 1106 may automatically engageupper portion 104 upon the insertion ofupstream portion 1002 intodownstream portion 1006, thereby securingwand 180 toupper portion 104. In some cases, the locking member may translate laterally (i.e. substantially perpendicularly to the airflow path) to releasably engage theupper portion 104. As exemplified,plunger 1050 may automatically translate (or “extend”) laterally outwardly throughopening 1054 indownstream portion 1006 upon the insertion ofupstream portion 1002 intodownstream portion 1006, without requiring further user action. - In the example shown,
end portion 1118 ofplunger 1050 includes alower side 1126 and an oppositeupper side 1130.Lower side 1126 includes a slopedface 1134. First,plunger 1050 may be in the extended position whileupstream portion 1002 is withdrawn fromdownstream portion 1006. In the extended position,end portion 1118 including slopedface 1134 oflower side 1126 may protrude throughopening 1122. When insertingupstream portion 1002 intodownstream portion 1006, slopedface 1134 oflower side 1126 may make contact withdownstream end 1010 at opening 1014 during insertion. For example, there may be less space between outer andinner walls end portion 1118 protrudes throughopening 1122 in the extended position.Downstream end 1010 may cam along slopedface 1134 forcing plunger 1050 to retract against the bias ofspring 1114 untiltip 1138 ofplunger 1050 meetsinner walls 1018. Upon further insertion,plunger 1050 may align withopening 1054 and translate laterally under the bias ofspring 1114 throughopening 1054. - When
plunger 1050 is in the extended position and extending throughopening 1054,wand 180 may not be withdrawn fromupper portion 104 without first at least partially retractingplunger 1050. As exemplified,plunger 1050 includes anupper side 1130.Upper side 1130 is shown including a slopedoutboard face 1142 bordered bytip 1138, and an unsloped (or less sloped)inboard face 1146 inboard ofoutboard face 1142. Preferably, at least a portion ofinboard face 1146 projects throughopening 1054 in the extended position. In this case,inboard face 1146 may contact an upper wall ofopening 1054 ifupstream portion 1002 is attempted to be withdrawn fromdownstream portion 1006 without first retractingplunger 1050. In turn, the slope of inboard face 1146 (or lack thereof) may be insufficient for the upper wall of opening 1054 to cam alonginboard face 1146 to withdrawplunger 1050. Accordingly,upstream portion 1002 cannot be withdrawn fromdownstream portion 1006;wand lock 1106 is in the locked (or “engaged”) position. -
Wand lock 1106 may be unlocked by a mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical device in response to a user action. For example,wand lock 1106 may include a wand release actuator which operates to unlockwand lock 1106. Whenwand lock 1106 is in the unlocked position,wand 180 may be freely removable fromupper portion 104. - As exemplified,
upper portion 104 may terminate well below waist height. For example, upper portion may be 12-14 inches tall. An advantage of a shorter upper member is that it facilitates the insertion ofwand 180 intoupper portion 104. In order to avoid a user having to bend over to releasewand 180 while enablingwand 180 to be locked toupper portion 104, anactuator 1058 may be provided at a height which may be actuated by a user while standing upright. An actuator, such asbutton 1058, may be drivingly connected to lock 1106 by a longitudinally extending member, such asshaft 1150. The actuator and shaft, as well as the linking member, may be provided as part of, and removable with,wand 180. Accordingly, by incorporating the lock and actuator intowand 180,upper portion 104 may be shorter. - As exemplified,
wand lock 1106 includes a longitudinally extending transmission member that drivingly connects the wand release actuator and the locking member. For example, the transmission member may be translatable downwardly to move thewand lock 1106 into the unlocked position. Moving the transmission member downwardly may cause the locking member to move laterally to a disengaged position, and set thewand lock 1106 in the unlocked position. - In the example shown, a
button 1058 is mounted towand 180 that drives ashaft 1150 to translate towardplunger 1050. A biasing member, such as spring 1152 may biasshaft 1150 upwardly into a retracted position.Shaft 1150 may interact withplunger 1050 to moveplunger 1050 into a retracted position, and thereby permit the upper wall of opening 1054 to clear at least inboard face 1146 (i.e. to engage with slopedoutboard face 1142 instead, or toclear plunger 1050 altogether). As exemplified,plunger 1050 includes an upwardly-facingface 1154, andshaft 1150 includes alower portion 1158 including a downwardly-facingface 1162.Faces shaft 1150 is translated downwardly toward plunger 1050 (as shown inFIG. 24b when button is partially pressed to move the lock to the unlocked position).Faces plunger 1050 against the bias ofspring 1114 asshaft 1150 is further translated towardplunger 1050. In the example shown, each offaces shaft 1150 is translated downwardly,face 1158 ofshaft 1150 cams alongface 1154 ofplunger 1050 causing plunger 1050 to retract to the retracted position. In the retracted position, theupstream portion 1002 may be withdrawn fromdownstream portion 1006; the wand lock is unlocked (or “disengaged”). The upper wall of opening 1054 may be able to clear at leastinboard face 1146 which was preventing the withdrawal in the locked condition. - Preferably,
wand lock 1106 may remain in the unlocked (or “disengaged”) position afterbutton 1058 is released. This may permit a user to use the same hand to activate button 1058 (unlocking wand 180) and to subsequently removewand 180 fromupper portion 104. In the example shown,shaft 1150 may be biased (e.g. by a resilient element such as spring 1152) upwardly. Whenplunger 1050 is in the retracted position,shaft 1150 may obstructplunger 1050 from extending under the bias ofspring 1114, andplunger 1050 may obstructshaft 1150 from retracting upwardly. As exemplified,plunger 1050 includes alip 1166 belowface 1154, andshaft 1150 includes alip 1170 aboveface 1162. Further,lower face 1162 may move pastupper face 1154 during downward translation ofshaft 1150. When this occurs,plunger 1050 translates laterally outwardly a shortdistance moving lips lips shaft 1150 from withdrawing upwardly. Further, the position oflower portion 1158 in front ofplunger 1050 obstructs plunger 1050 (as shown inFIG. 24c ) from further translation toward the extended position. Accordingly, the lock is maintained in the unlocked position. - Preferably,
wand lock 1106 may be freed from maintaining the unlocked position upon removing and/or reinsertingwand 180 intoupper portion 104. For example,shaft 1150 andplunger 1050 may be disentangled upon the withdrawal or reinsertion ofupstream portion 1002 out of or intodownstream portion 1006. As exemplified, slopedoutboard face 1142 and a portion of slopedlower face 1134 ofplunger 1050 may protrude outwardly throughopening 1122 inupstream portion 1002, whenplunger 1050 is in the retracted position. This may permit the upper wall of opening 1054 to cam slopedoutboard face 1142 during withdrawal ofupstream portion 1002 fromdownstream portion 1006 to further retractplunger 1050. This moveslip 1166 ofplunger 1050 out of contact withlip 1170 of shaft 1150 (as shown inFIG. 24d ), allowingshaft 1150 to retract upwardly. Afterplunger 1050 clears thedownstream end 1010 ofupper portion 104,plunger 1050 may extend under the bias ofspring 1114 to the extended position. -
Wand lock 1106 may also be maintained in the unlocked position whilewand 180 is removed fromupper portion 104. For example,button 1058 may be depressed to retractplunger 1050 and entangleshaft 1150 withplunger 1050 whilewand 180 is removed fromupper portion 104. In this case, reinsertingwand 180 intoupper portion 104 may release wand lock from the unlocked position. As exemplified, a portion of slopedlower face 1134 ofplunger 1050 may protrude outwardly throughopening 1122 inupstream portion 1002, whenplunger 1050 is in the retracted position. This may permit thedownstream end 1010 at opening 1014 to cam slopedlower face 1134 during insertion ofupstream portion 1002 intodownstream portion 1006 to further retractplunger 1050. This moveslip 1166 ofplunger 1050 out of contact withlip 1170 of shaft 1150 (as shown inFIG. 24d ), allowingshaft 1150 to retract upwardly. Onceplunger 1050 aligns withopening 1054 indownstream portion 1006,plunger 1050 may translate laterally outwardly under the bias ofspring 1114 to the extended position. - The following is a description of the wand lock release actuator that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- In some embodiments, the locking mechanism (e.g. wand lock 1106) that prevents
wand 180 from being separated fromupper portion 104 after they are connected, may be released by a wand lock release actuator. The actuator may have a mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical connection to the wand lock. Preferably, the actuator may be positioned remotely fromupper portion 104 at a position aboveupper portion 104 toward handle 160 (FIG. 5 ). For example, the actuator may be positioned aboveupper portion 104 onwand 180 or onhandle 160. In some cases, the actuator may be positioned between a user's knee height and chest height, and more preferably between a user's thigh height and waist height. This may reduce or eliminate the need for a user to bend over to activate the actuator to release the wand lock and separate thewand 180 from the upper portion 104 (e.g. to use thesurface cleaning apparatus 100 in an above-floor cleaning mode). - Referring to
FIGS. 11 and 23 , as exemplified, abutton 1058 is positioned at approximately a midpoint along the length ofwand 180.Button 1058 is an example of a lock release actuator. This may generally correspond to a height of a user's thighs. As shown,button 1058 may be substantially parallel with anupper end 1066 ofsurface cleaning unit 112.Button 1058 is drivingly connected to theplunger 1050 byshaft 1150. - The lock release actuator may be connected to
wand 180, and removable fromupper portion 104 and surface cleaning unit 102 whenwand 180 is separated fromupper portion 104 and surface cleaning unit 102 (e.g. for use in an above-floor cleaning mode). Similarly, a longitudinally extending transmission member drivingly connecting the lock release actuator to the locking member ofwand lock 1106 may be mounted towand 180 and removable fromupper portion 104 and surface cleaning unit 102 whenwand 180 is separated fromupper portion 104 and surface cleaning unit 102. For example,wand lock 1106 in its entirety may be mounted towand 180 and removable fromupper portion 104 and surface cleaning unit 102 whenwand 180 is separated fromupper portion 104 and surface cleaning unit 102. This may advantageously allowsurface cleaning apparatus 100 to be easily reconfigured into different modes of operation. For example, when surface cleaning unit 102 is unmounted fromupper portion 104, thewand lock 1106 may remain withwand 180 to allowwand 180 to remain releasably connected toupper portion 104. - In the example shown,
wand lock 1106 includingbutton 1058,shaft 1150, andplunger 1050 are all connected towand 180 independent ofsurface cleaning unit 112 andupper portion 104, and remain so connected aftersurface cleaning unit 112 andupper portion 104 are separated fromwand 180. - The following is a description of the surface cleaning unit mounting structure that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- Reference is now made to
FIG. 5 .Surface cleaning unit 112 may be removably mountable to one or more ofupper portion 104 andwand 180. Preferably,surface cleaning unit 112 may be mounted toupper portion 104 independent ofwand 180, such thatsurface cleaning unit 112 may be mounted and dismounted fromupper portion 104 without adjusting the position ofwand 180 or removingwand 180. Accordingly, for example,wand 180 may remain inupper portion 104 whilesurface cleaning unit 112 is mounted to or removed fromupper portion 104. - Alternately, or in addition, when
surface cleaning unit 112 is mounted toupper portion 104,upper portion 104 may stabilize surface cleaning unit 112 (e.g.surface cleaning unit 112 may remain in a fixed position onupper portion 104 asupper portion 104 is manipulated to maneuver surface cleaning head 108). For example,upper portion 104 may inhibit translational movement ofsurface cleaning unit 112 along upper axis 164 (FIG. 1 ) towardsurface cleaning head 108, and/or may inhibit rotational movement ofsurface cleaning unit 112 aroundupper axis 164. - Accordingly,
surface cleaning unit 112 may be mounted on the exterior ofupper portion 112 by two mounting members wherein the mounting members are provided a two longitudinally (e.g., along axis 164) spaced apart locations wherein at least one of the two mounting members provides lateral stability asupper portion 104 is manipulated to maneuversurface cleaning head 108. It will be appreciated that more than two mounting members may be provided. -
Surface cleaning unit 112 may be slidably receivable on one or both of the mounting members. For example,surface cleaning unit 112 may have one or more recess to receive one of the mounting members therein. Accordingly, if one of the mounting members comprises a pair of laterally extending portions (e.g., left and right laterally extending wings that extend outwardly from opposed sides of the upper portion, or a mounting member provided on the front or rear of the exterior of the upper portion which has left and right laterally extending wings), then thesurface cleaning unit 112 may have one or two groves in which the laterally extending position may be received. - One of the mounting members may have a sufficient height such that surface cleaning unit remains in a fixed position if
wand 180 is removed and/orsurface cleaning unit 112 is unlocked for removal from upper portion. For example, if the mounting member comprises laterally extending portions that are received in a recess, groove or the like then the engagement between abutting surfaces of the laterally extending portions and the recess, groove or the likes may dimensionally stabilizesurface cleaning unit 112 in position in the unlocked position and with the wand removed. - Referring to
FIGS. 16-19 ,surface cleaning unit 112 andupper portion 104 may include one or more mounting elements or members for connectingsurface cleaning unit 112 toupper portion 104. For example, the mounting elements may include outwardly projecting mounting members or wings and corresponding mounting recesses for receiving those mounting members. - As exemplified,
upper portion 104 includes outwardly projectingwings 1174 a and 1174 b. Wings 1174 are examples of mounting members. As shown, wings 1174 may extend laterally from afront side 1178 ofupper portion 104. Althoughupper portion 104 is shown including two mounting members, in alternative embodiments,upper portion 104 may include any suitable number of mounting members. For example,upper portion 104 may include between one wing 1174 and ten wings 1174, which may extend in any number of directions. Further, wings 1174 may each be discrete elements, or they may be integrally formed as are 1174 a and 1174 b in the example shown. - As exemplified,
surface cleaning unit 112 includesrecesses 1182 a and 1182 b. Eachrecess 1182 may include anopening 1186 in abottom surface 1190 ofsurface cleaning unit 112.Recesses 1182 may be sized and positioned to receive wings 1174. For example,surface cleaning unit 112 may be positioned aboveupper portion 104 and lowered to slide wings 1174 intorecesses 1182. Thereafter,surface cleaning unit 112 may be separated fromupper portion 104 by movingsurface cleaning unit 112 vertically away fromupper portion 104 to remove wings 1174 fromrecesses 1182. - Although
surface cleaning unit 112 is shown including tworecesses 1182, in alternative embodiments,surface cleaning unit 112 may include any suitable number of recesses for receiving some or all of the mounting members ofupper portion 104. Further, the arrangement of recesses and protruding mounting members may be reversed. Each ofsurface cleaning apparatus 112 andupper portion 104 may include one or more recesses and mounting members sized and positioned to mate with one another. - Optionally,
openings 1186 torecesses 1182 may be shaped to make it easier for a user to insert wings 1174 intorecesses 1182. In some cases,mating recesses 1182 over wings 1174 may include loweringsurface cleaning unit 112 ontoupper portion 104. Theopenings 1186 torecesses 1182 on thebottom surface 1190 ofsurface cleaning unit 112 may be well below a user's eye-level and obscured from view. This may make aligningopenings 1186 withrecesses 1182 more difficult. - As exemplified, each
recess 1182 may be flared in alower portion 1194 of therecess 1182 to provide anenlarged opening 1186.Enlarged openings 1186 may make aligningopenings 1186 over wings 1174 less difficult. Once wings 1174 enter theenlarged openings 1186,surface cleaning unit 112 may self-align assurface cleaning unit 112 is lowered further and wings 1174 enter the narrowerupper portions 1198 ofrecesses 1182. - In the example shown, at least
upper portion 1198 of eachrecess 1182 has a sectional profile that closely corresponds to the sectional profile of respective mating wings 1174. This may provide a tight interface betweenrecesses 1182 and wings 1174 for stabilizingsurface cleaning unit 112 onupper portion 104. - The fit between wings 1174 and
recesses 1182 may stabilizesurface cleaning unit 112 from rotating in all directions. This may preventsurface cleaning unit 112 from tipping over, e.g. whenupper portion 104 is manipulated to maneuversurface cleaning head 108. Further, wings 1174 may supportsurface cleaning unit 112 from translating towardsurface cleaning head 108. For example, one or more ofrecesses 1182 may include anend wall 1202 borderingupper portion 1198. Wings 1174 may insert far enough intorecesses 1182 that anupper surface 1204 of at least one of wings 1174 contacts anend wall 1202. This contact may inhibit further translation ofsurface cleaning unit 112 towardsurface cleaning head 108. Accordingly, for example, ifwand 180 is removed and/orsurface cleaning unit 112 is unlocked for removal from upper portion, then surface cleaningunit 112 may remain in position onupper portion 104. - In alternative embodiments, different mounting element(s) inhibit movement of
surface cleaning unit 112 towardsurface cleaning head 108. In this case, recesses 1182 may be open ended (i.e. without end walls 1202), wings 1174 may not reach anend wall 1202, or both. Instead the different mounting element(s) may inhibit movement ofsurface cleaning unit 112 towardsurface cleaning head 108. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 16, 18, and 21 . In addition to, or instead of wings 1174 andrecesses 1182,surface cleaning unit 112 may include a different mounting member that engagesdownstream end 1010 ofupper portion 104. As exemplified,surface cleaning unit 112 includes aclip 1206.Clip 1206 is an example of a mounting member.Clip 1206 may extend downwardly in spaced apart relation from arear surface 1210 ofsurface cleaning unit 112 forming aslot 1214 for receiving a portion ofdownstream end 1010 ofupper portion 104. - In use,
surface cleaning unit 112 may be lowered ontoupper portion 104 such that afront side 1178 ofdownstream portion 1006 entersslot 1214, andclip 1206 entersupper portion 104.Clip 1206 may graspfront side 1178 ofupper portion 104 to inhibitsurface cleaning unit 112 from rotating forwardly, oversurface cleaning head 108, or rearwardly. In some cases,upper portion 104 may abutupper end 1218 ofslot 1214 such that the weight ofsurface cleaning unit 112 may be supported ondownstream end 1010 ofupper portion 104.Clip 1206 may be disconnected fromupper portion 104 by raisingsurface cleaning unit 112 vertically away fromupper portion 104. Accordingly,upper portion 104 provides a support on which the surface cleaning unit 112 (clip 1206) seats when mounted toupper portion 104. - As shown in
FIG. 18 , a clearance 1222 may be provided betweeninner wall 1018 ofupper portion 104 andouter wall 1022 ofwand 180, toward thefront side 1178 ofupper portion 104, whenwand 180 is inserted intoupper portion 104. Clearance 1222 may provide space forclip 1206 to be received inupper portion 104 simultaneously withwand 180. Further, either ofclip 1206 orwand 180 may be removed fromupper portion 104 while the other remains inserted inupper portion 104. This may make reconfiguringsurface cleaning apparatus 100 into different cleaning modes quick and easy. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 11, 13, 16, and 21 . Alternatively, or in addition to wings 1174, recesses 1182, andclip 1206,wand 180 may include mounting members for supportingsurface cleaning unit 112 and or dynamically stabilizing or assisting in dynamically stabilizingsurface cleaning unit 112 onupper portion 1104. Accordingly, for example, the mounting members ofwand 180 enhance stability ofsurface cleaning unit 112 when bothwand 180 andsurface cleaning unit 112 are connected toupper portion 104. For example, mounting members ofwand 180 may inhibit the rotation and/or the translation forward ofsurface cleaning unit 112, e.g. whenupper portion 104 and/orwand 180 are manipulated to maneuversurface cleaning head 108. - As exemplified,
wand 180 may includewings 1226 a and 1226 b. Wings 1226 are examples of mounting members. Further,surface cleaning unit 112 may include arms 1230 a and 1230 b for at least partially surrounding wings 1226. As shown, each arm 1230 may define aslot 1234 for receiving a wing 1226. Preferably,slots 1234 are open ended. This may permit wings 1226 to be received from above or belowslots 1234. For example, ifsurface cleaning unit 112 is connected toupper portion 104, then wings 1226 may enter andexit slots 1234 through the openupper end 1238 ofslots 1234, aswand 180 is lowered intoupper portion 104 or raised away fromupper portion 104. Further, ifwand 180 is connected toupper portion 104, then wings 1226 may enter and exit throughslots 1234 through the openbottom end 1242 ofslots 1234, assurface cleaning unit 112 is lowered ontoupper portion 104 or raised away fromupper portion 104. -
Slots 1234 may be shaped to make aligning wings 1226 withslots 1234 easier. As exemplified, eachend slots 1234 may be flared to provide a widened opening for easier alignment with wings 1226. Further, eachslot 1234 may include anarrow region 1246 between upper andlower ends narrow region 1246 may make contact with wings 1226 when wings 1226 are received inslots 1234. As exemplified, each of wings 1226 includes a front surface 1250 that faces forward toward surface cleaning unit 112 (whensurface cleaning unit 112 andwand 180 are connected to upper portion 104), and an oppositerear face 1254. In use, when wings 1226 are received inslots 1234,slots 1234 may contact at least a portion ofrear faces 1254 of wings 1226. This may permit arms 1230 to inhibitingsurface cleaning unit 112 from tilting forwardly oversurface cleaning head 108. - Alternatively, or in addition to providing support for
surface cleaning unit 112, the interaction between wings 1226 and arms 1230 may help to supportwand 180 in an upright position.Wand 180 may be releasably securable toupper portion 104. For example, a wand lock may be releasably engaged to securewand 180 toupper portion 104. However, in some embodiments, after the wand lock is disengaged,upper portion 104 may not provide good support to maintainwand 180 in position. For example,wand 180 may tip over after the wand lock is disengaged if no further support is provided. This may be exacerbated where the wand lock remains disengaged after a user ceases interaction with a wand lock release actuator. In this case, when a user activates the wand lock release actuator, the user may release control ofwand 180, such thatwand 180 may fall over if no further support is provided to keepwand 180 in position. Such further support may be provided by arms 1230 which may receive wings 1226 to supportwand 180 in an upright position, e.g. when wand lock is unlocked. This may provide a user with time to develop a proper grip onwand 180 after unlocking the wand lock. - In operation, a user may position
surface cleaning unit 112 adjacentupper portion 104 and above upper wings 1226 and above lower wings 1174.Slots 1234 may be generally aligned with upper wings 1226 andrecesses 1182 may be generally aligned with lower wings 1174. This is the position shown inFIG. 31 .Surface cleaning unit 112 may then be lowered. Assurface cleaning unit 112 is lowered, arms 1230 extend to surround upper wings 1226 and lower wings 1174 commence to be received inrecesses 1182. This is the position shown inFIG. 32 . Continual lowering of surface cleaning unit to the mounted position shown inFIG. 33 results in surface cleaning unit being seated on lower wings 1174,clip 1206 being received inupper portion 104 and arms 1230 of the surface cleaning unit surrounding upper wings 1226 of thewand 180. - The following is a description of the surface cleaning unit locking mechanism that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- Preferably, once
surface cleaning unit 112 is connected toupper portion 104,surface cleaning unit 112 remains connected toupper portion 104 untilsurface cleaning unit 112 is selectively disconnected fromupper portion 104. The connection betweensurface cleaning unit 112 andupper portion 104 may be maintained by one or more retentive elements of a locking mechanism, which may be selectively disengaged. When the locking mechanism is engaged,surface cleaning unit 112 may not be separable fromupper portion 104 unless the locking mechanism is unlocked. This may prevent theupper portion 104 from disconnecting fromupper portion 104, e.g. whileupper portion 104 is used to maneuversurface cleaning head 108 or ifsurface cleaning apparatus 100 is carried by graspingsurface cleaning unit 112. - As discussed previously,
upper portion 104 may terminate well below waist height. An advantage of a shorter upper member is that it facilitates the insertion ofwand 180 intoupper portion 104. In order to avoid a user having to bend over to releasesurface cleaning unit 112 while enablingsurface cleaning unit 112 to be locked toupper portion 104, an actuator may be provided at a height which may be actuated by a user while standing upright. The actuator may be drivingly connected to lock by a longitudinally extending member, such as shaft. The actuator and shaft, as well as any linking member, may be provided as part of, and removable with,surface cleaning unit 112. Accordingly, by incorporating the lock and actuator intosurface cleaning unit 112,upper portion 104 may be shorter. - Reference is made to 18, 21, and 22 a-d, where like part numbers refer to like parts in the other figures. As exemplified,
surface cleaning unit 112 may include alocking mechanism 1258 that is substantially similar towand lock 1106 describe above. Accordingly, the description below oflocking mechanism 1258 is abbreviated so as not to unnecessarily repeat details and variants already described above. - In the example shown,
locking mechanism 1258 may include anunlock actuator 1058 drivingly connected to a lockingmember 1050 by a longitudinally extendingtransmission member 1150. Lockingmember 1050 may translate laterally outwardly to engage withupper portion 104, placinglocking mechanism 1258 into a locked position (FIG. 22a ). Vertical translation of longitudinally extendingtransmission member 1150 toward locking member 1050 (e.g. by interaction with unlock actuator 1058) may urge lockingmember 1050 to translate laterally inwardly (FIG. 22b ) to disengage withupper portion 104, placinglocking mechanism 1258 in an unlocked position (FIG. 22c ). Once in the unlocked position,locking mechanism 1258 may remain unlocked until thesurface cleaning unit 112 is withdrawn fromupper portion 104 or reengaged with theupper portion 104. The act of withdrawing or reengagingsurface cleaning unit 112 withupper portion 104 may releaselocking mechanism 1258 from the unlocked position (FIG. 22d ), allowinglocking mechanism 1258 to move to the locked position when appropriate. - As exemplified,
locking mechanism 1258 may be wholly connected to surface cleaningunit 112. Whensurface cleaning unit 112 is removed fromupper portion 104, so too may lockingmechanism 1258, which may remain connected tosurface cleaning unit 112. In the example shown,locking mechanism 1258 is positioned behindrear surface 1210 ofsurface cleaning unit 112. Lockingmember 1050 oflocking mechanism 1258 is exemplified as a plunger which is extendable through anopening 1262 inrear surface 1210 ofsurface cleaning unit 112. Lockingmember 1050 oflocking mechanism 1258 may engage with afront side 1178 ofupper portion 104. As exemplified,front side 1178 includes anopening 1266.Opening 1266 may be sized and positioned to receive lockingmember 1050 when lockingmechanism 1258 is in the locked position. -
Lock release actuator 1058 may be positioned in any suitable location. Preferably,lock release actuator 1058 is positioned proximateupper end 1066 ofsurface cleaning apparatus 112. This may permit a user to activate lock release actuator 1058 (e.g. depressing a button actuator) with little or no bending over. Further,lock release actuator 1058 is preferably positionedproximate handle 160. In some embodiments, this may permit a user to simultaneously grasphandle 160 and activatelock release actuator 1058. In the example shown,lock release actuator 1058 is positioned onopenable lid 228 ofcyclone bin assembly 136. As shown inFIG. 25 ,lock release actuator 1058 may extend through anopening 1270 in an inner surface oflid 216 for interacting withtransmission member 1150. Whenlid 216 is in an open position, as shown inFIG. 25 ,lock release actuator 1058 may disengage (e.g. separate from)transmission member 1150. Whenlid 216 is in a closed position,lock release actuator 1058 may re-engage (e.g. reestablish contact with)transmission member 1150 for driving the translation oftransmission member 1150. - Preferably,
locking mechanism 1258 inhibits vertical translation ofsurface cleaning unit 112 away from upper portion 104 (e.g. in the downstream direction) when lockingmechanism 1258 is in the locked condition. However, in some embodiments,locking mechanism 1258 may not inhibit forward rotation (i.e. rotation over surface cleaning head 108) oflocking mechanism 1258, which in some circumstances may remove lockingmember 1050 from opening 1266 defeatinglocking mechanism 1258. Therefore,surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include additional retentive elements for at least inhibiting forward rotation ofsurface cleaning unit 112 when connected toupper portion 104. For example, one or both ofsurface cleaning unit 112 andupper portion 104 may include one or more mounting members, such as wings 1174 and/orclip 1206, for mountingsurface cleaning unit 112 toupper portion 104 and inhibiting at least forward rotation ofsurface cleaning unit 112. - The following is a description of a bleed valve that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- Referring again to
FIG. 1 , in some embodiments,surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include one or more bleed valves. A bleed valve may be operable to provide a secondary air inlet into the airflow pathway between the dirty air inlet and the suction motor. For example, if an obstruction occurs at the dirty air inlet (e.g. a clog), the flow of air through the airflow pathway and the suction motor may decline. Where the suction motor relies upon this airflow for cooling, the reduced airflow may lead to overheating of the suction motor. In this case, a bleed valve may be opened to provide a secondary air inlet which may permit the suction generated by the suction motor to draw additional air through the bleed valve to the suction motor. This may help to prevent the suction motor from overheating. - A bleed valve may also be operable to modulate the level of suction developed at the dirty air inlet. Opening the bleed valve may reduce the suction at the dirty air inlet, and closing the bleed valve may restore the suction at the dirty air inlet. This may be useful for selecting a level of suction best suited to a surface to be cleaned. For example, low suction may be recommended for thick carpet and high suction may be recommended for hard floors. In some cases, the bleed valve may have multiple open positions (i.e. corresponding to different degrees of openness), each of which admits a different amount of air, for selecting from among multiple different levels of suction at the dirty air inlet. For example, the bleed valve may be set to a half-open position to draw medium suction for short carpet, or to a fully-open position to draw minimum suction for thick carpet. Further, the bleed valve may be continuously variable between closed and full-open which may allow for precise control of the amount of air admitted through the valve.
- Preferably,
surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include two bleed valves. A first bleed valve may be provided for preventing the suction motor from overheating, and the second bleed valve may be provided for adjusting the level of suction developed at the dirty air inlet based on the type of surface being cleaned. The first bleed valve may be configured to open and close automatically in response to the pressure and/or airflow in the air flow pathway and may be provided downstream of a pre-motor filter. For example, the first bleed valve may open automatically in response to pressure or airflow below a certain threshold. - The second bleed valve may be selectively operable by a user for setting the level of suction at the dirty air inlet (e.g. in accordance with the recommended level of suction for the surface to be cleaned). For example, the
surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a control member that is may be operatively connected to the second bleed valve by any means known in the art (e.g., electrically, mechanically, or electromechanically coupled to the bleed valve) for setting the position of the bleed valve (e.g. to an open, partially open or a closed position). Examples of suitable control members include dials, switches, levers, slides, buttons, and touch-screens. The bleed valve may be located at any position along the airflow pathway. For example, the bleed valve may provide a secondary air inlet at a portion of the airflow pathway provided by, e.g., thehandle 160,wand 180 orhose 124. - Optionally, handle 160 may form part of the airflow pathway between
dirty air inlet 116 andsurface cleaning unit 112. For example, handle 160 may be interposed betweenwand 180 andhose 124. Ifhandle 160 forms part of the airflow pathway, then the bleed valve may be part ofhandle 160. For example, the bleed valve may be internal of handle 160 (in which case handle 160 is provided with a grill or the like for the upstream side of the bleed valve to be in communication with the ambient air) or it may be located on an exterior portion (e.g., in a recess provided in the outer surface of handle 160). In such a case, the control for the bleed valve may be provided onhandle 160 or remotely therefrom. - Alternatively, handle 160 may surround a portion of
wand 180 and/orhose 124 without participating in the airflow pathway to thesurface cleaning unit 112. In such a case, the control for the bleed valve may be provided onhandle 160 and operatively controlled to the bleed valve. For example, the bleed valve may be provided in the hose or a hose cuff and operated by a control provided onhandle 160. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 26 and 27 a-27 b. In the example shown, ableed valve 2002 is located insidehandle 160. Bleedvalve 2002 may be any suitable valve. As exemplified, bleedvalve 2002 may include asocket 2006 and aplug 2010. In the example shown, handle 160 forms part of the airflow pathway from thesurface cleaning head 108 to hose 124 (FIG. 1 ). For example, handle 160 may include aconduit 2014 which may be in airflow communication with upstream hose 124 (FIG. 1 ).Socket 2006 may provide a secondary inlet to the airflow pathway in addition to primary inlet at, e.g., the dirty air inlet of the surface cleaning head orupstream end 200 ofhandle 160 ifhandle 160 is disconnected fromwand 180. For example,socket 2006 may provide an opening intoconduit 2014 to admit ambient air into the airflow pathway as exemplified by the arrows inFIG. 12 a. - Bleed
valve 2002 may include at least an open position in which air may be admitted into the airflow pathway throughbleed valve 2002, and a closed position in which air is not permitted into the airflow pathway throughbleed valve 2002. As exemplified,plug 2010 may be movable between an open position in which plug 2010 is spaced apart fromsocket 2006 as shown inFIG. 27a , and a closed position in which plug 2010seals socket 2006. Preferably, handle 160 includes one or more vents 2022 which allow ambient air to pass throughhandle 160 towardsocket 2006 whenbleed valve 2002 is in the open position. Optionally,socket 2006 may include a seal (e.g. O-ring) which may compress againstsocket 2006 to form an air-tight seal withsocket 2006 when in the closed position. - A control member may be provided to manually operate
bleed valve 2002. Preferably, the control member is located on or adjacent thehandle 160 to provide easy user access while operating thesurface cleaning apparatus 100. For example, the control member may be provided at a location that is operable by the same hand of a user that is user to move thesurface cleaning head 108 usinghandle 160. Accordingly, for example, the control member may be provided onhand grip portion 182. In this way, a user may use, e.g., their thumb to adjust the control while vacuuming. Accordingly, if a user moves asurface cleaning head 108 from a hard floor to an area rug, the user may easily adjust the position ofbleed valve 2002. - In the example shown, handle 160 includes a
brush control 3026.Brush control 3026 is an example of a control member.Brush control 3026 may be operably coupled to bleedvalve 2002 to select the position ofbleed valve 2002. For example,brush control 3026 may include at least a first position shown inFIG. 27a which movesbleed valve 2002 to the open position, and a second position shown inFIG. 27b which moves bleedvalve 2002 to the closed position. - The control member may be operably connected to bleed
valve 2002 in any suitable manner. For example, the control member may be connected to bleedvalve 2002 by an electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical connection. In the example shown,brush control 3026 is mechanically coupled to bleedvalve 2002 by alinkage 2030. For example, the bleed valve may comprise aplug 2010.Brush control 3026,linkage 2030 and plug 2010 may be made as a one piece assembly, e.g., they made molded as a unit. And may me slidably mounted inhandle 160 in a tack.Brush control 3026 may be movable upwardly to the open position shown inFIG. 27a , which movesplug 2010 away fromsocket 2006, and may be movable downwardly to the closed position shown inFIG. 27b , which movesplug 2010 intosocket 2006. - In some embodiments, the control member may be positionable at one or more additional positions between the open position and the closed position. For example,
brush control 3026 may be positionable in one or more intermediate positions between the open (FIG. 27a ) and closed positions (FIG. 27b ). Each intermediate position ofbrush control 3026 may moveplug 2010 to a different distance fromsocket 2006 to admit a different amount of air to enter the airflow pathway. As exemplified, movingbrush control 3026 to an intermediate position closer to the openmost position ofbrush control 3026 exemplified inFIG. 27 aa moves plug 2010 frominlet 2006 thereby allowing more air to enter the airflow pathway, and vice versa. - Optionally, handle 160 may include one or more visual markings, which may be provided adjacent brush control 3026 (e.g., below
brush control 3026 in a panel as exemplified inFIG. 11 ) which correspond to positions of the control member. For example, the visual markings may identify the positions ofbrush control 3026 which are recommended for different floor cleaning surface types. Such markings may help to remind users of the recommended bleed valve setting for particular surface types. In some embodiments, handle 160 includes a THICK CARPET marking identifying the openmost position ofbrush control 3026, a HARD FLOOR marking identifying the closed position ofbrush control 3026, and a SHORT CARPET marking identifying an intermediate position ofbrush control 3026. - The following is a description of a brush control that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- Reference is now made to
FIG. 28 . In some embodiments,surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes an electrically powered peripheral device, other than a suction motor. For example,surface cleaning head 108 may include a power brush 2034. Power brush 2034 may include a plurality ofbristles 2038 which are driven by a brush motor 3094 (e.g. an electric motor) 3094 as shown inFIG. 30 to rotate about an axis of rotation 2042. In use, bristles 2038 may be positioned to contact the surface to be cleaned, in order to dislodge and collect dirt and hair. The brush drive motor may be drivingly connected to the brush by any means known in the surface cleaning arts, such as a belt drive or direct drive. - Generally, it is recommended to use a power brush on certain surface types, such as carpet which may retain dirt and hair more persistently, and to disable the power brush for certain other surface types, such as hard surfaces (e.g. hardwood or tiles) where the bristles may deflect dirt away from the dirty air inlet or scratch the surface. Further, it may be recommended to change the speed of the power brush (i.e. the rotary speed of the bristles) to a faster speed for certain surface types (e.g. thick carpet) than for other surface types (e.g. short carpet).
- Reference is now made to
FIGS. 27a-27b , 28, 29 and 30. In some embodiments, thesurface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a control member operably connected to adjust the speed of the brush. The control member may be operably connected to the brush drive motor or to a transmission member positioned between the brush drive motor and the brush to selectively activate and/or control the speed of the power brush. This may permit a user to selectively activate, deactivate, speed up or slow down the power brush according to the surface type to be cleaned. The control member may be mechanically, electrically, or electromechanically coupled to the brush motor controlling the speed of the power brush. Examples of suitable control members include dials, switches, levers, slides, buttons, and touch-screens. - As exemplified, handle 160 includes a
brush control 3026.Brush control 3026 is an example of a suitable control member.Brush control 3026 may be electrically coupled to the brush motor of power brush 2034 in any suitable manner, such as by way of an electrical connector or by way of one or more conductors as shown, for example, inFIG. 30 . In the example shown,brush control 3026 is movable between at least an off position as shown inFIG. 27b and a high speed position as shown inFIG. 27a . In some cases,brush control 3026 includes, or is mechanically coupled to, amulti-position switch 3020, and may also have one or more intermediate selectable positions in addition to the off and high speed positions shown, such as a medium speed. In some embodiments,brush control 3026 is infinitely positionable between the off and high speed positions shown for selecting a speed within a continuous spectrum from off to high speed. In use, a user may movebrush control 3026 from the off position to any other non-zero speed position to operate the power brush at the selected speed. - In the illustrated embodiments,
multi-position switch 3020 can be positioned electrically downstream from amain power control 3014.Multi-position switch 3020 is provided in electrical communication between themain power control 3014 and thesurface cleaning head 108 and, in particular,brush motor 3094. In this configuration, the supply of power to thesurface cleaning head 108 andbrush motor 3094 may be controlled via themulti-position switch 3020 and one or more processors and circuits as exemplified herein with reference toFIGS. 30 and 31 . This allows thesurface cleaning head 108 to be selectively energized or de-energized while thesurface cleaning unit 112, and thesuction motor 128 therein, remain energized. Using themulti-position switch 3020, a user may, e.g., control the rotating brush within the surface cleaning head when cleaning one surface (e.g. a thick carpet), may control the rotating brush within the surface cleaning head to rotate at a lower or intermediate speed when cleaning another surface (e.g., a short carpet) and may turn off the rotating brush when cleaning another surface (e.g. a non-carpeted floor such as a tile or hardwood floor) without interrupting the suction supplied by thesurface cleaning unit 112. - The
multi-position switch 3020 may be located at any position that is electrically connected to themain power control 3014 and thesurface cleaning head 108. In the illustrated embodiment, themulti-position switch 3020 is provided on thehandle 160, and is generally adjacent thehand grip portion 182 and may be on thehand grip portion 182. This may allow a user to operate thebrush control 3026 and thus control the power brush during use, such as by changing the position ofbrush control 3026, as the cleaning surface type changes (e.g., using the same hand as is movingsurface cleaning head 108 using handle 160). For example,brush control 3026 may be positioned on thehandle 160 so that it is operable by a user's hand, while the user uses the hand to direct the surface cleaning head. Alternatively, the auxiliary power switch may be provided in another location, including, for example on the surface cleaning unit, on the surface cleaning head, on the upper or lower wand portion, on the hand grip, or on the cuff or other portion of thehose 124. - In some embodiments, an
indicator 3010 may be providedadjacent brush control 3026, with visual markings which communicate a correspondence between the different positions ofbrush control 3026 and the speed of power brush 2034. For example, visual markings may be provided for OFF, LOW SPEED, and HIGH SPEED. Alternatively or in addition, the visual markings may communicate a correspondence between the different positions ofbrush control 3026 and the recommended surface type for the corresponding speed. For example, visual markings may be provided for HARD FLOOR (at the off position), SHORT CARPET (at the medium or intermediate speed position), and THICK CARPET (at the high speed position). - In some embodiments, the indicator may be illuminated, for example using LEDs. For example, a backlight LED may be provided to align with the selected position of the
brush control 3026 when the multi-position switch is moved by the user. In another example, separate backlight LEDs for each position of thebrush control 3026 may be selected enabled or disabled, for example by a handle control processor, when the switch is moved. - The following is a description of a combination bleed valve and brush control that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- In some embodiments, surface cleaning apparatus may include both the manually operable bleed valve and the brush speed selector as discussed separately herein. In such an embodiment, each of the manually operable bleed valve and the brush speed selector may have their own individual control.
- Preferably, one control member may be used to control both the position (i.e. openness) of the bleed valve, and the brush speed of the power brush. This may permit a user to use one control member to adjust the suction developed at the dirty air inlet and the brush speed of the power brush. In the example shown, slider switch 2026 is mechanically coupled to bleed
valve 2002, and electrically connected to the brush drive (not shown) of power brush 2034. - Each position of the control member may therefore simultaneously correspond to a pair of settings: a bleed valve position and a power brush speed. Adjusting the position of the control member may automatically change both the bleed valve position and the power brush speed according to the corresponding pair of settings. In some embodiments, each pair of settings may correspond to settings that recommended for a particular cleaning surface type. For example, it may be recommended when cleaning hard flooring that the bleed valve should be closed and the power brush should be turned off. Accordingly, there may be a position on the control member for closing the bleed valve and turning off the power brush. As exemplified, when brush control 3036 is moved to the lowest position shown in
FIG. 27b , thebleed valve 2002 may be fully closed and the power brush 2034 may be turned off. - In another example, it may be recommended when cleaning thick carpet that the bleed valve should be fully open and the power brush speed should be set to maximum. Accordingly, there may be a position on the control member for fully opening the bleed valve and setting the power brush speed to maximum. As exemplified, when brush control 3036 is moved to the uppermost position shown in
FIG. 27a , thebleed valve 2002 may be fully open and the speed of the power brush 2034 may be set to maximum. - The control member may be positioned anywhere on
surface cleaning apparatus 100. Preferably, the control member is positioned onhandle 160. As exemplified, brush control 3036 is positioned onhand grip portion 182 ofhandle 160. This may provide easy access for a user to control the power brush and bleed valve during use, such by changing the position of the control member, as the cleaning surface type changes. - If visual markings are provided, which are preferably located adjacent the control member, then the markings may be used to communication a recommended position of the control member based on the type of surface being cleaned. Therefore, a user need not consider whether a high or low brush speed is needed or an open or closed position of the bleed valve is needed. Instead, the user may move the control member to position corresponding to the floor type being cleaned, e.g., HARD FLOOR, SHORT CARPET, and THICK CARPET and the positioning of the control member in the selected position will automatically adjust the speed of the brush and the position of the bleed valve to the recommended positions corresponding to the selected position of the control member.
- It will be appreciated that other visual markings may be provided, such as OFF, LOW SPEED, and HIGH SPEED in regards to the power brush speed and/or CLOSED, PARTIALLY CLOSED, and OPEN in regards to the position of the
bleed valve 2002. - The following is a description of a main power control that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- The
surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a main power control or master on/offelectrical switch 3014 that controls the supply of power received from the wall socket (or any other type of power source that is connected to the surface cleaning unit, including, for example, a battery). Preferably, themain power control 3014 controls the supply of power to thesuction motor 128,brush motor 3094 and other components within thesurface cleaning apparatus 100. Accordingly,main power control 3014 may be used to turn all electrical components on or off, or if a component has an individual on/off control switch such asbrush control 3026,main power control 3014 may energize a circuit including the individual on/off control switch. In some embodiments, and as described further with respect toFIGS. 30 and 31 ,main power control 3014 is interposed in series with one or more hot conductors, which allows themain power control 3014 to be provided inhandle 160,wand 180,hose 124,surface cleaning head 108 orsurface cleaning unit 112. - When the
main power control 3014 is off, the surface cleaning unit 112 (and thehose 124,surface cleaning head 108 and other components) may be de-energized. When themain power control 3014 is on, the surface cleaning unit 112 (andhose 124,surface cleaning head 108, etc.) may be energized. -
Main power control 3014 may be located at any position. Preferably,main power control 3014 is located on or adjacent thehandle 160 to provide easy user access while operating thesurface cleaning apparatus 100. For example,main power control 3014 may be provided at a location that is operable by the same hand of a user that is user to move thesurface cleaning head 108 usinghandle 160. Accordingly, for example, the control member may be provided onhand grip portion 182. In this way, a user may use, e.g., their thumb to adjust the control while vacuuming. - As exemplified, handle 160 includes a
main power control 3014.Main power control 3014 may be electrically coupled to thesuction motor 128 ofsurface cleaning unit 112 and thebrush motor 3094 of power brush 2034 in any suitable manner, such as by way of an electrical connector or by way of one or more conductors as shown, for example, inFIGS. 30 and 31 . In the example shown,main power control 3014 is a toggle switch movable between an off position and on position. In some cases,main power control 3014 may be a slider switch or other suitable switch. - In the illustrated embodiments,
main power control 3014 may be interposed between ahot conductor 3510 of an AC electrical plug and a power control conductor 3550 for controlling a suctionmotor relay circuit 3090. In this configuration, the supply of power to thesuction motor 128 may be controlled via themain power control 3014, which may be located in thehandle 160. This allows thesurface cleaning unit 112 to be selectively energized or de-energized from the handle by a user while grasping the hand grip, and without requiring the user to locate a power control on thesurface cleaning unit 112 orsurface cleaning head 108. - The following is a description of an electrified, stretchable suction hose that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. Advantageously, an electrified hose may be mounted directly or indirectly to a
surface cleaning unit 112 and removable therewith fromupper portion 104. Accordingly, when the surface cleaning unit is used in a hand carriable configuration, the electrified hose may still be electrified and used to power a tool or handle 160. - In at least some embodiments,
hose 124 may include one or more electrical conductors (e.g. wires) that can carry electrical power and/or control or data signals between the upstream and downstream ends of the hose. Optionally, the conductors within the hose may be limited to carrying electrical power and the transmission of control or data signals may be accomplished using another suitable means. For example, the means for transmitting the control or data signals may be a wireless transmitter, which may help reduce the need to provide separate data conductors in addition to the hose. - Upstream or downstream ends of
hose 124 may include multi-conductor connectors that are mateable with corresponding multi-conductor connectors ofsurface cleaning unit 112 or handle 160. In the illustrated example ofFIGS. 16 and 30 , a downstream end ofhose 124 has amulti-conductor connector 3042, in which male push-type connectors for each of the respective conductors ofhose 124 are provided.Multi-conductor connector 3042 is mateable with amulti-conductor connector 3038 ofsurface cleaning unit 112, which has female push-type connectors corresponding to the male connectors ofmulti-conductor connector 3042. It will be appreciated that the male-female relationship may be reversed, or connectors of other suitable types may be used. - Providing electrical conductors within the
hose 124 may allow the hose to transmit electrical signals (power and/or control signals) between its upstream and downstream ends. Optionally, the conductors may be attached to the inner surface of the hose (i.e. within the air flow path), attached to the outer surface of the hose or incorporated within the sidewall of thehose 124. This may eliminate the need for a separate wire or other power transfer apparatus to be provided in addition to the hose and/or to run in parallel with the hose. Reducing the need for external power or control wires may reduce the chances that the exposed electrical wires may be damaged, unintentionally disconnected during use or otherwise compromised. - Providing electrical conductors within the
hose 124 may allow thehose 124 to serve as a primary, and optionally only, electrical connection between thesurface cleaning unit 112 and the surface cleaning head 108 (or any other portion of the vacuum cleaner that is connected to an external power supply) and the rest of the vacuum cleaner upstream from the hose. Optionally, in configurations in which thesurface cleaning unit 112 is the only portion of the vacuum cleaner connected to the electrical power cord which is plugged into the wall, thehose 124 may serve as the primary electrical conduit for carrying power and/or control signals to thesurface cleaning head 108, a plurality of cleaning tools, auxiliary tools, lights, sensors, power tools and other components that are connected to the upstream end of thehose 124 and used in combination with the surface cleaning unit. For example, as exemplified,hose 124 may be wired in series withwand 108 and thereforehose 124 and wand 180 (and optionally handle 160 to which each ofhose 124 andwand 180 may be removably connected) may be used to provide power fromsurface cleaning unit 112 to surface cleaninghead 108. - In an example embodiment,
surface cleaning unit 112 is connected to the source of power. Accordinglyhose 124 is used to carry a power control signal used to energizesurface cleaning unit 112. In addition,hose 124 is used to carry a power control signal and power to energizesurface cleaning head 108. In other embodiments,hose 124 may perform only one or two of these functions. - It will be appreciated that transmitting power via the
hose 124 will allow the hose to be used to supply power to cleaning tools and/or other power tools which may eliminate the need to provide a separate power connection for the tools or to require the use of batteries or an air turbine. For example, using an electrified hose to supply electrical power may allow thesurface cleaning head 108 to be powered in a variety of different cleaning configurations, including those in which thesurface cleaning unit 112 is removed fromupper portion 104. - In some embodiments, some or all of the
wand 180 may also be configured to include conductors corresponding to those ofhose 124, to transmit power and/or signals. This may help provide an electrical connection between the hose, e.g., upstream end of thehose 124, and other portions of the vacuum cleaner. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 30 , thehandle 160 andsurface cleaning unit 112 are provided with electrical connections via conductors and connectors. Providing electrical connections between the portions of the apparatus allows power to be transmitted from thesurface cleaning unit 112 to thehandle 160 and on to the surface cleaning head 108 (for example to power a rotating brush assembly) via thewand 180 and without the need for a separate electrical wire or connection. - In the example embodiment of
FIGS. 30 and 31 , apower control circuit 3002 is provided insurface cleaning unit 112.Power control circuit 3002 has three conductors connected via a multi-conductor connector to respective conductors of hose 124: ahot conductor 3510, aneutral conductor 3520 and apower control conductor 3550 b.Hose 124 carries the hot, neutral and power control conductors, each of which is connected using a multi-conductor connector to a respective conductor of thehandle control circuit 3102. - Handle control circuit has a
main power control 3014 interposed in ahot conductor 3510 b. Apower control conductor 3550 a is tied to the downstream portion ofhot conductor 3510 b, such that it can only be energized when themain power control 3014 is on (e.g., switch is closed). Whenmain power control 3014 is on,power control conductor 3550 a also becomes ‘hot’ and energizespower control circuit 3002.Power control circuit 3002 includes a suctionmotor relay circuit 3090 which is activated whenpower control conductor suction motor 128 to become energized. - The following is a description of an electrified wand that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. Advantageously, an electrified wand may be mounted directly or indirectly to a
surface cleaning unit 112 and removable therewith from a base. The electrified wand may be used to power a tool orsurface cleaning head 108. - In at least some embodiments,
wand 180 may include one or more electrical conductors (e.g. wires) that can carry electrical power and/or control or data signals between the ends of the hose. Optionally, the conductors within the wand may be limited to carrying electrical power and the transmission of control or data signals may be accomplished using another suitable means. For example, the means for transmitting the control or data signals may be a wireless transmitter, which may help reduce the need to provide separate data conductors in addition to the wand. - Upstream and/or downstream ends of
wands 180 may include multi-conductor connectors that are mateable with corresponding multi-conductor connectors ofsurface cleaning head 108 and/or handle 160 respectively. In the illustrate example ofFIGS. 13 and 30 ,upper portion 104 which is mounted to surface cleaninghead 108 has amulti-conductor connector 1042, in which male push-type connectors for each of the respective conductors ofwand 180 are provided.Multi-conductor connector 1042 is mateable with amulti-conductor connector 1038 of an upstream end ofwand 180, which has female push-type connectors corresponding to the male connectors ofmulti-conductor connector 1042. It will be appreciated that the male-female relationship may be reversed, or connectors of other suitable types may be used. It will be appreciated thatmulti-conductor connector 1042 may be provided onsurface cleaning head 108 or any other location onupper portion 104, such as an exterior surface thereof. Preferably, it is located internally ofupper portion 104 such that an electrical connection is made whenwand 180 is inserted intoupper portion 104. - Similarly, a downstream end of
wand 180 may be provided with amulti-conductor connector 3344, which is mateable with amulti-conductor connector 2046 ofhandle 180, as seen inFIGS. 27a and 27 b. - Providing electrical conductors within the
wand 180 may allow the wand to transmit electrical signals (power and/or control signals) between its upstream and downstream ends. Optionally, the conductors may be attached to the inner surface of the wand (i.e. within the air flow path), attached to the outer surface of the wand or incorporated within the sidewall of thewand 180. This may eliminate the need for a separate wire or other power transfer apparatus to be provided in addition to the wand and/or to run in parallel with the wand. Reducing the need for external power or control wires may reduce the chances that the exposed electrical wires may be damaged, unintentionally disconnected during use or otherwise compromised. - Providing electrical conductors within the
wand 180 may allow thewand 180 to serve as a primary, and optionally only, electrical connection between thesurface cleaning unit 112 and the surface cleaning head 108 (or any other portion of the vacuum cleaner that is connected to an external power supply) and the rest of the vacuum cleaner upstream from the wand. Optionally, in configurations in which thesurface cleaning unit 112 is the only portion of the vacuum cleaner connected to the electrical power cord which is plugged into the wall, thewand 180 may serve as the primary electrical conduit (e.g., in series with hose 124) for carrying power and/or control signals to thesurface cleaning head 108, a plurality of cleaning tools, auxiliary tools, lights, sensors, power tools and other components that are connected to the upstream end of thewand 180 and used in combination with the surface cleaning unit. In an example embodiment,wand 180 is used to carry a power control signal used to energizesurface cleaning unit 112. - Transmitting power via the
wand 180 may also allow the wand to be used to supply power to cleaning tools and/or other power tools which may eliminate the need to provide a separate power connection for the tools or to require the use of batteries or an air turbine. For example, using an electrified wand to supply electrical power may allow thesurface cleaning head 108 to be powered in a variety of different cleaning configurations, including those in which thesurface cleaning unit 112 is removed fromupper portion 104. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 30 , thehandle 160 andsurface cleaning head 108 are provided with electrical connections via conductors and connectors. Providing electrical connections between the portions of the apparatus allows power to be transmitted from thesurface cleaning unit 112 to thehandle 160 and on to the surface cleaning head 108 (for example to power a rotating brush assembly) via thewand 180 and without the need for a separate electrical wire or connection. In other embodiments, it will be appreciated thathose 124 may be connected directly towand 180 and the controls provided on wither thehose 124 orwand 180. - In the example embodiment of
FIGS. 30 and 31 , ahandle control circuit 3102 is provided inhandle 160. Handlecontrol circuit 3102 has three conductors connected via a multi-conductor connector to respective conductors of wand 180: a hot conductor 3510 c, a neutral conductor 3520 c and a brush control conductor 3552 a.Wand 180 carries the hot, neutral and brush control conductors, each of which is connected using a multi-conductor connector to a respective conductor of thebrush control circuit 3202. - Handle control circuit has a
handle control processor 3110, which is coupled tobrush control 3020. Based on the selected position ofbrush control 3020, handlecontrol processor 3110 is configured to transmit a brush control signal via brush control conductor 3552 a. The signal is relayed via the control conductor ofwand 180 to brushcontrol conductor 3552 b ofbrush control circuit 3202.Brush control circuit 3202 has abrush control processor 3210, which receives the brush control signal, and is configured to modulate a motor speed ofbrush motor 3094 accordingly. - Each of
handle control processor 3110 andbrush control processor 3210 may be a suitable microprocessor or microcontroller. In one example embodiment, the processors are 8-bit microcontrollers with a RISC-type instruction set. - The following is a description of lighted tools that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- Optionally, one or more light source may be provided in some or all of cleaning tools that are used in combination with the surface cleaning apparatus.
- Providing a light source on some or all of the tools may allow a user to direct the light onto a surface being cleaned. The light source may also illuminate the downstream end of the accessory that is being connected by the user, which may help a user see the connector details and/or align the accessory for proper assembly, especially in low light conditions. The light source can be any suitable light source, including, for example an incandescent light bulb, a fluorescent light bulb, a light emitting diode (LED), the end of a fiber optic filament and any other suitable source.
- Alternatively, instead of providing the light source on the auxiliary cleaning tools, an LED may be provided in the downstream portion of the connector itself (for example on the upstream end of the handle. Preferably, the light source can be provided in the downstream portion of the connector (in the direction of air flow) so that it can remain energized when the connector is separated. A light source on the downstream portion of the connector may be useful to illuminate a transparent or translucent cleaning tool that is attached to the connector, even if the tool does not have its own onboard light source (e.g. via partial internal reflection and/or refraction of the light within the transparent and/or translucent material). Accordingly, the auxiliary tool may comprise a light pipe. This may allow handle 160 to illuminate its surroundings, for example the crevice between a cushion and a couch frame, which may assist a user in seeing or inspecting the surface to be cleaned.
- Referring to
FIG. 29 , thesurface cleaning head 108 may include lights, such asLEDs 3024 for illuminating the surface being cleaned. In some cases, it may be desirable to allow a user to turn the brush motor on and off as required, while leaving the LEDs illuminated without increasing the number of conductors provided in thehose 124. Optionally, a switching circuit can be provided that may allow the LEDs to remain powered regardless of the state of the motor driving the rotating brush. In the example embodiment,LEDs 3024 are automatically powered and illuminated whensurface cleaning head 108 is energized, whether at a high power or low power setting, while theLEDs 3024 are switched off when thebrush motor 3094 is disabled. For example,LEDs 3024 may be controlled by abrush control processor 3210. One example of a suitable switching circuit is explained with reference toFIGS. 30 and 31 . Optionally,LEDs 3024 may remain switched on when thebrush motor 3094 is disabled. - Similarly, lights for illumination may be provided on other portions of the surface cleaning apparatus and, in particular, on portions that are removable. For example, a
handle light 3006 may be provided onhandle 160, and may be controlled byhandle control processor 3110. Handle light 3006 may be provided near a handle grip and positioned to illuminate an area proximal to theupstream end 200 ofhandle 160. In another example, a wand light 3030 may be provided onwand 180, near anupstream end 192 of 180. Positioning the lights near upstream ends ofhandle 160 orwand 180 allows for convenient illumination when using the detached handle or wand to clean dark areas such as corners and crevices. - As with
LEDs 3024, handle light 3006 may be automatically switched on when handle is detached fromwand 180 and automatically switched off when the handle is re-attached towand 180. Similarly, wand light 3030 may be automatically powered whenwand 180 is detached fromsurface cleaning head 108 and automatically switched off whenwand 180 is re-attached to surface cleaninghead 108. Optionally, handle light 3006 may be automatically switched on whenwand 180 is detached fromsurface cleaning head 108 and automatically switched off whenwand 180 is re-attached to surface cleaninghead 108. - Reference is made to
FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrating a schematic diagram of apower control circuit 3002 for a surface cleaning apparatus that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. -
Power control circuit 3002 comprises apower connector 3040, a suction motor relay circuit and asuction motor 128. It will be appreciated thatpower control circuit 3002 may also comprise various other elements, such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, varistors and fuses, the description of which is omitted here to ease explanation and understanding. -
Power connector 3040 may be a two- or three-prong power connector, connectable to a 120V or 240V alternating current (AC) power supply. Power connector connects to a line-level orhot conductor 3510 and aneutral conductor 3520. -
Hot conductor 3510 may be electrically coupled to a first terminal of a power control switch. In the example embodiment,hot conductor 3510 is coupled, viahose 124, to a first terminal ofmain power control 3014 ofhandle control circuit 3102, which is described in further detail herein. Both handlecontrol circuit 3102 andmain power control 3014 may be provided inhandle 160, rather than insurface cleaning unit 112. A second terminal ofmain power control 3014 is tied to apower control conductor 3550 a.Power control conductor 3550 a is electrically coupled, viahose 124, topower control conductor 3550 b. -
Power control conductor 3550 b is electrically coupled to suctionmotor relay circuit 3090. Suctionmotor relay circuit 3090 is configured such that when thepower control conductor 3550 b is energized (e.g., whenmain power control 3014 is in the ‘on’ position), the relay circuit operates to close a relay, allowingsuction motor 128 to become electrically coupled tohot conductor 3510, and thereby energized. Conversely, when main power control is ‘off’ (e.g., switch is open), suctionmotor relay circuit 3090 is configured to open the relay and thereby de-energize thesuction motor 128. - The suction
motor relay circuit 3090 allows themain power control 3014 to be disposed elsewhere on the surface cleaning apparatus, for example inhandle 160, without requiring separate power and control wiring. It will be appreciated thatpower control circuit 3002 may also be adapted for a DC circuit, e.g., if the power supply is a battery or the like. - Reference is made to
FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrating a schematic diagram of ahandle control circuit 3102 for a surface cleaning apparatus that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. - Handle
control circuit 3102 includeshot conductors power control conductor 3550 a, brush control conductor 3552 a, neutral conductors 3520 b and 3520 c,main power control 3014,brush control 3020 and handlecontrol processor 3110. Optionally, handlecontrol circuit 3102 may include one or more indicator lights, whose operation is described with reference toFIG. 32 . It will be appreciated that handlecontrol circuit 3102 may also comprise various other elements, such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, TRIACs (triodes for alternating current) and fuses, the description of which is omitted here to ease explanation and understanding. -
Hot conductor 3510 is electrically couplable tohot conductor 3510 b viamain power control 3014. Whenmain power control 3014 is in the ‘on’ position,hot conductor 3510 b conducts line-level power, via wand 180 (and multi-conductor connectors), to surface cleaninghead 108. - In the example embodiment of
FIG. 31 ,brush control 3020 is a multi-position switch. The switch is electrically connected, via jumpers to input/output pins ofhandle control processor 3110. Handlecontrol processor 3110 is configured to detect a selected position of the switch, based on the I/O pin signals, and to select a desired brush speed. Based on the selected position of the multi-position switch, thehandle control processor 3110 can generate a brush control signal. - A brush control conductor 3552 a is also electrically coupled to another I/O pin of
brush control processor 3210. Accordingly,brush control processor 3210 can transmit the brush control signal via brush control conductor 3552 a (and wand 180) to abrush control processor 3210 provided insurface cleaning head 108. Thereupon, thebrush control processor 3210 is configured to select between at least two different brush power level outputs of thebrush motor 128 based on the brush control signal. - It will be appreciated that handle control circuit 3012 may also be adapted for a DC circuit, e.g., if the power supply is a battery or the like.
- Reference is made to
FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrating a schematic diagram of abrush control circuit 3202 for a surface cleaning apparatus that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. -
Brush control circuit 3202 includes hot conductor 3510 d,brush control conductor 3552 b, neutral conductor 3520 d,brush control processor 3210,bridge rectifier 3280 andTRIAC 3290. Optionally,brush control circuit 3202 may include one ormore LEDs 3024 and other indicator lights (e.g., a brush indicator light 3086 as shown inFIGS. 12 and 30 ), under the control ofbrush control processor 3210 as described with reference toFIG. 33 . It will be appreciated thatbrush control circuit 3202 may also comprise various other elements, such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors and fuses, the description of which is omitted here to ease explanation and understanding. - Hot conductor 3510 d is electrically coupled to
TRIAC 3290, which is coupled tobridge rectifier 3280. - Both
brush control conductor 3552 b and hot conductor 3510 d are electrically coupled to an I/O pin ofbrush control processor 3210. The input of the I/O pin can be modulated by a brush control signal provided byhandle control processor 3110.Brush control processor 3210 detects the input and determines an appropriate brush power level output forbrush motor 3094. - The desired brush power level output can be attained by using another I/O pin of
brush control processor 3210 to controlTRIAC 3290. For example,brush control processor 3210 may provide a small trigger pulse signal at a controlled phase angle to control the percentage of current that flows throughTRIAC 3290 to bridgerectifier 3280. Bridge rectifier converts the incoming modulated current to DC, which allowsbrush motor 3094 to be powered accordingly. It will be appreciated thatbrush motor 3094 may be AC or DC powered andbrush control circuit 3202 modified accordingly. - Optionally,
brush control circuit 3202 may also include anupright switch 3350. In the example embodiment,upright switch 3350 may be coupled to yet another I/O pin ofbrush control processor 3210, which may detect the state of theupright switch 3350.Upright switch 3350 may also be mechanically coupled tosurface cleaning head 108 andupper portion 104, such that the switch is engaged in the ‘on’ position when theupper portion 104 is inclined relative to the vertical, and disengaged in the ‘off’ position when theupper portion 104 is returned to the vertical. - It will be appreciated that
brush control circuit 3202 may also be adapted for a DC circuit, e.g., if the power supply is a battery or the like. - The following is a description of an indicator light circuit logic that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
- Reference is made to
FIG. 32 , which illustrates a logic flow diagram for operating various indicator lights ofsurface cleaning apparatus 100. In the example embodiment illustrated, the logic flow is for controlling brush indicator light 3086 andheadlight LEDs 3024 ofsurface cleaning head 108, handle light 3006 and brush selection indicators 3010 a, 3010 b and 3010 c (FIG. 26 ). - The logic flow may be executed by any suitable processor. In the illustrated example, the logic flow is executed by
handle control processor 3110 andbrush control processor 3210 in co-operation. For ease of exposition, only one processor will be referred to herein, however it will be appreciated that various acts of the logic flow may be performed by one or the other, or both, ofhandle control processor 3110 andbrush control processor 3210. -
Logic flow 3600 begins at 3602. At 3606, the processor determines, based on one or more switches, or based on a state of the circuits formed by conductors withinhose 124, whetherhose 124 is in a ‘home’ position (e.g., whether thehose 124 and handle 160 are attached to wand 180). - If it is determined at 3606 that the
hose 124 is not in a ‘home’ position, handle light 3006 may be enabled, to provide illumination for the user while using thehandle 160, and also to provide a visual indication that thehandle 160 is not in complete engagement withwand 180. - If it is determined at 3606 that the
hose 124 is in the ‘home’ position, handle light 3006 may be disabled, andLEDs 3024 ofsurface cleaning head 108 may be enabled at 3614.LEDs 3024 are arranged in a strip, and may act as headlights for the surface cleaning head, illuminating the surface to be cleaned. - At 3618, the processor determines a position of
brush control 3020. If a ‘thick carpet’ mode is presently selected bybrush control 3020, a ‘thick carpet’ indicator may be enabled at 3622 andbrush indicator 3086 may also be enabled. Other indicator lights not corresponding to a currently-selected mode, such as the ‘short carpet’ or ‘bare floor’ indicators, may be disabled. -
Brush indicator 3086 indicates that the brush motor is engaged, and that the brushes are rotating. - If instead, a ‘short carpet’ mode is presently selected by
brush control 3020, the processor determines this at 3630, and enables a ‘short carpet’ indicator at 3634, along withbrush indicator 3086. Other indicator lights not corresponding to a currently-selected mode, such as the ‘thick carpet’ or ‘bare floor’ indicators, may be disabled. - If instead, a ‘bare floor’ mode is presently selected by
brush control 3020, the processor determines this at 3642, and enables a ‘bare floor’ indicator at 3642.Brush indicator 3086 may be disabled, along with other indicator lights not corresponding to a currently-selected mode, such as the ‘thick carpet’ or ‘short carpet’ indicators. - The processor or processors may continuously monitor the
handle control circuit 3102 andbrush control circuit 3202 for any changes in state, such as the user detaching thehandle 160 fromwand 180, or changing the selected mode viabrush control 3020. When a change is detected, the logic flow may be repeated. - What has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (4)
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CN201590000661.2U CN207012160U (en) | 2014-05-29 | 2015-05-28 | Surface cleaning apparatus |
PCT/CA2015/050485 WO2015179980A1 (en) | 2014-05-29 | 2015-05-28 | Surface cleaning apparatus |
CA2948056A CA2948056C (en) | 2014-05-29 | 2015-05-28 | Surface cleaning apparatus |
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CA 2658402 CA2658402A1 (en) | 2009-03-13 | 2009-03-13 | Surface cleaning apparatus |
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CA 2678220 CA2678220A1 (en) | 2009-03-13 | 2009-09-08 | Surface cleaning apparatus |
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US12/720,570 US9138114B2 (en) | 2009-03-13 | 2010-03-09 | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US13/541,745 US9386895B2 (en) | 2009-03-13 | 2012-07-04 | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US13/781,441 US9198551B2 (en) | 2013-02-28 | 2013-02-28 | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US14/298,254 US9591953B2 (en) | 2009-03-13 | 2014-06-06 | Surface cleaning apparatus |
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